Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has indicated support for supplying Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, pending coordination with allied nations. Merz’s comments followed a deadly Russian strike on Sumy, which he labeled a “serious war crime.” He argued that Ukraine must “get ahead” militarily and noted that the UK, France, and the US are already delivering similar weapons. This marks a departure from outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s more cautious stance. Merz is expected to assume office next month, potentially shifting Germany’s defense policy. Original news
Category: Germany
Switzerland Nears Deal for IRIS-T SLM Air-Defense Systems
Switzerland is close to finalizing a deal to purchase four or five IRIS-T SLM medium-range air-defense systems from Germany’s Diehl Defence. The acquisition, part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, is backed by a 660 million Swiss francs credit guarantee approved by Swiss lawmakers. A formal contract is expected in the third quarter of 2025. Armasuisse emphasized the system’s role in strengthening airspace sovereignty and protection against long-range threats. Meanwhile, Diehl partnered with Denmark’s MDSI to improve IRIS-T missile integration across several fighter aircraft platforms. Original news
France Develops Domestic Rocket Artillery System to Rival HIMARS
France plans to test its new indigenous rocket artillery system by mid-2026 as an alternative to the U.S.-made HIMARS. The project, led by the French Directorate General for Armament, involves defense firms Safran, MBDA, Thales, and ArianeGroup. The system is expected to have a 150-kilometer range and replace the Lance-Roquettes Unitaire by 2027. France has earmarked €600 million for development and aims to acquire at least 13 units by 2030. The move positions France in competition with other European rocket systems, including the U.S.-German GMARS project. Original news
Rheinmetall Acquires Nitrocellulose Maker to Boost Ammunition Supply Chain
Rheinmetall has purchased Hagedorn-NC, a German producer of industrial nitrocellulose, to strengthen its supply of artillery propellant. The move is part of a broader European effort to secure ammunition and explosives production amid rising defense demands. The company will convert Hagedorn-NC’s operations to focus on military-grade nitrocellulose in the coming months. Existing civilian customers will still be served temporarily during the transition. Rheinmetall said the acquisition addresses a key strategic gap in its production chain. Original news
Germany Seeks Closer Defense Ties with South Korea Amid Industry Push
German Ambassador to South Korea Georg Schmidt called for deeper cooperation with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). He emphasized Germany’s €1 trillion defense investment plan, aligning with U.S. calls for increased European defense spending. Schmidt pointed to ongoing collaboration, including South Korea’s acquisition of German Taurus missiles, while acknowledging growing competition between the two nations’ defense industries. He stressed the importance of domestic production capabilities and rapid manufacturing in Germany’s procurement strategy. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness, he noted, will be decisive factors in future defense partnerships. Original news
Saab Integrates AI Co-Pilot in Gripen E, Reveals Next-Gen Drone Development
Saab is preparing to equip its Gripen E combat aircraft with an advanced AI agent developed in partnership with European defense AI company Helsing to assist pilots in beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat. The AI system has been trained on data equivalent to 1.2 million flight hours—about 140 years of BVR training—using high-performance GPUs. While specific pilot-assist functions remain undisclosed, the AI may suggest optimal missile engagement maneuvers, such as cranking, to improve kill probability. Saab, a 5% stakeholder in Helsing, is also progressing with an uncrewed demonstrator aircraft, codenamed Ruby, developed through additive manufacturing and powered by a GE J85 […]
Germany Amends Constitution to Boost Defense Spending and Aid Ukraine
Germany’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment on Tuesday to increase defense spending, passing the measure by a 512 to 206 vote. The decision, backed by the Green Party and the incoming coalition of conservatives and social democrats, enables a new €3 billion aid package for Ukraine. Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who previously opposed government debt, led the effort amid growing European military investment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Union is also preparing loans worth approximately €150 billion for military expenditures, which could support up to €800 billion in new defense investments. This shift marks Germany’s deeper commitment to […]
Airbus Urges Germany to Cancel F-35A Order, Prioritize European Defense
Airbus Defense & Space chairman Thomas Pretzl has called on Germany’s new government to cancel its order for 35 Lockheed Martin F-35A jets, citing geopolitical risks under US President Donald Trump. Speaking at Airbus’s Manching facility, Pretzl urged Berlin to prioritize European defense projects, particularly the Eurofighter. Germany’s procurement plan also includes US-made Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters and P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, raising concerns about dependency on American systems. Pretzl emphasized the need to accelerate Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), warning that current timelines are insufficient to address emerging threats. His remarks reflect […]
Rheinmetall Overtakes Volkswagen in Market Value Amid Defense Stock Surge
Rheinmetall has surpassed Volkswagen in market value, reaching €56.6 billion ($61.5 billion) as investor demand for defense stocks rises. European defense stocks have surged amid concerns over U.S. support for Ukraine and Europe’s increasing military spending commitments. Rheinmetall’s stock has more than doubled in 2024 and grown over twelve-fold since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Jefferies analysts rated Rheinmetall as a “buy” and its top pick, while Renk was also rated “buy” and Hensoldt “underperform”. Rheinmetall forecasts a 25% to 30% sales increase in 2025, following €10 billion in revenue for 2024. Original news
Rheinmetall Considers Volkswagen’s Osnabrueck Factory for Military Production
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger suggested that Volkswagen’s Osnabrueck plant could be converted for military production, as Volkswagen explores repurposing or selling the site. Papperger expressed interest in acquiring car manufacturing sites, but emphasized that large defense orders, such as for Lynx infantry fighting vehicles, would be needed before making such an investment. Volkswagen announced in December 2024 that it was reviewing alternative uses for the plant, raising hopes that a sale could help preserve jobs. While Rheinmetall and Volkswagen already collaborate on military truck production, Papperger clarified that there is no formal plan for Osnabrueck yet. However, he stated that […]
Germany Loosens Debt Rules to Fund €1 Trillion in Defense and Infrastructure
Germany’s next government has agreed to ease constitutional borrowing limits, enabling over €1 trillion ($1.08 trillion) in defense and infrastructure spending. This marks a major policy shift from Germany’s traditionally debt-averse stance, with leaders from the Union bloc and Social Democrats backing the change. The agreement exempts military spending exceeding 1% of GDP from the country’s debt restrictions. Economists predict the move could boost GDP by up to 0.7% over two years, fueling economic growth. The decision reflects Germany’s increasing focus on defense readiness and modernization amid global security concerns. Original news
Saab Secures $159M Contract to Modernize Germany’s Taurus Cruise Missiles
Taurus Systems, a joint venture between MBDA Germany and Saab, has awarded Saab a 10-year, $159 million (1.7 billion crown) contract for the modernization and maintenance of Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles. The contract follows an order from Germany’s defense procurement office, reinforcing Germany’s commitment to upgrading its long-range strike capabilities. The Taurus KEPD 350, known for its precision deep-strike capability, is used by Germany, Spain, and South Korea. The deal strengthens Saab’s role in European missile technology development. The modernization program aims to enhance the missile’s operational lifespan and effectiveness in future conflicts. Original news
Germany’s F-35 Order Faces Uncertainty Amid Calls for Defense Independence
Analysts are raising concerns about the future of U.S. defense sales to Germany, particularly the $8.8 billion order for Lockheed Martin F-35A jets. Friedrich Merz, the CDU’s chancellor candidate, has pushed for greater German defense independence, casting doubt on ongoing U.S.-German military contracts. A Lockheed Martin spokesperson deferred political questions to the German government, emphasizing that the F-35 procurement is a government-to-government agreement. While some U.S. contracts, such as the CH-47F helicopter deal, are expected to proceed, analysts warn that Germany’s push for self-reliance could impact future sales. The shift reflects growing European efforts to reduce dependence on U.S. military […]
Germany Selects Piranha 5 for Bundeswehr’s Tactical Communication Network
The German Army has chosen General Dynamics European Land Systems’ (GDELS) Piranha 5 8×8 armored vehicle for its TaWAN LBO-integrated communication network. GDELS will begin delivering the first batch of 58 vehicles in 2026. Each Piranha 5 will be equipped with a 15-meter telescopic mast system, serving as a highly mobile, armored connectivity point for the TaWAN network. The selection enhances the Bundeswehr’s battlefield communication capabilities, ensuring secure and resilient data transmission. The deal reinforces Germany’s push for modern, networked land-based military operations. Original news
EU Pushes for UK Nuclear Umbrella Amid Fears of U.S. Security Shift
EU governments are urging Britain to extend its nuclear deterrence to Europe, fearing a reduced U.S. security commitment under Donald Trump. Friedrich Merz, expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, is negotiating a €200 billion emergency defense fund with the Social Democrats. A European diplomat stressed that Britain and France must lead European security discussions, as they are the continent’s only nuclear powers. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski echoed the sentiment, stating that Europe’s defense is unimaginable without the UK. The push reflects growing European efforts to strengthen defense capabilities amid global uncertainty. Original news