Denmark plans to join the European air-to-air refueling pool and may purchase two Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft for approximately $1.1 billion between 2025 and 2033. The country intends to first buy flight hours and later acquire a share equal to two aircraft in the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet. The A330 MRTT supports both boom and probe-and-drogue refueling systems, making it compatible with a wide range of European and U.S. aircraft. The move comes amid growing concerns about Europe’s reliance on U.S. aerial refueling capacity as Washington signals disengagement. Denmark also plans to invest 4.7 billion kroner to accelerate development […]
Airbus Urges EU to Include UK Defense Firms in €150 Billion Military Fund
Airbus executives are calling on the European Union to ensure British defense companies are not excluded from the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative. Airbus Defense CEO Michael Schoellhorn stressed the importance of treating the UK as part of Europe in defense matters, possibly through a new security agreement. CEO Guillaume Faury highlighted the existing integration of UK firms within EU defense supply chains and emphasized the need for cooperation to strengthen Europe’s sovereign defense industry. Schoellhorn also stated that while current F-35 orders should be maintained, countries like Germany should rethink future purchases in favor of European […]
Lockheed Martin Nears Decision on European Missile Production Site
Lockheed Martin is in the final stages of selecting a location in Europe for a new weapons production facility, according to Tim Cahill, president of its Missiles and Fire Control division. The move is part of the company’s broader effort to expand production across its missile families amid surging demand. Establishing a European site would help support NATO allies and meet growing regional defense needs. Cahill emphasized the importance of aligning with partner nations to ensure timely delivery and localized support. The expansion reflects Lockheed’s strategy to strengthen its presence and capabilities outside the U.S. Original news
Laser Communications in Space Gain Momentum Amid Starlink and Military Investment
The adoption of optical communications via laser links is accelerating, led by SpaceX’s Starlink network and substantial funding from the U.S. Space Force. The global market for space-based laser communications is expected to grow to $6.7 billion by 2033. Key players include the Space Development Agency, which is building a low-Earth orbit constellation equipped with optical links, and the European Space Agency, pursuing similar advancements. These technologies promise faster and more secure data transmission between satellites. Industry experts caution that atmospheric interference and supply chain delays could hinder full-scale implementation. Original news
ESA Launches European Launcher Challenge to Boost Sovereign Rocket Development
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened submissions for its European Launcher Challenge, aiming to increase the number of sovereign satellite launch providers across Europe. Companies have six weeks to submit proposals, with ESA spending the following six months evaluating them. Winning firms may receive up to €169 million ($183 million) each at the agency’s ministerial meeting in November. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized support for smaller launchers, including microlaunchers and minilaunchers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Europe’s independent access to space. Original news
Pentagon Selects U.S. and Ukrainian Firms to Build Low-Cost Combat Drones
The Defense Innovation Unit has awarded contracts to four American companies to co-develop affordable drone prototypes with Ukrainian partners under the Artemis program. The goal is to field mass-produced, low-cost drones by fiscal 2025, drawing on Ukraine’s battlefield experience in modifying commercial drones for military use. Analysts note Ukraine’s innovations have demonstrated effectiveness against Russian forces. The program aims to merge Ukraine’s rapid development approach with U.S. defense capabilities. This marks a significant step toward modernizing drone warfare through international collaboration. Original news
Star Catcher Demonstrates Long-Distance Solar Power Beaming in Milestone Test
Star Catcher successfully tested its solar power beaming technology on Earth by transmitting energy over 100 meters, roughly the length of a football field. The demonstration used a solar energy collection system to power standard solar arrays, marking the startup’s longest-distance transfer to date. This test is a key step toward Star Catcher’s broader goal of creating a low Earth orbit (LEO) power grid to beam solar energy to spacecraft. Such a system could support power-hungry small satellites, extend satellite lifespans, and assist struggling spacecraft. The startup has already secured customers, including Space Florida and AFWERX, with more power purchasing […]
Boeing Secures $50 Billion Pentagon Contract for Next-Gen F-47 Fighter Jet
Boeing has been awarded a massive Pentagon contract to develop the F-47, marking the most expensive jet fighter program in U.S. history. The contract, potentially exceeding $50 billion, is structured as a cost-plus agreement, ensuring Boeing profits during the development stage. The F-47 will feature advanced stealth, long-range strike capabilities, and integration with semiautonomous drones to counter rising Chinese military threats. Lockheed Martin, Boeing’s main competitor, lost out amid ongoing issues with its F-35 program. The decision signals a strategic pivot in U.S. airpower modernization efforts. Original news
Canada Reconsiders F-35 Purchase, Sparking Concerns Over Defense Capabilities and Industrial Impact
Canada is reconsidering its F-35 fighter jet procurement to replace its CF-18s, according to former defense chief Gen. (Ret’d) Tom Lawson. Defense Minister Bill Blair’s announcement has sparked concern over the potential impact on Canada’s defense readiness and its role in the multinational F-35 program. More than 36 Canadian companies have earned over US$3.3 billion through supply contracts, with each F-35 including about US$2.3 million in Canadian parts. Lawson warns that withdrawing could delay aircraft replacement and diminish capabilities, while Lockheed Martin would likely find other buyers. He argues that continued participation is vital for Canada’s defense and industrial interests. […]
MBDA CEO Calls for European Unity on Laser Weapons, Highlights Independence from U.S. Supply Chain
MBDA CEO Eric Béranger urged European countries to collaborate on laser weapon development during a speech in Paris. He noted that while nations like the UK, France, Germany, and Italy are not yet cooperating on such systems, he remains confident they eventually will. Béranger emphasized MBDA’s readiness to lead these joint efforts and pointed to the company’s role in national programs like the UK’s DragonFire and France’s HELMA-P. He also stressed MBDA’s capability to deliver sovereign systems without relying on American supply chains. This independence aligns with growing European calls for defense autonomy amid shifting global alliances. Original news
Australia Accelerates Defense Spending with Historic Boost, Receives First HIMARS Units
Australia will fast-track A$1 billion in defense spending as part of its federal budget, Defense Minister Richard Marles announced on Monday. This move is part of a broader A$10.6 billion increase over four years to strengthen the country’s military capabilities. Key priorities include development of the AUKUS submarine base, expansion of the frigate program, and domestic missile manufacturing. Marles described the investment as the largest defense boost since World War II. Australia also received its first two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from Lockheed Martin and plans to begin producing GMLRS later this year. Original news
Saab Integrates AI Co-Pilot in Gripen E, Reveals Next-Gen Drone Development
Saab is preparing to equip its Gripen E combat aircraft with an advanced AI agent developed in partnership with European defense AI company Helsing to assist pilots in beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat. The AI system has been trained on data equivalent to 1.2 million flight hours—about 140 years of BVR training—using high-performance GPUs. While specific pilot-assist functions remain undisclosed, the AI may suggest optimal missile engagement maneuvers, such as cranking, to improve kill probability. Saab, a 5% stakeholder in Helsing, is also progressing with an uncrewed demonstrator aircraft, codenamed Ruby, developed through additive manufacturing and powered by a GE J85 […]
Italy Pauses Starlink Talks Amid Geopolitical Concerns and Political Pushback
Italy has paused its negotiations with Elon Musk’s Starlink over a potential deal to provide encrypted satellite communications for the Italian government. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto cited geopolitical tensions and controversial remarks related to Musk as reasons for the stall. Despite Starlink’s leading role in satellite technology, Italian opposition parties raised concerns about relying on a foreign businessman for national security infrastructure. Talks are expected to resume at a technical level once tensions ease. Meanwhile, Musk’s representative in Italy, Andrea Stroppa, stated Starlink could still serve as a short-term solution for the country’s satellite needs. Original news
Rolls-Royce Weighs U.S. Expansion to Counter Trump-Era Tariffs
Rolls-Royce is considering expanding its manufacturing operations in the United States to offset the impact of tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump. The British company already employs 6,000 people across 11 U.S. sites and is looking to shift production from countries like China to avoid additional trade penalties. Rolls-Royce supplies key U.S. defense firms, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The move highlights growing concerns about the economic fallout from escalating tariffs between the U.S. and Europe. John Denton of the International Chamber of Commerce cautioned that such tariffs could trigger broader economic contraction, particularly affecting the UK. Original news
Anduril Considers New UK Drone Factory Amid Surge in Defense Tech Manufacturing
Defense tech firms are increasingly investing in factory infrastructure, with Anduril having announced a billion-dollar “megafactory” in Ohio earlier this year. Following this trend, Anduril is now exploring plans to build a new drone production and R&D facility in the UK, potentially near Oxford or Cambridge. The move would depend on securing sufficient orders, according to Rich Drake, Anduril’s general manager for the UK and Europe. This comes as other firms like Saronic also plan factories to mass-produce autonomous warships, signaling a broader industry push toward scaled manufacturing. The UK facility would further strengthen Anduril’s presence in Europe’s expanding defense […]