MBDA is under pressure to deliver on its expanded €37 billion missile order book, which surged after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company will invest €2.4 billion over four years and plans to double work hours by 2025 to meet demand. CEO Éric Béranger warned about Europe’s insufficient military readiness amid growing threats. MBDA’s complex cross-border production system is slowing down rapid response efforts. The company is urgently seeking ways to boost output and streamline operations. Original news
Category: Europe
Dassault Eyes Canada and Portugal for Rafale Sales Amid F-35 Concerns
French aircraft maker Dassault is targeting Canada and Portugal as potential buyers for its Rafale fighter jet, amid rising doubts about U.S. reliability with the F-35 program. Canada is currently planning a $19 billion F-35 acquisition but is also considering alternatives like the Rafale, Gripen, and Eurofighter Typhoon. The Swedish Gripen is viewed favorably for its Arctic suitability. Retired Lt. Gen. Yvan Blondin advocates for a mixed fleet, warning against sole reliance on U.S.-supplied aircraft. He argues that basing Canada’s future air power solely on the F-35 would be a risky bet on shifting U.S. policy. Original news
European Defence Agency Expands Role with Boosted Budget and Strategic Mandate
European Defence Agency (EDA) is entering its third decade with an expanded mandate and increased funding following a major Long-Term Review endorsed by EU defense ministers. Now overseeing around 200 projects worth €681 million, the EDA plays a key role in joint procurement efforts, including artillery supplies for Ukraine. Recent milestones include four major letters of intent, notably on building a continental air and missile defense system. EDA chief Jiří Šedivý highlighted joint purchasing as a path to savings and strategic autonomy. However, EU defense research investment still trails far behind U.S. and Chinese levels. Original news
Europe Seeks Alternative to SpaceX Amid Concerns Over Starlink Dependence
European governments are increasingly aware of the need to reduce reliance on Elon Musk’s SpaceX for satellite communications. Alarm was sparked in February when the U.S. threatened to cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink, a critical asset in its defense against Russia. A new white paper now urges the European Commission to fund Ukraine’s satellite needs through domestic providers. European satellite companies have confirmed ongoing discussions with officials to offer backup connectivity. The move signals a push for strategic autonomy in space-based infrastructure. Original news
Czech Defense Firm CSG Forecasts Continued Growth Amid European Rearmament
Czech-based defense company CSG anticipates sustained double-digit growth as European nations ramp up military spending. The firm reported a 131% revenue increase in 2024, reaching €4 billion, with EBITDA rising 146% to €1.1 billion. CSG currently holds an €11 billion backlog, primarily in large-calibre ammunition and armored vehicle orders. CFO Zdenek Jurak expressed confidence in long-term growth, citing the continued surge in defense sector investment. The company expects to benefit significantly from Europe’s ongoing rearmament efforts. Original news
LEO Boom Reshapes Satellite Communications Industry
The satellite communications sector is being transformed by the rapid growth of low Earth orbit (LEO) internet services from companies like SpaceX and Amazon’s Kuiper. This shift prompted Australia to cancel its $5 billion Joint Project 9102 with Lockheed Martin, citing the need for more flexible, multi-orbit capabilities. Daniel Gizinski of Comtech emphasized that improving user experience is now a key focus in connectivity solutions. Meanwhile, Astranis is scaling up its MicroGEO satellite fleet, highlighting the appeal of faster deployment and adaptable infrastructure. These developments mark a broader industry pivot toward more dynamic and responsive space communications models. Original news
Majority of Canadians Support Scrapping F-35 Deal in Favor of European Jets
A Nanos Research poll shows that 62% of Canadians favor canceling the $19-billion contract to buy 88 F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin in favor of European alternatives. Prime Minister Mark Carney has launched a review of the deal, stressing the importance of value and exploring domestic production options. Former defense official Alan Williams raised concerns about Canada’s limited control over the jets due to Lockheed Martin’s retention of source code. The poll surveyed 1,264 Canadians between March 28–30, with a 2.8% margin of error. The results highlight growing public skepticism about U.S. defense procurement amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Original news
MBDA CEO Urges Greater European Defense Cooperation Amid Record Sales and NATO Uncertainty
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger has urged European governments to increase cross-border collaboration in weapons development as uncertainty grows over the Trump administration’s NATO commitments. Speaking on March 17, Béranger said Europe is at a pivotal moment for security, citing the unpredictable behavior of traditional allies. He revealed MBDA achieved €4.9 billion in revenues and a record €13.8 billion in order intake for 2024. His remarks coincided with the EU’s announcement of a €150 billion loan initiative under the ReArm Europe Plan to boost defense capabilities. The call underscores rising pressure on Europe to strengthen its own defense industrial base. Original […]
Denmark Eyes Airbus A330 MRTT Buy to Strengthen European Aerial Refueling Capabilities
Denmark plans to join the European air-to-air refueling pool and may purchase two Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft for approximately $1.1 billion between 2025 and 2033. The country intends to first buy flight hours and later acquire a share equal to two aircraft in the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet. The A330 MRTT supports both boom and probe-and-drogue refueling systems, making it compatible with a wide range of European and U.S. aircraft. The move comes amid growing concerns about Europe’s reliance on U.S. aerial refueling capacity as Washington signals disengagement. Denmark also plans to invest 4.7 billion kroner to accelerate development […]
Airbus Urges EU to Include UK Defense Firms in €150 Billion Military Fund
Airbus executives are calling on the European Union to ensure British defense companies are not excluded from the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative. Airbus Defense CEO Michael Schoellhorn stressed the importance of treating the UK as part of Europe in defense matters, possibly through a new security agreement. CEO Guillaume Faury highlighted the existing integration of UK firms within EU defense supply chains and emphasized the need for cooperation to strengthen Europe’s sovereign defense industry. Schoellhorn also stated that while current F-35 orders should be maintained, countries like Germany should rethink future purchases in favor of European […]
Lockheed Martin Nears Decision on European Missile Production Site
Lockheed Martin is in the final stages of selecting a location in Europe for a new weapons production facility, according to Tim Cahill, president of its Missiles and Fire Control division. The move is part of the company’s broader effort to expand production across its missile families amid surging demand. Establishing a European site would help support NATO allies and meet growing regional defense needs. Cahill emphasized the importance of aligning with partner nations to ensure timely delivery and localized support. The expansion reflects Lockheed’s strategy to strengthen its presence and capabilities outside the U.S. Original news
ESA Launches European Launcher Challenge to Boost Sovereign Rocket Development
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened submissions for its European Launcher Challenge, aiming to increase the number of sovereign satellite launch providers across Europe. Companies have six weeks to submit proposals, with ESA spending the following six months evaluating them. Winning firms may receive up to €169 million ($183 million) each at the agency’s ministerial meeting in November. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized support for smaller launchers, including microlaunchers and minilaunchers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe’s independent access to space. Original news
MBDA CEO Calls for European Unity on Laser Weapons, Highlights Independence from U.S. Supply Chain
MBDA CEO Eric Béranger urged European countries to collaborate on laser weapon development during a speech in Paris. He noted that while nations like the UK, France, Germany, and Italy are not yet cooperating on such systems, he remains confident they eventually will. Béranger emphasized MBDA’s readiness to lead these joint efforts and pointed to the company’s role in national programs like the UK’s DragonFire and France’s HELMA-P. He also stressed MBDA’s capability to deliver sovereign systems without relying on American supply chains. This independence aligns with growing European calls for defense autonomy amid shifting global alliances. Original news
Europe Races to Rearm Amid U.S. Uncertainty, Embracing Drones and Defense Startups Over Legacy Systems
In response to shifting U.S. policies and rising threats from Russia, Europe is investing €800 billion to rapidly rearm and build defense autonomy, including a €150 billion loan package and fiscal reforms to boost military spending. Traditional European defense firms like Rheinmetall and Thales have seen their stocks soar, but the Ukraine war has revealed a new kind of warfare dominated by cheap, effective drones rather than tanks or heavy systems. This shift is fueling a boom in European defense-tech startups, such as Quantum Systems and Helsing AI, which are developing AI-powered drones and other cost-effective battlefield technologies. The European […]
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 […]