Sweden will supply Ukraine with 13.5 billion kronor in military aid, marking its largest package yet. The assistance includes doubling the number of Stridsbåt 90 combat boats to 32 and delivering 1,500 TOW anti-tank missiles. Sweden has previously sent Leopard 2 tanks, CV90 vehicles, and Archer howitzers to support Ukraine. Additionally, Sweden will contribute about $250 million to international defense funds and allocate $178 million to the Danish model for ordering weapons from Ukraine’s defense industry. The move underscores Sweden’s continued commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities. Original news
Month: January 2025
Estonia receives first deliveries of new CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer
Estonia has received its first six CAESAR 155mm 6×6 self-propelled howitzers from KNDS France as part of a 12-unit order placed last year. Lt. Col. Rauno Viitmann, the project officer for the procurement, stated that the new artillery systems will enhance the firepower and reaction speed of Estonia’s forces. Both conscripts and reservists will operate the howitzers, with conscript training set to begin in the coming weeks. Reservist training exercises are planned for mid-2025 as Estonia continues strengthening its defense capabilities. Original news
Netherlands to Buy 22 Skyranger Air-Defense Systems for $1.35 Billion
The Netherlands will acquire 22 Skyranger mobile air-defense cannons from Rheinmetall for $1.35 billion to strengthen its defenses against drone threats. The Dutch Ministry of Defence plans to finalize contracts in early 2025, with deliveries starting in 2028. The purchase follows Germany’s agreement in February 2024 to buy 19 Skyranger systems, which will also feature Raytheon’s Stinger missiles. The acquisition is part of a broader effort to modernize European air-defense capabilities amid evolving security challenges. Original news
SpaceX Revenue Surges to $13.1 Billion in 2024
SpaceX reported $13.1 billion in revenue for 2024, a sharp increase from $8.7 billion in 2023. The growth was driven largely by Starlink, which saw its revenue rise to $8.2 billion as its customer base doubled to 4.6 million. Despite lower-than-expected launch volumes, launch sales increased by 19% to $4.2 billion, fueled by more government contracts. SpaceX also saw significant expansion in its maritime and aviation sectors, with maritime customers growing from 10,000 to over 75,000 and aviation terminals rising from 80 to 450 by year-end. The strong financial performance highlights SpaceX’s growing dominance in the space and satellite industries. […]
U.S. Army Uses AI and Blockchain to Track $70 Billion in Ukraine Aid
The U.S. Army is leveraging blockchain, big data, and generative AI to ensure efficient and accountable distribution of nearly $70 billion in aid to Ukraine. Pat Sullivan, an expert at the Army Materiel Command, stressed the importance of maintaining visibility, accountability, and auditability of military equipment. Lt. Col. Colby Smithmeyer highlighted how the war in Ukraine has provided key lessons in modern logistics, particularly in tracking consumption rates. He pointed to the rapid wear of M777 howitzer barrels due to intense use, a rate unseen in previous conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. By integrating advanced technology, the Army aims to […]
OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Gov for U.S. Government Agencies
OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Gov, a specialized AI tool designed for U.S. government agencies, the company announced on Tuesday. This version allows agencies to integrate OpenAI’s language models with their own security protocols to handle sensitive data. OpenAI highlights that ChatGPT Gov can support public sector initiatives in areas such as public health and national security. Agencies like the Air Force Research Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory are already using ChatGPT services for administrative and scientific research tasks. The launch marks OpenAI’s expansion into secure, government-focused AI applications. Original news
North Macedonia to receive US donation of Raven and Puma UASs
The United States will donate unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) to the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia, the country’s Ministry of Defence confirmed on January 24. The donation, including AeroVironment Raven and Puma drones, is part of six military agreements between the two nations worth $26.5 million. These agreements also include small-arms replacements, cyber-defense enhancements, and tactical simulation software for North Macedonia’s Light Infantry Battalion Group. Production of the drones will begin once the agreements are finalized, with deliveries expected in the coming years. This move reinforces military cooperation between the U.S. and North Macedonia, boosting the latter’s defense […]
Poland buys over 200 US AGM-88G missiles for $745 mln
Poland has signed a $745 million contract with the United States to purchase over 200 AGM-88G advanced anti-radiation missiles, the Polish defense ministry announced on Tuesday. The missiles, designed for F-35 fighter jets, will be delivered between 2029 and 2035, aligning with Poland’s scheduled acquisition of the jets in 2026. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the investment in modern equipment, stating that the AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles will significantly enhance Poland’s air force and operational capabilities. “Today’s agreement marks a huge progress in the field of operational capabilities of our army,” he said. The purchase is part of Poland’s ongoing military […]
Denmark boosts Arctic defence spending by $2.1 billion, responding to US pressure
Denmark has announced a $2.05 billion increase in Arctic military spending, reflecting heightened geopolitical interest in the region. The move follows renewed attention from the U.S., including former President Donald Trump’s interest in controlling Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. The U.S. maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, a key site for its ballistic missile early-warning system. Greenland’s strategic location along the shortest route between Europe and North America underscores its defense importance. This investment demonstrates Denmark’s commitment to bolstering Arctic security amid growing international competition.Original news
Baykar Signs Preliminary Contract for Piaggio Purchase
Baykar Technologies has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace, marking a significant step toward completing the asset transfer. The company was selected as the preferred bidder by Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy on December 27, 2024. Piaggio Aerospace, encompassing Piaggio Aero Industries and Piaggio Aviation, has been under extraordinary administration since 2018. The acquisition, expected to close in spring 2025, is contingent on meeting several conditions, including approval from Italy’s Council of Ministers under the ‘Golden Power’ law. This move highlights Baykar’s strategic expansion into aviation manufacturing on an international scale. Original news
Space Companies Shift Focus To Defence
Space companies are increasingly pivoting toward national security in response to growing defense opportunities. Redwire announced plans to acquire Edge Autonomy to bolster its national security capabilities, while Voyager Space rebranded as Voyager Technologies, Inc., to emphasize its defense focus. The U.S. military’s priorities, including competition with China and Russia and the establishment of the U.S. Space Force, are driving this strategic shift. In 2024, government space budgets grew by 10%, with $73 billion invested in defense, accounting for 54% of global government space spending. This trend reflects the growing alignment between the commercial space sector and national security priorities. […]
Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile USAF contract expanded to $208 million
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KOG.OL) has secured a nearly $70 million contract modification from the US State Department for Joint Strike Missile (JSM) production Lot One. Designed for the internal weapon bays of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the JSM is an advanced cruise missile variant of the Naval Strike Missile. The modification finalizes components of the $141 million initial contract with the USAF, including all-up rounds with containers and test hardware, with completion expected by September 30, 2027. The project involves collaboration with Raytheon (RTX) and production in Kongsberg, Norway. To meet growing demand in the US, Kongsberg is […]
Ohio approves tax incentive valued at up to $450M for Anduril Industries
Anduril Industries Inc. is spearheading a transformative project in northern Pickaway County, Ohio, aiming to create 4,008 full-time jobs by 2035. Supported by a 30-year, 2.594% Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, the initiative represents a $2 billion potential economic impact. The planned 500-acre manufacturing complex, expandable to 5 million square feet, will generate an estimated $530.3 million in annual payroll. The development aligns with long-term economic growth and workforce expansion in the region. This project underscores Ohio’s commitment to fostering large-scale innovation and investment. Original news
KNDS, Rheinmetall, Thales move ahead on next-generation tank project
KNDS, Rheinmetall (RHM.DE), and Thales (HO.PA) have signed a shareholder agreement to create a joint company for developing the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a next-generation main battle tank for Germany and France. Each partner will hold a 25% stake in the new company. The MGCS is designed to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks, with a planned introduction by 2040, although France is pushing for deployment by 2035. KNDS France CEO Nicolas Chamussy highlighted the collaboration as a combination of French and German expertise in battle tank technology. The project aims to counter evolving battlefield threats, such as […]
Leonardo, drone maker Baykar seek ‘synergies’ on battlefield sensors
Italy’s Leonardo (DRS) and Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar are exploring a potential partnership to integrate Leonardo’s electronics and radar systems onto Baykar’s drones. The collaboration discussions follow Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani’s visit to Baykar’s Turkish facility, where he evaluated the Bayraktar TB2 and other drone platforms. A Leonardo spokesperson emphasized the interest in creating synergies between the two companies, combining Baykar’s drone expertise with Leonardo’s advanced airborne electronics and sensors. The partnership could include integrating technologies like Leonardo’s Gabbiano radar to enhance the capabilities of Baykar’s UAVs. This potential collaboration underscores growing international interest in advancing drone technologies through strategic […]