MilDef has been awarded a SEK27.5 million ($2.7 million) contract to supply rugged computers, switches, and IT equipment for Denmark’s new Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS). The contract, placed by the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), is set to be completed by the end of 2025. MilDef has a long-standing relationship with DALO, having provided tactical IT equipment in the past. In March 2023, Elbit Systems announced a deal to supply Denmark with 155mm self-propelled howitzers and artillery rocket systems, with all 19 systems expected to be delivered by year-end. The adaptable ATMOS system can be mounted […]
Author: Veiko Lukmann
Estonia seeks battlefield decoys to sponge up Russian missiles
Estonia has launched a $10 million procurement competition to acquire decoy equipment for luring enemy forces into attacks. The tender, issued by the Estonian Center for Defense Investments, seeks mock-ups of real weapon systems and communication equipment. Estonia’s defense initiatives are motivated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the potential threat to Baltic states. These investments are part of broader NATO defense strategies, including constructing a “drone wall” and building a fence along Estonia’s border with Russia. Estonia’s defense efforts align with other European nations, like Ukraine and Germany, which have also invested in similar decoy technology. Original news
Sweden moves to ramp up defense spending by $1.3 billion in 2025
Sweden plans to increase defense spending by 13 billion SEK ($1.3 billion) in 2025, raising its military budget to 138 billion SEK, or 2.4% of GDP, above NATO’s target. The proposal includes long-term spending increases of 170 billion SEK between 2025-2030, with defense spending expected to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2028. This move aligns with recommendations from the Swedish Defence Commission, influenced by Russia’s war in Ukraine and Sweden’s NATO membership. The government emphasizes the need for stronger defense capabilities, proposing significant resource increases for the military. Planned upgrades include expanding mechanized brigades, boosting air defense, and increasing orders […]
Ukraine Receives Major Bohdana Howitzer Boost With NATO Support
Ukraine has received 18 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers, funded by Denmark, marking the first EU-financed purchase of Ukrainian-made military equipment. The deal, announced by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, reflects deepening NATO-aligned defense cooperation during the ongoing war with Russia. The Bohdana is a highly mobile, NATO-standard 155 mm artillery system capable of rapid firing and retreating, with a range of 35 miles. Denmark’s financial support for Ukrainian arms manufacturing is part of a broader commitment, including $115 million for defense equipment. Ukraine’s ongoing military operations have slowed Russian offensives and further enhanced its defensive capabilities with the help of […]
US clears F-35 sale to Romania, bolstering NATO’s eastern flank
The U.S. State Department approved a $7.2 billion sale of 32 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to Romania, including F135 engines and a spare engine. This deal would provide Romania with its first two squadrons of F-35s, with plans to purchase 16 more jets for a third squadron. Romania is expected to receive its first F-35s in 2030, potentially making it NATO’s largest F-35 operator on the eastern flank. The sale aims to enhance Romania’s defense capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies, especially in light of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The deal also includes logistics, training, maintenance support, and weapons systems […]
The EU buys too much defense equipment abroad, especially from the US, a major report says
A new report on EU competitiveness highlights that European Union countries are relying too heavily on foreign defense equipment, particularly from the United States, with nearly two-thirds of purchases coming from abroad. The report, authored by former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, also notes that EU member states are not sufficiently leveraging Europe’s research and development capacities for military modernization. European defense spending is far behind that of the U.S., hindering the development of stronger domestic defense firms. This issue has become more urgent as the EU struggles to provide sufficient arms and ammunition to support Ukraine in its ongoing […]
US Air Force F-35s Touch Down on a Highway in Finland for ‘Historic’ Landing
On September 4, 2024, two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II jets landed on a Finnish highway, marking the first time fifth-generation American aircraft operated from a road in Europe. This was part of the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, aimed at enhancing NATO’s ability to operate from non-traditional airfields in response to growing global threats. The exercise took place during Finland’s annual Baana exercise, showcasing U.S. and NATO adaptability in joint operations. Finland, which regularly trains its pilots to land on highways, recently joined NATO and plans to replace its F/A-18 fleet with 64 F-35s. The U.S. and NATO […]
Elbit eyes Nordic market for its ‘Iron Fist’ vehicle-protection system
Israel’s Elbit Systems is seeking to sell its Iron Fist active protection system (APS) to Denmark, Sweden, and Finland after a contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds for CV90 vehicles in Europe. The system has already been ordered by the Netherlands and the U.S. for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Elbit Systems showcased Iron Fist at Poland’s MSPO defense show, pitching it to the Polish military. The company sees significant potential for Iron Fist in Poland, highlighting its adaptability for both wheeled and tracked vehicles. Iron Fist provides 360-degree protection against anti-tank threats, enhancing vehicle survivability.Original news
Stressing ‘security, security,’ Poland goes big at hometown defense expo
At the 32nd International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Poland, President Andrzej Duda emphasized the country’s focus on “security” as Warsaw announced approximately $520 million in new defense deals. Duda stressed the need to strengthen NATO forces and build new arms factories to enhance Poland’s defense capabilities. The event, held in Kielce, Poland, featured over 750 exhibitors from 34 countries, with the U.S. and U.K. having the largest foreign representation. Poland’s Armament Agency signed contracts for various defense equipment, including anti-missile systems, heavy-lift cranes, and contamination detection systems. Additionally, Poland showcased its defense products to international buyers, promoting its industry […]
First locally produced Patria 6×6 APC delivered to Latvian armed forces
On August 5, 2024, Defence Partnership Latvia delivered the first Latvian-made Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC) to the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF). This marks a milestone in a 2021 contract between Latvia and Patria to deliver over 200 APCs by 2029, aimed at enhancing Latvia’s defense capabilities and industrial base. A new facility in Valmiera, Latvia, was opened in May to produce around 30 APCs annually. The Patria 6×6 is part of the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, with participation from Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. Patria has received nearly 700 orders for the APC, with […]