Eurofighter has confirmed that its export customers receive the same advanced capabilities as partner nations, countering concerns raised by recent U.S. comments. This assurance follows remarks by President Donald Trump suggesting that some foreign aircraft variants, such as the F-47 NGAD, may be “dumbed down” for non-U.S. buyers. A Eurofighter consortium representative clarified that no such limitations apply to the Typhoon. The fighter jet manufacturer is actively pursuing new export deals, with Poland and Türkiye identified as promising short-term prospects. The statement reinforces Eurofighter’s commitment to offering top-tier performance across its global customer base. Original news
Category: UK
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 […]
Rolls-Royce Weighs U.S. Expansion to Counter Trump-Era Tariffs
Rolls-Royce is considering expanding its manufacturing operations in the United States to offset the impact of tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. The British company already employs 6,000 people across 11 U.S. sites and is looking to shift production from countries like China to avoid additional trade penalties. Rolls-Royce supplies key U.S. defense firms, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The move highlights growing concerns about the economic fallout from escalating tariffs between the U.S. and Europe. John Denton of the International Chamber of Commerce cautioned that such tariffs could trigger broader economic contraction, particularly affecting the UK. Original news
Anduril Considers New UK Drone Factory Amid Surge in Defense Tech Manufacturing
Defense tech firms are increasingly investing in factory infrastructure, with Anduril having announced a billion-dollar “megafactory” in Ohio earlier this year. Following this trend, Anduril is now exploring plans to build a new drone production and R&D facility in the UK, potentially near Oxford or Cambridge. The move would depend on securing sufficient orders, according to Rich Drake, Anduril’s general manager for the UK and Europe. This comes as other firms like Saronic also plan factories to mass-produce autonomous warships, signaling a broader industry push toward scaled manufacturing. The UK facility would further strengthen Anduril’s presence in Europe’s expanding defense […]
Sweden Boosts Air Defense with New Meteor Missile Deal for Gripen Jets
Sweden’s FMV has signed a third procurement agreement with MBDA for Meteor missiles to equip the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. The missiles will be delivered by MBDA UK through the international Meteor program, with deliveries beginning in 2025. FMV’s Martin Anderberg emphasized that the deal strengthens Sweden’s national and NATO-integrated air defense capabilities. MBDA CEO Éric Béranger highlighted increased production to meet surging demand, noting the company’s €37 billion backlog. He described the current climate as a “historic” era for European rearmament. Original news
UK Seeks Inclusion in EU’s €800 Billion Defense Plan Amid Macron’s Opposition
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is pushing for Britain to be treated as an EU member state in the bloc’s €800 billion defense initiative, despite resistance from French President Emmanuel Macron. The plan, designed to boost European defense spending and manufacturing in response to Russian aggression, includes a “buy European” clause that could exclude the UK due to Brexit. While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and some EU members support UK participation, Macron favors limiting the initiative to EU countries. The UK government argues that closer defense cooperation with the EU and NATO is essential for European […]
France, Italy, UK Secure Additional Aster Missiles for Air Defense
France, Italy, and the UK have confirmed the purchase of over 200 additional Aster 15 and 30 surface-to-air missiles from Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales. The contract amendment, awarded by OCCAR on March 11 and announced by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) on March 14, expands an earlier order placed in December 2022. The deal includes 218 new Aster missiles and accelerates the delivery of 134 previously ordered units, scheduled for 2025-2026. The Aster 15 is optimized for short-to-medium range air defense, capable of countering high-speed, maneuvering threats in saturation attack scenarios. This procurement reinforces European […]
European Asset Managers Reassess Defense Investments Amid Rising Security Concerns
European asset managers are reconsidering investment policies in the defense sector due to client pressure and escalating geopolitical tensions. Legal & General, the UK’s largest investor, stated that defense’s importance has “risen dramatically,” prompting a review of its exposure to defense stocks. Other major firms, including UBS and Allianz Global Investors, are also reassessing their positions, signaling a broader shift toward military investments. Some funds have already begun increasing their allocations to defense, reflecting growing acceptance of the sector amid rising security threats in Europe. This trend highlights a changing investment landscape, as defense spending becomes a strategic priority for […]
Leonardo Estimates 350 Orders for Global Combat Air Programme by 2035
Leonardo projects 350 aircraft orders for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint initiative between Italy, Japan, and the UK, by 2035. The program, which will introduce the Tempest fighter, has secured €40 billion ($43.7 billion) in development funding from its partner nations. Japan currently operates 39 F-35A/Bs, while Italy and the UK field 31 and 35 F-35 variants, respectively. A joint venture between BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Company will oversee aircraft production across the UK, Italy, and Japan. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) remains focused on developing an F-2 replacement, based on the […]
UK Labour MPs Urge Banks to Invest in Defense Amid Rising Military Spending
Over 100 Labour MPs and peers have signed a letter urging banks, fund managers, and pension funds to stop avoiding defense investments due to ethical concerns. Led by MP Alex Baker, the letter calls for removing anti-defense investment restrictions, arguing they hinder support for national security. Currently, 99% of investors in the National Employment Savings Trust hold indices that include defense stocks such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Rolls-Royce. The pressure follows Britain’s decision to increase defense spending and provide more support to Ukraine, amid the U.S. scaling back aid under President Trump. The move highlights growing political efforts […]
UK Defense Firms Prepare to Expand Production Amid Rising Military Demand
British defense manufacturers, including BAE Systems, Babcock, Leonardo UK, and Chemring, are preparing to ramp up production as European nations seek greater defense independence. The surge in demand follows Russia’s war in Ukraine and shifting U.S. policies, prompting 24-hour production lines, weekend shifts, and new manufacturing investments. BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn confirmed that the company has been scaling up in recent years but emphasized the need for clear government direction. The UK government has pledged to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next Parliament. Defense firms are now awaiting procurement details, with […]
UK Strikes £30M Deal With Anduril to Supply Advanced Attack Drones to Ukraine
Britain has reached a £30 million ($38.68 million) agreement with Anduril UK to supply advanced attack drones to Ukraine. The British government announced the deal on Thursday, stating that these drones will enhance Ukraine’s defense in the Black Sea. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the drones are designed to monitor areas and autonomously strike targets upon detection. The contract underscores Britain’s continued military support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. The deal also strengthens Anduril’s role in next-generation autonomous warfare systems. Original news
UK Repurposes Typhoon Jets for Ukraine Amid NATO Air Defense Talks
The Royal Air Force’s Tranche 1 Typhoon jets, previously set for scrapping, will now be integrated into Britain’s post-conflict force in Ukraine. Shadow Minister for Defence Mark Francois defended the move, calling the jets “a very creditable air defense aircraft.” The decision comes ahead of a NATO summit in London, where air defense capabilities, including the Typhoons, will be key discussion points. However, concerns persist over potential U.S. restrictions on deploying UK assets with intelligence-gathering capabilities. Additionally, RAF F-35 fighters rely on U.S. government contracts for spare parts, which could be revoked if Washington bows to Russian pressure, potentially grounding […]
Thales Expands in Northern Ireland with New Facility and £1.6B Ukraine Missile Deal
Thales will establish a third facility in Northern Ireland, as announced to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that Thales will supply 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles to Ukraine, in a deal worth up to £1.6 billion. Thales Managing Director Nigel MacVean confirmed a £100 million investment, including the new site and the recruitment of 200 staff over the next two years. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly highlighted the economic and defense benefits, emphasizing the impact on local jobs and Ukraine’s war effort. The expansion strengthens Northern Ireland’s role in the UK’s defense industry and bolsters […]
UK Pledges £1.6 Billion for 5,000 Air-Defense Missiles to Ukraine
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a £1.6 billion ($2 billion) agreement on Sunday to supply Ukraine with 5,000 air-defense missiles through export finance. The Thales-manufactured missiles, with a range of over 6 kilometers, can be launched from multiple platforms. Starmer stressed the deal’s importance in protecting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and securing peace amid escalating attacks. The announcement follows Russia’s recent assault using over 200 drones, which Ukraine called the largest since the war began. The commitment reinforces Britain’s continued military support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Original news