Romania has received three more F-16 jets, bringing its fleet to fifteen, with plans to complete an order of 32 second-hand jets from Norway by 2025. These aircraft will join the 48th Fighter Squadron, enhancing Romania’s national and NATO air defense capabilities. The country reaffirmed its commitment to the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) through a Letter of Intent, collaborating with the Netherlands and supported by Lockheed Martin. Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr highlighted the training program’s importance for Romanian and Ukrainian pilots, emphasizing its role in strengthening national and allied airspace security. This acquisition and training initiative underscore Romania’s […]
Tag: News
Hypersonic Missiles at Center of New US Arms Race Against Russia and China
The United States conducted a major hypersonic missile test last week, advancing toward the first operational deployment of the weapon. The test featured the common hypersonic All Up Round (AUR) missile, a key component of the Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system, also known as Dark Eagle, launched from Cape Canaveral. A U.S. defense official highlighted the milestone as a critical step in delivering hypersonic capabilities to warfighters and preparing for future sea-based deployments for the Navy. According to a Congressional Research Service document, the U.S. plans to deploy the Dark Eagle in Germany by 2026 as part of its Multi-Domain […]
Ukraine says it uncovered 12 agents spying for Russia on F-16s, air defences
Ukraine’s SBU security service revealed the capture of 12 agents accused of spying for Russia, aiming to locate F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems within Ukraine. The alleged organizer and four key accomplices were detained on suspicion of treason and leaking sensitive military information. The network, which included former military deserters, was tasked with identifying airfields, air defense sites, and electronic warfare company locations. The SBU stated that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the network, emphasizing the seriousness of the espionage. Those found guilty face potential life sentences under Ukrainian law. Original news
Lithuania Signs Deal For Leopard 2A8 Tanks
Lithuania’s newly appointed defense minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, signed an agreement on December 16 to procure 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks during an official visit to Germany. The deal, Lithuania’s largest military contract, is a key step in the country’s military modernization and aims to enhance NATO interoperability and regional security. During the visit, Šakalienė met with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to discuss defense cooperation, including the deployment of a 4,800-strong Bundeswehr heavy maneuver brigade to Lithuania in 2024. The tank acquisition was authorized by Lithuania’s State Defence Council prior to the October 27 election that brought Šakalienė to office. Additionally, […]
Poland and General Atomics Reach Deal on SkyGuardians
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. announced on Monday the sale of three MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones to Poland. The agreement also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations and a three-year SkyGuardian Global Support Solutions package. The MQ-9B model is widely utilized by military forces such as the U.S. Navy and the Royal Air Force, reflecting its global operational significance. Original news
Space Investment Had Strong Growth In 2024
The space market in 2024 has experienced significant growth, fueled by strong venture capital investments and a resurgence of space SPACs. Startups from the U.S., China, Europe, and Australia contributed to the year’s 15 largest funding deals, showcasing global interest in the sector. U.S. companies like Astranis, Firefly, and Impulse secured major investments, while European firm The Exploration Company raised $160 million to develop a crewed space capsule. Despite this enthusiasm, investors face challenges in identifying truly promising business opportunities within the rapidly expanding space market. This trend highlights both the excitement and complexity of navigating the space sector’s evolving […]
German Navy tests BlueWhale underwater drone for covert ship tracking
The German Navy tested the BlueWhale underwater drone in the Baltic Sea last month as part of efforts to develop a fleet of unmanned vessels for anti-submarine warfare. Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the BlueWhale is equipped with cameras and sensors for detecting submarines and mines while operating without emitting detectable signals. The tests, conducted in collaboration with Atlas Elektronik, support Germany’s “Marine 2035+” strategy to integrate unmanned technologies into naval operations. Dror Bar of IAI highlighted the drone’s compatibility with existing NATO interfaces, enabling seamless integration into alliance networks. This marks a significant step in modernizing Germany’s naval […]
Hanwha Aerospace to supply artillery propellant charges for Swedish Army’s Archer howitzers
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to supply propellant charges for Sweden’s Archer artillery system. This deal addresses immediate ammunition shortages caused by heightened global demand following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Propellant charges, critical for launching artillery shells, have been in limited supply due to increased production pressures worldwide. FMV’s Strategic Buyer, Olle Oswald, emphasized that while Sweden is developing long-term supply chain solutions with neighboring countries, Hanwha’s support will meet urgent short-term needs. The agreement underscores growing defense cooperation between Sweden and South Korea and ensures the operational readiness […]
Sweden signs USD31 million Sea Giraffe deal with Saab
Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a SEK340 million ($31 million) contract with Saab to deliver Sea Giraffe 1X radar systems for the Swedish Navy. Announced on December 13, the order includes radars in various configurations for training and installation on surface ships, with deliveries scheduled between 2024 and 2026. The Sea Giraffe 1X is a lightweight 3D AESA radar operating on the X-band, capable of detecting air and surface threats, including drones and sea-skimming missiles, while offering ECCM capabilities. FMV’s naval director, Fredrik Lindén, emphasized the radar’s role in enhancing the navy’s ability to detect and assess threats, […]
EU kick starts new secure satellite constellation
The European Commission has awarded contracts for the €10.6 billion IRIS² satellite constellation, a project designed to provide secure, encrypted communications for EU governments and develop new commercial services. Comprising over 280 satellites, IRIS² marks Europe’s third major space initiative after Galileo and Copernicus, addressing concerns about Elon Musk’s Starlink network and Europe’s “digital sovereignty.” The first launch is planned for mid-2029, with full deployment expected by 2030. Led by a consortium of Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES, the project will include Airbus and Thales Alenia Space as suppliers after their withdrawal from full membership due to economic risks. Partially EU-funded […]
Lithuania Attracts Defense Firms with Streamlined Ammo Production Rules
Lithuania has streamlined regulations for foreign defense companies to establish local production, attracting major Western manufacturers. New legislation grants large-scale defense projects “pressing national security needs” status, allowing regulatory exemptions. Germany’s Rheinmetall is building a 155mm artillery ammunition plant in Baisogala, set to begin operations in 2026, while Northrop Grumman will produce 30mm medium-caliber ammunition in Vilnius alongside Lithuania’s purchase of Boxer-Vilkas combat vehicles. Additional interest includes a Ukrainian firm planning an explosives plant, signaling Lithuania’s rise as a regional defense manufacturing hub. Collaboration between Lithuanian and Ukrainian authorities on drones, naval systems, and electronic warfare highlights a strategic effort […]
How Pentagon’s Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile Compares to Putin’s Oreshnik
The Pentagon’s recent test of the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station marks a pivotal step in advancing U.S. military technology. Developed by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, the missile is designed to bolster U.S. global military dominance, as emphasized by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. The Dark Eagle, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 17 with a range of 1,725 miles, is being developed for the U.S. Army, though its nuclear capabilities remain unspecified. This test comes amid heightened concerns over Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which recently demonstrated its nuclear-capable potential by […]
Poland buys Sky Guardian drones as it readies to launch ‘Drone Force’
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a $310 million agreement on December 12 to procure MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones for the Polish Armed Forces, advancing the establishment of a new Drone Force set to launch on January 1. The MQ-9B drones will replace the currently leased MQ-9A models, providing enhanced capabilities for Poland’s security and strengthening ties with the United States. The Ministry of National Defence plans to integrate the drones into its arsenal by the first quarter of 2027. This procurement reflects Poland’s response to increased regional demand for UAVs amid security challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. […]
Swedish Navy and Saab sign deal on autonomous mine countermeasures vessels
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has contracted Saab to supply the Swedish Navy with AUV62-MR autonomous underwater vehicles for mine countermeasures missions. These advanced AUVs map seabeds and produce high-resolution sonar images to identify underwater objects, enhancing operational effectiveness while minimizing risks to personnel. Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s Kockums division, highlighted the importance of these systems in strengthening the navy’s current capabilities and supporting future operations. Meanwhile, the UK’s Royal Navy is testing similar autonomous mine countermeasures vessels, with plans for calibration and reintroduction by 2025. This collaboration reflects a growing trend toward integrating advanced autonomous technologies into naval […]
Saab to Deliver Giraffe 4A Radars to US Air Forces Europe
Saab has secured a $48-million contract from BAE Systems to supply Giraffe 4A radar systems to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, with deliveries beginning in 2027. The Giraffe 4A, launched in 2021, offers 3D long-range surveillance and air defense capabilities, including 360-degree coverage and a range of up to 300 kilometers. Erik Smith, Saab’s U.S. President and CEO, emphasized the radar’s role in modernizing airfield surveillance and addressing critical sensing needs for overseas operations. The system is designed to detect drones, missiles, and high-speed aircraft, with flexible configurations for mobile or stationary use, remote operation, and a high mast […]