French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a €2 billion (approximately $2.2 billion) military aid package for Ukraine during a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. The package includes Milan anti-tank missiles, MICA air-to-air missiles for Mirage aircraft, Mistral surface-to-air missiles, VAB armored vehicles, AMX-10RC reconnaissance vehicles, loitering munitions, and drones. Macron emphasized the urgency of continued support amid ongoing conflict with Russia. France has already provided tens of thousands of 155mm shells for Ukraine’s CAESAR and TRF1 self-propelled howitzers. This latest commitment reinforces France’s role as a key defense partner to Kyiv. Original news
Month: March 2025
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo Begin Early Merger Talks on Satellite Businesses
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo have entered early-stage discussions with EU antitrust regulators about a potential merger of their satellite operations, according to Reuters. The talks are in the pre-notification phase, indicating the beginning of a lengthy process that may not yield concrete results until sometime next year. A second source noted that France and Italy are generally supportive of the initiative. However, the European Commission’s stance will be critical, given its past opposition to similar consolidation efforts. The merger aims to strengthen Europe’s satellite manufacturing capabilities amid growing global competition. Original news
Germany Seeks Closer Defense Ties with South Korea Amid Industry Push
German Ambassador to South Korea Georg Schmidt called for deeper cooperation with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). He emphasized Germany’s €1 trillion defense investment plan, aligning with U.S. calls for increased European defense spending. Schmidt pointed to ongoing collaboration, including South Korea’s acquisition of German Taurus missiles, while acknowledging growing competition between the two nations’ defense industries. He stressed the importance of domestic production capabilities and rapid manufacturing in Germany’s procurement strategy. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness, he noted, will be decisive factors in future defense partnerships. Original news
Airbus Eyes Deeper Defense Collaboration with Türkiye
Airbus is seeking to expand its collaboration with Türkiye’s defense and aviation industries, particularly by increasing local parts production. The move follows a March 24–25 summit in Toulouse where Airbus showcased its latest sustainable aviation developments. Airbus currently works with 41 Turkish suppliers, who produce $600 million worth of components annually. The company aims to deepen this partnership by encouraging greater involvement from Türkiye’s defense and aerospace sector. Officials expressed interest in leveraging Türkiye’s military aviation capabilities in future projects. Original news
Sweden Tests Saab’s Tp 47 Lightweight Torpedo on Small and Unmanned Vessels
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Saab have tested the new Tp 47 lightweight torpedo from small, unconventional platforms, including a Combat Boat 90 and an unmanned surface vessel (USV). These trials aim to assess the torpedo’s compatibility with non-traditional naval craft. The Tp 47 is a next-generation, 400 mm wire-guided torpedo designed for the unique environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea. FMV confirmed collaboration with Saab and the Swedish Armed Forces to explore broader deployment of the torpedo on smaller naval platforms. The initiative reflects Sweden’s efforts to enhance flexibility and capability in littoral warfare. Original news
MBDA CEO Urges Greater European Defense Cooperation Amid Record Sales and NATO Uncertainty
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger has urged European governments to increase cross-border collaboration in weapons development as uncertainty grows over the Trump administration’s NATO commitments. Speaking on March 17, Béranger said Europe is at a pivotal moment for security, citing the unpredictable behavior of traditional allies. He revealed MBDA achieved €4.9 billion in revenues and a record €13.8 billion in order intake for 2024. His remarks coincided with the EU’s announcement of a €150 billion loan initiative under the ReArm Europe Plan to boost defense capabilities. The call underscores rising pressure on Europe to strengthen its own defense industrial base. Original […]
Small Launcher Market Shrinks as Investment Shifts Toward Medium-Lift Rockets
The small launcher market is declining, with only four new companies founded in 2023 compared to 27 in 2017, according to the NewSpace Index. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt now leads Relativity, investing over $1 billion into the company, one of the few well-funded U.S. rocket startups. Investor attention is shifting from small launchers to medium-lift capabilities, favoring firms like Rocket Lab and SpaceX. Meanwhile, countries in Europe and Asia continue to prioritize sovereign launch capabilities, fueling international investment in launch infrastructure. Despite the slowdown in startups, global demand for independent access to space remains strong. Original news
Denmark Eyes Airbus A330 MRTT Buy to Strengthen European Aerial Refueling Capabilities
Denmark plans to join the European air-to-air refueling pool and may purchase two Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft for approximately $1.1 billion between 2025 and 2033. The country intends to first buy flight hours and later acquire a share equal to two aircraft in the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet. The A330 MRTT supports both boom and probe-and-drogue refueling systems, making it compatible with a wide range of European and U.S. aircraft. The move comes amid growing concerns about Europe’s reliance on U.S. aerial refueling capacity as Washington signals disengagement. Denmark also plans to invest 4.7 billion kroner to accelerate development […]
Airbus Urges EU to Include UK Defense Firms in €150 Billion Military Fund
Airbus executives are calling on the European Union to ensure British defense companies are not excluded from the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative. Airbus Defense CEO Michael Schoellhorn stressed the importance of treating the UK as part of Europe in defense matters, possibly through a new security agreement. CEO Guillaume Faury highlighted the existing integration of UK firms within EU defense supply chains and emphasized the need for cooperation to strengthen Europe’s sovereign defense industry. Schoellhorn also stated that while current F-35 orders should be maintained, countries like Germany should rethink future purchases in favor of European […]
Lockheed Martin Nears Decision on European Missile Production Site
Lockheed Martin is in the final stages of selecting a location in Europe for a new weapons production facility, according to Tim Cahill, president of its Missiles and Fire Control division. The move is part of the company’s broader effort to expand production across its missile families amid surging demand. Establishing a European site would help support NATO allies and meet growing regional defense needs. Cahill emphasized the importance of aligning with partner nations to ensure timely delivery and localized support. The expansion reflects Lockheed’s strategy to strengthen its presence and capabilities outside the U.S. Original news
Laser Communications in Space Gain Momentum Amid Starlink and Military Investment
The adoption of optical communications via laser links is accelerating, led by SpaceX’s Starlink network and substantial funding from the U.S. Space Force. The global market for space-based laser communications is expected to grow to $6.7 billion by 2033. Key players include the Space Development Agency, which is building a low-Earth orbit constellation equipped with optical links, and the European Space Agency, pursuing similar advancements. These technologies promise faster and more secure data transmission between satellites. Industry experts caution that atmospheric interference and supply chain delays could hinder full-scale implementation. Original news
ESA Launches European Launcher Challenge to Boost Sovereign Rocket Development
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened submissions for its European Launcher Challenge, aiming to increase the number of sovereign satellite launch providers across Europe. Companies have six weeks to submit proposals, with ESA spending the following six months evaluating them. Winning firms may receive up to €169 million ($183 million) each at the agency’s ministerial meeting in November. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized support for smaller launchers, including microlaunchers and minilaunchers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe’s independent access to space. Original news
Pentagon Selects U.S. and Ukrainian Firms to Build Low-Cost Combat Drones
The Defense Innovation Unit has awarded contracts to four American companies to co-develop affordable drone prototypes with Ukrainian partners under the Artemis program. The goal is to field mass-produced, low-cost drones by fiscal 2025, drawing on Ukraine’s battlefield experience in modifying commercial drones for military use. Analysts note Ukraine’s innovations have demonstrated effectiveness against Russian forces. The program aims to merge Ukraine’s rapid development approach with U.S. defense capabilities. This marks a significant step toward modernizing drone warfare through international collaboration. Original news
Star Catcher Demonstrates Long-Distance Solar Power Beaming in Milestone Test
Star Catcher successfully tested its solar power beaming technology on Earth by transmitting energy over 100 meters, roughly the length of a football field. The demonstration used a solar energy collection system to power standard solar arrays, marking the startup’s longest-distance transfer to date. This test is a key step toward Star Catcher’s broader goal of creating a low Earth orbit (LEO) power grid to beam solar energy to spacecraft. Such a system could support power-hungry small satellites, extend satellite lifespans, and assist struggling spacecraft. The startup has already secured customers, including Space Florida and AFWERX, with more power purchasing […]
Boeing Secures $50 Billion Pentagon Contract for Next-Gen F-47 Fighter Jet
Boeing has been awarded a massive Pentagon contract to develop the F-47, marking the most expensive jet fighter program in U.S. history. The contract, potentially exceeding $50 billion, is structured as a cost-plus agreement, ensuring Boeing profits during the development stage. The F-47 will feature advanced stealth, long-range strike capabilities, and integration with semiautonomous drones to counter rising Chinese military threats. Lockheed Martin, Boeing’s main competitor, lost out amid ongoing issues with its F-35 program. The decision signals a strategic pivot in U.S. airpower modernization efforts. Original news