South-Korea has successfully developed the Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system to enhance its air defense capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. The L-SAM, capable of intercepting targets at altitudes of 50 to 60 km, complements the country’s multi-layered missile defense system alongside U.S. Patriot and M-SAM II systems. President Yoon Suk Yeol hailed the system as a significant milestone in national defense, while Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun warned North Korea of severe consequences for provocations. Production of the L-SAM is expected to begin next year, with deployment planned for the mid-to-late 2020s as part of the Korea Air […]
Year: 2024
German Navy tests BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle
The German Navy conducted a two-week trial of the BlueWhale extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV) from Israel Aerospace Industries in the Baltic Sea. This trial was part of the Navy’s Operational Experimentation (OPEX) initiative, supporting the Marine 2035 and Beyond strategy to address evolving security threats. The tests focused on evaluating new technologies under realistic conditions. Boaz Levy, IAI’s president and CEO, emphasized that autonomous submarines have the potential to revolutionize naval operations. He compared their transformative impact to that of unmanned aircraft, enabling extended missions without human operators. Original news
EU Faces Challenges In Defense Cooperation
Andrius Kubilius, former Lithuanian prime minister, faced tough questions during his confirmation hearing as the EU’s first defense and space commissioner, emphasizing the urgency of Europe’s defense preparedness. A recent war game revealed Lithuania could fall to Russian forces in days, prompting discussions about doubling defense spending to 6% of GDP. Kubilius stressed the EU’s need for collaborative defense efforts, including a €500 billion defense allocation in its next budget, while ensuring alignment with NATO. However, he avoided committing to specific funding mechanisms, such as repurposing cohesion funds or issuing joint EU bonds, leaving the challenge to “experts” and political […]
Elon Musk Criticizes F-35 Program Amid Improving Drone Technology
Elon Musk criticized the F-35 program on social media, calling its developers “idiots” for focusing on manned jets instead of advancing drone technology. He suggested that a remote-controlled drone fighter could outperform the F-35, which is projected to cost over $2 trillion during its lifespan, with 1,000 jets already delivered. Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy plan to address such inefficiencies when they begin advising President-elect Donald Trump in 2025. In defense, Lockheed Martin described the F-35 as “the most advanced, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft in the world,” vital to modern operations. A Pentagon spokesperson affirmed the aircraft’s combat capability and […]
Sweden To Fund Ukrainian Production Of Missiles And Drones
The Swedish government announced plans to provide substantial funding for the production of long-range missiles and drones in Ukraine, emphasizing its commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated that “Ukraine is Sweden’s number one security priority,” highlighting the importance of this initiative. Sweden has already contributed military aid worth 48.4 billion Swedish krona ($4.37 billion) and pledged an additional 25 billion krona ($2.28 billion) for 2025 and 2026. While Sweden is prepared to offer Saab Gripen fighter jets, Jonson noted this has been deferred to prioritize Ukraine’s integration of F-16 aircraft with allied support. Instead, Sweden […]
Romania makes formal commitment to acquire 32 F-35As
Romania has finalized a deal to acquire conventional take-off and landing F-35A variants, following U.S. export approval two months ago. The country already operates F-16A fighters, and the new F-35As will integrate seamlessly with its existing fleet. Lockheed Martin’s Mara Motherway highlighted the F-35’s role in enhancing NATO’s next-generation air power capability across Europe. Program General Manager Bridget Lauderdale emphasized that the acquisition strengthens Romania’s national security and deterrence. This purchase marks a significant step in Romania’s defense modernization and its commitment to alliance-based deterrence. Original news
Embraer Tightens Relations With Dutch Industry After C-390 Purchase
Embraer has signed agreements with several Dutch companies to support the Netherlands’ acquisition of C-390 Millennium airlifters. Collaborations include Fokker Services Group providing engineering and modification packages to prepare the aircraft for military and humanitarian missions. The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR) will contribute to aircraft maintenance technologies, while Multisim and Rheinmetall will support virtual training system development. Dutch suppliers have also been selected to provide components for a full-mission simulator accompanying the C-390s. Embraer CEO Bosco Da Costa Jr. emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships as the Netherlands acquires five C-390s and supports Austria’s procurement of four aircraft. […]
Netherlands orders NASAMS and NOMADS air-defence systems
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a NOK 12 billion (USD 1.08 billion) contract with the Netherlands for advanced air defense systems. The deal includes six NASAMS medium-range systems and four NOMADS short-range systems. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2028, according to State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman. The systems will feature ranges of 50 km and 15 km, respectively, enhancing the Netherlands’ defense against UAVs and cruise missiles. The Dutch Ministry of Defence highlighted the acquisition’s role in strengthening national maneuver air defense capabilities. Original news
Lockheed Martin teams with Iceye to advance AI-enabled targeting
Lockheed Martin is collaborating with Finnish radar imaging satellite company Iceye to advance AI-powered target recognition for Finland’s military. Announced on Nov. 20, the partnership focuses on developing AI algorithms using Iceye’s synthetic aperture radar imagery to support Finland’s F-35 tactical aviation program. Lockheed Martin’s AI expert Jonathon Brant emphasized the importance of “multi-modal data fusion” for improving decision-making through near real-time intelligence. Brant also addressed the cybersecurity challenges of AI, highlighting Lockheed Martin’s work with NIST to establish standards for protecting AI systems from adversarial machine learning threats. This initiative reflects a strategic push to integrate cutting-edge AI technology […]
Biden Orders $275M Weapons Package For Ukraine
President Biden has approved a $275 million weapons package for Ukraine, including HIMARS munitions, artillery, and anti-tank weapons. This is part of a broader effort to allocate $7 billion in security assistance before Biden’s term ends in January. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to Ukraine’s battlefield success both now and in the future. The package, funded through Presidential Drawdown Authority, includes a variety of military equipment and support services. This aid underscores the U.S. dedication to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict. Original news
UK makes defense cuts, doing away with several warships, helicopters and drones
The UK government announced major defense spending cuts, retiring 46 Watchkeeper drones, 31 helicopters, and five warships, as confirmed by Secretary of State for Defence John Healey. These cuts, aimed at saving £500 million over five years, include the removal of the British Army’s Watchkeeper drones due to persistent delays and cost overruns. A strategic defense review in mid-2025 will evaluate the future of the Royal Marines and the Navy’s ability to maintain escort capabilities. Additionally, 14 CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and 17 Puma multirole rotorcraft will be retired, complicating plans to replace the Pumas under the £1 billion New […]
The Czech military to buy 14 Leopard tanks from Germany in a $167 million deal
The Czech Defense Ministry announced plans to purchase 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany for $167 million as part of a broader military modernization effort amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. The $4 billion Czech crown deal is expected to be signed with Germany’s Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH by year’s end, with tank deliveries planned by the end of 2026. Defense Minister Jana Černochová emphasized that this modernization is part of phasing out old Russian weapons and strengthening overall military capabilities. This follows last year’s Czech government approval of major defense acquisitions, including 24 U.S. F-35 fighter jets and 246 Swedish CV90 […]
Norway puts France, Germany, UK and US in the frame for future frigate partnership
Norway has shortlisted France, Germany, the UK, and the US for a strategic partnership to support future frigate acquisitions, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced Wednesday. The partnership will encompass the joint acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the new frigates, with a partner selection expected by 2025. This initiative reflects Norway’s broader defense strategy, emphasizing joint procurement efforts, such as its submarine collaboration with Germany. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the importance of the investment, stating it will bolster both national and NATO maritime security. The move underscores Norway’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities in alignment with allied […]
Sweden takes delivery of first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system
Sweden has received its first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). This delivery is part of four batches ordered, positioning Sweden as the third major NATO user of the M3 system alongside Germany and the UK. The M3 can serve as a floating bridge or ferry capable of transporting heavy main battle tanks across gaps up to 400 meters wide. GDELS highlights the M3 as NATO’s fastest solution for wet gap crossings, adaptable to other pontoon bridge systems like the IRB and SRB. Sweden’s adoption of the M3 is expected to significantly enhance […]
Latvia selects ASCOD, orders Patria 6×6 C2 vehicles
General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas is currently in negotiations to supply ASCOD tracked armored vehicles to the Latvian Ministry of Defence, as announced on November 15. The deal follows closely on the heels of Latvia’s order for 56 Patria 6×6 command-and-control vehicles, confirmed through a EUR 60 million contract set to be fulfilled between 2024 and 2029. This procurement from Patria, detailed on November 14, represents a significant upgrade in Latvia’s defense capabilities. Thomas Kauffmann from GDELS praised the ASCOD vehicles for their advanced features and suitability for Latvia’s needs, while Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds […]