Ukraine has reportedly developed a laser anti-aircraft weapon named “Tryzub,” according to Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi. The system, allegedly used against Iranian-made Shahed drones, was first mentioned in December and confirmed operational in February. Although no images or independent verification have emerged, Ukrainian officials claim it is capable of striking aerial targets. Industry experts believe Tryzub may be an indigenous development, given Ukraine’s expanding military-industrial base. If confirmed, Ukraine would join a select group of nations deploying laser-based air defense technology. Original news
Month: March 2025
EU Launches €150B SAFE Initiative to Boost Defense Autonomy
The European Union has introduced the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a €150 billion ($163 billion) funding program aimed at strengthening strategic autonomy and reducing reliance on U.S. weapons. Part of the broader Readiness 2030 plan, SAFE will provide defense investment loans to EU member states, as well as Ukraine, EFTA, and EEA countries, but will exclude the U.S. and the UK. European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas highlighted concerns about operational independence, citing Lockheed Martin’s F-35 as an example. The EU also released a defense white paper outlining critical capability gaps and calling for greater coordination to bolster […]
Thales Secures €100M Sonar Contract for Dutch Orka-Class Submarines
Thales has won a multimillion-euro contract from France’s Naval Group to supply integrated sonar suites for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Orka-class submarines. The deal, valued at over €100 million ($109 million), was announced on March 19. Naval Group previously secured a €5.6 billion contract in September 2024 from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to build four conventionally powered submarines at its Cherbourg facility. The Thales sonar suite, based on the French Navy’s Barracuda-class technology, will include multiple arrays and advanced sonar systems. This contract strengthens France-Netherlands defense cooperation and enhances the Dutch Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities. Original news
US Space Firms Expand into Europe Amid Rising Defense Investment
US space companies are accelerating their expansion into Europe, exemplified by SES’s partnership with Lynk Global to leverage MEO relays for European operations. This trend aligns with increased defense spending and a push for sovereign space capabilities, highlighted by the €10.6 billion IRIS² satellite initiative. Companies such as AST SpaceMobile and Rocket Lab have also announced European ventures, signaling growing transatlantic collaboration. Despite challenges for established players like Airbus, European space startups remain attractive to investors, securing four of the 15 largest global space funding deals last year. This shift reflects Europe’s increasing role in the global space economy, with […]
UK Seeks Inclusion in EU’s €800 Billion Defense Plan Amid Macron’s Opposition
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is pushing for Britain to be treated as an EU member state in the bloc’s €800 billion defense initiative, despite resistance from French President Emmanuel Macron. The plan, designed to boost European defense spending and manufacturing in response to Russian aggression, includes a “buy European” clause that could exclude the UK due to Brexit. While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and some EU members support UK participation, Macron favors limiting the initiative to EU countries. The UK government argues that closer defense cooperation with the EU and NATO is essential for European […]
Germany Amends Constitution to Boost Defense Spending and Aid Ukraine
Germany’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment on Tuesday to increase defense spending, passing the measure by a 512 to 206 vote. The decision, backed by the Green Party and the incoming coalition of conservatives and social democrats, enables a new €3 billion aid package for Ukraine. Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who previously opposed government debt, led the effort amid growing European military investment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Union is also preparing loans worth approximately €150 billion for military expenditures, which could support up to €800 billion in new defense investments. This shift marks Germany’s deeper commitment to […]
Canadian PM Mark Carney Seeks French Support Amid US Trade Tensions
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss trade tensions with US President Donald Trump. Carney reaffirmed Canada’s independence, stating it would “never, ever” be part of the United States. Macron criticized tariffs for disrupting supply chains and causing inflation, signaling support for Canada’s trade position. Carney is also reviewing Canada’s purchase of US-made F-35 fighter jets due to the ongoing trade dispute. His diplomatic efforts will continue with visits to Britain and Canada’s Arctic, highlighting his broader strategy to strengthen Canada’s global alliances. Original news
France to Boost Defense Spending, Expedite Rafale Orders, and Upgrade Nuclear Capabilities
President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to accelerate Rafale warplane orders and invest €1.5 billion in air base upgrades to support advanced nuclear missile technology. France aims to increase defense spending to 3-3.5% of GDP, up from the current 2%, reinforcing its strategic autonomy. The investment will fund the deployment of the Rafale S5 fighter jets, equipped with ASN4G hypersonic nuclear-armed cruise missiles, set to enter service by 2035. Macron’s initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance France’s military readiness and reduce dependence on U.S. security guarantees. As geopolitical tensions rise, France positions itself as a key independent defense […]
MBDA Achieves Record €13.8 Billion in Orders, Pushes for European Defense Autonomy
MBDA secured a record €13.8 billion in orders for 2024, with CEO Eric Béranger emphasizing Europe’s urgent need for defense self-reliance amid shifting global alliances. The company plans to double its missile production by 2025 compared to 2023 and will invest €2.4 billion in production expansion, hiring 2,600 new employees. Additionally, OCCAR-EA and Eurosam signed an agreement to accelerate Aster missile production, reinforcing Europe’s air defense capabilities. Béranger’s remarks follow growing concerns over Europe’s reliance on non-European defense suppliers, coinciding with Canada’s reconsideration of its F-35 purchase from the U.S. As geopolitical uncertainties rise, MBDA’s push for a stronger European […]
U.S. Deploys Mid-Range Missile System in the Philippines, Drawing China’s Criticism
The U.S. Army has indefinitely stationed a Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system in the Philippines, strengthening its Indo-Pacific deterrence strategy. U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll emphasized the system’s effectiveness, stating, “We proved the MRC’s deterrent effect via a dynamic deployment in the Philippines and look forward to all future power projection opportunities!” Originally positioned for military drills, the deployment has been extended, prompting strong criticism from China. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army is also considering stationing its Multi-Domain Task Force—including MRC and Long-Range Hypersonic Weapons—in Japan. The move aligns with Washington’s efforts to counter China’s growing military presence in […]
Airbus Urges Germany to Cancel F-35A Order, Prioritize European Defense
Airbus Defense & Space chairman Thomas Pretzl has called on Germany’s new government to cancel its order for 35 Lockheed Martin F-35A jets, citing geopolitical risks under US President Donald Trump. Speaking at Airbus’s Manching facility, Pretzl urged Berlin to prioritize European defense projects, particularly the Eurofighter. Germany’s procurement plan also includes US-made Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters and P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, raising concerns about dependency on American systems. Pretzl emphasized the need to accelerate Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), warning that current timelines are insufficient to address emerging threats. His remarks reflect […]
Pentagon Dismisses F-35 “Kill Switch” Rumors Amid Global Tensions
The Pentagon has denied claims of a remote “kill switch” for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, reaffirming that all operators maintain full control over their jets. The F-35 Joint Program Office emphasized the aircraft’s joint development with global partners, ensuring sustainment and operational independence for all users. Lockheed Martin highlighted that the F-35 fleet has exceeded 1 million flight hours across 16 US and allied military services. Speculation about US control over allied F-35s has resurfaced as Canada reevaluates its fighter jet procurement amid political tensions and trade disputes with Washington. Despite concerns, the JPO reiterated the program’s strength lies […]
Saab Develops Counter-Drone System for Sweden in Record Time
Saab has collaborated with Sweden’s Defense Materiel Agency (FMV) to develop the Loke counter-drone system in just three months. Loke integrates Saab’s Giraffe 1X surveillance radar, a lightweight command-and-control system, and the Trackfire remote weapon system for rapid threat detection and engagement. The system is designed to counter evolving drone threats, enhancing Sweden’s air defense capabilities. Saab’s rapid development highlights the growing urgency for counter-UAV solutions amid increasing drone warfare. The company has not yet disclosed potential export opportunities for the Loke system. Original news
France, Italy, UK Secure Additional Aster Missiles for Air Defense
France, Italy, and the UK have confirmed the purchase of over 200 additional Aster 15 and 30 surface-to-air missiles from Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales. The contract amendment, awarded by OCCAR on March 11 and announced by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) on March 14, expands an earlier order placed in December 2022. The deal includes 218 new Aster missiles and accelerates the delivery of 134 previously ordered units, scheduled for 2025-2026. The Aster 15 is optimized for short-to-medium range air defense, capable of countering high-speed, maneuvering threats in saturation attack scenarios. This procurement reinforces European […]
Europe Rethinks US Defense Reliance Amid Tensions
European leaders are reassessing their dependence on American defense systems due to growing tensions with the Trump administration. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged EU nations to invest in European alternatives, promoting the Franco-Italian SAMP/T missile defense system and Dassault’s Rafale over the US-made Patriot and F-35. Despite this push for defense autonomy, US arms exports remain dominant, with European NATO members still having nearly 500 combat aircraft on order from the US, according to SIPRI. Retired Air Marshal Greg Bagwell pointed out that no viable European alternative exists for fifth-generation stealth fighters, reinforcing American dominance in the sector. The […]