Sweden has received its first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). This delivery is part of four batches ordered, positioning Sweden as the third major NATO user of the M3 system alongside Germany and the UK. The M3 can serve as a floating bridge or ferry capable of transporting heavy main battle tanks across gaps up to 400 meters wide. GDELS highlights the M3 as NATO’s fastest solution for wet gap crossings, adaptable to other pontoon bridge systems like the IRB and SRB. Sweden’s adoption of the M3 is expected to significantly enhance […]
Latvia selects ASCOD, orders Patria 6×6 C2 vehicles
General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas is currently in negotiations to supply ASCOD tracked armored vehicles to the Latvian Ministry of Defence, as announced on November 15. The deal follows closely on the heels of Latvia’s order for 56 Patria 6×6 command-and-control vehicles, confirmed through a EUR 60 million contract set to be fulfilled between 2024 and 2029. This procurement from Patria, detailed on November 14, represents a significant upgrade in Latvia’s defense capabilities. Thomas Kauffmann from GDELS praised the ASCOD vehicles for their advanced features and suitability for Latvia’s needs, while Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds […]
AeroVironment Acquires BlueHalo In $4.1 Billion Deal
AeroVironment, a leading manufacturer of unmanned systems, is set to acquire technology firm BlueHalo in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $4.1 billion, aiming to become a significant force in the unmanned systems market. The merger is projected to generate over $1.7 billion in combined annual revenue, with BlueHalo contributing more than $900 million in revenues for 2024. While AeroVironment specializes in unmanned systems like its widely used Switchblade loitering munitions, BlueHalo has expertise in space technologies, counter-UAS, directed energy, and electronic warfare. The union is expected to enhance product offerings and drive innovation, leveraging a shared culture focused on […]
Europe May Need $720 Billion in Defense Funds, Analysts Say
A Bloomberg Intelligence report revealed that NATO’s 15 largest European members may need to raise military spending to $720 billion annually, a $340 billion increase, to compensate for potential reduced U.S. support under a second Trump administration. Analyst George Ferguson noted that while Russian aggression has already driven increased European defense budgets, additional spending may be necessary to support Ukraine, counter Moscow’s regional threats, and address strategic competition with China. Defense firms like BAE Systems Plc, Airbus, Leonardo, and Rolls Royce are expected to benefit significantly from this spending surge. The report underscores the growing pressure on Europe to enhance […]
Germany to publish new defence industry strategy by year end
Germany plans to introduce a new defense industry strategy by the end of the year to streamline bureaucracy and accelerate arms production, even amidst the coalition government’s collapse. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that the plan aims to enhance the Bundeswehr and fortify the defense industrial base, in line with the Zeitenwende policy shift. The draft proposes government stakes in strategic defense projects, prioritizing key technologies and financial improvements. Pistorius reassured that the state remains functional and discussions with the defense industry will continue despite political instability. This strategy reflects Germany’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in the wake […]
German Government Funds Ukrainian Satellite Imagery
Rheinmetall, ICEYE, and the Ukrainian government signed a contract on November 11 to improve Ukraine’s SAR satellite reconnaissance capabilities. The initiative is funded by the German government to provide enhanced SAR data and support from ICEYE. Rheinmetall stated that this will aid the Ukrainian armed forces in better decision-making and operational planning. Since early October 2024, Ukraine has been receiving satellite imagery from ICEYE’s SAR satellites under this collaboration. This partnership underscores a strong commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense through advanced technology.Original news
US, Japan, Australia broaden exercises, set target for live-fire drill
Officials from the US, Japan, and Australia have announced plans to expand their joint military exercises, which will include a new live-fire drill set to take place in 2027. The collaborative efforts were revealed during a meeting at a military base in Darwin, Australia, signaling a deepening of military ties among the three nations. Beginning next year, Japan will dispatch a brigade to train alongside US and Australian forces, with the inaugural joint exercise, Talisman Sabre, scheduled to occur in Queensland in 2025. Following a significant agreement two years ago, which allows Japanese and Australian militaries to access each other’s […]
Poland Boosts Drone Purchases in 24,4 Million Dollar Deal
Poland has enhanced its surveillance capabilities by purchasing 52 FlyEye drones for 100 million zlotys ($24.49 million), as announced by Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. These drones, produced by WB Electronics, are already in use by the Polish military and have seen action in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Alongside the purchase, Poland will inaugurate a drone military inspectorate in January to streamline UAV strategy and standardize operator training across the armed forces. Kosiniak-Kamysz also disclosed Poland’s advocacy for increased EU defense funding during its upcoming EU presidency and confirmed plans to boost national defense spending to 4.7% of GDP […]
Pentagon Fails Audit For 7th Consecutive Year
The Pentagon disclosed the results of its fiscal 2024 annual audit after business hours on Friday, marking the seventh consecutive year of failing to achieve a clean financial statement. Despite this, Michael McCord, the Department of Defense Under Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, emphasized the progress being made, asserting that the department is gaining momentum and a deeper understanding of the underlying challenges. The audit involved scrutiny by the DoD’s Office of Inspector General and an independent accounting firm, which assessed $4.1 trillion in assets and $4.3 trillion in liabilities, across 28 entities including military branches and the Military Retirement […]
Ukraine Ramps Up Production Of Automated Attack Drones
Ukraine is stepping up its military capabilities by increasing the production of automated attack drones that incorporate budget-friendly computers, achieving the functionality of more expensive systems at a fraction of the cost. The US-based company Auterion is contributing to this effort by supplying tens of thousands of Skynode minicomputers, which are slated for deployment on the battlefield in early next year. Additionally, the Ukrainian startup Vyriy Drone is rapidly increasing production, aiming to complete several thousand autopilot drones this month to maintain Ukraine’s technological superiority over Russia. Auterion’s founder, Lorenz Meier, points out that the technology itself is not new; […]
US Space Force Seeks Affordable GPS Satellites
The US Space Force is planning a transformative shift in its GPS satellite fleet, aiming for smaller, cheaper, and more resilient spacecraft by collaborating with both commercial and defense firms. Four companies, Sierra Space, L3Harris, Astranis, and Axient (recently acquired by Astrion), have secured contracts to develop early concept designs for the Resilient GPS program, with a selection process for finalizing designs and building prototypes set to occur within the next five to eight months. This initiative, costing an estimated $1 billion over five years, addresses the growing concerns over GPS vulnerabilities highlighted by frequent signal jamming and spoofing incidents, […]
US Army selects RTX Raytheon as supplier of a wireless power beaming technology
The US Army has awarded Raytheon Technologies (RTX Raytheon) a contract to develop directed energy wireless power beaming capabilities, aiming to enhance power distribution on the battlefield and streamline logistics. The contract encompasses the development of sophisticated wireless power transmitter and receiver technologies. These technologies are intended to extend the operational capabilities of both crewed and uncrewed military platforms. A spokesperson from Raytheon discussed with Shephard Media that the wireless power solutions being developed will support the army’s warfighting infrastructure. This initiative represents a significant advancement in military technology, focusing on operational efficiency and effectiveness. Original news
EU approves first-ever funding for joint weapons, ammo procurement
Margrethe Vestager, the Executive Vice-President of the Commission, announced a new initiative where EU budget funds will be used for the first time to support member states in jointly procuring defense products. She highlighted that this approach will enhance the value for money of national defense budgets and improve the interoperability of European armed forces. Additionally, this initiative aims to strengthen the European defense industry and enhance Europe’s preparedness against defense threats. The Commission has approved funding for nine countries, including France, Spain, Hungary, and Romania, for the joint procurement of MBDA’s Mistral very short-range air defense systems. Additionally, six […]
Greece in talks with Israel to develop 2 bln euro ‘Iron Dome’
Greece is in discussions with Israel to collaborate on a €2 billion project to develop an anti-aircraft and missile defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. This endeavor is part of a larger effort by Greece to modernize its military capabilities in light of its ongoing rivalry with Turkey, despite recent improvements in diplomatic relations. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has confirmed the initiative, which falls under a comprehensive 10-year military procurement strategy. The strategy includes plans to acquire up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets and drones from the U.S., as well as four Belharra frigates and Rafale jets […]
Latvia orders more Patria 6×6 vehicles
Latvia has finalized an agreement to acquire 56 CAVS 6×6 command-and-control vehicles for over €60 million. The vehicles will be produced locally, with part of the manufacturing taking place at Patria’s newly operational facility in Valmiera since May 2024. The delivery of these vehicles is scheduled to commence by the end of 2024 and extend through 2029. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds emphasized that these new vehicles will enhance the operational capabilities of the national armed forces and foster the growth of Latvia’s military industry. This acquisition continues to build on the successful partnership between the defense sector and local […]