Finland’s Defence Forces Logistics Command (DFLC) signed an agreement to acquire 29 additional Patria 6×6 Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) armoured personnel carriers (APCs). This follows an earlier 2023 agreement for 91 APCs, with all remaining purchase options now exercised. The vehicles will be delivered by the end of 2025 as part of the international CAVS joint programme involving Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. The CAVS programme began in 2020, and deliveries to participating countries have been ongoing. Other recent developments include Sweden’s order for 321 CAVS vehicles and Latvia’s receipt of its first CAVS vehicles. Original news
Northrop Grumman Plans Ammunition Production Line in Lithuania
One of the world’s largest weapons manufacturers Northrop Grumman Corporation hopes to build an ammunition production line in Lithuania to strengthen the Baltic nation’s defense industry. Vice-President Stephan O’Bryan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Lithuanian government in the capital Vilnius on Monday to manufacture 30 millimeter ammunition at an existing state-owned facility. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas expects the production line to be operational within a year, saying that the ammunition would be used for the NATO member state’s infantry fighting vehicles. Original news
Silicon Valley Hasn’t Revolutionized Warfare—Yet
#analysis The book Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War by Raj M. Shah and Christopher Kirchhoff explores the Pentagon’s efforts to incorporate commercial technology into military operations. It focuses on the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), launched in 2015, which aimed to bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and the Department of Defense. DIU has faced significant bureaucratic resistance but has achieved notable successes, such as automating air operations and leveraging commercial innovations in military missions. Despite these advancements, traditional defense contractors still dominate Pentagon contracts, and widespread transformation remains elusive. However, DIU […]
MilDef to supply C4 systems for new Danish artillery systems
MilDef has been awarded a SEK27.5 million ($2.7 million) contract to supply rugged computers, switches, and IT equipment for Denmark’s new Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS). The contract, placed by the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), is set to be completed by the end of 2025. MilDef has a long-standing relationship with DALO, having provided tactical IT equipment in the past. In March 2023, Elbit Systems announced a deal to supply Denmark with 155mm self-propelled howitzers and artillery rocket systems, with all 19 systems expected to be delivered by year-end. The adaptable ATMOS system can be mounted […]
Estonia seeks battlefield decoys to sponge up Russian missiles
Estonia has launched a $10 million procurement competition to acquire decoy equipment for luring enemy forces into attacks. The tender, issued by the Estonian Center for Defense Investments, seeks mock-ups of real weapon systems and communication equipment. Estonia’s defense initiatives are motivated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the potential threat to Baltic states. These investments are part of broader NATO defense strategies, including constructing a “drone wall” and building a fence along Estonia’s border with Russia. Estonia’s defense efforts align with other European nations, like Ukraine and Germany, which have also invested in similar decoy technology. Original news
Sweden moves to ramp up defense spending by $1.3 billion in 2025
Sweden plans to increase defense spending by 13 billion SEK ($1.3 billion) in 2025, raising its military budget to 138 billion SEK, or 2.4% of GDP, above NATO’s target. The proposal includes long-term spending increases of 170 billion SEK between 2025-2030, with defense spending expected to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2028. This move aligns with recommendations from the Swedish Defence Commission, influenced by Russia’s war in Ukraine and Sweden’s NATO membership. The government emphasizes the need for stronger defense capabilities, proposing significant resource increases for the military. Planned upgrades include expanding mechanized brigades, boosting air defense, and increasing orders […]
Estonia Tech Chiefs Unite to Build Anti-Drone Systems in Ukraine
Frankenburg Technologies, an Estonian defense company, announced plans to produce anti-drone missile systems in Ukraine amidst growing Russian air raids. This move aligns with increasing European defense investments in Ukraine, following similar efforts like Germany’s Rheinmetall AG’s artillery plant. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal revealed in March that the country has secured five contracts for joint arms production with foreign companies. Frankenburg Technologies, founded in January, has attracted key figures from Estonia’s defense and technology sectors, including military commander Martin Herem and Milrem Robotics CEO Kuldar Vaarsi. The company appointed Sergiy Koshman as CEO for its Ukrainian operations. Original news
Ukraine Receives Major Bohdana Howitzer Boost With NATO Support
Ukraine has received 18 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers, funded by Denmark, marking the first EU-financed purchase of Ukrainian-made military equipment. The deal, announced by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, reflects deepening NATO-aligned defense cooperation during the ongoing war with Russia. The Bohdana is a highly mobile, NATO-standard 155 mm artillery system capable of rapid firing and retreating, with a range of 35 miles. Denmark’s financial support for Ukrainian arms manufacturing is part of a broader commitment, including $115 million for defense equipment. Ukraine’s ongoing military operations have slowed Russian offensives and further enhanced its defensive capabilities with the help of […]
US clears F-35 sale to Romania, bolstering NATO’s eastern flank
The U.S. State Department approved a $7.2 billion sale of 32 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters to Romania, including F135 engines and a spare engine. This deal would provide Romania with its first two squadrons of F-35s, with plans to purchase 16 more jets for a third squadron. Romania is expected to receive its first F-35s in 2030, potentially making it NATO’s largest F-35 operator on the eastern flank. The sale aims to enhance Romania’s defense capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies, especially in light of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The deal also includes logistics, training, maintenance support, and weapons systems […]
The EU buys too much defense equipment abroad, especially from the US, a major report says
A new report on EU competitiveness highlights that European Union countries are relying too heavily on foreign defense equipment, particularly from the United States, with nearly two-thirds of purchases coming from abroad. The report, authored by former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, also notes that EU member states are not sufficiently leveraging Europe’s research and development capacities for military modernization. European defense spending is far behind that of the U.S., hindering the development of stronger domestic defense firms. This issue has become more urgent as the EU struggles to provide sufficient arms and ammunition to support Ukraine in its ongoing […]
US Air Force F-35s Touch Down on a Highway in Finland for ‘Historic’ Landing
On September 4, 2024, two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II jets landed on a Finnish highway, marking the first time fifth-generation American aircraft operated from a road in Europe. This was part of the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, aimed at enhancing NATO’s ability to operate from non-traditional airfields in response to growing global threats. The exercise took place during Finland’s annual Baana exercise, showcasing U.S. and NATO adaptability in joint operations. Finland, which regularly trains its pilots to land on highways, recently joined NATO and plans to replace its F/A-18 fleet with 64 F-35s. The U.S. and NATO […]
Elbit eyes Nordic market for its ‘Iron Fist’ vehicle-protection system
Israel’s Elbit Systems is seeking to sell its Iron Fist active protection system (APS) to Denmark, Sweden, and Finland after a contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds for CV90 vehicles in Europe. The system has already been ordered by the Netherlands and the U.S. for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Elbit Systems showcased Iron Fist at Poland’s MSPO defense show, pitching it to the Polish military. The company sees significant potential for Iron Fist in Poland, highlighting its adaptability for both wheeled and tracked vehicles. Iron Fist provides 360-degree protection against anti-tank threats, enhancing vehicle survivability.Original news
Stressing ‘security, security,’ Poland goes big at hometown defense expo
At the 32nd International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Poland, President Andrzej Duda emphasized the country’s focus on “security” as Warsaw announced approximately $520 million in new defense deals. Duda stressed the need to strengthen NATO forces and build new arms factories to enhance Poland’s defense capabilities. The event, held in Kielce, Poland, featured over 750 exhibitors from 34 countries, with the U.S. and U.K. having the largest foreign representation. Poland’s Armament Agency signed contracts for various defense equipment, including anti-missile systems, heavy-lift cranes, and contamination detection systems. Additionally, Poland showcased its defense products to international buyers, promoting its industry […]
First locally produced Patria 6×6 APC delivered to Latvian armed forces
On August 5, 2024, Defence Partnership Latvia delivered the first Latvian-made Patria 6×6 armored personnel carrier (APC) to the Latvian National Armed Forces (NAF). This marks a milestone in a 2021 contract between Latvia and Patria to deliver over 200 APCs by 2029, aimed at enhancing Latvia’s defense capabilities and industrial base. A new facility in Valmiera, Latvia, was opened in May to produce around 30 APCs annually. The Patria 6×6 is part of the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program, with participation from Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. Patria has received nearly 700 orders for the APC, with […]