General Dynamics Land Systems will debut the Stryker Mission Command on the Move (MCOTM) and two robotic vehicles at the upcoming Association of the United States Army trade show. The Stryker MCOTM is a hybrid electric vehicle that provides a mobile and agile command post with a 300-mile range, silent mobility, and reduced fuel consumption. It is equipped with the Iron Fist Active Protection System to defend against threats. The accompanying robotic vehicles include the MUTT XM, featuring spoofing technology, and the TRX Defender, designed for ground-to-ground security. GDLS hopes these innovations will lead to future Army demonstrations and field […]
Author: Veiko Lukmann
Rafael to unveil new battlefield air defense solution
At the upcoming AUSA (Association of the United States Army) annual meeting, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will unveil new unmanned air defense systems designed to offer ground troops comprehensive protection and enhanced combat capabilities. Among the systems being showcased are the laser-based Lite Beam and the 30 mm Samson remote weapon system, both mounted on four-wheeled vehicles. These systems will provide ground forces with flexible and extensive defense against advanced aerial threats, including UAVs. Rafael will also highlight the enhanced capabilities of its Trophy active protection system for military vehicles, which has demonstrated its effectiveness against various battlefield threats in […]
France confirms Mirage 2000s to arrive to Ukraine in early 2025
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on social media that the first of an undisclosed number of Mirage 2000 combat aircraft will arrive in Ukraine in early 2025. Lecornu stated, “The delivery of Mirage 2000s to Ukraine remains on schedule for the first quarter of 2025. In Cazaux, Gironde, the aircraft will be outfitted with new equipment for air-to-ground combat and anti-electronic warfare defense. Meanwhile, the training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics is ongoing.” As previously reported by Janes, the French Air and Space Force is gradually replacing its Mirage 2000s with the Dassault Rafale, allowing for their availability to […]
Will Defense Stocks Regain Their Cold War Allure?
The Wall Street Journal reports that following the Israeli airstrike targeting a Hezbollah leader on September 27, shares in major defense companies like Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman have outperformed the S&P 500. However, analysts caution that despite this performance boost, the defense sector is unlikely to see valuations comparable to those during the Cold War era without significantly larger defense budgets. The current fiscal environment and spending constraints may limit the industry’s long-term growth potential, despite increased geopolitical tensions. Original news
Trump wants NATO to hit 3 percent GDP on defense
Donald Trump has pledged to push NATO allies to increase their defense spending target from 2% to 3% of GDP if he wins the 2024 election. While increasing NATO’s defense budgets would strengthen the alliance, Trump’s proposal also raises concerns about the U.S. defense budget, which currently struggles to meet a 3% threshold. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that hitting a 3% of GDP goal would require a significant budget increase for the U.S. military, potentially reaching $1.03 trillion by the end of a second Trump administration. Additionally, inflation and rising defense costs could diminish the Pentagon’s buying power, […]
UK defence release ITTs as part of the Drone Capability Coalition
The British government has issued tenders for specific drone capabilities as part of the international Drone Capability Coalition (DCC) to support Ukraine’s continued use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The first phase focuses on procuring Large First-Person View (FPV) drones and Operational Drone Interceptors, with a goal to establish a reliable Western-based supply chain and ensure Ukraine outpaces Russian drone capabilities. The FPV tender aims to deliver 300 drones for initial testing, while the interceptor tender targets systems to counter opposing UAS threats. This initiative forms part of the broader global sustainment program, launched by the UK and Latvia, and […]
Stealthy Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle To Work Alongside Future French Rafale Fighters
#analysis France has announced plans to develop a new uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV), intended to complement the forthcoming Rafale F5 fighter as part of the country’s future Air and Space Force. The program, led by Dassault Aviation, builds on the company’s experience with the nEUROn UCAV demonstrator and aims to provide stealth and autonomous capabilities with human oversight. Set for operational readiness by 2033, the drone will enhance France’s technological and operational superiority in air warfare. The new UCAV will operate alongside Rafale F5 fighters, likely contributing to nuclear deterrence and supporting high-risk combat missions. The initiative aligns with […]
Ukraine To Receive Mirage 2000 Fighters From France In 2025
France has confirmed it will upgrade surplus Mirage 2000 jets with air-ground combat and electronic warfare systems before delivering them to Ukraine. The jets will likely be armed with French-made SCALP-EG cruise missiles and Hammer glide bombs, providing precision-strike capabilities at distances of up to 155 miles, reinforcing Ukraine’s aging Su-24 bombers. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s acquisition of F-16s will bolster its air force alongside its MiG-29 and Su-27 jets. The Mirage 2000s could potentially form a new bomber brigade to operate alongside the battle-hardened 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade, which has expanded significantly during the war. Ukrainian pilots and ground crews are […]
Trophy System Gets Upgrade to Counter Top-Attack Threats
Israeli defense contractor Rafael has upgraded its Trophy active protection system to defend against top-attack threats, addressing vulnerabilities posed by drones and missiles targeting vehicles from above. This enhancement was showcased in a live-fire test video, where the system intercepted a drone descending toward a vehicle’s turret. The upgrade is available through a software update for existing Trophy systems, though specific details of the new capabilities remain undisclosed. Trophy uses sensors, radar, and physical interceptors to destroy incoming projectiles and is already deployed on Israeli Merkava tanks, American Abrams tanks, and has been tested on Stryker APCs and Bradley Fighting […]
US Forces Europe Commander Compiles List Of American Weapons Systems To Help Ukraine
General Chris Cavoli, the top US military commander in Europe, compiled a list of advanced weapons systems that could significantly bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Among these systems are the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Link 16, a NATO data-sharing network that enhances battlefield communication, especially for air and missile defense. Ukraine has repeatedly requested these capabilities, but US officials are concerned about sensitive technology falling into Russian hands. While the Biden administration has provided substantial aid, it has so far refrained from supplying certain long-range missile systems that might provoke deeper Russian retaliation. The future of US support […]
Romania Selects Otokar’s Cobra II Armored Vehicle In $940 Million Deal
Romania has selected the Turkish Cobra II armored vehicle for its land forces, ordering 1,059 units in a deal valued at around $940 million. The first 278 vehicles will be produced in Turkey by Otokar, with the remaining units built in Romania through local partnerships. Romania’s Ministry of National Defence assigned state-run company Romtehnica to oversee the procurement. This acquisition is part of Romania’s broader efforts to modernize its military, including plans to purchase tracked infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, and self-propelled howitzers. The ongoing war in Ukraine has prompted Romania to strengthen its defense capabilities and revive its domestic defense […]
Saab secures additional mobile air defence order from Lithuania
Lithuania has awarded Saab a $116 million contract to deliver a second Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) system, building on an initial order from July 2024. The new system will enhance Lithuania’s defense against short-range air threats, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2029. This deal strengthens Lithuania’s strategic focus on mobility and rapid response, especially important given its proximity to Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave. Saab’s MSHORAD system, which combines the Giraffe 1X radar and RBS 70 NG missile system, offers 360-degree situational awareness and is designed for fast deployment. This partnership highlights Lithuania’s growing defense capabilities as it […]
DefendTex attack UAV operational in Ukraine after UK-Latvia Drone Coalition selection
Australian company DefendTex has launched its first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called the Vengeance FPV, with some units already shipped to Ukraine for evaluation. The quadrotor UAV is designed for mass production and was showcased in a recent fly-off event in Latvia, part of the UK-led Drone Coalition supporting Ukraine. Following the event, 20 unarmed Vengeance FPV UAVs were delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces for testing. DefendTex is now awaiting feedback on the UAV’s performance in the field. The Drone Coalition focuses on supplying Ukraine with drones and components from Ukraine Defense Contact Group countries. Original news
Russia’s S-70 Hunter Drone Was Armed When Shot Down By Friendly Fighter Over Ukraine
#analysis Photos of the wreckage of the Russian S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter-B) UCAV shot down over Ukraine reveal it was carrying a precision-guided glide bomb, indicating the drone was undergoing operational trials. The drone, potentially a fourth prototype, was shot down by a Russian fighter, likely to prevent sensitive technology from falling into Ukrainian hands. The S-70 was likely testing its performance in a contested environment, possibly engaging Ukrainian targets. This incident underscores the increasing use of advanced unmanned systems like the S-70 in the Ukraine conflict, with its stealth and strike capabilities being of interest to Russia’s military. Despite its […]
‘We haven’t done that much’: Former President of Estonia says US fears of escalation with Putin are unwarranted
In an interview with Fox News Digital, former Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid stressed the global stakes of the war in Ukraine, urging Americans to recognize the minimal cost of supporting Ukraine compared to the value of securing the “freedom-loving world.” She emphasized the importance of continued aid, stating that a modest increase in Western spending could lead to Ukraine’s victory. Kaljulaid also supported lifting restrictions on long-range missile systems to enable Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, dismissing fears of escalation. She criticized Russia as a “terrorist regime” that does not follow traditional Cold War rules of engagement. Kaljulaid […]