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 […]
Tag: News
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 […]
Army awards Raytheon $946M contract to send Patriot systems to Romania
The U.S. Army has awarded Raytheon a $946 million contract to supply additional Patriot air and missile defense systems to Romania. Announced on December 23, the contract represents Romania’s third order of Patriot systems and is slated for completion by December 31, 2029. The agreement includes fire units equipped with radars, control stations, and missiles, involving collaboration with Romanian defense firms. Raytheon’s senior vice president of Global Patriot, Pete Bata, highlighted that Romania’s investment reflects its dedication to collective security and European stability. This deal reinforces the growing partnership between Romania and the U.S. in advancing regional defense capabilities. Original […]
China adds 28 US entities to export control list
China has added 28 U.S. entities to its export control list, citing the need to “safeguard national security and interests,” according to the commerce ministry. Notable companies listed include Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. The restrictions include a ban on the export of dual-use items to these firms, effective immediately. This move underscores escalating tensions between China and the U.S. in the defense and technology sectors. The decision reflects China’s strategic use of trade controls to counter perceived security threats. Original news
U.S. Establishes Hackathon Program and Cyber Threat Tabletop Exercise Program to Enhance Cybersecurity Capabilities
The FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Biden, establishes a DOD hackathon program and a cyber threat tabletop exercise program to enhance cybersecurity capabilities. The act mandates the development of zero trust guidance for wearable devices and formalizes the Artificial Intelligence Security Center within the NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center. It addresses a $3.08 billion funding shortfall for the FCC’s rip and replace program to secure telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, the SHARE IT Act, signed alongside, promotes the sharing of custom-developed code among federal agencies to reduce software development costs. These measures reflect a strategic focus on cybersecurity, technology, […]
Pentagon Report Warns Of Vulnerable US Infrastructure
U.S. Defense Science Board report warns that adversaries like China and Russia have penetrated critical U.S. infrastructure, endangering military operations and national security. The report highlights risks of severe disruptions to military force projection and warns of potential defeat in future conflicts. It calls for urgent action to strengthen infrastructure defenses through enhanced collaboration between military and civilian sectors. Co-chaired by strategic weapons expert Miriam John and former Bechtel Group executive Judith Miller, the task force emphasizes addressing vulnerabilities in electricity, communications, and logistics. The findings underscore the critical need for resilient infrastructure to safeguard U.S. defense capabilities. Original news
Bundeswehr Awards EUR3 Billion Contracts To Rheinmetall And KNDS
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) have awarded contracts worth EUR3 billion to Rheinmetall and KNDS to integrate advanced digital radio and command-and-control systems. These upgrades, part of the Digitalization of Land-Based Operations (D-LBO) program, will modernize 10,000 vehicles within Germany’s land forces. The six-year, EUR1.98 billion contract is equally shared between Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and KNDS Deutschland GmbH & Co. Deliveries will begin in mid-2025, managed by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, and conclude by 2030. This initiative underscores Germany’s commitment to enhancing operational capabilities through cutting-edge technology. Original news
Ukraine begins licensed assembly of Colt CZ Bren 2 assault rifle
Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom began assembling the Czech-designed Colt CZ Bren 2 assault rifle as part of a technology transfer agreement initiated on July 16. The announcement on December 13 highlighted the rifle’s integration into Ukraine’s armed forces. Ceska Zbrojovka A S, part of Colt CZ Group, confirmed on December 20 that assembly is proceeding successfully. Known for its modularity, the Bren 2 is available in various configurations and calibers, including NATO-standard 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm, along with Ukraine’s domestically produced 7.62×39 mm. This initiative reflects Ukraine’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities through international collaboration. Original news