The Swedish government has proposed export authorizations for Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen to Peru and GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft to Denmark. The request is part of Sweden’s 2025 Spring amending budget bill submitted to parliament. These potential deals highlight Sweden’s growing defense industry footprint. Nordic countries have been in talks since 2023 about jointly operating the GlobalEye system. The idea of a shared regional intelligence capability remains a key topic of strategic interest. Original news
Author: Veiko Lukmann
Rheinmetall Eyes €300 Billion Order Book Amid Expansion Talks
Rheinmetall may see its order book grow to as much as €300 billion by 2030, according to CEO Armin Papperger. The German defense giant is positioning for long-term growth amid rising global demand. Papperger confirmed ongoing discussions with Volkswagen regarding its Osnabrueck plant. However, he noted that any deal is not imminent. The company continues to seek strategic opportunities to expand production capabilities. Original news
UK Tests Directed Energy Weapon to Defeat Drone Swarms
The British Army has successfully tested a radiofrequency directed energy weapon (RF DEW) capable of neutralizing drone swarms. Held in west Wales, the trial showed the weapon’s ability to disrupt drone electronics and force crashes. The system, effective up to 1km, offers a cheaper alternative to conventional missile defense. Developed with over £40 million in funding, the RF DEW reflects a major investment in cutting-edge military tech. Thales Integrated Airspace-protection Systems spearheaded the project, showcasing UK defense innovation. Original news
China Restricts Rare Earth Exports in Response to U.S. Tariffs
China has enacted new export controls on seven rare earth minerals starting April 4, in retaliation for U.S. tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. The move targets critical materials essential to advanced American technologies, including F-35 jets and electric vehicles. Experts say China is leveraging its dominance in rare earths to exert geopolitical pressure. In response, U.S. firms like USA Rare Earth and Phoenix Tailings are working to build domestic alternatives. The Department of Defense has already invested over $439 million since 2020 to secure the U.S. supply chain. Original news
Finland Boosts Defense Ties with U.S. at Sea-Air-Space 2025
Finland’s trade agency, Business Finland, made its debut at the Navy League Sea-Air-Space 2025 conference with a 13-company delegation. Commercial counsellor Ulla Lainio highlighted closer cooperation between Finnish and U.S. firms following Finland’s NATO accession. She noted that alliance status enables deeper information sharing. Lainio also emphasized the significance of Finland’s F-35 order in reinforcing bilateral defense ties. The move signals Helsinki’s growing integration into Western defense networks. Original news
UDCG Pledges $24 Billion in Military Aid to Ukraine, UK Announces Major Contribution
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) has committed over €21 billion ($24 billion) in new military aid to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia. UK Defence Secretary John Healey called it a record surge in frontline support following the group’s April 11 meeting. The UK alone pledged an additional £350 million ($587 million) for equipment repairs, radar systems, anti-tank mines, and mass UAV deployment. This funding aims to sustain and expand Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities. The aid package marks one of the largest collective defense commitments to Ukraine to date. Original news
Elbit to Supply UT30 Mk 2 Turrets for European ASCOD Vehicles Under $100M Deal
Elbit Systems has secured a $100 million contract to deliver UT30 Mk 2 unmanned turret systems for ASCOD armored vehicles in an undisclosed European country. The turrets will feature advanced gunner and commander sights, anti-tank guided missiles, and STANAG 4569 level 4 protection. General Dynamics European Land Systems placed the order, to be fulfilled by the end of 2027. Speculation points to Latvia as the recipient, though neither Elbit nor GDELS confirmed this. The deal marks another boost for European armored vehicle modernization efforts. Original news
Trump-Era Policies Spur Growth in Defense Tech Startups, Especially in New England
The Trump administration’s defense posture is fueling momentum for startups focused on military robotics and drone technologies. Massachusetts-based Raytheon continues to anchor the local defense ecosystem with longstanding MIT ties. National security VC firm J2 Ventures raised $150 million to back emerging tech firms like Code Metal. In 2023, defense and aerospace startups attracted $6.6 billion in funding, with New England companies receiving $383 million. The trend signals robust investor interest in next-generation military technologies. Original news
Sweden Seeks Approval to Export GlobalEye AEW Aircraft to Denmark, Gripens to Peru
The Swedish government has requested parliamentary approval to advance export deals for key defense assets. The proposed sales include four S 106 GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft to Denmark and Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets to Peru. The deals aim to strengthen Sweden’s defense industry footprint abroad. Parliament’s endorsement is needed to move forward with the negotiations. If approved, the agreements would expand Swedish aerospace exports to both Europe and South America. Original news
Anduril Takes Over U.S. Army’s IVAS Project From Microsoft, Focus Shifts to Software
Anduril has assumed control of the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program from Microsoft, following official contract novation approval on April 10. The project, initially built on Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 platform, will now see a shift in focus toward software development for existing hardware. Anduril’s engineering lead Tom Keane confirmed the company’s role in enhancing functionality rather than creating new devices. Microsoft acknowledged the transfer, while the Army has yet to comment publicly. The handover marks a new phase in efforts to modernize soldier battlefield technology. Original news
Belgium Eyes More F-35s, Seeks European Assembly and Economic Returns
Belgium is considering expanding its F-35 fleet beyond the 34 already ordered, but only if the new jets can be assembled outside the U.S. Defense Minister Theo Francken suggested Italy as a potential production site to boost European involvement. The first Belgian F-35A is set for a debut flight from Fort Worth in May 2024. Francken highlighted the importance of economic offsets and job creation for Belgian industries. The move reflects growing European interest in securing local benefits from major defense programs. Original news
Trump-Era Policies Prompt F-35 Doubts in Canada, Portugal Amid Continued Global Support
Canada and Portugal are rethinking their participation in the F-35 program due to the Trump administration’s approach to European defense. Meanwhile, key allies like the UK, Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands reaffirm their commitment to the fifth-generation fighter. Lockheed Martin emphasized that F-35 sales remain government-to-government transactions. Experts note that many countries are too invested to back out of the program at this stage. Although alternatives may emerge, the F-35 remains the sole fifth-gen option for U.S. allies. Original news
Greece Expands French Defense Ties With Exocet Missile Deal
Greece has signed an agreement with France to purchase 16 Exocet anti-ship missiles, further deepening bilateral defense cooperation. The deal was finalized by Greek and French defense ministers, though financial details remain undisclosed. It builds on Greece’s 2021 defense pact with France, which includes Rafale jets and Belharra frigates. Athens also plans to buy a fourth frigate and cruise missiles as part of a €25 billion modernization effort. The moves aim to bolster Greece’s military edge amid regional tensions with Turkey. Original news
Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Plans Clouded by Interest in Turkish Kaan
Indonesia’s potential involvement in Turkey’s Kaan fighter program is adding complexity to its future combat aircraft strategy. President Prabowo’s interest comes despite funding issues with the KF-21 project co-developed with South Korea. The status of Indonesia’s planned purchase of 24 Boeing F-15EX jets remains uncertain amid budget and approval hurdles. Meanwhile, Jakarta has confirmed a deal for 42 Dassault Rafales to modernize its aging fleet. Overall, the country’s long-term fighter procurement path appears increasingly fragmented. Original news
China’s Rare Earth Export Curbs Signal Strategic Pressure on U.S. Defense
China’s new restrictions on rare earth exports have raised alarms for U.S. national security and defense industries. The policy mandates special licenses for six key heavy rare earth metals, highlighting America’s dependency on Chinese supplies. Experts warn this move could escalate, affecting the Pentagon’s supply chains. While U.S. defense firms have temporary stockpiles, officials admit reserves are insufficient for long-term needs. The shift underscores vulnerabilities in American weapons manufacturing reliance on foreign materials. Original news