French drone manufacturer Delair has started delivering OSKAR loitering munitions to Ukraine under the Colibri project, providing Kyiv with cost-effective, short-range strike capabilities. Developed in only six months, OSKAR is adapted from Delair’s UX11 UAV, carrying a 2.3 kg warhead to target personnel, light vehicles, and fixed sites, with a 45-minute flight endurance. France plans to send 100 OSKAR drones to Ukraine as part of its larger commitment to acquire 2,000 small drones overall. The OSKAR platform includes satellite navigation-denied capabilities and encrypted communications to counteract Russian electronic warfare threats. Delair’s recent acquisition of Squadrone System opens possibilities for testing […]
Year: 2024
Colombia Set to Finalize Major Contract with Saab for Gripen Fighters
Colombia is advancing plans to modernize its air fleet by finalizing a deal to purchase JAS Gripen fighter jets from Saab, valued at approximately 3 billion euros. This acquisition, aimed at replacing the aging Kfir aircraft, is critical to improving Colombia’s air defense capabilities and reducing high maintenance costs. Saab’s Gripen E, chosen over competitors like the Rafale and F-16, offers advanced features, including electronic warfare systems and low operational costs. The deal may also include a technology partnership that supports local economic growth and strengthens Colombia’s ties with Sweden and Brazil. This decision aligns with Saab’s growing presence in […]
Netherlands orders 12 H225M helicopters for special operations
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has contracted Airbus for 12 H225M Caracal helicopters to equip special operations forces, replacing the aging AS532 Cougar fleet. Vice-Admiral Jan Willem Hartman and Airbus CEO Bruno Even signed the contract at the Euronaval trade show. Originally, the Netherlands aimed to purchase 14 helicopters, but budget limits reduced the order to 12. These helicopters will come with specialized configurations and advanced systems. Deliveries are expected between 2030 and 2032 due to the complexities of technical integration and production demands. Original news
EU starts to work on next-generation combat ship for the 2040s
The European Union has begun developing a next-generation combat vessel, aiming for deployment in the 2040s. In two weeks, defense ministers are expected to sign a letter of intent to move forward with the project. Jürgen Scraback of the European Defence Agency noted that six EU member states, including four with major navies, have shown interest. The budget for the project is projected to exceed €20 billion ($22 billion). This advanced vessel will likely feature AI, a naval combat cloud, and directed-energy weapons, and may be included in the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation framework after a defense ministers’ meeting on […]
Czech Initiative Faces Challenges In Supplying Artillery To Ukraine
The Czech Republic is facing logistical and financial difficulties with its initiative to supply Ukraine with artillery shells, including plans for 500,000 rounds of 155mm and 300,000 rounds of 122mm, valued at $3.2 billion. Challenges have emerged regarding the concealment and technical reliability of these shells. In response, Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová introduced “Initiative 2025,” which aims to leverage frozen Russian assets for funding. This initiative is part of broader efforts to support Ukraine’s defense amid a critical ammunition shortage, as European and U.S. manufacturers must double production to meet the rising demand. Additionally, Ukraine has requested ATACMS missiles […]
Russian rocket launches Iranian satellites into orbit
On Tuesday, a Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched two Iranian satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, into orbit, highlighting the strengthening cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. The launch took place from the Vostochny launchpad in far eastern Russia, also carrying two Russian Ionosphere-M Earth observation satellites and several smaller satellites. This event marks the first instance of Iran’s private sector satellites being launched, following previous successful launches of Iranian satellites by Russia, including the Khayyam and Pars-1. The launch occurs amid increasing ties between Russia and Iran, particularly regarding military support, as Western nations accuse Tehran of supplying drones for use in […]
Europe picks consortium for sovereign satellite constellation IRIS²
The European Commission has selected a consortium led by SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat to deploy the IRIS² satellite constellation, aimed at creating a sovereign satellite broadband system for the EU. A concession contract lasting 12 years is expected to be finalized by December, with key subcontractors including Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Space and Defence, and Telespazio. The IRIS² system is designed to deliver governmental services by 2030, enhancing capabilities such as border surveillance and secure communications. The total project cost is estimated at €10.6 billion, funded through a combination of public funds and private investments. Last year, the EU allocated […]
Saab to launch next-generation electronic warfare sensor for naval warfare
Saab has introduced the U/SME-400, a new electronic support measure (ESM) tailored for naval warfare, suitable for both surface and undersea vessels. This system is developed in response to the increasing prevalence of multi-vessel threat scenarios and the complexities of dense radar environments. The U/SME-400 is specifically designed to operate effectively in challenging conditions where radars are becoming smarter and harder to detect. Its dual functionality enhances the capabilities of naval forces, addressing modern electronic warfare challenges. This launch reflects Saab’s commitment to advancing naval defense technology in an evolving battlefield landscape. Original news
Lockheed set to provide Sniper pods for Polish FA-50s
Lockheed Martin announced it will supply Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods to Poland for integration with the FA-50 light attack jets from Korea Aerospace Industries. This package includes targeting pods with two-way datalinks, support systems, and spare parts, though no delivery timeline has been specified. The Sniper ATPs are expected to enhance the FA-50s’ ability to identify, track, and engage targets from a safe distance, boosting Poland’s tactical capabilities. While the exact number of pods was not disclosed, a U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notification from May 2023 estimated that 34 pods might be delivered. This deal reflects Poland’s ongoing efforts […]
US Announces $425 Million in New Ukraine Military Aid
The U.S. Department of Defense announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, marking the sixty-ninth tranche of support since the conflict began. This package aims to enhance Ukraine’s defenses with a range of equipment, including air defense interceptors, HIMARS munitions, anti-tank systems, and armored vehicles. Meanwhile, intelligence reports indicate that over 10,000 North Korean troops may have joined Russian forces, possibly to reinforce Russia’s intense infantry assaults. Ukrainian President Zelensky recently informed South Korea’s President Yoon that around 3,000 North Korean troops are stationed near the conflict zone. U.S. Defense Secretary Austin expressed concern over Russia’s potential deployment of […]
Korean defense firms report strong Q3 earnings on large export deals
Korea’s leading defense firms saw strong revenue and profit growth in the third quarter, driven by significant arms export deals. Combined operating profits for Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hyundai Rotem, and LIG Nex1 totaled approximately 753.8 billion won ($546 million) from July to September. Hanwha Aerospace’s profits were boosted by exports of K9 howitzers and Chunmoo rocket launchers to Poland. LIG Nex1 anticipates continued earnings growth after securing a 3.7 trillion-won contract with Iraq for its Cheongung-II missile defense system. These successes underscore Korea’s growing influence in the global defense market. Original news
Netherlands plans to procure Mjölner 120 mm armoured mortar vehicles
The Netherlands plans to acquire CV90 Mjölner 120 mm armored mortar vehicles to strengthen its mortar capabilities. These CV90 vehicles will feature dual-barrel 120 mm mortar turrets. They will also be equipped with advanced artillery fire-control systems similar to those on the Royal Netherlands Army’s Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers. This acquisition reflects the Netherlands’ commitment to modernizing its military technology and increasing artillery precision. The news was revealed at the Future Mortar Systems 2024 conference in London. Original news
Europe’s small arms companies struggle for cash despite military spending boom
#analysis Despite rising global military spending, Europe’s small and medium-sized defense companies face challenges securing the financing needed for innovation and scaling production. Barriers include limited access to public funds, bureaucratic hurdles, and banks’ hesitation due to ESG compliance concerns. A 2024 European Commission report advises increasing EU-level funding and easing restrictions on EU financial instruments to bolster defense industrial capabilities. Czech defense ministry official Radka Konderlova highlighted one tech firm that struggled financially while working with Lockheed Martin on an F35 component, only finding support after government intervention. This illustrates the financial barriers smaller defense firms face despite their […]
UK Increases Defense Budget By $3.8 Billion
The UK announced a defense spending increase of £2.9 billion for 2024, raising the Ministry of Defence’s budget to exceed NATO commitments and provide ongoing support to Ukraine. Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed to meeting a 2.5% GDP defense target in the future, though no specific timeline was provided. UK defense expenditure in 2023-2024 was £54 billion, or roughly 2.33% of GDP, with substantial funds allocated for modernizing the armed forces. Challenges remain, with experts noting gaps in the British Army’s readiness and equipment shortfalls against NATO benchmarks. A Strategic Defence Review is set to publish in 2025 to address evolving […]
MilDef to supply computers for operator stations for CV90s
MilDef’s recent SEK200 million contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds marks a significant step in enhancing the CV90 combat vehicles with ruggedized IT equipment. This partnership will equip Central European forces with advanced operator stations, with deliveries spanning from 2025 to 2029. With options, the contract’s total value could rise to SEK280 million, reflecting MilDef’s growing role in European defense modernization. The CV90’s success across 10 nations, notably in Afghanistan and Ukraine, underscores its battlefield reliability, further strengthening the vehicle’s appeal. MilDef’s ongoing support, including a recent contract with Norway, positions them as a key technology provider in European defense initiatives. […]