German company Helsing has begun production of HX-2 kamikaze drones, expected to be deployed to Ukraine. Equipped with artificial intelligence, these drones can resist electronic warfare and operate in networked swarms. The HX-2, weighing 26.5 pounds, can reach speeds of 137 miles per hour with a range of 62 miles. Germany sees these drones as a cost-effective alternative to traditional munitions, aligning with modern trends in military technology. The development highlights a growing focus on advanced, autonomous systems in contemporary warfare.Original news
Category: Germany
German Navy tests BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle
The German Navy conducted a two-week trial of the BlueWhale extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV) from Israel Aerospace Industries in the Baltic Sea. This trial was part of the Navy’s Operational Experimentation (OPEX) initiative, supporting the Marine 2035 and Beyond strategy to address evolving security threats. The tests focused on evaluating new technologies under realistic conditions. Boaz Levy, IAI’s president and CEO, emphasized that autonomous submarines have the potential to revolutionize naval operations. He compared their transformative impact to that of unmanned aircraft, enabling extended missions without human operators. Original news
The Czech military to buy 14 Leopard tanks from Germany in a $167 million deal
The Czech Defense Ministry announced plans to purchase 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany for $167 million as part of a broader military modernization effort amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. The $4 billion Czech crown deal is expected to be signed with Germany’s Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH by year’s end, with tank deliveries planned by the end of 2026. Defense Minister Jana Černochová emphasized that this modernization is part of phasing out old Russian weapons and strengthening overall military capabilities. This follows last year’s Czech government approval of major defense acquisitions, including 24 U.S. F-35 fighter jets and 246 Swedish CV90 […]
Norway puts France, Germany, UK and US in the frame for future frigate partnership
Norway has shortlisted France, Germany, the UK, and the US for a strategic partnership to support future frigate acquisitions, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced Wednesday. The partnership will encompass the joint acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the new frigates, with a partner selection expected by 2025. This initiative reflects Norway’s broader defense strategy, emphasizing joint procurement efforts, such as its submarine collaboration with Germany. Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighted the importance of the investment, stating it will bolster both national and NATO maritime security. The move underscores Norway’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities in alignment with allied […]
Germany to publish new defence industry strategy by year end
Germany plans to introduce a new defense industry strategy by the end of the year to streamline bureaucracy and accelerate arms production, even amidst the coalition government’s collapse. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that the plan aims to enhance the Bundeswehr and fortify the defense industrial base, in line with the Zeitenwende policy shift. The draft proposes government stakes in strategic defense projects, prioritizing key technologies and financial improvements. Pistorius reassured that the state remains functional and discussions with the defense industry will continue despite political instability. This strategy reflects Germany’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in the wake […]
German Government Funds Ukrainian Satellite Imagery
Rheinmetall, ICEYE, and the Ukrainian government signed a contract on November 11 to improve Ukraine’s SAR satellite reconnaissance capabilities. The initiative is funded by the German government to provide enhanced SAR data and support from ICEYE. Rheinmetall stated that this will aid the Ukrainian armed forces in better decision-making and operational planning. Since early October 2024, Ukraine has been receiving satellite imagery from ICEYE’s SAR satellites under this collaboration. This partnership underscores a strong commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense through advanced technology.Original news
Germany took step toward clearing Turkey’s Eurofighter jet buy
Germany has instructed its Temporary Sales Authority to advance the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, overcoming prior objections. This decision is anticipated to streamline Turkey’s procurement of the jets, according to a Turkish defense ministry source. The Eurofighter Typhoons are developed by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy, and Spain, with companies like Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler indicated that efforts from these partner countries contributed to Germany’s shift. Additionally, Turkey recently finalized a deal with the U.S. to acquire 40 F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits for its current fleet, following extended […]
Croatia procures Leopard 2A8 MBTs and HIMARS
Croatia is set to acquire Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), as announced by Vice-President and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić on November 5. The cost of the 40-50 Leopard tanks will be offset by German financial support for Croatia’s provision of armored vehicles to Ukraine, under a recent letter of intent (LoI). Anušić and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius signed the LoI on October 28 in Berlin, outlining plans to deliver 30 M-84 tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles, along with spare parts and ammunition, from Croatia to Ukraine. Additionally, Croatia is slated […]
Israel moves forward on deploying Arrow-3 missile defence system in Germany in 2025
Israel’s Defense Ministry has started joint preparations with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defence to deploy the Arrow-3 missile interception system on German soil by 2025. Key discussions have taken place at Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with participation from Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems and Germany’s MBDA Deutschland GmbH. The Arrow system, which includes both Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors, was developed in cooperation with the United States to defend against long-range ballistic missiles. Valued at $3.5 billion, this defense sale reflects Germany’s intensified military investments, prompted by heightened security concerns following the Ukraine conflict. The Arrow-3’s capability to intercept missiles outside […]
Rheinmetall and DOK-ING to work together on armed support UGV development
Germany’s Rheinmetall and Croatia’s DOK-ING have partnered to develop the DOK-ING Komodo, a new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for mine scattering, armed support, and counter-mobility, scheduled for presentation in 2025. This joint venture will see Rheinmetall providing capability modules, upgrade kits, and international market access, enhancing the Komodo’s versatility in direct and indirect fire, mine-laying, and reconnaissance operations. The Komodo is designed to work alongside tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, complementing Rheinmetall products like the KF51 Panther IFV and Büffel-3 armored recovery vehicle. With speeds up to 60 km/h, it will support operations by mapping mined areas and providing high-speed […]
Croatia to buy 50 German Leopard tanks under Ukraine discount
Croatia has signed a letter of intent with Germany to purchase up to 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks, marking a major modernization step for its armed forces. This acquisition, offered at a discounted price, compensates Croatia for its planned transfer of older M-84 tanks and M-80 infantry vehicles to Ukraine. The agreement was solidified during a meeting between Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius on October 28. Beyond tank acquisition, Rheinmetall and Croatian company DOK-ING also signed a memorandum to jointly develop and market the new DOK-ING Komodo unmanned ground platform. This partnership aligns Croatia with […]
Italy plans to spend 8.2 billion euros on new tanks
The Italian parliamentary committee approved an 8.2 billion euro plan to modernize the nation’s ground forces and procure new-generation tanks, as part of a defense initiative under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This program, set for 2025-2038, has 5.4 billion euros allocated, with the remaining 2.7 billion yet to be financed. The defense strategy reflects Italy’s response to increased geopolitical uncertainty across Europe and NATO. Though the parliamentary document omits specific companies, sources indicate the Leonardo-Rheinmetall joint venture, announced in July, is anticipated to play a key role in producing the new Italian MBT (Main Battle Tank). The initiative underscores Italy’s […]
Czech defence group CSG acquires IFF’s nitrocellulose production in Germany
Czech defence company Czechoslovak Group (CSG) announced plans to acquire IFF’s nitrocellulose business in Germany, including the industrial park, to expand its chemical manufacturing for the defence industry. The acquired business currently produces nitrocellulose for industrial uses, such as coatings and inks, with CSG aiming to add energetic nitrocellulose production for defense over time. This expansion aligns with CSG’s goal to support NATO and EU defense capabilities, despite regulatory challenges and high energy costs in Europe. CSG’s defense division head, Jan Marinov, emphasized the strategic importance of energetic nitrocellulose for long-term security interests. The acquisition, expected to finalize in 2025, […]
Engine maker Renk opens shop in Italy ahead of armor spending frenzy
German propulsion company Renk is establishing a subsidiary in La Spezia, Italy, shortly after Rheinmetall and Leonardo announced plans to build tanks and infantry fighting vehicles for the Italian army in the same city. Renk sees La Spezia as a strategically important location, placing it closer to Italian customers and partners. The move positions Renk to potentially benefit from the Italian army’s massive €23 billion ($25 billion) vehicle order. The company, which generated €926 million in revenue in 2023, specializes in gear units, transmissions, power-packs, and hybrid propulsion systems. La Spezia is also home to Leonardo’s long-standing tank production operations. […]
Pentagon inks supply chain agreement with Germany
The Pentagon has signed a new agreement with the German military to strengthen defense industrial supply chains, a priority since the start of the Ukraine war. The arrangement aims to help both nations quickly access the resources needed to meet defense demands and address unexpected supply chain disruptions. Under the agreement, the U.S. will offer Germany some level of assurance through the U.S. Defense Priorities and Allocations System, with decisions made by the Department of Defense and the Commerce Department. In return, Germany will implement a “Code of Conduct” for its defense industry, encouraging companies to prioritize support for U.S. […]