Swedish defense manufacturer Saab reported higher-than-expected third-quarter operating earnings of 1.19 billion crowns, surpassing last year’s 859 million and analyst predictions of 1.14 billion. The company reaffirmed its forecast for strong sales growth, expecting a 15-20% organic rise in 2024, with earnings increasing at an even higher rate. Saab benefits from the global demand for military hardware, driven by tensions such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, and Sweden’s NATO accession. Its order bookings rose by 41% year-on-year, with a growing order backlog of 190 billion crowns. Saab is cooperating with a U.S. Department of Justice request regarding Brazil’s 2014 Gripen […]
Estonia Considers Additional HIMARS Order Amid Competitor Talks
Estonia is considering a second order of Lockheed Martin’s M142 HIMARS and has begun talks with other competitors, including South Korea, Turkey, and Israel, to explore alternative options. Estonia’s national armaments director, Magnus Saar, stated that any new HIMARS deal depends on delivery times and pricing from the U.S. government. The country initially signed a $200 million deal for six HIMARS in 2020, with deliveries delayed until next year. Estonia’s growing defense budget, spurred by concerns over Russia, includes significant investments in artillery, air defense, and loitering munitions. Tallinn is also collaborating with Latvia and Lithuania on joint HIMARS use […]
Japan, UK and Italy to expedite next-generation fighter jet to replace F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons
The defense ministers of Japan, the U.K., and Italy have agreed to accelerate the development of a next-generation stealth fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), aiming for deployment by 2035. A trilateral organization, GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO), will be established by the end of the year to oversee the aircraft’s development, with involvement from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. The fighter jet will replace Japan’s F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons, enhancing defense capabilities amid growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. GIGO will be based in the U.K. and will be led by a […]
NATO Scrambles Fighters, Ups AWACS Flights to Protect Romania from Russian Incursions
NATO has increased its air defense efforts on the Eastern Flank in response to airspace violations by drones likely linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. On October 18, NATO officials emphasized the importance of air and missile defense, particularly following an incursion into Romania’s airspace, which prompted a scramble of fighter jets. The U.S. and NATO allies have enhanced their air policing, deploying additional E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft to monitor the region. These efforts, directed by NATO Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Christopher Cavoli, are aimed at improving surveillance and readiness against Russian military activities. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin […]
NATO Completes First Ramstein Flag Exercise In Greece
NATO Allied Air Command concluded its first “Ramstein Flag” exercise at Andravida Air Base, Greece, involving over 130 aircraft from 12 countries. The exercise, held from September 30 to October 11, included approximately 1,100 sorties focused on counter anti-access/area denial and integrated air and missile defense. U.S. F-35 fighters and KC-135 tankers participated alongside aircraft from nations such as Canada, Poland, and the U.K. Ramstein Flag, designed to create realistic combat scenarios, reflects NATO’s commitment to preparing for future threats, inspired by lessons from the Ukraine-Russia war. This large-scale event will now become routine, with the next exercise scheduled for […]
SpaceX secures new contracts worth $733.5 million for national security space missions
SpaceX has been awarded $733.5 million in contracts for nine launches under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program. These launches include seven missions for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and two for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program, with a total value of $5.6 billion, is structured as an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to support U.S. defense and intelligence agencies. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 will be used to deploy small satellites into low-Earth orbit for SDA’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer, enhancing military communications. […]
US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies accused of helping make Russian attack drones
The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on two Chinese companies for helping Russia build long-range attack drones used in Ukraine. This marks the first U.S. penalties targeting Chinese firms for collaborating with Russian defense companies to produce complete weapons systems. The sanctions aim to disrupt direct ties between Beijing and Moscow, as China’s Garpiya drones have been used by Russia to target Ukrainian infrastructure, resulting in casualties. The Chinese Embassy denied the accusations, calling them false and criticizing U.S. unilateral sanctions. The sanctions also target Russian companies and individuals involved in facilitating the production and shipment of these drones. Original […]
RTX Reaches $1B In Settlements Over Raytheon Bribery Allegations
RTX Corp., formerly Raytheon, has agreed to pay over $950 million to settle allegations of government fraud and bribery to secure business with Qatar. The company entered into deferred prosecution agreements in federal courts in Brooklyn and Massachusetts, agreeing to hire independent monitors for compliance with anti-corruption laws. The settlement includes criminal penalties, civil fines, restitution, and the return of profits from inflated defense contracts and bribes paid to a Qatari military official. Additionally, RTX resolved a $428-million civil settlement for inflating labor and material costs on no-bid contracts, driving up profits. The company acknowledged its misconduct and committed to […]
Aero Vodochody confident of further export deals as L-39NG is rebranded Skyfox
Aero Vodochody has renamed its L-39NG jet trainer as the L-39 Skyfox, aiming to boost sales to customers like Vietnam and Hungary. CEO Viktor Sotona is optimistic about expanding beyond the current 28 aircraft orders, focusing on legacy L-39 operators in Africa and NATO countries. Though a deal with Slovakia seems logical, the country has chosen the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 as its main combat aircraft. Aero Vodochody is also growing its aerostructures business, signing a memorandum of understanding with Embraer to enhance cooperation on the C-390 program. Additionally, the company is increasing production for Spirit AeroSystems and other […]
Greece And Ukraine Sign Security Agreement
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis signed a security agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aligning Greece with the European Union and 20 other EU members in supporting Ukraine’s security. The agreement, signed during the European Council meeting in Brussels, aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. It complements other international agreements with Ukraine, signaling Greece’s commitment to Ukraine’s reconstruction. Zelenskiy announced that Greece is prepared to meet Ukraine’s urgent defense needs and will accelerate F-16 pilot and technician training. The agreement highlights Greece’s active role in Ukraine’s ongoing defense and recovery efforts. Original news
NATO’s European Members Struggling With Rebuilding Militaries Following Decades Of Drawdowns
#analysis According to a graphic-intensive report from Bloomberg Business, NATO’s European members are increasingly preparing for the possibility of a full-scale land war on their own territory after decades of focusing on counter-insurgency operations. A key concern among Europeans is the potential threat posed by Donald Trump, who has pressured NATO members to increase defense spending, warning that the U.S. may not assist them in a conflict. Trump’s comments reflect a broader sentiment in Washington, transcending party lines, that Europe should build stronger militaries. This view suggests that European nations can no longer rely solely on their mutual defense pact […]
IAI unveils new lightweight, electronic warfare-resistant ‘Teaser’ guided missile
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has developed a new lightweight missile called Teaser, which is the first guided missile to use external optical guidance without a homing sensor. Weighing less than five pounds and capable of being shoulder-launched, the missile operates without relying on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), making it immune to GNSS jamming. Teaser can hit targets up to 2.5 kilometers away using an ACLOS (Automatic Command to Line-of-Sight) system and is designed for infantry and special forces to target light structures, vehicles, or personnel. It can be launched from enclosed spaces or remotely via a Ground Control Station, […]
NATO To Push For Common Munitions Standards
NATO is pushing for common munitions standards to reduce costs and improve battlefield efficiency, Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced ahead of a NATO defense ministers meeting. This effort stems from lessons learned from Russia’s war in Ukraine, where interoperability has proven crucial for effective defense. Rutte emphasized the need to increase defense production and standardization to enhance NATO’s deterrence capabilities. A senior NATO official highlighted the priority of standardizing battle-decisive ammunition, such as artillery shells, which Ukraine has been using at a rapid pace. Around 10 allies, including the U.S. and Germany, will sign a letter of intent to advance the […]
Danish counter-drone technology firm MyDefence announced a new R&D facility in US
Danish counter-drone tech firm MyDefence is opening a second US location in Oklahoma, announced during AUSA 2024. The new R&D facility, part of a USD 1.2 million investment, will be built near downtown Oklahoma City and create 48 new jobs. According to MyDefence CTO Jan Johansson, the facility will allow closer collaboration with US partners. Oklahoma, a hub for C-UAS technology, was chosen due to its proximity to the Army’s C-UAS Center of Excellence at Fort Sill. This expansion reflects MyDefence’s commitment to enhancing US defense partnerships. Original news
4 Nordic nations in talks for joint procurement of infantry fighting vehicles
The Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden are considering a joint procurement of a next-generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) to replace their current fleets, aiming for acquisition between 2030 and 2040. Discussions among the nations, which already use BAE Systems’ CV90, are focused on reducing procurement costs, easing development and maintenance, and enhancing supply chain efficiencies. Maj. Gen. Lars Lervik of Norway and Maj. Gen. Jonny Lindfors of Sweden highlighted the benefits of a shared platform to ensure interoperability and support regional defense. While the CV90 is a strong contender, other manufacturers are being considered for the new […]