Leonardo announced that Italy will purchase up to 24 additional Eurofighter Typhoons to replace its Tranche 1 Eurofighters. The agreement, facilitated by the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium, which includes Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, was made in collaboration with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency. These new aircraft will feature advanced avionics, enhanced weapon systems, and improved connectivity. Simon Ellard, general manager of the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, emphasized that the order will strengthen Italy’s air combat capabilities and support the security of Italy, Europe, and NATO. This acquisition underscores Italy’s commitment to modernizing its defense forces and […]
Category: Europe
Global Space Advancements Mark 2024 as a Transformative Year
The year 2024 witnessed major progress in space exploration and industry, with multiple nations bolstering their space capabilities. Europe expanded its launch options with the addition of Ariane 6 and Vega-C, while India and Japan achieved multiple successful launches. Oman celebrated its entry into space with the launch of its first suborbital rocket, and China advanced its lunar program with new partnerships and returned lunar samples. The Artemis Accords grew to 51 signatories, emphasizing global collaboration, while the EU’s adoption of the Zero Debris Charter highlighted efforts to address space sustainability. These developments underscore a rapidly growing and increasingly cooperative […]
Europe’s ‘Green’ Agenda Could Be a Godsend to Russia
NATO and defense industry leaders, including BAE Systems, have expressed concerns that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are restricting investments in Europe’s defense sector. Admiral Rob Bauer criticized financial institutions for denying support to defense companies due to moral and ESG concerns, warning this undermines Europe’s military readiness amid rising security threats. BAE Systems and Saab highlighted that ESG restrictions hinder investment in critical skills, technologies, and innovation, while smaller supply chain businesses face even greater financial challenges. Bauer proposed reevaluating credit rating criteria, suggesting defense investments be treated with the same urgency as climate change mitigation. As Europe […]
V Corps boosts combat readiness with HIMARS in Europe
The US Army’s V Corps has bolstered its combat readiness in Europe by deploying the 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment (3-321 FAR) to Grafenwoehr, Germany, equipped with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). This deployment enhances V Corps’ mobility and strengthens NATO collaboration through joint training exercises, such as Thunderbolt Convergence with the Belgian military. The integration of HIMARS into V Corps’ operations reflects the system’s growing role in modern artillery. In June 2024, the US Department of Defense announced a $2 billion contract modification with Lockheed Martin to produce more HIMARS. These developments underscore the US commitment to […]
Romania receives three more F-16 deliveries and recommits to European training
Romania has received three more F-16 jets, bringing its fleet to fifteen, with plans to complete an order of 32 second-hand jets from Norway by 2025. These aircraft will join the 48th Fighter Squadron, enhancing Romania’s national and NATO air defense capabilities. The country reaffirmed its commitment to the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) through a Letter of Intent, collaborating with the Netherlands and supported by Lockheed Martin. Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr highlighted the training program’s importance for Romanian and Ukrainian pilots, emphasizing its role in strengthening national and allied airspace security. This acquisition and training initiative underscore Romania’s […]
Space Investment Had Strong Growth In 2024
The space market in 2024 has experienced significant growth, fueled by strong venture capital investments and a resurgence of space SPACs. Startups from the U.S., China, Europe, and Australia contributed to the year’s 15 largest funding deals, showcasing global interest in the sector. U.S. companies like Astranis, Firefly, and Impulse secured major investments, while European firm The Exploration Company raised $160 million to develop a crewed space capsule. Despite this enthusiasm, investors face challenges in identifying truly promising business opportunities within the rapidly expanding space market. This trend highlights both the excitement and complexity of navigating the space sector’s evolving […]
EU kick starts new secure satellite constellation
The European Commission has awarded contracts for the €10.6 billion IRIS² satellite constellation, a project designed to provide secure, encrypted communications for EU governments and develop new commercial services. Comprising over 280 satellites, IRIS² marks Europe’s third major space initiative after Galileo and Copernicus, addressing concerns about Elon Musk’s Starlink network and Europe’s “digital sovereignty.” The first launch is planned for mid-2029, with full deployment expected by 2030. Led by a consortium of Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES, the project will include Airbus and Thales Alenia Space as suppliers after their withdrawal from full membership due to economic risks. Partially EU-funded […]
Space firms plot new European satellite venture to take on Starlink
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are exploring the creation of a joint space company, “Project Bromo,” to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink. The proposed entity would be a standalone European satellite firm modeled after MBDA, a missile maker jointly owned by Airbus, Leonardo, and BAE Systems. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani confirmed the structure would follow the MBDA model, aiming to strengthen Europe’s satellite capabilities. Sources indicated the merger is independent of Airbus’s planned job cuts and could take years to finalize. This initiative highlights Europe’s strategic push for autonomy in the satellite and space industries. Original news
Europe May Need $720 Billion in Defense Funds, Analysts Say
A Bloomberg Intelligence report revealed that NATO’s 15 largest European members may need to raise military spending to $720 billion annually, a $340 billion increase, to compensate for potential reduced U.S. support under a second Trump administration. Analyst George Ferguson noted that while Russian aggression has already driven increased European defense budgets, additional spending may be necessary to support Ukraine, counter Moscow’s regional threats, and address strategic competition with China. Defense firms like BAE Systems Plc, Airbus, Leonardo, and Rolls Royce are expected to benefit significantly from this spending surge. The report underscores the growing pressure on Europe to enhance […]
EU starts to work on next-generation combat ship for the 2040s
The European Union has begun developing a next-generation combat vessel, aiming for deployment in the 2040s. In two weeks, defense ministers are expected to sign a letter of intent to move forward with the project. Jürgen Scraback of the European Defence Agency noted that six EU member states, including four with major navies, have shown interest. The budget for the project is projected to exceed €20 billion ($22 billion). This advanced vessel will likely feature AI, a naval combat cloud, and directed-energy weapons, and may be included in the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation framework after a defense ministers’ meeting on […]
Europe’s small arms companies struggle for cash despite military spending boom
#analysis Despite rising global military spending, Europe’s small and medium-sized defense companies face challenges securing the financing needed for innovation and scaling production. Barriers include limited access to public funds, bureaucratic hurdles, and banks’ hesitation due to ESG compliance concerns. A 2024 European Commission report advises increasing EU-level funding and easing restrictions on EU financial instruments to bolster defense industrial capabilities. Czech defense ministry official Radka Konderlova highlighted one tech firm that struggled financially while working with Lockheed Martin on an F35 component, only finding support after government intervention. This illustrates the financial barriers smaller defense firms face despite their […]
MilDef to supply computers for operator stations for CV90s
MilDef’s recent SEK200 million contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds marks a significant step in enhancing the CV90 combat vehicles with ruggedized IT equipment. This partnership will equip Central European forces with advanced operator stations, with deliveries spanning from 2025 to 2029. With options, the contract’s total value could rise to SEK280 million, reflecting MilDef’s growing role in European defense modernization. The CV90’s success across 10 nations, notably in Afghanistan and Ukraine, underscores its battlefield reliability, further strengthening the vehicle’s appeal. MilDef’s ongoing support, including a recent contract with Norway, positions them as a key technology provider in European defense initiatives. […]
New Data Shows a Rapidly Expanding Space Workforce
#analysis The global space industry is expanding rapidly, adding over 26,000 jobs between 2022 and 2023, particularly in countries like the US, Japan, India, and across Europe. This growth is nearly four times larger than the previous year, reflecting a thriving global space economy that has doubled in size over the last decade. In the US, the commercial space workforce increased by 4.8%, marking its seventh consecutive year of growth. Europe saw even faster growth, with countries like the UK growing its space workforce by 19%, and France, Germany, and Italy following closely behind. India and Japan are shifting from […]
NATO’s European Members Struggling With Rebuilding Militaries Following Decades Of Drawdowns
#analysis According to a graphic-intensive report from Bloomberg Business, NATO’s European members are increasingly preparing for the possibility of a full-scale land war on their own territory after decades of focusing on counter-insurgency operations. A key concern among Europeans is the potential threat posed by Donald Trump, who has pressured NATO members to increase defense spending, warning that the U.S. may not assist them in a conflict. Trump’s comments reflect a broader sentiment in Washington, transcending party lines, that Europe should build stronger militaries. This view suggests that European nations can no longer rely solely on their mutual defense pact […]
Italy’s Leonardo (LDOF.MI) and Germany’s Rheinmetall (RHMG.DE) launched a joint venture on to develop and manufacture military combat vehicles
Italy’s Leonardo and Germany’s Rheinmetall have launched a 50:50 joint venture, named Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), to develop and manufacture military combat vehicles. This partnership is seen as a significant step toward European defense sector consolidation, especially within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance. The venture will focus on developing Italy’s new main battle tank (MBT) and the Lynx platform for the Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS), with first deliveries expected by 2025. It is projected to benefit from €24 billion in Italian government orders for 1,500 vehicles by 2040, with operations primarily based in Italy. The JV also […]