Poland’s Ministry of National Defense announced Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the first battery of the Wisła medium-range air defense program on December 18. The system relies on Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), chosen in 2018 as part of Poland’s military modernization efforts. A second battery is expected to reach IOC by the end of 2024, further enhancing Poland’s air defense capabilities. In February, the U.S. and Polish governments signed an agreement to extend the use of IBCS to Poland’s Narew short-range air defense program. These advancements mark significant progress in Poland’s efforts to strengthen its national and […]
Tag: News
Global Space Advancements Mark 2024 as a Transformative Year
The year 2024 witnessed major progress in space exploration and industry, with multiple nations bolstering their space capabilities. Europe expanded its launch options with the addition of Ariane 6 and Vega-C, while India and Japan achieved multiple successful launches. Oman celebrated its entry into space with the launch of its first suborbital rocket, and China advanced its lunar program with new partnerships and returned lunar samples. The Artemis Accords grew to 51 signatories, emphasizing global collaboration, while the EU’s adoption of the Zero Debris Charter highlighted efforts to address space sustainability. These developments underscore a rapidly growing and increasingly cooperative […]
Lithuania prepares acquisition of CV90 vehicles from BAE Systems Hägglunds
Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence has entered talks with BAE Systems Hägglunds for the acquisition of CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and closer collaboration with Sweden’s defense industry. Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė emphasized the vehicles’ importance in achieving Full Operational Capability for Lithuania’s national division by 2030. To support the purchase, Lithuania has approved raising its defense borrowing limit to €800 million in 2024. The country also plans to join a joint IFV acquisition program with Finland, Sweden, and Norway, pending agreements on industrial cooperation among the nations. With negotiations expected to conclude by the end of 2025, this […]
Germany flexes submarine muscle with additional 4 boat order
Germany has tripled its order of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) 212CD submarines, increasing the total to six as part of a joint procurement initiative with Norway. This expansion follows the German parliament’s approval of €21 billion in new defense spending, covering investments in frigates, Puma IFVs, Patriot missiles, and Elbit Systems’ PULS rocket artillery. TKMS confirmed the expanded order as one of its largest, with production on schedule and deliveries beginning for Norway in 2029 and for Germany in 2032. To support the increased demand, TKMS has invested over €250 million to boost production capacity at its Kiel facility. Featuring […]
Norway Strengthens Air Defense with Expanded NASAMS Acquisition
Norway has signed a contract with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to acquire new multi-missile canister launchers and Fire Distribution Centers for the NASAMS air defense system, replacing equipment donated to Ukraine and building additional capacity. The agreement exercises an option announced in June when Norway committed to investing in new NASAMS systems. Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram emphasized the rapid pace of modernization, stating, “In less than a year, we have secured deliveries equivalent to four complete NASAMS batteries.” Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace President Eirik Lie called the system vital for safeguarding Norway’s security, highlighting its ability to […]
Germany launches Taurus cruise missile modernisation programme
Germany is set to modernize its Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile inventory starting in 2025, nearly 20 years after its introduction in 2005. The upgrade will prepare the missiles, currently integrated with Panavia Tornado aircraft, for use with the Eurofighter as the Tornado fleet retires by 2030. Developed by Germany’s MBDA and Sweden’s Saab Dynamics, the Taurus boasts a 480kg warhead and a range of over 500km. The system has also been exported to South Korea and Spain for integration with their Boeing F-15K and F-18 aircraft. This modernization effort reflects Germany’s commitment to maintaining advanced long-range strike capabilities. Original […]
US to announce final package of new arms for Ukraine in coming days
The Biden administration is preparing to announce a $1.2 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package, focusing on air defense interceptors and artillery munitions. Unlike direct aid, USAI funds procure military equipment from contractors or allies, with delivery timelines spanning months to years. Since February 2022, the U.S. has committed $175 billion in aid to Ukraine, including $61.4 billion for security assistance, half of which is via USAI. This program has supported U.S. defense contractors, such as L3Harris Technologies, which supplied the VAMPIRE system through USAI funding. Uncertainty surrounds future U.S. aid to Ukraine, with some Republican leaders pushing to […]
Pentagon report: China to build 1,000 nukes by 2030
China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, with the Pentagon estimating it will possess 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, up from its current stockpile of over 600. The increase coincides with Beijing’s broader military modernization, including advancements in intercontinental ballistic missiles and the development of a robust navy and air force. Despite its growing military might, challenges such as corruption and logistical constraints hinder China’s ability to project power far from its mainland. U.S. policymakers are closely monitoring these developments, with President-elect Donald Trump planning to maintain a hard stance on China through economic and military strategies. Meanwhile, the U.S. […]
Czechoslovak Group Expands With $2.2 Billion US Acquisition
Czechoslovak Group AS (CSG) has acquired multiple U.S. ammunition plants from Vista Outdoor Inc. for $2.2 billion, making it the largest producer of small-caliber ammunition outside China and Russia. The acquisition aligns with CSG’s focus on supplying NATO armies to replenish depleted stockpiles, as highlighted by company board member David Stepan. Stepan stated that the deal is part of a broader strategy, with CSG continuing to explore opportunities in other defense segments despite achieving sufficient small-caliber production capacity. The acquisition has also expanded CSG’s global workforce to 14,000 employees. This move reinforces CSG’s position as a key player in the […]
Rheinmetall contracted by Ukraine to deliver Marder IFVs and propellant charge modules
Rheinmetall has secured contracts to deliver additional Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and tens of thousands of 155mm propellant charge modules to Ukraine. The Marder contract, valued in the mid-range double-digit million euros and funded by the German Government, aims for delivery by mid-2025, following previous shipments in 2023. A separate €9 million contract for 155mm charge modules will commence deliveries in January 2025. At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, Rheinmetall and Ukraine signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen strategic cooperation, including plans for artillery ammunition production and Lynx IFV manufacturing. These efforts also focus on revitalizing […]
Ukraine unveils laser weapon ‘based on UK prototypes’
Ukraine has introduced a new laser weapon, Tryzub, inspired by UK prototypes and capable of shooting down Russian aircraft over 2 kilometers away. Col. Vadym Sukharevskyi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, announced the weapon at a defense industry conference in Kyiv, marking its first official acknowledgment. The Tryzub represents a significant step in Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities, with ongoing improvements planned. Col. Sukharevskyi also highlighted advancements in drone technology, including “queen drones” designed to lead FPV attack drones deep into enemy territory. These developments underscore Ukraine’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies in its defense strategy. Original […]
V Corps boosts combat readiness with HIMARS in Europe
The US Army’s V Corps has bolstered its combat readiness in Europe by deploying the 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment (3-321 FAR) to Grafenwoehr, Germany, equipped with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). This deployment enhances V Corps’ mobility and strengthens NATO collaboration through joint training exercises, such as Thunderbolt Convergence with the Belgian military. The integration of HIMARS into V Corps’ operations reflects the system’s growing role in modern artillery. In June 2024, the US Department of Defense announced a $2 billion contract modification with Lockheed Martin to produce more HIMARS. These developments underscore the US commitment to […]
Slovakia buys Black Hawk helicopters, leaving Vipers up for grabs
Slovakia has announced the purchase of 12 second-hand, modernized UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for its military, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák. Offered by Ace Aeronautics from the Helicopter Alliance group, the helicopters cost approximately €150 million ($158 million) without weapons. Manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, the Black Hawks were chosen over Bell’s Viper helicopters, which Slovakia opted not to procure. Ukraine, which has lobbied for Vipers for nearly two years, may now intensify efforts to secure the aircraft following Slovakia’s decision. This purchase reflects Slovakia’s focus on upgrading its military capabilities with […]
Saab explores new markets for its live-training simulation
Saab’s Training and Simulation unit is expanding its Gamer live-training system to include maritime applications and broaden its user base. At the 2024 I/ITSEC conference in Orlando, Hans Lindgren, Saab’s head of business development, showcased the system’s indirect fire simulation, now ready for deployment to the Royal Netherlands Army. Saab is also enhancing the system to simulate loitering munitions and beyond-line-of-sight weapons, attracting interest from multiple customers. The Gamer system has integrated live drone capabilities, currently used by the British Army for experimentation, with Saab hinting at an upcoming new customer. These advancements highlight Saab’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, realistic […]
Palantir’s Mike Gallagher Says Tech Startups Are Key to DoD Overhaul
Palantir’s head of defense, Mike Gallagher, called for urgent reform in the U.S. Defense Department’s procurement process to keep pace in the modern technological arms race. Highlighting the growing importance of AI and drones, Gallagher criticized the current system as inadequate, stating, “The status quo isn’t cutting it.” Palantir has deepened its military ties, securing contracts to develop an intelligence hub and expand AI initiatives, with its stock value surpassing traditional defense giants like Lockheed Martin. Gallagher is also spearheading the FedStart program, designed to help startups navigate government contracting and build a stronger defense tech ecosystem. The article notes […]