On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine received over $10 billion in aid from European, Nordic, Spanish, and Canadian sources. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a €1 billion military aid package as part of a 10-year agreement with Ukraine. The European Union will provide €3.5 billion in March, while Canada pledged $5 billion from Russia’s frozen assets along with 25 LAVIII infantry vehicles, artillery shells, and F-16 flight simulators. Meanwhile, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting its military and energy sectors. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged the G7 to take […]
Category: Spain
Indra Group to Acquire Majority Stake in Hispasat for €725 Million
Indra Group has agreed to acquire an 89.68% stake in satellite operator Hispasat from Redeia for €725 million ($747 million). The deal also includes Redeia’s 43% stake in Hisdesat, a Spanish government satellite services provider, complementing Indra’s existing 7% share. This acquisition aligns with Indra’s strategy to expand its presence in Europe’s space sector, consolidating civil and military capabilities under Indra Space. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025, with projected synergies of up to €70 million ($72 million) by 2030. The move strengthens Indra’s position as a key player in European defense and space technology. Original news
India gets an observer seat in the Eurodrone program
India has gained observer status in the Eurodrone program, a collaborative effort involving Italy, France, Germany, and Spain under OCCAR’s management. The program focuses on developing a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) missions. Key contributors include Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo, with components like the mission computer and radar reviewed during an October visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Italy. The Eurodrone, led by Airbus, will feature a 2.3-ton payload, 40-hour autonomy, and the ability to operate in non-segregated airspace. This marks a significant step for India in advancing its collaboration with […]
Sweden Joins NATO Efforts to Bolster Baltic Sea Security
Sweden has pledged to support NATO’s enhanced naval presence in the Baltic Sea by contributing up to three warships, one ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, and four coast guard ships. This commitment follows NATO’s recent decision to strengthen its naval posture in response to increased Russian activities in the region. Finnish media report that NATO may deploy up to ten warships to protect critical underwater infrastructure. Meanwhile, Estonia’s navy has intensified patrols in the Gulf of Finland as Finland investigates suspected sabotage of the Estlink 2 submarine cable, allegedly involving Russia’s ‘shadow fleet.’ Sweden’s participation underscores its commitment to regional security […]
Spain signs for Halcon II Eurofighters
Spain has signed a contract for 25 new Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft under the Halcon II program, announced on December 20. The agreement includes 21 single-seat and four twin-seat jets, with deliveries set to commence in 2030. The aircraft will be assembled at Airbus’s Getafe facility near Madrid in the advanced Tranche 4+ configuration, featuring the European Common Radar System Mark 1 radar. The Spanish Air Force is also evaluating future acquisitions, including a potential Tranche 5 Halcon III or Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. This deal underscores Spain’s commitment to modernizing its air combat capabilities and maintaining a competitive […]
Spain signs for Halcon II Eurofighters
Spain and Eurofighter have signed a contract for 25 new combat aircraft under the Halcon II program, announced on December 20. The deal includes 21 single-seat and four twin-seat Eurofighters, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2030. The aircraft will be assembled at Airbus’s Getafe facility near Madrid in the Tranche 4+ configuration, featuring the advanced European Common Radar System Mark 1. As part of its long-term modernization strategy, the Spanish Air Force is also evaluating future acquisitions, including a potential Tranche 5 Halcon III order or the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. This contract marks a key step in […]
Latvia selects ASCOD, orders Patria 6×6 C2 vehicles
General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas is currently in negotiations to supply ASCOD tracked armored vehicles to the Latvian Ministry of Defence, as announced on November 15. The deal follows closely on the heels of Latvia’s order for 56 Patria 6×6 command-and-control vehicles, confirmed through a EUR 60 million contract set to be fulfilled between 2024 and 2029. This procurement from Patria, detailed on November 14, represents a significant upgrade in Latvia’s defense capabilities. Thomas Kauffmann from GDELS praised the ASCOD vehicles for their advanced features and suitability for Latvia’s needs, while Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds […]
Latvia Begins Contract Negotiations to Acquire Spanish ASCOD Infantry Fighting Vehicles
The Latvian Ministry of Defence has chosen the Ascod infantry fighting vehicle for its land forces. Defense Minister Andris Sprūds stated that the tracked vehicle will enhance the operational capabilities of Latvia’s military. The ministry has allocated around €250 million ($265 million) for the acquisition, though the exact quantity of vehicles and total contract value remain undisclosed. Negotiations with the manufacturer, GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas, are anticipated to wrap up by the end of this year or early next year. Original news
Lithuania Signs Deals With Saab, Kongsberg For MSHORAD, NASAMS, Air Defense Systems
Lithuania has placed a second order with Saab for Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems, valued at SEK 1.2 billion, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2029. The country had previously placed an order in July, worth SEK 1.3 billion, with deliveries starting next year. Lithuania is also strengthening its air defense by acquiring additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units from Kongsberg, with a €193 million contract for upgrades and new systems. These efforts are part of a broader modernization of Lithuania’s air defense in response to regional security concerns. The contracts follow similar moves by other countries […]
European militaries rush to catch up on space traffic mapping
#analysis The rapid growth of space activity has led European militaries to increase their focus on space traffic mapping to address emerging threats. The number of active satellites has more than tripled in the last four years, and most of this activity is occurring in low Earth orbit, creating new challenges for military surveillance systems designed for geostationary orbits. Companies like Safran, Vyoma, and True Anomaly are working with defense departments to improve space awareness and tracking capabilities. Military leaders stress the importance of collaboration between civilian, commercial, and military sectors to enhance space-domain awareness and avoid potential crises. As […]
Rheinmetall receives order from NATO country for mortar shells
Rheinmetall has secured a new order worth tens of millions of euros from a NATO country for a six-digit quantity of mortar shells, with deliveries set between July 2025 and July 2026. The mortar shells will be produced by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions in Spain, accompanied by additional services for the product launch. This follows previous orders from Switzerland, Spain, and a significant 100,000-round order for Ukraine in 2022. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rheinmetall has received billions in orders for artillery and mortar ammunition as NATO countries replenish their stockpiles and support Ukraine. The company recently announced an order from […]