Sweden’s Saab and Norway’s Kongsberg posted record sales growth in 2024, driven by increased European defense spending amid heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Saab’s orders rose 24% to 96.8 billion kronor ($8.9 billion), fueled by Gripen fighter jet deals and air defense contracts. Kongsberg reported a 44% jump to 54.4 billion kroner ($4.85 billion), boosted by a major U.S. Navy missile order. With European defense budgets projected to reach a record €326 billion in 2024, both companies anticipate continued expansion. Saab and Kongsberg are focusing on securing NATO contracts and expanding global production capabilities to meet growing […]
U.S. Senate Budget Proposal Seeks $150 Billion Defense Boost
The U.S. Senate Budget Committee has introduced a resolution that could add $150 billion to defense spending if approved by Congress. The proposal emphasizes military readiness, shipbuilding, missile defense—including an “Iron Dome for America”—and nuclear modernization. A separate bill allocates $19.5 billion for missile defense, funding Next Generation Interceptors and THAAD system upgrades. Lawmakers argue the increase is necessary to counter global threats and maintain U.S. military superiority. The resolution, if passed, would mark one of the largest defense spending increases in recent years. Original news
U.K. Repurposes Retired Tornado Parts for 3D-Printed Tempest Fighter Components
The U.K. has achieved a world first by recycling components from retired Eurofighter Tornado jets into 3D-printable materials for the upcoming sixth-generation Tempest fighter. As part of the Tornado 2 Tempest project, titanium, aluminum, and steel were ground into powdered metal for additive manufacturing. Rolls-Royce successfully 3D-printed new components, including a nose cone and compressor blades, from repurposed Tornado titanium for its Orpheus test engine. The nose cone passed safety and performance tests, proving the viability of this recycling approach for Tempest aircraft production. Led by Additive Manufacturing Solutions Limited, the initiative aims to cut costs, enhance sustainability, and reduce […]
Ukraine Receives First Mirage 2000 Fighter Jets from France
Ukraine has received its first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets from France, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed on Thursday. The delivery introduces a second type of Western aircraft into Ukraine’s arsenal, complementing the F-16 jets supplied by allies. Lecornu stated that the jets will now aid in defending Ukraine’s airspace, following the training of Ukrainian pilots in France. The Mirage 2000 is equipped for air-to-ground combat and enhances Ukraine’s ability to integrate NATO weaponry, including Scalp/Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The move strengthens Ukraine’s aerial defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict. Original news
Saab Expands Production Amid Rising Defense Demand but Faces Cash Flow Pressure
Saab is accelerating investments to expand production capacity as global military spending remains strong, driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Middle East security concerns. The company expects high demand for its Gripen E fighter jets, ground combat systems, missile technology, and surveillance products. However, increased investments will strain cash flow, prompting Saab to lower its cumulative cash conversion target for 2023-2027 from 70% to at least 60%. Despite a 44% drop in Q4 2024 order bookings to 17.56 billion kronor ($1.61 billion), sales rose 29% to 20.85 billion kronor, with net profit up 17% to 1.44 billion kronor. Saab […]
Germany Selects Elbit’s Euro PULS Rocket System Over Rheinmetall and Lockheed
Germany has chosen Elbit Systems’ Euro PULS artillery rocket launchers over Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin’s Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System. The decision, announced on February 6, includes an initial contract worth $57 million. The selection was part of a broader agreement involving the German, Dutch, and Israeli governments. KNDS-Germany also played a role, leveraging its experience in upgrading the German Army’s M270 MLRS. The deal strengthens Germany’s artillery capabilities while deepening defense ties with Israel and European allies. Original news
Saab Opens UK Production Line for Giraffe 1X Radar Amid Rising Demand
Swedish defense firm Saab has inaugurated a new production line for its Giraffe 1X short-range air surveillance radar at its advanced facility in Fareham, Southeast England. Opened by UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, the site will also support UK military radar systems and Saab’s Seaeye underwater robotics. Saab has begun manufacturing the 3D AESA radar without confirmed UK or export orders, anticipating increased demand. The UK previously ordered 11 Giraffe 1X systems in 2023 under a 264 million SEK ($25.6 million) contract, with production originally based in Sweden. Saab CEO Michael Johansson emphasized the radar’s deployment in Ukraine and the […]
Finland’s First Pohjanmaa-Class Corvette Hull Completed
Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has completed the hull of the first Pohjanmaa-class multirole corvette for the Finnish Navy, marking a major milestone in the Squadron 2020 program. The hull was officially finished at the end of 2024, with protective covering removed in early February. The vessel will now undergo fitting-out at RMC ahead of its scheduled launch in Q2 2025. RMC is constructing four corvettes under a €647.6 million ($687.8 million) contract awarded in 2019, with two ships currently under construction and a third set to begin later this year. The project is being managed by RMC’s defense […]
Embraer Lands Record $7 Billion Jet Deal with Flexjet
Brazilian planemaker Embraer has signed a contract with Flexjet for up to 212 jets, valued at $7 billion at current list prices. The agreement includes firm orders for 182 aircraft and options for 30 more, marking the largest executive jet order in Embraer’s history. The fleet will feature Praetor 600, Praetor 500, and Phenom 300E jets, along with service and support. The announcement sent Embraer’s stock soaring over 9.5% in early São Paulo trading, making it the top performer on Brazil’s Bovespa index. JPMorgan analysts estimate the deal could boost Embraer’s total backlog by 26% to $28.7 billion, with deliveries […]
AST SpaceMobile Secures $7 Billion Spectrum Deal with Ligado Networks
AST SpaceMobile has finalized a $7 billion agreement with Ligado Networks, gaining access to 40 MHz of L-band Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum in the U.S. and Canada, plus an additional 5 MHz in the U.S. The deal includes a $550 million upfront payment and an $80 million annual fee for 80 years, amounting to roughly $2 million per MHz per year. This move comes as the MSS sector evolves, with companies like Globalstar and Echostar forming partnerships to expand direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity. Meanwhile, SpaceX continues to push for regulatory changes to support its D2D services despite having its […]
Honeywell to Split Into Three Companies by 2026
Honeywell International plans to break into three independent companies, separating its aerospace and automation divisions while spinning off its advanced-materials business. The restructuring, set for completion by the second half of 2026, follows a yearlong review by CEO Vimal Kapur and pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. Honeywell’s aerospace unit, which earned $15 billion in 2024, will become one of the largest publicly traded aerospace suppliers. The automation business generated $18 billion last year, while advanced materials brought in $4 billion. The move aims to enhance financial flexibility and operational focus, mirroring General Electric’s successful 2024 breakup. Original news
U.S. Officials Push for Standardized Cybersecurity in Space Systems
U.S. officials are advocating for standardized cybersecurity measures for space systems to enhance information sharing with international allies. Former Defense Department official Lauryn Williams highlighted the lack of clear cyber standards when addressing concerns from Japanese officials during a Washington Business Space Roundtable discussion. Erin Miller, executive director of the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center, supported the initiative, suggesting that the Department of Homeland Security oversee the effort. She also called for space systems to be designated as critical infrastructure due to their growing global importance. The push for unified standards aims to strengthen cybersecurity and international cooperation in […]
Italian Defense Chief Urges Acceleration of €23 Billion Tank and Vehicle Order
Italian Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Luciano Portolano has called on Leonardo and Rheinmetall to speed up a €23 billion ($24 billion) order for tanks and fighting vehicles to boost military readiness. The Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles joint venture plans to deliver 1,050 Lynx fighting vehicles and 272 Panther tanks. Production is expected to peak in 2031 at 171 units per year, with additional plans for export. The order is part of Italy’s broader effort to modernize its armed forces amid evolving security challenges. Original news
Saab Builds C-UAS Radars Absent Orders To Quickly Meet Demand
Saab has started building Giraffe 1X air surveillance radars without waiting for specific orders, aiming to rapidly meet growing demand. The radar has attracted significant interest due to its counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities. This proactive production strategy allows Saab to deliver the system quickly to potential buyers amid increasing global threats from drones. The Giraffe 1X is designed for agile air defense, offering real-time surveillance and threat detection. Saab’s move highlights the growing importance of advanced radar systems in modern warfare. Original news
Google removes guidelines barring its AI from being used in surveillance and weapons: report
Google has removed its ethics guidelines that previously prohibited the use of its AI technology in weapons and surveillance, The Washington Post reports. This shift reflects a broader industry trend, as major tech firms increasingly collaborate with U.S. defense and intelligence agencies. Google originally imposed the ban in 2018 after employee protests over a Pentagon contract but has now aligned with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic in pursuing defense-related projects. Meanwhile, firms such as Palantir, Anduril, OpenAI, Saronic, and Scale AI are reportedly in talks with SpaceX to form a consortium competing for Pentagon contracts. The move signals growing competition […]