Following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and worsening NATO-Russia relations, Poland initiated the Kruk attack helicopter replacement program. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine accelerated Poland’s military spending and equipment modernization efforts. In September 2022, Poland announced plans to purchase 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters, formalizing the deal in August 2024 through the US Foreign Military Sales program. These Apaches will replace Poland’s aging fleet of Soviet-era Mil Mi-24 Hinds, significantly enhancing the country’s attack helicopter capabilities. Once delivered, Poland will have the world’s second-largest AH-64 fleet, marking a substantial upgrade in its military power. Original news
Category: USA
USAF Releases Footage Of F-35A Roadway Landing In Finland During NATO Exercise
The U.S. Air Force has released cockpit footage of a Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighter landing on a roadway in Finland during NATO’s Baana 2024 exercises. Two F-35As from the USAF’s 48th Fighter Wing, stationed in the UK, landed on a designated roadway near Ranua, Finland, marking the first roadway landing of a U.S.-owned fifth-generation fighter in Europe. The footage captures the jets performing landings, touch-and-go maneuvers, and takeoffs, showcasing the USAF’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy. This approach aims to mitigate risks associated with large air bases in potential conflict zones by enabling operations from dispersed and unconventional locations. […]
NATO Pilots Compare Eurofighter, F-35 In First Dogfight Competition
NATO fighter pilots from Germany and the U.S. recently participated in a dogfighting competition at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, featuring a Eurofighter Typhoon and an F-35A. German 1st Lt. Alexander Grant piloted the Eurofighter, while American Capt. Patrick Pearce flew the F-35A. Despite the F-35’s advanced stealth, Grant’s Eurofighter outmaneuvered the F-35, securing a simulated gun kill from behind. Pearce acknowledged the Eurofighter’s agility but emphasized that the F-35’s strength lies in long-range, beyond-visual-range combat. The event included over 30 jets from nine NATO nations. Original news
Businesses reposition amid growing demand for solid rocket motors
#analysis After acquiring Aerojet Rocketdyne in July 2024, L3Harris became a significant player in the missile and rocket propulsion market. Ross Niebergall, the new division chief, has been working to streamline production processes and address supply chain bottlenecks, particularly for critical weapons like the Javelin and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System. The acquisition positions L3Harris to meet the rising global demand for rocket motors, driven by conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Pacific. Other companies, such as Anduril Industries and X-Bow Systems, are also expanding into the rocket propulsion market, highlighting growing competition and innovation. Analysts predict the market […]
General Dynamics Unveils New Tactical Vehicles
General Dynamics Land Systems will debut the Stryker Mission Command on the Move (MCOTM) and two robotic vehicles at the upcoming Association of the United States Army trade show. The Stryker MCOTM is a hybrid electric vehicle that provides a mobile and agile command post with a 300-mile range, silent mobility, and reduced fuel consumption. It is equipped with the Iron Fist Active Protection System to defend against threats. The accompanying robotic vehicles include the MUTT XM, featuring spoofing technology, and the TRX Defender, designed for ground-to-ground security. GDLS hopes these innovations will lead to future Army demonstrations and field […]
Rafael to unveil new battlefield air defense solution
At the upcoming AUSA (Association of the United States Army) annual meeting, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will unveil new unmanned air defense systems designed to offer ground troops comprehensive protection and enhanced combat capabilities. Among the systems being showcased are the laser-based Lite Beam and the 30 mm Samson remote weapon system, both mounted on four-wheeled vehicles. These systems will provide ground forces with flexible and extensive defense against advanced aerial threats, including UAVs. Rafael will also highlight the enhanced capabilities of its Trophy active protection system for military vehicles, which has demonstrated its effectiveness against various battlefield threats in […]
Will Defense Stocks Regain Their Cold War Allure?
The Wall Street Journal reports that following the Israeli airstrike targeting a Hezbollah leader on September 27, shares in major defense companies like Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman have outperformed the S&P 500. However, analysts caution that despite this performance boost, the defense sector is unlikely to see valuations comparable to those during the Cold War era without significantly larger defense budgets. The current fiscal environment and spending constraints may limit the industry’s long-term growth potential, despite increased geopolitical tensions. Original news
Trump wants NATO to hit 3 percent GDP on defense
Donald Trump has pledged to push NATO allies to increase their defense spending target from 2% to 3% of GDP if he wins the 2024 election. While increasing NATO’s defense budgets would strengthen the alliance, Trump’s proposal also raises concerns about the U.S. defense budget, which currently struggles to meet a 3% threshold. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that hitting a 3% of GDP goal would require a significant budget increase for the U.S. military, potentially reaching $1.03 trillion by the end of a second Trump administration. Additionally, inflation and rising defense costs could diminish the Pentagon’s buying power, […]
US Forces Europe Commander Compiles List Of American Weapons Systems To Help Ukraine
General Chris Cavoli, the top US military commander in Europe, compiled a list of advanced weapons systems that could significantly bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Among these systems are the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Link 16, a NATO data-sharing network that enhances battlefield communication, especially for air and missile defense. Ukraine has repeatedly requested these capabilities, but US officials are concerned about sensitive technology falling into Russian hands. While the Biden administration has provided substantial aid, it has so far refrained from supplying certain long-range missile systems that might provoke deeper Russian retaliation. The future of US support […]
‘We haven’t done that much’: Former President of Estonia says US fears of escalation with Putin are unwarranted
In an interview with Fox News Digital, former Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid stressed the global stakes of the war in Ukraine, urging Americans to recognize the minimal cost of supporting Ukraine compared to the value of securing the “freedom-loving world.” She emphasized the importance of continued aid, stating that a modest increase in Western spending could lead to Ukraine’s victory. Kaljulaid also supported lifting restrictions on long-range missile systems to enable Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, dismissing fears of escalation. She criticized Russia as a “terrorist regime” that does not follow traditional Cold War rules of engagement. Kaljulaid […]
Ukrainian Pilots Face Challenges Transitioning To F-16s
Ukrainian pilots are quickly adapting to flying F-16 jets, transitioning from Soviet-era aircraft in a challenging process. Air-warfare experts note the difficulty in retraining muscle memory, especially moving from hydraulic systems to the F-16’s fly-by-wire technology. Typically requiring three years of training, Ukrainian pilots have condensed this process into just nine months due to wartime urgency. Despite these challenges, retired US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Davis emphasized the immediate impact of Ukraine’s F-16s. More jets are expected to arrive, further enhancing their effectiveness in combat. Original news
Widespread Drone Ops Drive U.S. Army Airspace Reforms
The US Army plans to deploy thousands of small hand-launched drones, including the Skydio RQ-28A short-range reconnaissance quadcopter, to support small units. This initiative aims to quickly equip soldiers with enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. As the Army accelerates drone deployment, a separate division is focused on addressing the challenge of managing the increased airspace traffic. The rapid introduction of these drones is part of broader efforts to modernize the force and enhance battlefield situational awareness. Effective airspace management will be crucial to ensure safe and efficient operation of these unmanned systems in tactical environments. Original news
China Is Ready for War?
#analysis Amid China’s economic challenges, such as high youth unemployment and a troubled real estate market, some policymakers believe Beijing will need to cut its defense spending. However, China’s defense industrial base continues to grow rapidly, developing advanced weapons systems to deter and challenge U.S. military dominance. China is now the world’s largest shipbuilder and has significantly increased its production of modern fighter aircraft, warships, and missiles. With its defense industry on a wartime footing, China acquires weapons at a pace five to six times faster than the United States. To keep pace, the U.S. must urgently revitalize its own […]
US to transfer more SDB glide bombs for stand-off strike
The United States will send Boeing GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs) to Ukraine, enhancing the country’s ability to conduct standoff strikes into Russian-occupied territories. The GBU-39 has a standoff range of approximately 100 km and weighs 130 kg, allowing Ukrainian aircraft to carry four times as many weapons as before. These bombs are compatible with Ukraine’s recently delivered F-16 Fighting Falcon combat jets and the Saab Gripen Cs, expected to arrive after Sweden’s pledge to supply spare parts. This delivery is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities. Original news
Indexes end down as Iran launches missiles at Israel; defense shares rise
U.S. stocks closed lower on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq dropping over 1%, as escalating tensions in the Middle East rattled investors. Despite the broader market decline, defense stocks surged following Iran’s missile strikes on Israel. Shares of Northrop Grumman jumped 3%, and Lockheed Martin rose 3.6%, pushing the S&P 500 aerospace and defense index to a record high. Energy stocks like Exxon Mobil also gained, driven by a 2.4% increase in oil prices. The defense sector’s rise contrasted with declines in other areas, as investors sought safe havens amidst growing geopolitical uncertainty. Original news