The United States will send Boeing GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs) to Ukraine, enhancing the country’s ability to conduct standoff strikes into Russian-occupied territories. The GBU-39 has a standoff range of approximately 100 km and weighs 130 kg, allowing Ukrainian aircraft to carry four times as many weapons as before. These bombs are compatible with Ukraine’s recently delivered F-16 Fighting Falcon combat jets and the Saab Gripen Cs, expected to arrive after Sweden’s pledge to supply spare parts. This delivery is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities. Original news
Tag: News
Indexes end down as Iran launches missiles at Israel; defense shares rise
U.S. stocks closed lower on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq dropping over 1%, as escalating tensions in the Middle East rattled investors. Despite the broader market decline, defense stocks surged following Iran’s missile strikes on Israel. Shares of Northrop Grumman jumped 3%, and Lockheed Martin rose 3.6%, pushing the S&P 500 aerospace and defense index to a record high. Energy stocks like Exxon Mobil also gained, driven by a 2.4% increase in oil prices. The defense sector’s rise contrasted with declines in other areas, as investors sought safe havens amidst growing geopolitical uncertainty. Original news
Sivers Semiconductors receives CHIPS Act funding
Swedish chipmaker Sivers Semiconductors is receiving first-year funding of $5.6 million from the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub through the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act under the Microelectronics Commons program, executed through the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division and the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). The main challenge is managing self-interference, which can be a billion times stronger than the intended signal, requiring highly precise circuitry. This program, in collaboration with Columbia University, BAE Systems, and other leading institutions, aims to transition the technology to product-ready implementations over the next three years, opening new opportunities in the defense sector. […]
EU opens defense innovation hub in Kyiv to boost industry outreach
The European Union has opened a defense-innovation office in Kyiv to enhance cooperation between Ukrainian and European defense industries. This office aims to connect European startups with Ukraine’s defense sector, integrating Ukrainian firms into the EU defense-equipment market. By facilitating access to EU funding, the office will help Ukrainian defense companies and startups overcome financial hurdles in ramping up weapon production. Ukraine, a global leader in drone technology, is seen as an invaluable partner for EU defense companies seeking battlefield-tested innovations. Additionally, Denmark announced plans to establish its own defense-industry hub in Kyiv, reinforcing collaboration between Danish and Ukrainian defense […]
Korean defense firm eyes bigger footing in Europe with homegrown multiple rocket launcher system
Hanwha Aerospace is seeking to export its Chunmoo multiple rocket launch system to Norway, aiming to expand its presence in the European defense market. The company showcased a life-sized Chunmoo for the first time in Europe at the Eurosatory defense show in Paris, highlighting strong interest from potential buyers. Hanwha signed a memorandum of understanding with Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace to strengthen collaboration on land-based defense solutions. Norway is exploring options for acquiring long-range precision weapon systems, with Chunmoo and Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS among the leading candidates. Hanwha hopes to build on its existing relationship with Norway, which already […]
Europe’s Quest to Rearm Runs Into Red Tape, Lack of Cash—and Meditation
European countries and defense companies are running into issues as they look to bolster their militaries following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. European defense firms have committed to increasing production, including BAE Systems which “tripled its production of 155mm artillery shells after Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine.” Original article
What Are JSOWs? Long Range US Glide Bombs Handed to Ukraine – Newsweek
The U.S. is sending Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range glide bombs to Ukraine as part of a $375 million military aid package announced on September 26. These precision-guided bombs, which weigh 1,100 pounds and have a range of over 70 miles, are designed to bypass Russian air defenses when launched from F-16 jets. The JSOW bombs are considered more advanced than the glide bombs used by Russia and are priced at $500,000 each. They use GPS for guidance and feature infrared imaging sensors that are resistant to radio-frequency jamming. This aid package also includes HIMARS, Javelin systems, and other military […]
REPMUS 2024: Portuguese Navy and NATO focus on counter-UAV systems
NATO’s Exercise ‘REPMUS 24’ (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Unmanned Maritime Systems) tested Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C-UAV) systems. Michael Stewart, U.S. chairman of NATO Naval Armaments Group, highlighted the challenge posed by low-cost unmanned systems versus expensive countermeasures. Stewart noted NATO and the U.S. are focused on addressing this imbalance, but could not share specifics, referencing efforts to prevent both drones and their operators from launching attacks. Portuguese Navy Admiral Henrique Eduardo Passaláqua de Gouveia e Melo emphasized the economic inefficiency of using costly surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) to counter inexpensive UAVs. He suggested future solutions may involve a combination of […]
US works on workaround for nearly US$6 billion military support to Ukraine
The Biden administration is working on a plan to extend its authority to send $5.9 billion worth of weapons and equipment to Ukraine before the funding expires at the end of September. This authority allows the Pentagon to quickly transfer weapons from its own stocks, which are then replenished with funds. The administration aims to use the remaining assistance over the next few months, although it can’t provide new types of equipment. Pentagon officials believe deliveries can continue beyond the fiscal year if done promptly. The Biden administration is also seeking congressional approval to carry over unused funds to next […]
The 40-year-old troop carrier and other infantry-fighting vehicles have been surprise stars of Ukraine’s campaign
The Wall Street Journal reports that BAE Systems’ Bradley infantry fighting vehicle has gained iconic status among Ukrainian troops for its ability to protect against drones, mines, and antitank weapons. The Bradley offers strong survivability, agility, and versatility in both offensive and defensive operations while being more resource-efficient than tanks. The U.S. Army continues to operate Bradleys equipped with the Iron Fist protection system. The report also highlights the threat posed by UAVs to infantry fighting vehicles, noting that BAE’s CV90 uses a counter-UAS system, while Ukrainian Bradleys employ electronic warfare systems to counter Russian drones. The Bradley’s performance has […]
U.S. approves $920 Million Foreign Military Direct Loan to Romania
The United States has announced a $920 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) direct loan to Romania to bolster NATO’s Eastern Flank. Romania, a key U.S. partner, is undergoing a significant military modernization program, including purchases of U.S. defense equipment like Abrams tanks and ammunition coproduction. Romania has been a NATO leader, contributing to Black Sea security and assisting Ukraine by transferring a Patriot air defense system and training Ukrainian F-16 pilots. The U.S. is also providing $60 million in FMF grant funding to support the loan, accelerating Romania’s defense modernization. This loan will further enhance Romania’s military capabilities, strengthening NATO’s […]
Exclusive: Russia has secret war drones project in China, intel sources say
Russia has established a weapons program in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones for the war in Ukraine, according to European intelligence sources and documents reviewed by Reuters. The IEMZ Kupol subsidiary of Russia’s Almaz-Antey has developed and flight-tested the Garpiya-3 (G3) drone in China with local expertise. Kupol plans to mass-produce the G3 and other drones in China for deployment in Ukraine. The White House expressed concern over potential Chinese involvement, while NATO and British officials urged China to stop supporting Russia’s war effort. Kupol has already received seven drones, including G3s, from Chinese manufacturers, marking the […]
Rheinmetall receives order from NATO country for mortar shells
Rheinmetall has secured a new order worth tens of millions of euros from a NATO country for a six-digit quantity of mortar shells, with deliveries set between July 2025 and July 2026. The mortar shells will be produced by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions in Spain, accompanied by additional services for the product launch. This follows previous orders from Switzerland, Spain, and a significant 100,000-round order for Ukraine in 2022. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rheinmetall has received billions in orders for artillery and mortar ammunition as NATO countries replenish their stockpiles and support Ukraine. The company recently announced an order from […]
Dutch Navy to buy armed sidekick ships for its air-defense frigates
The Netherlands plans to purchase two support vessels to enhance the air defense and firepower capabilities of its Navy, with an investment between €250 million and €1 billion. These vessels will assist air-defense frigates by carrying additional missiles to counter anti-ship missile and drone swarms, and support amphibious operations using long-range loitering munitions. Dutch shipyard Damen will build the vessels, equipped with Barak ER surface-to-air interceptors and other systems from Israel Aerospace Industries. These versatile ships will feature modular equipment that can be swapped based on mission needs and will be operational by 2027. The investment is part of a […]
Norway upgrades Ula-class submarines once more before 212CD rollout
Norway’s 212CD submarine program is on track for delivery in the early 2030s, while Norway invests in upgrading its aging Ula-class submarines. To extend the Ula-class’ service life, Norway signed a NOK436 million (US$41.6 million) upgrade agreement with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The Ula-class, in service since the 1980s, is nearing the end of its operational lifespan, but these upgrades will sustain the fleet until the 212CD submarines are ready. Kongsberg, the original combat system supplier for the Ula-class, is responsible for both hardware and software upgrades. The 212CD program, developed with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, recently completed its critical design […]