Poland’s Armaments Agency has signed a PLN16.5 billion contract with Huta Stalowa Wola to procure Krab self-propelled howitzers and support vehicles for K9 SPHs. The agreement includes the delivery of over 250 vehicles to the Polish army between 2027 and 2029. Poland also plans to acquire at least 654 artillery systems from South Korea, emphasizing a robust modernization of its military capabilities. Production of K9PL units will initially take place in South Korea before transitioning to Poland in 2026. This deal reflects Poland’s strategic investment in enhancing its artillery and defense infrastructure. Original news
Tag: News
Ukraine Advances Killer Robot Drones With More Automation, Efficiency
Automation is becoming a widespread enhancement to human labor across various industries, including defense. Industrial robots are often tasked with operations they can perform more efficiently than humans, a trend now mirrored in Ukraine’s use of drones. Ukrainian defense planners have developed a 10-level ladder of automation, with fully independent drone swarms as the ultimate goal. Currently, drones employing computer-vision for autonomous targeting are at level four on this scale, according to Max Makarchuk, head of AI at Brave1, Ukraine’s defense-tech coordination platform. These advancements underscore a strategic shift toward integrating artificial intelligence in modern warfare. Original news
Finland Plans Significant Increase In Defense Spending
Finland’s government has proposed raising defense spending from $6.8 billion in 2025 to $11.5 billion by 2032, reaching 3.3% of GDP and exceeding NATO’s 2% guideline. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen cited unpredictable security risks and the possibility of large-scale conflicts as key reasons for the increase. An updated Defense Report, presented to the Eduskunta on December 19, outlined threats from Russia as a major concern. Finland’s defense budget has seen significant growth since 2020, including an $8.8 billion acquisition of 64 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters. These measures underscore Finland’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities in response to evolving security […]
Russia will abandon its unilateral missile moratorium, Lavrov says
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Russia will end its moratorium on deploying intermediate and shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles. This decision responds to the U.S. deployment of similar weapons worldwide, despite warnings from Russia and China. The move marks the effective demise of the INF Treaty, a Cold War-era arms control agreement, raising fears of a new arms race involving the U.S., Russia, and China. Lavrov stated that conditions for strategic dialogue with Washington on the New START treaty are currently absent. This development underscores escalating tensions and the breakdown of major arms control frameworks. Original news
Unnamed country becomes 10th to select C-390 airlifter
Embraer has secured an order for two C-390 tactical transport jets from an undisclosed nation, the 10th country to adopt this aircraft. The deal, announced on December 27, includes a comprehensive training and support package along with spare parts. Known for its superior 470kt cruise speed, the C-390 outperforms other medium-sized military transport aircraft. The model is currently in service with Brazil, Hungary, and Portugal, collectively logging approximately 15,500 flight hours. This latest order highlights the growing global demand for the C-390’s advanced capabilities. Original news
Italy signs for follow-on Eurofighters
Italy has signed a deal for up to 24 new Eurofighter Typhoons (designated F-2000 in national service) to replace its retiring early-model aircraft. Leonardo announced the agreement with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) on December 23. Details on the tranche and the distribution of single and twin-seater aircraft were not disclosed. The new aircraft are expected to be at the Tranche 4+ standard, incorporating an E-Scan radar and improvements designed to bridge delays in the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) package for Tranche 5. This acquisition ensures Italy’s continued modernization of its air combat capabilities. Original news
Turkish drone maker Baykar buys Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace
Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has acquired Italian aircraft producer Piaggio Aerospace, according to Italy’s industry ministry. The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed. Piaggio Aerospace has been under government-controlled special administration since 2018 after filing for creditor protection. Baykar’s bid was selected over two international offers for its commitment to protecting the interests of Piaggio’s workers and creditors. The deal aims to secure Piaggio Aerospace’s industrial future and strengthen its operations. Original news
Japan Approves Record $55 Billion Defense Budget to Boost Military Capabilities
Japan’s Cabinet has approved a record 8.7 trillion yen ($55 billion) defense budget for 2025, accelerating its military modernization efforts. Key allocations include 940 billion yen ($6 billion) for a standoff defense system with U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles, long-range capabilities, and satellite constellations. Japan aims to double annual military spending to 10 trillion yen ($63 billion) by 2027, making it the world’s third-largest military spender. The budget funds three Mogami-class multi-purpose destroyers, with hopes Australia will select the model for its Sea 3000 frigate project, and supports Japan’s collaboration with Britain and Italy on a next-generation fighter jet. To address personnel […]
Slovakia Finalizes €560 Million Deal for Israeli Barak MX Air Defense System
Slovakia has signed a €560 million ($583 million) agreement to acquire the Israeli-made Barak MX air defense system, marking the largest defense deal between the two nations. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Barak MX provides protection against threats such as ballistic missiles, UAVs, and cruise missiles, with interceptors boasting a range of up to 150 kilometers. Israeli officials, including Defense Ministry Director General Eyal Zamir, praised the deal as a milestone in enhancing Slovakia’s defense capabilities and meeting NATO standards. This purchase adds to Slovakia’s recent acquisitions of Israeli defense technology, such as Spike LR2 anti-tank missiles and […]
NATO Frontline Leaders Call for Enhanced European Defense Readiness
Leaders from Latvia, Estonia, and Finland have voiced concerns about Europe’s ability to counter Russia without U.S. support, emphasizing the need for stronger defense capabilities. Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics stated, “We are not ready,” while Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal urged allies to prioritize defense spending over prolonged debates. Though two-thirds of NATO members meet the 2% GDP defense spending target, experts warn this is insufficient compared to Russia’s projected 6.3% by 2025. Finland has bolstered its military with a £7.5 billion acquisition of 64 F-35A fighter jets, showcasing its commitment to modernization. Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted Europe’s dependence […]
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Proposes Overhaul of Defense Contracting Practices
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has called for strict punitive measures against defense firms that miss deadlines or inflate costs, including banning such firms from bidding on contracts and imposing a five-year prohibition on stock buybacks until obligations are fulfilled. In his Tokyo Takes newsletter, Emanuel criticized the “big five” contractors—Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman—and emphasized the need to revitalize America’s “atrophied defense industrial base” to counter China’s growing ambitions. He advocated for greater inclusion of startups and small firms in defense contracts to enhance competition and innovation. Emanuel also stressed the importance of “economic […]
Denmark boosts Greenland defence after Trump repeats desire for US control
Denmark has unveiled a 12-15 billion kroner ($1.5 billion USD) defense package for Greenland, including inspection ships, long-range drones, expanded Arctic Command staffing, and upgrades to accommodate F-35 jets. Announced by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, the investment coincides with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reiterating his interest in purchasing Greenland, which he called “an absolute necessity” for U.S. national security. Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede reaffirmed the territory is “not for sale” but emphasized its openness to trade and cooperation. Poulsen acknowledged years of underinvestment in the Arctic, with the new package reflecting increased concerns over Chinese and Russian […]
Anduril Challenges Defense Giants with Vision for Modernizing U.S. Military Procurement
Anduril, a defense tech firm, has released a mission document, Rebooting the Arsenal of Democracy, advocating a shift from traditional defense contractors to tech-focused companies like itself. The document critiques legacy giants like Lockheed Martin as outdated and calls for streamlined Pentagon procurement processes that prioritize agile, innovative firms. Anduril argues that civilian technologies, such as AI in Teslas and computer vision in Snapchat, often surpass military systems in efficiency and capability. Proposals include reforms like transparent pricing data to combat price gouging in defense contracts. With significant contributions like unmanned underwater vehicles for the AUKUS pact, Anduril is part […]
Ukraine Bets a Free Market for Weapons Production Can Out-Innovate Russia
Ukraine is fostering an open market for weapons production to counter Russia’s military advantage, leading to the emergence of over 200 new munitions companies since 2022. Ark Robotics, a prominent player, has raised over $1 million and developed 20 drone variants, showcasing the sector’s rapid growth. Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted the need for innovation, stating, “In order to defeat Russia, we can’t just do what they do.” Despite obstacles like power outages and limited infrastructure, the government supports defense startups through grants and platforms like Brave1 to attract foreign investors. This initiative underscores Ukraine’s strategic reliance […]
Lockheed Martin UK CEO Defends F-35 Amid Criticism from Elon Musk
Lockheed Martin UK CEO Paul Livingston has defended the F-35 program against claims by Elon Musk that it is obsolete due to advancements in unmanned drones. Livingston highlighted the F-35’s unmatched capabilities, its central role in NATO’s defense, and its projected £45 billion contribution to the UK economy by 2046. He countered Musk’s critique by emphasizing the F-35’s ability to execute complex missions efficiently and integrate seamlessly with unmanned systems. Livingston stated that Musk lacks access to classified threat assessments and concluded, “On this subject, he’s wrong.” He added that by 2035, 650 F-35s will be operated by European nations, […]