Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen authorized the procurement of Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) missiles for the Finnish Defence Forces. These AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles will equip the F-35A multi-role fighters, enhancing survivability against adversarial long-range ground-based air defenses. This acquisition, managed by the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command, includes missiles, software, spare parts, training, and support services from 2024 to 2031. The AARGM-ER system is a new capability for Finland, initially requested as part of the HX Programme, with U.S. Congressional approval granted in 2023. Finland joins a select group of countries authorized to procure the AARGM-ER missiles, […]
Year: 2024
US government clears big upgrade package for Polish F-16s
The U.S. State Department has approved a foreign military sale to Poland worth up to $7.3 billion for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Viper Midlife Upgrade (MLU), according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The MLU package includes 58 Improved Programmable Display Generators, test missiles, and 58 Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 AESA Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR). Poland will also receive 58 Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) with anti-spoofing capabilities and precise positioning features. Additionally, the sale includes 73 Northrop Grumman AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suites or 73 AN/ALQ-254V(1) L3Harris Viper Shield electronic warfare systems. This upgrade will significantly enhance […]
Engine maker Renk opens shop in Italy ahead of armor spending frenzy
German propulsion company Renk is establishing a subsidiary in La Spezia, Italy, shortly after Rheinmetall and Leonardo announced plans to build tanks and infantry fighting vehicles for the Italian army in the same city. Renk sees La Spezia as a strategically important location, placing it closer to Italian customers and partners. The move positions Renk to potentially benefit from the Italian army’s massive €23 billion ($25 billion) vehicle order. The company, which generated €926 million in revenue in 2023, specializes in gear units, transmissions, power-packs, and hybrid propulsion systems. La Spezia is also home to Leonardo’s long-standing tank production operations. […]
Pentagon inks supply chain agreement with Germany
The Pentagon has signed a new agreement with the German military to strengthen defense industrial supply chains, a priority since the start of the Ukraine war. The arrangement aims to help both nations quickly access the resources needed to meet defense demands and address unexpected supply chain disruptions. Under the agreement, the U.S. will offer Germany some level of assurance through the U.S. Defense Priorities and Allocations System, with decisions made by the Department of Defense and the Commerce Department. In return, Germany will implement a “Code of Conduct” for its defense industry, encouraging companies to prioritize support for U.S. […]
Germany, UK strike ‘first-of-its-kind’ defense deal prioritizing deep strike weapons and drones
Germany and the UK have signed a new bilateral defense agreement to jointly develop deep-strike weapons, naval uncrewed aerial systems, and drones that may fly alongside fighter jets. The Trinity House Agreement, described as a “first-of-its-kind” defense pact, was signed in London by German defense minister Boris Pistorius and UK defense secretary John Healey. This deal builds on a joint declaration from July and marks a significant shift in UK-Germany defense relations, aimed at bolstering European security amid growing threats from Russia. The two countries will collaborate on developing maritime UAS capabilities and drone platforms, similar to the US Air […]
Lithuania set for Leopards and CV90s following latest order of Boxers
Lithuania, like several other nations bordering Russia, has significantly increased its defense spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Over the past year, the country has placed orders for GM200 air defense radars, Expal towed mortars, and Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems. Recently, Lithuania’s State Defence Council approved the purchase of KNDS Leopard 2 main battle tanks and BAE Systems Hagglunds CV-90 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), building on a prior announcement of an additional 27 ARTEC Boxer-Vilkas IFVs for the military. National Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas stated that Lithuania plans to sign a contract soon to form a battalion of […]
New Data Shows a Rapidly Expanding Space Workforce
#analysis The global space industry is expanding rapidly, adding over 26,000 jobs between 2022 and 2023, particularly in countries like the US, Japan, India, and across Europe. This growth is nearly four times larger than the previous year, reflecting a thriving global space economy that has doubled in size over the last decade. In the US, the commercial space workforce increased by 4.8%, marking its seventh consecutive year of growth. Europe saw even faster growth, with countries like the UK growing its space workforce by 19%, and France, Germany, and Italy following closely behind. India and Japan are shifting from […]
Experts Discuss Ukraine’s Use of Western Military Equipment
#analysis The ongoing war in Ukraine is consuming Western-supplied tanks and fighter jets as Ukrainian forces employ them in high-risk, high-reward strategies, according to military experts. They argue that the West should expect losses if Ukraine uses these assets effectively. Michael Bohnert from RAND Corporation suggests that if weapons like F-16s or Abrams tanks survive the war, they likely weren’t used to their full potential. William Alberque from the Stimson Center adds that using these weapons, even if destroyed, is justified if they help inflict significant losses on Russia. Despite sending older models, Western allies must embrace the risks involved […]
Australia to award 155 shell production contract in coming ‘weeks,’ minister says
Australia is expected to award a contract for domestic production of 155mm artillery shells in the coming weeks, as confirmed by defense acquisition minister Pat Conroy. Currently, Australia imports these shells from a South African subsidiary of Rheinmetall, although domestic production exists for export to Germany. The pending contract has three competitors, including NIOA-Rheinmetall and French firm Thales, though the third contender remains unidentified. With global demand for 155mm shells surging due to the Ukraine war, Australia sees building local production as critical for national defense and international supply chain contribution. Australia has committed $21 billion AUD to boost munitions […]
UK RAF tests laser self-protection system in live firing trials
The UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) successfully completed live-fire trials of a new laser self-protection system designed for aircraft like the Shadow R2 and A400M transporter. This system was developed by a collaboration between Leonardo UK, Thales UK, and the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) under the Team Pellonia partnership. The system demonstrated 100% success in detecting and neutralizing infrared missile threats during trials at the Vidsel Test Range in Sweden. Thales’s Elix-IR threat warning system distinguishes genuine threats using advanced algorithms, while Leonardo’s Miysis countermeasure system engages threats with a jamming laser. The trials confirmed […]
UK, Sweden Join European Ground-Launched Cruise Missile Effort
Sweden has officially joined the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA) initiative, formalizing its participation with a letter of intent signed by Defense Minister Pål Jonson. The decision was announced after a NATO defense ministers’ meeting, with Jonson emphasizing the importance of long-range strike capabilities highlighted by the war in Ukraine. The ELSA initiative, launched in June 2024 by France, Germany, and Poland, aims to develop a ground-launched cruise missile with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. European defense company MBDA is expected to lead the missile’s development if the project moves forward. The United Kingdom also recently joined […]
European next-generation rotorcraft programme moves closer to reality through new MoU
Launched in 2020, the NATO-managed Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program aims to replace medium multi-role helicopters reaching the end of their life cycle by 2035. Five European nations—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the program, with concept design work expected to start in 2026. The countries aim to select a single replacement solution by 2027, targeting development by 2030. In 2024, NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded contracts to Airbus, Leonardo, and Sikorsky for integrated platform concept studies, with final reports due in October 2025. The NGRC will replace […]
DOD Initiative Aims To Recruit Silicon Valley’s Top Minds As Tech Reservists
The Defense Department aims to integrate Silicon Valley’s top talent into the military by offering part-time officer positions to technology executives. The initiative would involve inviting chief technology officers and other senior tech professionals to serve in high-ranking roles within the military reserves. These “tech reservists” would be called upon periodically to assist with short-term projects in areas like cybersecurity and data analytics. This program marks the first effort by the armed forces to enlist private-sector technology experts as paid, uniformed reservists to capitalize on their expertise. Original news
Saab profit rises, sees sales growth at upper end of forecast range
Swedish defense manufacturer Saab reported higher-than-expected third-quarter operating earnings of 1.19 billion crowns, surpassing last year’s 859 million and analyst predictions of 1.14 billion. The company reaffirmed its forecast for strong sales growth, expecting a 15-20% organic rise in 2024, with earnings increasing at an even higher rate. Saab benefits from the global demand for military hardware, driven by tensions such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, and Sweden’s NATO accession. Its order bookings rose by 41% year-on-year, with a growing order backlog of 190 billion crowns. Saab is cooperating with a U.S. Department of Justice request regarding Brazil’s 2014 Gripen […]
Estonia Considers Additional HIMARS Order Amid Competitor Talks
Estonia is considering a second order of Lockheed Martin’s M142 HIMARS and has begun talks with other competitors, including South Korea, Turkey, and Israel, to explore alternative options. Estonia’s national armaments director, Magnus Saar, stated that any new HIMARS deal depends on delivery times and pricing from the U.S. government. The country initially signed a $200 million deal for six HIMARS in 2020, with deliveries delayed until next year. Estonia’s growing defense budget, spurred by concerns over Russia, includes significant investments in artillery, air defense, and loitering munitions. Tallinn is also collaborating with Latvia and Lithuania on joint HIMARS use […]