Germany’s cartel office has approved the establishment of a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Italy’s Leonardo, as announced in a statement on Monday. The collaboration, initiated last October, aims to develop and manufacture military combat vehicles, marking a significant step toward consolidating the European defense sector. Cartel office president Andreas Mundt emphasized the importance of both companies in the defense industry but noted no competition concerns arose from the joint venture. The approval was granted quickly, reflecting the strategic significance and compatibility of the partnership. This development highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen European defense capabilities through collaboration. Original news
Sweden’s Saab posts higher-than-expected 2024 organic sales growth
Saab, the Swedish defense manufacturer, projects 23.4% organic sales growth for 2024, exceeding its earlier forecast of 15-20%. This surge is attributed to strong project execution in Q4 and rising global defense demand amid geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine. Preliminary Q4 sales reached 20.9 billion Swedish crowns, up from 16.1 billion the prior year, with full-year sales rising to 63.8 billion crowns from 51.6 billion in 2023. Despite a 4.7% drop in shares as of midday trading, the company’s stock has risen 30.7% over the past year. Saab’s performance underscores its resilience and strategic position in the growing […]
Sweden Unveils Drone Swarm For Military Use
Sweden has unveiled a swarm of aerial drones to enhance the Swedish Armed Forces’ intelligence and surveillance capabilities. The initiative was announced by Defense Minister Pal Jonson during a press conference on January 15. Developed in partnership with Saab and Swedish military entities, the drones feature advanced software and sensors for efficient coordination and communication. This cutting-edge technology has attracted attention from NATO allies, underscoring its strategic value. The development marks a significant advancement in Sweden’s defense innovation and global military technology leadership. Original news
Norwegian F-35s Scrambled In Poland During Russian Missile Strikes On Ukraine
Norway scrambled two F-35A stealth fighters from Poland in response to Russian missile strikes targeting Ukraine. Lt. Col. Eivind Byre of the Royal Norwegian Air Force stated the jets were deployed to protect Polish airspace as part of NATO’s collective defense. The scramble coincided with a large-scale Russian attack involving over 40 missiles and 70 drones aimed at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Norwegian F-35s and a NASAMS air defense system are stationed in Poland to safeguard critical logistics hubs. This mission, part of NATO operations, is expected to conclude in April. Original news
Italy Acquires Skynex Air Defense System from Rheinmetall
Italy has ordered a Skynex air defense system from Rheinmetall for €73 million, with an option to purchase three additional systems for €204 million. Skynex is designed to counter a wide range of threats, including missiles, artillery, mortars, drones, and loitering munitions. The system includes air surveillance sensors, a command-and-control station, four 35mm Mk3 firing units, ammunition, training, and maintenance. The first system will be delivered in Q2 2026, with optional systems potentially following in 2027. This marks Italy as the first NATO member to adopt Skynex with Mk3 guns, reflecting Rheinmetall’s growing role in NATO defense programs, including combat […]
With torpedo firm buy, Fincantieri eyes $100bn undersea-defense market
Fincantieri, the Italian state shipyard, has completed the acquisition of Italian torpedo firm WASS from Leonardo for a potential total of €415 million ($428 million). The acquisition strengthens Fincantieri’s expertise in underwater acoustic technologies and advanced weapons systems, aligning with its strategy to expand its undersea business. The deal includes a fixed payment of €287 million, with the total contingent on WASS’s 2024 performance. Fincantieri predicts global undersea defense spending to reach €94 billion between 2024 and 2030, highlighting significant market potential. This acquisition positions Fincantieri as a key player in the growing undersea defence sector. Original news
S. Korea, US, Japan stage joint air drills involving B-1B bomber after NK missile launches
South Korea, the United States, and Japan conducted combined air drills on Wednesday, involving two U.S. B-1B bombers, South Korean F-15K jets, and Japanese F-2 fighter jets, marking their first such exercise of the year. The drills aimed to enhance joint capabilities to deter North Korea’s evolving missile and nuclear threats, including its recent launches of hypersonic and short-range ballistic missiles. North Korea claimed a successful hypersonic missile test on January 6, but South Korea’s military dismissed the claims as deceptive. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command emphasized the exercises as a demonstration of strong trilateral cooperation for an immediate and coordinated response […]
Sweden Joins NATO Efforts to Bolster Baltic Sea Security
Sweden has pledged to support NATO’s enhanced naval presence in the Baltic Sea by contributing up to three warships, one ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, and four coast guard ships. This commitment follows NATO’s recent decision to strengthen its naval posture in response to increased Russian activities in the region. Finnish media report that NATO may deploy up to ten warships to protect critical underwater infrastructure. Meanwhile, Estonia’s navy has intensified patrols in the Gulf of Finland as Finland investigates suspected sabotage of the Estlink 2 submarine cable, allegedly involving Russia’s ‘shadow fleet.’ Sweden’s participation underscores its commitment to regional security […]
Ukraine Acquires German RCH 155 Self-Propelled Howitzers
Ukraine has received its first RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer from Germany, becoming the system’s inaugural operator. A total of 54 units are expected to equip three Ukrainian artillery battalions, with six remaining in Germany initially. The RCH 155 combines the Panzerhaubitze 2000’s advanced artillery system with the Boxer vehicle chassis, offering a highly mobile and automated solution. Its automated turret and range of up to 33.5 miles provide enhanced battlefield capabilities. This acquisition underscores Ukraine’s efforts to modernize its artillery assets amid ongoing war. Original news
Denmark Weighs Defense Upgrades for F-35 Deployment in Greenland
Denmark is evaluating defense infrastructure enhancements in Greenland to potentially station Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters at Kangerlussuaq airport, as reported on January 10. The Royal Danish Air Force currently operates 17 F-35s, with additional jets used for training in Arizona. The upgrades align with a proposed $1.5 billion Danish defense spending package and follow heightened U.S. interest in Greenland for national security. Hosting F-35s at Kangerlussuaq would represent a major boost to Greenland’s security infrastructure. This initiative underscores Denmark’s commitment to modernizing its defense posture in the Arctic region.Original news
UK Advances Counter-Drone Soft-Kill Systems
The British Army and UK Royal Navy are nearing the fielding of new counter-drone soft-kill systems, incorporating lasers and RF electronic warfare technology. A technical demonstration highlights progress toward deploying counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities as operational systems. Key developments include Thales’ RF Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) and the DragonFire laser, both of which have achieved significant milestones in the past year. These advancements showcase the UK’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for counter-drone defense. The systems are poised to enhance the nation’s ability to neutralize emerging aerial threats effectively. Original news
Rheinmetall awarded M107 ammunition contract
Rheinmetall has been scaling up its production capacity since 2022, aiming to produce up to 1.1 million 155mm artillery shells annually by 2027. The company recently secured a €21 million contract for tens of thousands of M107 artillery shells, with deliveries beginning in the first half of 2025. These shells, manufactured by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions in Spain, are compatible with numerous 155mm weapon systems and have been in NATO service for decades. Rheinmetall’s expansion addresses surging global demand, supplying Ukraine directly and replenishing the stockpiles of countries supporting Ukraine. This highlights Rheinmetall’s pivotal role in meeting the increased defense needs […]
Frankenburg Technologies to Test AI-Driven Anti-Aircraft Missile
Estonian startup Frankenburg Technologies plans to test its Mark 1 anti-aircraft missile in Ukraine by early 2025, targeting low-flying drones using advanced AI software. Designed to be more cost-effective than existing solutions, the missile can counter drones at altitudes up to 2 kilometers, according to CEO Kusti Salm. The company is collaborating with the British defense industry and committing €50 million to R&D in the UK for low-cost rocket motor development. This innovation aligns with similar concepts like Lockheed Martin’s miniature hit-to-kill missiles, highlighting the push for affordable precision defense systems. Frankenburg’s efforts represent a significant step in modernizing counter-drone […]
Ukraine’s Old Su-25 Attack Jets Have Become Standoff Precision Bombers
The Ukrainian air force has adapted its remaining Sukhoi Su-25 jets to deploy French-made Hammer glide bombs, enhancing their effectiveness against Russian targets. This strategic adjustment allows bombs to be launched from higher altitudes, keeping aircraft outside Russian missile range and reducing losses. Initially operating 43 Su-25s and reinforced with 18 more from Macedonia and Bulgaria, Ukraine has lost at least 20 jets but now employs standoff bombing tactics across its fleet, including MiG-29s and Su-24s. Preparations are underway to integrate Lockheed Martin F-16s with these munitions while testing domestically developed glide bombs on Su-24s. These advancements demonstrate Ukraine’s adaptive […]
Estonia signs for construction of new radar post
Estonian construction firm Mapri Ehitus has won a €4 million contract from the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) to design and construct a new radar post. Funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, the project will take 17 months to complete. In June 2023, ECDI also partnered with Thales to procure two Ground Master 400 Alpha radars, boosting Estonia’s airspace protection capabilities. Major Tõnis Pärn, commander of the Estonian Defence Forces air surveillance wing, emphasized the radar post’s role in enhancing flight safety, supporting maritime rescue operations, and improving situational awareness. These initiatives mark a significant step forward […]