The U.S. Army has awarded AeroVironment a $288 million contract for additional Switchblade loitering munitions. This marks the third delivery order under a five-year agreement, potentially worth $990 million, signed last August. AeroVironment senior vice president Brett Hush reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing reliable loitering munition solutions. The contract includes both Switchblade 300 and 600 systems, with the latter serving as the Army’s first test platform for its Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance program. The deal strengthens the Army’s focus on precision strike capabilities amid evolving battlefield needs. Original news
Embraer Marks 10 Years of C/KC-390 and Expands Production Amid Strong Demand
Embraer is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its C/KC-390 Millennium tactical transport’s first flight and plans to ramp up production due to rising international orders. The aircraft has been delivered to multiple countries, including Portugal, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and South Korea, with a firm order backlog of 32 jets. Sweden is also set to acquire the KC-390 to replace its aging Lockheed Martin C-130H fleet. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J has only five export orders, according to Cirium data. Embraer’s growing success in the global military transport market underscores the KC-390’s increasing appeal over competing platforms. Original […]
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
Palantir Shares Surge on Strong AI-Driven Growth and 2025 Forecast
Palantir Technologies saw its shares rise after projecting a 2025 revenue of $3.75 billion, exceeding analyst expectations. CEO Alex Karp attributed the growth to surging AI demand, calling it “untamed organic growth.” The company reported a 36% increase in fourth-quarter revenue to $827.5 million, fueled by a 45% rise in U.S. government sales and a 64% jump in U.S. commercial revenue. Palantir is expanding AI partnerships with defense tech firms like Anduril Industries and Anthropic, reinforcing its role in the growing software-first defense sector. The strong financial performance highlights the company’s increasing influence in AI-driven military and commercial applications. Original […]
U.S. Navy Tests HELIOS Laser Weapon, Showcases Drone-Destruction Capabilities
The U.S. Navy has released striking images of its HELIOS laser weapon in action, demonstrating its ability to destroy drones in real-time. Tested aboard the USS Preble, the system fires more than 60 kilowatts of directed energy at the speed of light, capable of hitting targets up to five miles away. Developed by Lockheed Martin, HELIOS is designed to counter drones, small boats, and potentially incoming missiles while also disrupting enemy surveillance sensors. Integrated into the ship’s combat system, the laser offers unlimited firepower as long as the ship maintains power. The successful test highlights the Navy’s push to counter […]
Lockheed Martin handovers first Bulgarian F-16 Block 70 fighter jet
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first two F-16 Block 70 multi-role fighter jets to Bulgaria in a ceremony held in Greenville, South Carolina. The delivery is part of two contracts signed in 2019 and 2022, totaling 16 aircraft. Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov called the acquisition a historic milestone for the country’s Air Force, marking the beginning of its combat aviation renewal. The new jets enhance Bulgaria’s defense capabilities, ensuring full interoperability with NATO and EU allies. Equipped with advanced radar, an automatic ground collision avoidance system, and an upgraded cockpit display, the F-16 Block 70 provides superior situational awareness […]
Space Companies Push Satellite Servicing Amid Market Skepticism
Space companies specializing in satellite servicing and debris removal are striving to prove the economic viability of their operations despite skepticism from commercial satellite operators and cautious Pentagon interest. The key challenge is making services like debris removal and in-orbit refueling cost-effective and scalable, particularly for low Earth orbit satellites. Companies such as Starfish Space and Orbit Fab are developing solutions, but regulatory hurdles and market uncertainty pose significant obstacles. Industry success will depend on overcoming technical and financial challenges while demonstrating clear value to satellite operators. The push for sustainable space operations continues as firms work to gain traction […]
Defense Secretary Hegseth Unveils Military Reform Plans Under “America First” Doctrine
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced plans to overhaul military structures and processes in line with President Trump’s “America First” policy. His agenda includes revitalizing the defense industrial base, reforming acquisition practices, and enforcing financial audits. As part of a broader budget review, the administration has paused financial assistance, including Foreign Military Sales, and may redirect funds. Hegseth is also pushing for new missile defense systems and streamlining acquisition decisions, including the Replicator initiative for rapid deployment of uncrewed systems. The reforms aim to strengthen U.S. military readiness while prioritizing domestic defense capabilities. Original news
Top DOD weapons testers challenged by next-generation warfare
A recent report reveals that the Pentagon’s weapons testers lack the necessary facilities, tools, and expertise to evaluate advanced technologies like AI, hypersonics, cyber, and electronic warfare. While new policies and manuals aim to address these challenges, the Department of Defense still faces critical shortages in modern test ranges and resources to simulate evolving threats. The report highlights significant gaps in areas such as electronic warfare and cyber capabilities. It calls for urgent investment in testing infrastructure, workforce training, and modernization to keep pace with rapidly advancing military technologies. Original news
Biden administration slowed Ukraine arms shipments until his term was nearly done
A Reuters investigation found that U.S. military aid to Ukraine faced significant delays in President Biden’s final year due to congressional inaction, escalation concerns, and stockpile limitations. A poorly organized weapons-tracking system further complicated deliveries. While aid accelerated following Donald Trump’s election victory, it only returned to early war levels. By late 2024, Ukraine had received just half of promised stockpile aid and 30% of armored vehicles. Meanwhile, Ukraine lost nearly all land gained in 2023, with Russia advancing at a rate of territory equivalent to Manhattan every three days. Original news
Sweden to provide Ukraine with $1.2 billion military aid package
Sweden will supply Ukraine with 13.5 billion kronor in military aid, marking its largest package yet. The assistance includes doubling the number of Stridsbåt 90 combat boats to 32 and delivering 1,500 TOW anti-tank missiles. Sweden has previously sent Leopard 2 tanks, CV90 vehicles, and Archer howitzers to support Ukraine. Additionally, Sweden will contribute about $250 million to international defense funds and allocate $178 million to the Danish model for ordering weapons from Ukraine’s defense industry. The move underscores Sweden’s continued commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities. Original news
Estonia receives first deliveries of new CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer
Estonia has received its first six CAESAR 155mm 6×6 self-propelled howitzers from KNDS France as part of a 12-unit order placed last year. Lt. Col. Rauno Viitmann, the project officer for the procurement, stated that the new artillery systems will enhance the firepower and reaction speed of Estonia’s forces. Both conscripts and reservists will operate the howitzers, with conscript training set to begin in the coming weeks. Reservist training exercises are planned for mid-2025 as Estonia continues strengthening its defense capabilities. Original news
Netherlands to Buy 22 Skyranger Air-Defense Systems for $1.35 Billion
The Netherlands will acquire 22 Skyranger mobile air-defense cannons from Rheinmetall for $1.35 billion to strengthen its defenses against drone threats. The Dutch Ministry of Defence plans to finalize contracts in early 2025, with deliveries starting in 2028. The purchase follows Germany’s agreement in February 2024 to buy 19 Skyranger systems, which will also feature Raytheon’s Stinger missiles. The acquisition is part of a broader effort to modernize European air-defense capabilities amid evolving security challenges. Original news
SpaceX Revenue Surges to $13.1 Billion in 2024
SpaceX reported $13.1 billion in revenue for 2024, a sharp increase from $8.7 billion in 2023. The growth was driven largely by Starlink, which saw its revenue rise to $8.2 billion as its customer base doubled to 4.6 million. Despite lower-than-expected launch volumes, launch sales increased by 19% to $4.2 billion, fueled by more government contracts. SpaceX also saw significant expansion in its maritime and aviation sectors, with maritime customers growing from 10,000 to over 75,000 and aviation terminals rising from 80 to 450 by year-end. The strong financial performance highlights SpaceX’s growing dominance in the space and satellite industries. […]
U.S. Army Uses AI and Blockchain to Track $70 Billion in Ukraine Aid
The U.S. Army is leveraging blockchain, big data, and generative AI to ensure efficient and accountable distribution of nearly $70 billion in aid to Ukraine. Pat Sullivan, an expert at the Army Materiel Command, stressed the importance of maintaining visibility, accountability, and auditability of military equipment. Lt. Col. Colby Smithmeyer highlighted how the war in Ukraine has provided key lessons in modern logistics, particularly in tracking consumption rates. He pointed to the rapid wear of M777 howitzer barrels due to intense use, a rate unseen in previous conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. By integrating advanced technology, the Army aims to […]