Lithuania has placed a second order with Saab for Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems, valued at SEK 1.2 billion, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2029. The country had previously placed an order in July, worth SEK 1.3 billion, with deliveries starting next year. Lithuania is also strengthening its air defense by acquiring additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units from Kongsberg, with a €193 million contract for upgrades and new systems. These efforts are part of a broader modernization of Lithuania’s air defense in response to regional security concerns. The contracts follow similar moves by other countries […]
Year: 2024
Ukrainian Pilots Face Challenges Transitioning To F-16s
Ukrainian pilots are quickly adapting to flying F-16 jets, transitioning from Soviet-era aircraft in a challenging process. Air-warfare experts note the difficulty in retraining muscle memory, especially moving from hydraulic systems to the F-16’s fly-by-wire technology. Typically requiring three years of training, Ukrainian pilots have condensed this process into just nine months due to wartime urgency. Despite these challenges, retired US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Davis emphasized the immediate impact of Ukraine’s F-16s. More jets are expected to arrive, further enhancing their effectiveness in combat. Original news
Widespread Drone Ops Drive U.S. Army Airspace Reforms
The US Army plans to deploy thousands of small hand-launched drones, including the Skydio RQ-28A short-range reconnaissance quadcopter, to support small units. This initiative aims to quickly equip soldiers with enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. As the Army accelerates drone deployment, a separate division is focused on addressing the challenge of managing the increased airspace traffic. The rapid introduction of these drones is part of broader efforts to modernize the force and enhance battlefield situational awareness. Effective airspace management will be crucial to ensure safe and efficient operation of these unmanned systems in tactical environments. Original news
CSG signs deal for Ukrainian production of artillery shells
Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has signed an agreement with Ukrainian arms manufacturer Ukrainska Bronetechnika to begin local production of 155mm artillery shells in Ukraine. The collaboration, formalized on October 2, 2024, aims to produce 100,000 shells in 2025, with a target of over 300,000 annually by 2026. This initiative will strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities by reducing costs and ensuring local production capacity. CSG has been supporting Ukraine’s defense needs since 2018, with increased military equipment deliveries following Russia’s 2022 invasion. The Czech Ministry of Defence and AMOS played key roles in facilitating this cooperation to enhance Ukraine’s long-term defense industry. Original […]
China Is Ready for War?
#analysis Amid China’s economic challenges, such as high youth unemployment and a troubled real estate market, some policymakers believe Beijing will need to cut its defense spending. However, China’s defense industrial base continues to grow rapidly, developing advanced weapons systems to deter and challenge U.S. military dominance. China is now the world’s largest shipbuilder and has significantly increased its production of modern fighter aircraft, warships, and missiles. With its defense industry on a wartime footing, China acquires weapons at a pace five to six times faster than the United States. To keep pace, the U.S. must urgently revitalize its own […]
What is the Fath-360, Iran’s ballistic missile now arming Russia?
#analysis The Fath-360 is an Iranian ballistic missile recently delivered to Russia, raising concerns among pro-Ukraine nations. It has a range of 120 km and carries a 150 kg warhead, making it comparable to Russian artillery missiles like the 9M54 family. While not providing a major new capability, the Fath-360 offers Russia additional firepower in the short-range category, potentially helping preserve their longer-range missiles. Its use may force Ukraine to expend air defenses against less critical threats, adding pressure to Kyiv’s resources. Furthermore, the missile’s deployment underscores Russia’s reliance on foreign suppliers due to domestic production challenges. Original article
Czech Republic Set To Sign C-390 Contract
The Czech government is set to sign a contract with Embraer in November to purchase two C-390 Millennium aircraft, becoming the fifth European country to acquire the Brazilian-made airlifter. The deal, valued at 11.3 billion Czech koruna ($490 million), includes equipment for aerial firefighting, medical evacuation, and refueling capabilities. This procurement is driven by global security concerns and will enable the Czech Air Force to support a range of operations. The contract also strengthens Czech industry, with Aero Vodochody playing a key role in manufacturing C-390 components, and it will deepen collaboration between Embraer and Czech organizations. Delivery of the […]
US to transfer more SDB glide bombs for stand-off strike
The United States will send Boeing GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs) to Ukraine, enhancing the country’s ability to conduct standoff strikes into Russian-occupied territories. The GBU-39 has a standoff range of approximately 100 km and weighs 130 kg, allowing Ukrainian aircraft to carry four times as many weapons as before. These bombs are compatible with Ukraine’s recently delivered F-16 Fighting Falcon combat jets and the Saab Gripen Cs, expected to arrive after Sweden’s pledge to supply spare parts. This delivery is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities. Original news
Indexes end down as Iran launches missiles at Israel; defense shares rise
U.S. stocks closed lower on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq dropping over 1%, as escalating tensions in the Middle East rattled investors. Despite the broader market decline, defense stocks surged following Iran’s missile strikes on Israel. Shares of Northrop Grumman jumped 3%, and Lockheed Martin rose 3.6%, pushing the S&P 500 aerospace and defense index to a record high. Energy stocks like Exxon Mobil also gained, driven by a 2.4% increase in oil prices. The defense sector’s rise contrasted with declines in other areas, as investors sought safe havens amidst growing geopolitical uncertainty. Original news
Sivers Semiconductors receives CHIPS Act funding
Swedish chipmaker Sivers Semiconductors is receiving first-year funding of $5.6 million from the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub through the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act under the Microelectronics Commons program, executed through the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division and the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). The main challenge is managing self-interference, which can be a billion times stronger than the intended signal, requiring highly precise circuitry. This program, in collaboration with Columbia University, BAE Systems, and other leading institutions, aims to transition the technology to product-ready implementations over the next three years, opening new opportunities in the defense sector. […]
EU opens defense innovation hub in Kyiv to boost industry outreach
The European Union has opened a defense-innovation office in Kyiv to enhance cooperation between Ukrainian and European defense industries. This office aims to connect European startups with Ukraine’s defense sector, integrating Ukrainian firms into the EU defense-equipment market. By facilitating access to EU funding, the office will help Ukrainian defense companies and startups overcome financial hurdles in ramping up weapon production. Ukraine, a global leader in drone technology, is seen as an invaluable partner for EU defense companies seeking battlefield-tested innovations. Additionally, Denmark announced plans to establish its own defense-industry hub in Kyiv, reinforcing collaboration between Danish and Ukrainian defense […]
Korean defense firm eyes bigger footing in Europe with homegrown multiple rocket launcher system
Hanwha Aerospace is seeking to export its Chunmoo multiple rocket launch system to Norway, aiming to expand its presence in the European defense market. The company showcased a life-sized Chunmoo for the first time in Europe at the Eurosatory defense show in Paris, highlighting strong interest from potential buyers. Hanwha signed a memorandum of understanding with Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace to strengthen collaboration on land-based defense solutions. Norway is exploring options for acquiring long-range precision weapon systems, with Chunmoo and Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS among the leading candidates. Hanwha hopes to build on its existing relationship with Norway, which already […]
Europe’s Quest to Rearm Runs Into Red Tape, Lack of Cash—and Meditation
European countries and defense companies are running into issues as they look to bolster their militaries following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. European defense firms have committed to increasing production, including BAE Systems which “tripled its production of 155mm artillery shells after Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine.” Original article
European militaries rush to catch up on space traffic mapping
#analysis The rapid growth of space activity has led European militaries to increase their focus on space traffic mapping to address emerging threats. The number of active satellites has more than tripled in the last four years, and most of this activity is occurring in low Earth orbit, creating new challenges for military surveillance systems designed for geostationary orbits. Companies like Safran, Vyoma, and True Anomaly are working with defense departments to improve space awareness and tracking capabilities. Military leaders stress the importance of collaboration between civilian, commercial, and military sectors to enhance space-domain awareness and avoid potential crises. As […]
What Are JSOWs? Long Range US Glide Bombs Handed to Ukraine – Newsweek
The U.S. is sending Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range glide bombs to Ukraine as part of a $375 million military aid package announced on September 26. These precision-guided bombs, which weigh 1,100 pounds and have a range of over 70 miles, are designed to bypass Russian air defenses when launched from F-16 jets. The JSOW bombs are considered more advanced than the glide bombs used by Russia and are priced at $500,000 each. They use GPS for guidance and feature infrared imaging sensors that are resistant to radio-frequency jamming. This aid package also includes HIMARS, Javelin systems, and other military […]