Italy plans to introduce a guarantee scheme that could unlock up to €200 billion ($216.48 billion) in defense and aerospace investments. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti will present the proposal at a March 10 EU finance ministers meeting in Brussels. The European Security and Industrial Innovation Initiative aims to leverage €17 billion in EU guarantees to stimulate investments over five years. The plan is designed to strengthen Europe’s defense industry while minimizing the financial impact on Italy’s public finances. If approved, the initiative would significantly boost European defense capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions. Original news
Month: March 2025
Lithuania Strengthens Defense Ties With U.S. Contractors Amid Russian Threat
Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Šakalienė is deepening collaboration with major U.S. defense firms, including Lockheed Martin, to enhance military capabilities against growing Russian threats. During a recent roundtable, she expressed satisfaction with discussions, stating, “We require a lot from them.” Lithuania plans to increase its military budget to 5-6% of GDP, requiring at least $8 billion in defense spending over the coming years. Šakalienė emphasized Lithuania as both a defense market and a strategic partner, underscoring mutual benefits for U.S. firms. The initiative highlights Lithuania’s commitment to strengthening its defense posture through advanced military acquisitions. Original news
Dassault Aviation Reports Growth in Falcon Jet Orders and Sales
Dassault Aviation has reported increased demand for its Falcon aircraft, according to its 2024 financial report. The company recorded 26 Falcon orders in 2024, up from 23 in 2023, reflecting steady sales growth. As of December 31, 2024, Dassault maintained a backlog of 79 Falcon jets, indicating strong future deliveries. The increase highlights continued interest in Dassault’s high-performance business jets despite market fluctuations. The company’s growing order book reinforces its position in the global business aviation sector. Original news
Turkey’s Aselsan Successfully Tests GÖKBERK Laser Weapon Against Drones
Turkish defense company Aselsan has successfully tested its GÖKBERK mobile laser weapon system, designed to counter first-person-view (FPV) drones. The system autonomously tracked and destroyed drone threats, demonstrating its effectiveness for Türkiye’s Steel Dome national air defense system. Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol highlighted the system’s potential for both Turkey and allied nations, reinforcing its export prospects. The GÖKBERK laser is part of Turkey’s broader push to strengthen regional air defense capabilities. The Steel Dome project aims to enhance Türkiye’s defenses against evolving aerial threats. Original news
Denmark Selects Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile for Frigate Upgrade
The Royal Danish Navy has selected Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to equip its three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, replacing the previously donated Boeing Harpoon missiles. The $193.3 million (NOK2.1 billion) contract, awarded to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, was announced on March 6. The deal includes training, logistical support, and maintenance services, ensuring a smooth transition to the new missile system. Missile deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2025 and continue through 2030. The acquisition strengthens Denmark’s naval strike capabilities amid rising security concerns in the Baltic region. Original news
Space Industry Braces for Surge in Mergers and Acquisitions in 2025
Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the space sector is expected to increase significantly in 2025, following delays in 2024 deal closures. Tyler Letarte of AE Industrial Partners cited delayed government contracts and high interest rates as key factors behind the backlog of pending deals. Hoyt Davidson of Near Earth noted that anticipated U.S. defense spending and commercial space sector growth are fueling renewed acquisition interest. Despite uncertainties in defense budgets, Chris Quilty of Quilty Space expects M&A activity to rise, particularly as regulatory changes unfold following the departure of FTC Chair Lina Khan. The anticipated boom could make 2025 […]
European Nations Dismiss Claims of U.S. “Kill Switch” in F-35 Jets
European countries are denying concerns that the U.S. has a “kill switch” for F-35 fighter jets, which are critical to their defense. The issue resurfaced after former President Donald Trump’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine, raising fears over European nations’ operational control of their F-35 fleets. Joachim Schranzhofer of German defense firm Hensoldt stated that while there is no direct kill switch, the U.S. could block access to essential software, effectively grounding the aircraft. As Germany prepares to receive 35 F-35s in 2026, concerns are mounting over U.S. control of critical defense technology. The debate underscores Europe’s growing push […]
India Rejects Trump’s Proposal to Buy U.S. F-35 Fighter Jets
Indian officials have dismissed Donald Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to sell F-35 stealth fighters to India. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh clarified that India has not made a formal request for the jets and has not considered them as part of its modernization plans. While India acknowledges the need to keep pace with advanced military technology, the high cost of the F-35s remains a major deterrent. Trump’s offer is viewed as an attempt to expand U.S. influence in India’s defense industry. However, India is expected to focus on indigenous fighter programs and partnerships with France and Russia for its […]
Canada Warns of U.S. Control Over F-35 Upgrades Amid Rising Tensions
The Canadian Department of National Defence has warned that the U.S. will control software and hardware upgrades for Canada’s new F-35 fleet. Officials dismissed concerns about a potential U.S. “kill switch”, stating that Canada will retain operational control over its jets. However, the warning comes amid rising tensions between Canada and the U.S., fueled by President Trump’s trade policies and rhetoric. Lockheed Martin was asked whether it had received assurances from the U.S. government regarding Canada’s continued access to upgrades. Company spokesperson Rebecca Miller reaffirmed Lockheed’s commitment to supporting F-35 customers with necessary system infrastructure and sustainment data. Original news
UK Labour MPs Urge Banks to Invest in Defense Amid Rising Military Spending
Over 100 Labour MPs and peers have signed a letter urging banks, fund managers, and pension funds to stop avoiding defense investments due to ethical concerns. Led by MP Alex Baker, the letter calls for removing anti-defense investment restrictions, arguing they hinder support for national security. Currently, 99% of investors in the National Employment Savings Trust hold indices that include defense stocks such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Rolls-Royce. The pressure follows Britain’s decision to increase defense spending and provide more support to Ukraine, amid the U.S. scaling back aid under President Trump. The move highlights growing political efforts […]
Palantir Delivers First TITAN AI Ground Systems to U.S. Army
Palantir Technologies has delivered the first two Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) systems to the U.S. Army, enhancing battlefield data integration and targeting capabilities. The delivery follows a $178 million contract awarded in March 2024 for 10 next-generation AI-driven ground systems. TITAN is designed to strengthen the link between data-gathering sensors, weapons, and decision-makers, improving long-range targeting accuracy and speed. The system leverages AI and real-time data processing to enhance military situational awareness. The deployment marks a major step in the Army’s modernization efforts, aiming to improve battlefield intelligence and decision-making. Original news
China Expands Ban on U.S. Defense Firms Amid Rising Tensions
China has banned 25 more U.S.-based defense companies, further expanding its economic blacklist of American military contractors. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated the ban aims to protect national sovereignty and security amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Companies affected include Huntington Ingalls Industries, S3 AeroDefense, Cubic Corporation, TextOre, Exovera, and Teledyne Brown Engineering. The move follows previous bans on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, imposed after U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The expanded restrictions highlight China’s growing retaliation against U.S. defense policies and military partnerships. Original news
Latvian President Urges European Nations to Reinstate Conscription Amid Russian Threat
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has called for European countries to introduce conscription, warning of the growing threat from Russia. Speaking on Sunday, he emphasized that Latvia reinstated compulsory military service in January 2023 due to its proximity to Russia and urged other nations to follow suit. Rinkēvičs also confirmed that Latvia is debating whether to extend conscription to women, reflecting broader discussions on military readiness. While acknowledging public concerns, he stressed that reassurance must be backed by concrete defense actions from Latvia and other European governments. His remarks highlight Europe’s increasing focus on military preparedness amid uncertainty over the war […]
UK Defense Firms Prepare to Expand Production Amid Rising Military Demand
British defense manufacturers, including BAE Systems, Babcock, Leonardo UK, and Chemring, are preparing to ramp up production as European nations seek greater defense independence. The surge in demand follows Russia’s war in Ukraine and shifting U.S. policies, prompting 24-hour production lines, weekend shifts, and new manufacturing investments. BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn confirmed that the company has been scaling up in recent years but emphasized the need for clear government direction. The UK government has pledged to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next Parliament. Defense firms are now awaiting procurement details, with […]
Australian Army Expands Use of Estonian-Croatian Startup Vegvisir Mixed Reality Tech for Battlefield Awareness
The Australian Army has placed a follow-up order with Vegvisir to further integrate its Mixed Reality-based situational awareness technology into armored vehicles. Vegvisir CEO Ingvar Pärnamäe expressed enthusiasm, citing overwhelmingly positive feedback from initial trials. The XR-Based Situational Awareness Systems have been successfully tested on modified M113 Armored Personnel Carriers, enhancing battlefield visibility and decision-making. The technology provides 360-degree real-time awareness, allowing crews to operate effectively in complex environments. The expanded order reflects Australia’s commitment to leveraging advanced digital tools for military modernization. Original news