Greece has signed an agreement with France to purchase 16 Exocet anti-ship missiles, further deepening bilateral defense cooperation. The deal was finalized by Greek and French defense ministers, though financial details remain undisclosed. It builds on Greece’s 2021 defense pact with France, which includes Rafale jets and Belharra frigates. Athens also plans to buy a fourth frigate and cruise missiles as part of a €25 billion modernization effort. The moves aim to bolster Greece’s military edge amid regional tensions with Turkey. Original news
Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Plans Clouded by Interest in Turkish Kaan
Indonesia’s potential involvement in Turkey’s Kaan fighter program is adding complexity to its future combat aircraft strategy. President Prabowo’s interest comes despite funding issues with the KF-21 project co-developed with South Korea. The status of Indonesia’s planned purchase of 24 Boeing F-15EX jets remains uncertain amid budget and approval hurdles. Meanwhile, Jakarta has confirmed a deal for 42 Dassault Rafales to modernize its aging fleet. Overall, the country’s long-term fighter procurement path appears increasingly fragmented. Original news
China’s Rare Earth Export Curbs Signal Strategic Pressure on U.S. Defense
China’s new restrictions on rare earth exports have raised alarms for U.S. national security and defense industries. The policy mandates special licenses for six key heavy rare earth metals, highlighting America’s dependency on Chinese supplies. Experts warn this move could escalate, affecting the Pentagon’s supply chains. While U.S. defense firms have temporary stockpiles, officials admit reserves are insufficient for long-term needs. The shift underscores vulnerabilities in American weapons manufacturing reliance on foreign materials. Original news
Airbus Expands Inflight Connectivity With Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Hughes
Airbus is enhancing its HBCPlus inflight connectivity program by adding Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Hughes Network Systems as new bandwidth suppliers. The announcement came during the Aircraft Interiors Expo, where Airbus signed an MoU with Amazon for its LEO satellite constellation. HBCPlus uses modular hardware to support various service providers for onboard internet access. Airbus supplies the antennas and selects bandwidth partners, maintaining flexibility over integrated systems. The move positions Airbus competitively in the growing inflight connectivity market. Original news
MBDA Struggles to Keep Pace With Soaring Missile Demand Post-Ukraine Invasion
MBDA is under pressure to deliver on its expanded €37 billion missile order book, which surged after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company will invest €2.4 billion over four years and plans to double work hours by 2025 to meet demand. CEO Éric Béranger warned about Europe’s insufficient military readiness amid growing threats. MBDA’s complex cross-border production system is slowing down rapid response efforts. The company is urgently seeking ways to boost output and streamline operations. Original news
Sweden Upgrades Visby Corvettes With New CAMM Missile Launch System
Sweden will enhance the air defense of its Visby class corvettes with Lockheed Martin’s three-cell Extensible Launching System (ExLS) for firing CAMM missiles. The upgrade was announced at the Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition by Lockheed’s launching systems director. The ExLS, developed with MBDA, also allows integration of other munitions and decoys for expanded versatility. Installation of CAMM and the Sea Ceptor system on the first corvette is set to start this year. Completion of the integration process is expected within 12 months. Original news
Norway Completes F-35A Fleet Acquisition Amid Expanded Maintenance Capabilities
Norway has finalized its purchase of 52 F-35A fighter jets, Lockheed Martin announced. The milestone comes as a new F-35 maintenance center opens in Rygge, boosting Norway’s independent service capacity. Lockheed Martin reassured partners about the absence of a remote “kill-switch,” citing the secure U.S.-controlled F-35 ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Cameri depot in Italy remains pivotal for European F-35 logistics. The developments strengthen NATO’s air capabilities and defense autonomy in the region. Original news
India Successfully Tests High-Power Laser Weapon Against Drones
India has showcased its first high-power laser weapon with successful tests against UAVs, swarm drones, and surveillance sensors. The demonstration took place at a specialized test range, signaling India’s entry into an elite group of nations with such advanced defense technology. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon features a 30KW laser. The system is capable of burning through enemy drones and disabling surveillance equipment. This milestone highlights India’s growing focus on cutting-edge defense capabilities. Original news
Germany’s Incoming Leader Signals Readiness to Send Taurus Missiles to Ukraine
Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has indicated support for supplying Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, pending coordination with allied nations. Merz’s comments followed a deadly Russian strike on Sumy, which he labeled a “serious war crime.” He argued that Ukraine must “get ahead” militarily and noted that the UK, France, and the US are already delivering similar weapons. This marks a departure from outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s more cautious stance. Merz is expected to assume office next month, potentially shifting Germany’s defense policy. Original news
Indonesia Eyes Role in Turkey’s KAAN Fighter Jet Program
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has shown interest in joining Turkey’s 5th-generation KAAN fighter jet initiative following talks with President Erdogan in Ankara. The KAAN program, led by Turkish Aerospace Industries, is Turkey’s alternative to the U.S. F-35 project. Subianto’s visit reflects growing Indonesia-Turkey ties, marked by newly signed agreements on culture and disaster response. TAI’s General Manager stated that second and third KAAN prototypes are set to fly by late 2025 and early 2026. This potential collaboration signals Indonesia’s ambition to enhance its defense aviation capabilities. Original news
Intelsat and Embraer Partner for Factory-Installed In-Flight Wi-Fi
Intelsat has signed a line-fit agreement with Embraer to install its in-flight connectivity systems on E2 aircraft during production. Announced on April 9, the deal allows airlines to receive aircraft with Intelsat’s electronically steered array (ESA) system pre-installed. Embraer’s CCO Martyn Holmes emphasized the benefit of delivering an enhanced Wi-Fi experience directly from the factory. Intelsat has already outfitted 130 planes with the ESA system and secured commitments for 1,000 more. Major carriers like Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines are among those participating. Original news
Commercial Space Tech Aids Ukraine’s Defense Against Russia
Space companies have played a vital role in supporting Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s 2022 invasion, according to GXO, Inc.’s strategy chief David Gauthier. At a CSIS event, he emphasized how commercial satellite imagery and algorithmic warfare have accelerated battlefield decisions. Ukraine’s digital transformation minister, Giorgi Tskhakaia, credited policy changes for the rapid expansion of the drone sector. However, Tskhakaia cautioned that emerging technologies face disruption from adversaries within 6 to 12 months. The conflict underscores the need for continual innovation in defense technology. Original news
Switzerland Nears Deal for IRIS-T SLM Air-Defense Systems
Switzerland is close to finalizing a deal to purchase four or five IRIS-T SLM medium-range air-defense systems from Germany’s Diehl Defence. The acquisition, part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, is backed by a 660 million Swiss francs credit guarantee approved by Swiss lawmakers. A formal contract is expected in the third quarter of 2025. Armasuisse emphasized the system’s role in strengthening airspace sovereignty and protection against long-range threats. Meanwhile, Diehl partnered with Denmark’s MDSI to improve IRIS-T missile integration across several fighter aircraft platforms. Original news
Saab Confirms Full-Capability Gripen Offered to All Export Customers
Saab has affirmed that all export customers of the Gripen fighter jet receive the same advanced capabilities as Sweden, its primary operator. The statement was made in response to former President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks suggesting a “dumbed-down” export version of the F-47 NGAD jet. Saab emphasized that there is no reduced-performance Gripen for international buyers. The aircraft can be customized to meet specific operational needs, but the base offering remains fully equipped. The company reiterated its commitment to transparency in dealings with global partners. Original news
France Unveils Upgraded Mirage 2000DRMV Fighter Jet for Extended Service
The French Air and Space Force has officially reintroduced the modernized Mirage 2000DRMV strike aircraft in a ceremony held this week. Fifty upgraded jets are expected to be operational by the end of 2024, featuring advanced MICA NG missiles and precision-guided bombs. Enhancements include a revamped cockpit and the TALIOS targeting pod for improved reconnaissance and strike capabilities. Pilots will also use the Thales Scorpion helmet-mounted display, already in use with Rafale and U.S. Air Force jets. The Mirage 2000DRMV will remain in service until at least 2035 before being phased out by the Rafale and a future European combat […]