Hungary and Italy have temporarily assumed responsibility for Croatia’s air defense during its transition from MiG-21 aircraft to Dassault Rafale jets. Hungarian Air Force Saab Gripens and Italian Air Force Eurofighter F-2000s will provide air policing and quick reaction alert (QRA) until late 2025 or early 2026. This arrangement is part of NATO’s air-policing missions and comes at no cost to Croatia. The agreement signifies the official retirement of the MiG-21 from Croatian service. This collaboration ensures Croatia’s airspace security during its military modernization. Original news
Year: 2024
Rheinmetall Acquires Loc Performance To Expand US Market Presence
Rheinmetall Group has announced the acquisition of Loc Performance Products, LLC, a U.S.-based military vehicle specialist, as part of its strategy to expand in the world’s largest defense market. The $950 million acquisition strengthens Rheinmetall’s industrial base in the U.S. and positions it for major contracts, including the $45 billion XM30 infantry fighting vehicle program and the $16 billion CTT tactical truck program. Loc Performance, with its advanced manufacturing capabilities and 1.7 million square feet of production space, enhances Rheinmetall’s capacity to support U.S. Department of Defense modernization efforts. The partnership combines Loc’s manufacturing expertise with Rheinmetall’s next-generation technologies to […]
Dutch F-35s arrive in Estonia for NATO air policing mission
Four Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighters from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) have been deployed to Estonia’s Amari Air Base for NATO’s air policing mission near the Russian border. The jets arrived on December 2 after an eight-month renovation of the base, enhancing its operational capacity. RNLAF Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Smaal stated that the fifth-generation fighters are ready to provide round-the-clock air surveillance and defense for NATO allies. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur welcomed the deployment, highlighting the importance of NATO’s rotational air defense model for regional security. This mission underscores NATO’s commitment to protecting its eastern flank. Original […]
Space firms plot new European satellite venture to take on Starlink
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are exploring the creation of a joint space company, “Project Bromo,” to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink. The proposed entity would be a standalone European satellite firm modeled after MBDA, a missile maker jointly owned by Airbus, Leonardo, and BAE Systems. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani confirmed the structure would follow the MBDA model, aiming to strengthen Europe’s satellite capabilities. Sources indicated the merger is independent of Airbus’s planned job cuts and could take years to finalize. This initiative highlights Europe’s strategic push for autonomy in the satellite and space industries. Original news
EU Nears Agreement On €1.5 Billion Defense Fund.
European Union member states are nearing agreement on a €1.5 billion defense fund to strengthen the bloc’s defense industry and support Ukraine over three years. The European Defence Investment Program (EDIP) is expected to be finalized by year-end, enabling military purchases with up to 35% of components from outside the EU. This approach balances the goal of bolstering Europe’s defense sector with the urgent need for ready-made equipment for Ukraine. The EU is also identifying flagship projects of common interest, such as air and missile defense, to benefit from EDIP funding. This initiative reflects the EU’s dual focus on immediate […]
Norway to send F-35 fighter jets, air defence systems to Poland
Norway’s defense ministry announced plans to deploy F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems to Poland’s Rzeszow airport, a key logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine. Starting in early December, Norway will also send around 100 soldiers to safeguard the airspace above the airport. Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram emphasized Poland’s critical role in supporting Ukraine, ensuring aid reaches its destination. This deployment underscores Norway’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict. The initiative highlights international collaboration to maintain the flow of military support to Ukraine. Original news
EU fund common defence procurement for the first time
In November 2024, the European Union allocated €300 million ($315.3 million) to fund five defense projects under the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA). These projects include the Mistral and IRIS-T air defense systems, the Finnish-led Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS), and 155mm ammunition procurement. The initiative aims to strengthen regional defense industries, expand manufacturing capacities, and provide long-term governmental support. Germany’s Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki welcomed the move as progress toward a “self-determined European security architecture.” This funding reflects the EU’s commitment to enhancing collective defense capabilities. Original news
UK war-games major conflict to test durability of weapons stockpiles
The UK has launched a week-long war game at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, to evaluate the resilience of its ammunition supplies during conflict. Defense companies including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, MBDA, and Babcock are participating to “stress-test” supply chains for artillery and drones. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the need to “innovate at wartime speed” and mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities. The exercise reflects lessons learned from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and addresses concerns over the adequacy of British ammunition stockpiles. This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to enhancing defense preparedness and industrial collaboration. Original news
India Shifts Defense Purchases From Russia To Western Suppliers
India has significantly reduced its defense purchases from Russia, signaling a shift towards Western suppliers. Plans for joint development of helicopters and fighter jets with Russia have been shelved, and a proposed lease for a Russian nuclear submarine is unlikely. Russian arms accounted for only 36% of India’s imports in 2022, down from 76% in 2009, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Since 2018, India has signed nearly $20 billion in contracts for U.S.-made equipment, including a recent $3 billion deal for General Atomics drones. This shift reflects India’s evolving defense strategy and diversification of suppliers. Original news
German Firm Announced Production of AI-Enabled HX-2 Drones For Ukraine
German company Helsing has begun production of HX-2 kamikaze drones, expected to be deployed to Ukraine. Equipped with artificial intelligence, these drones can resist electronic warfare and operate in networked swarms. The HX-2, weighing 26.5 pounds, can reach speeds of 137 miles per hour with a range of 62 miles. Germany sees these drones as a cost-effective alternative to traditional munitions, aligning with modern trends in military technology. The development highlights a growing focus on advanced, autonomous systems in contemporary warfare.Original news
Poland orders hundreds of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles
Poland has placed an order for hundreds of RTX AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles for its Western-built combat aircraft. The Armaments Agency announced that 232 missiles will be delivered between 2028 and 2030. While the contract value wasn’t disclosed, the U.S. government approved a sale of 232 Sidewinders for $219.1 million in March. These missiles will be used by the Polish Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 jets. They will also equip the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II when it begins arriving in Poland from 2025.Original news
Defense contractors warned against ‘headline risk’ and ‘sacrificial lambs’ amid Musk tweets
Elon Musk’s tweets criticizing Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as “obsolete in the age of drones” have put defense contractors on alert. The comments led to significant market reactions, including a drop in Lockheed’s stock price, and raised concerns about reforms under President-elect Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), co-led by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Analysts like Todd Harrison warn contractors to avoid drawing scrutiny, as programs like the F-35 could be targeted as symbols of defense inefficiencies. Byron Callan urges companies to proactively address the need for acquisition reform by collaborating with lawmakers and industry associations to present […]
Space Force looks to bulk up against anti-satellite weapons
#analysis The U.S. Space Force is accelerating efforts to counter threats from anti-satellite weapons (ASATs) posed by adversaries like Russia and China, focusing on modernizing its Space Surveillance Network (SSN) and developing advanced defense systems. Efforts include deploying hundreds of smaller, cost-effective satellites in low-Earth orbit to enhance resilience and tracking, while new systems like the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) aim to bolster deep-space monitoring. Partnerships with private industry are being expanded to integrate commercial satellite capabilities into military networks, leveraging innovation for defense. Challenges remain, including outdated infrastructure, funding constraints, and the growing complexity of space threats, […]
SIPRI Reports Increase In Global Arms Sales
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported a 4.2% increase in arms sales by the world’s 100 largest defense companies in 2023, totaling $632 billion, fueled by wars and regional tensions. U.S. companies, led by Lockheed Martin and RTX, contributed $317 billion, reflecting a 2.5% rise despite a slight decline in Lockheed Martin’s sales. European firms maintained stable sales at $133 billion but saw a surge in orders driven by the Ukraine conflict. SIPRI researcher Lorenzo Scarazzato highlighted that current arms revenues still fall short of reflecting the full demand, suggesting room for future growth. The report underscores growing […]
Kosovo Plans State-Owned Ammunition Factory
Kosovo plans to establish its first state-owned ammunition factory and a drone design lab to boost its defense industry, Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced. Kurti highlighted the strategic need for self-reliance in defense amid escalating tensions with Serbia. An inter-ministerial commission led by Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci will oversee the initiative, supported by a feasibility study from Turkish state producers. Kosovo has increased its defense budget, purchased Turkish drones, and aligns its defense efforts with NATO standards, reflecting its aspiration to join the alliance. Maqedonci emphasized the global demand for ammunition driven by ongoing conflicts, underscoring the importance of the […]