MBDA is under pressure to deliver on its expanded €37 billion missile order book, which surged after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company will invest €2.4 billion over four years and plans to double work hours by 2025 to meet demand. CEO Éric Béranger warned about Europe’s insufficient military readiness amid growing threats. MBDA’s complex cross-border production system is slowing down rapid response efforts. The company is urgently seeking ways to boost output and streamline operations. Original news
Category: Ukraine
Germany’s Incoming Leader Signals Readiness to Send Taurus Missiles to Ukraine
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
Commercial Space Tech Aids Ukraine’s Defense Against Russia
Space companies have played a vital role in supporting Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s 2022 invasion, according to GXO, Inc.’s strategy chief David Gauthier. At a CSIS event, he emphasized how commercial satellite imagery and algorithmic warfare have accelerated battlefield decisions. Ukraine’s digital transformation minister, Giorgi Tskhakaia, credited policy changes for the rapid expansion of the drone sector. However, Tskhakaia cautioned that emerging technologies face disruption from adversaries within 6 to 12 months. The conflict underscores the need for continual innovation in defense technology. Original news
Ukraine Rejects Russian Demands on Military Size in Ceasefire Talks
Ukraine has declared that its military size and readiness are non-negotiable in any ceasefire agreement with Russia. The statement comes in response to Russian President Putin’s demands for limiting Ukraine’s army and abandoning NATO ambitions. Moscow also insists on full control over four Ukrainian regions it claims. Ukrainian official Pavlo Palisa firmly rejected these terms, stating that no external power, especially Russia, will dictate Ukraine’s defense structure. The stance underscores Kyiv’s commitment to sovereignty amid ongoing negotiations. Original news
Belgian PM Announces €1 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine Including Fighter Jets
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has pledged a new €1 billion aid package to Ukraine for 2025. Speaking alongside President Zelensky in Kyiv, De Wever expressed his ambition to maintain this annual support throughout his term. The package includes military support, with Belgium reaffirming its commitment to deliver promised fighter aircraft. Two F-16s for spare parts will be sent this year, with two operational jets expected next year. Deliveries hinge on the arrival of Belgium’s new F-35s, which are experiencing delays. Original news
Ukrainian Pilots Fly F-16s Daily in Strikes on Eastern Russia, U.S. General Confirms
Ukrainian Air Force pilots are conducting daily operations with F-16 fighters, focusing on neutralizing missile threats and executing strikes in eastern Russia. U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli testified before the Senate that the Ukrainian pilots have successfully intercepted numerous cruise missiles. He also emphasized their role in delivering extensive offensive bombing missions. Cavoli confirmed that most of Ukraine’s F-16s originated from northern European allies, specifically the Netherlands and Denmark. Exact figures on aircraft or missions remain undisclosed for security reasons. Original news
Sweden Unveils Record $1.6 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Sweden has announced its largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine, worth 16 billion kronor ($1.6 billion), aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s defenses against Russia. The aid will primarily fund new defense orders from Swedish and European manufacturers, while also supporting Ukraine’s domestic arms industry. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stressed the urgency of increased support from Western allies. About 70% of the aid is expected to be delivered to Ukraine within the year. The package includes ground support vehicles to maintain operational readiness of F-16 fighter jets stationed at Ukrainian air bases. Original news
France Pledges €2 Billion in New Military Aid Package to Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a €2 billion (approximately $2.2 billion) military aid package for Ukraine during a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. The package includes Milan anti-tank missiles, MICA air-to-air missiles for Mirage aircraft, Mistral surface-to-air missiles, VAB armored vehicles, AMX-10RC reconnaissance vehicles, loitering munitions, and drones. Macron emphasized the urgency of continued support amid ongoing conflict with Russia. France has already provided tens of thousands of 155mm shells for Ukraine’s CAESAR and TRF1 self-propelled howitzers. This latest commitment reinforces France’s role as a key defense partner to Kyiv. Original news
Pentagon Selects U.S. and Ukrainian Firms to Build Low-Cost Combat Drones
The Defense Innovation Unit has awarded contracts to four American companies to co-develop affordable drone prototypes with Ukrainian partners under the Artemis program. The goal is to field mass-produced, low-cost drones by fiscal 2025, drawing on Ukraine’s battlefield experience in modifying commercial drones for military use. Analysts note Ukraine’s innovations have demonstrated effectiveness against Russian forces. The program aims to merge Ukraine’s rapid development approach with U.S. defense capabilities. This marks a significant step toward modernizing drone warfare through international collaboration. Original news
Ukraine Claims Operational Laser Air Defense System “Tryzub”
Ukraine has reportedly developed a laser anti-aircraft weapon named “Tryzub,” according to Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi. The system, allegedly used against Iranian-made Shahed drones, was first mentioned in December and confirmed operational in February. Although no images or independent verification have emerged, Ukrainian officials claim it is capable of striking aerial targets. Industry experts believe Tryzub may be an indigenous development, given Ukraine’s expanding military-industrial base. If confirmed, Ukraine would join a select group of nations deploying laser-based air defense technology. Original news
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 […]
MBDA Boosts Missile Production Amid European Defense Push
MBDA, the European missile manufacturer co-owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, is investing $2.7 billion to ramp up production between 2023 and 2028. The company plans to double its Aster air-defense missile output by 2026 to meet Europe’s growing defense needs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite this expansion, MBDA faces stiff competition from US manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, which produces significantly higher missile volumes annually. Lockheed Martin currently manufactures about 720 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles per year, with plans to scale up to 1,100. To meet demand, MBDA is addressing supply chain bottlenecks and expanding its workforce across […]
Sweden to supply 18 additional Archer self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine
Sweden has approved the procurement of 18 Archer artillery systems for Ukraine, as part of its ongoing military aid efforts. The SEK 3 billion package, managed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), also includes five Arthur counter-battery radar systems to enhance Ukraine’s battlefield effectiveness. Sweden is collaborating with Denmark to fund additional 155mm artillery ammunition or Bohdana artillery systems, strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry. Additionally, Sweden plans to join the Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s artillery coalition to improve artillery interoperability with NATO. The Arthur radar systems will be delivered in 2025, while Archer howitzers will arrive in 2026. Original news
EU to Launch Pan-European Defense Projects to Address Security Gaps
The European Commission plans to invite EU nations to identify their most critical defense needs as part of large-scale pan-European flagship projects, according to a draft white paper. The document, set for release next week, responds to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Europe to strengthen its defense capabilities independently of U.S. support. It highlights capability gaps in air defense and cyber warfare, urging collaborative efforts to close these vulnerabilities. The draft also suggests deepening the European defense market to improve coordination and efficiency. This initiative marks a strategic shift toward self-reliance in European defense policy. Original news
U.S. to Resume GLSDB Shipments to Ukraine After Upgrades
The U.S. is set to resume shipments of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDBs) to Ukraine after upgrading them to counter Russian jamming. These long-range bombs will arrive as Ukraine’s stockpile of ATACMS missiles has reportedly been depleted. In recent weeks, 19 GLSDBs were test-fired to evaluate the effectiveness of the upgrades. Their deployment could happen within days, as a stockpile is already positioned in Europe. The move aims to enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities amid ongoing battles against Russian forces. Original news