Secure World Foundation has released a study revealing significant global investments in military space capabilities. The United States, China, and Russia are leading the way, enhancing their abilities in satellite destruction, jamming, and overall space-based warfare. Countries like Australia, France, and India are also ramping up their space defense efforts, focusing on communications, intelligence, and electronic warfare. The report emphasizes that future conflicts are likely to involve space as a key domain. As a result, nations are reorganizing their military structures to better integrate and prioritize space operations. Original news
Tag: News
L3Harris Secures Long-Term Radio Contract with Dutch Ministry of Defence
L3Harris Technologies has signed a long-term agreement with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to supply combat net radios under the Foxtrot armed forces digital modernization program. The radios will come from L3Harris’s Falcon IV family and support the MTBB project, which includes vehicle-mounted and handheld systems. The acquisition will equip approximately 8,000 vehicles, 3,500 personnel, 135 vessels, and 170 aircraft and helicopters. The Foxtrot program has a budget of up to €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion) and is set to continue until at least 2036. This agreement marks a significant step in modernizing the Netherlands’ military communication infrastructure. Original news
Saab Confident in Securing Colombia Gripen Fighter Jet Deal
Saab is optimistic about finalizing a deal to supply Colombia with JAS 39 Gripen combat aircraft. Saab CEO Micael Johansson stated there is a “very high probability” of success, citing Colombia’s public declaration of their selection. The deal’s value remains undisclosed and will depend on the number of aircraft purchased and associated services like training and maintenance. Colombia plans to buy between 16 and 24 Gripens, having considered alternatives from Dassault and Lockheed Martin. Saab sees this potential agreement as a gateway to further business in South America. Original news
SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin Secure $13.5 Billion Space Force Launch Contracts
SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Blue Origin have won U.S. Space Force contracts totaling $13.5 billion to launch national security satellites through 2029. The deals fall under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, which will allocate approximately 54 missions via incremental task orders. These launches will support the Pentagon’s most sensitive and complex satellite operations. The Space Force’s Space Systems Command emphasized the importance of reliable access to space for national defense. This marks a significant expansion of Blue Origin’s role alongside more established players like SpaceX and ULA. Original news
Report Warns of China’s Rapid Advancement in Space-Based Military Capabilities
The Secure World Foundation’s 2025 Global Counterspace Capabilities report highlights China’s accelerated development of a wide range of counterspace weapons. The analysis outlines China’s focus on direct-ascent and co-orbital anti-satellite systems, directed energy weapons, electronic warfare, and rendezvous and proximity operations. These advancements are part of a sustained effort to strengthen Chinese military power in orbit. The report also notes the suspected deployment of an experimental satellite in geostationary orbit designed to conduct space-based jamming. Overall, the findings underscore growing concerns about the militarization of space and the vulnerability of orbital assets. Original news
Czech Defense Firm CSG Forecasts Continued Growth Amid European Rearmament
Czech-based defense company CSG anticipates sustained double-digit growth as European nations ramp up military spending. The firm reported a 131% revenue increase in 2024, reaching €4 billion, with EBITDA rising 146% to €1.1 billion. CSG currently holds an €11 billion backlog, primarily in large-calibre ammunition and armored vehicle orders. CFO Zdenek Jurak expressed confidence in long-term growth, citing the continued surge in defense sector investment. The company expects to benefit significantly from Europe’s ongoing rearmament efforts. Original news
Portal Space Systems Secures $17.5M to Launch Revolutionary Supernova Spacecraft
Portal Space Systems has raised $17.5 million in one of the largest seed rounds for a space startup in the past decade to develop its Supernova spacecraft. Supernova is designed for rapid transorbital travel, capable of reaching MEO in minutes, GEO in hours, and cislunar space in days from LEO. The company has completed the first print of its proprietary thermal propulsion system, which mimics nuclear performance without requiring a fission reactor. It also opened a new 8,000-square-foot headquarters and testing facility near Seattle. With a team of industry veterans, Portal aims for Supernova to surpass current space transport technologies. […]
Norway Becomes First Partner to Complete F-35A Fleet Acquisition
Norway has received its final two Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets, becoming the first F-35 partner nation to complete its program of record. The delivery marks the full modernization of the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s fleet, replacing its retired F-16s and boosting national defense capabilities. To support long-term operations, Norway is establishing a new F-35 maintenance facility at Rygge air base. The site will be run by Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services and is expected to support the fleet for up to 15 years. The development highlights Norway’s commitment to strengthening its airpower and defense infrastructure. Original news
DARPA Selects 18 Firms for Next Phase of Quantum Computing Moonshot
DARPA has selected 18 companies to further develop their quantum computing concepts as part of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). The program aims to identify scalable quantum technologies that can deliver computational advantages exceeding their cost by 2033. In the next phase, selected firms will undergo rigorous equipment testing and independent evaluations. Stage C participants will face full-scale verification of all components and algorithms essential to building fault-tolerant quantum computers. DARPA describes QBI as a “moonshot” effort to transform the quantum computing field over the next decade. Original news
Greece Launches $27 Billion Military Modernization Plan Focused on High-Tech Warfare
The AP reports that Greece has unveiled a $27 billion defense modernization plan to upgrade its military over the next decade with advanced technologies. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias detailed the initiative, which includes the “Achilles Shield” air defense system, AI-driven missile systems, drones, and modern soldier equipment. The plan is designed to reduce reliance on conventional fleets and address ongoing tensions with Turkey. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s commitment to acquiring U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, calling the deal a long-term strategic investment. Opposition leaders, however, have called for prioritizing European alternatives. Original news
U.S. Urges Europe to Maintain American Defense Ties Amid EU Industry Push
U.S. officials are urging European allies to keep buying American-made weapons despite the EU’s push to strengthen its own defense industry. The European Commission’s ReArm Europe initiative could limit U.S. firms’ involvement in EU defense contracts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the issue in talks with Baltic foreign ministers, stressing the importance of American participation. U.S. officials caution that sidelining American companies may harm transatlantic defense cooperation. The move comes amid broader efforts in Europe to reduce dependency on foreign military suppliers. Original news
U.S. Faces Escalating Threats from China and Russia in the Space Race
China’s and Russia’s expanding military space capabilities present serious national security risks for the United States. The Council on Foreign Relations has expressed concern that the U.S., despite deploying many smaller space assets, is falling behind. U.S. Air Force Gen. Stephen N. Whiting stated that China is advancing its counterspace technologies at a “breathtaking pace” to undermine American and Allied systems. Harrod argues that American space and defense companies must align more closely with national interests to address vulnerabilities. He stresses the urgency of winning the new space race, noting that it requires more than just visionary individuals to succeed. […]
Amazon to Launch First 27 Kuiper Internet Satellites on April 9
Amazon.com plans to launch the first 27 satellites for its Project Kuiper internet network on April 9, 2025, at noon EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. An Atlas 5 rocket from United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, will carry out the launch. Project Kuiper aims to deploy over 3,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit to provide global high-speed internet, positioning it as a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink system. Amazon has committed $10 billion to the development of this network since its announcement in 2019. Rajeev Badyal, Amazon’s Kuiper vice president, emphasized the importance […]
Finland Plans Major Defense Hike, Eyes Withdrawal from Landmine Treaty
Finland has announced plans to raise its defense spending to at least 3% of GDP within the next four years and is preparing to exit the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen said the move aims to modernize the army and enhance defense capabilities based on evolving threats. Defense expert Robin Häggblom called the increase “significant,” noting current spending, including F-35 jet acquisitions, already nears 2.4% of GDP. The announcement signals Finland’s shift toward a more robust military posture amid growing regional security concerns. Withdrawal from the landmine ban would further align Finland’s strategy with NATO’s broader […]
Norway Faces Growing Calls to Let Wealth Fund Invest in Defense Firms
Norway’s $1.8 trillion sovereign wealth fund is under political pressure to lift its ban on investing in defense companies, including those like Lockheed Martin. Opposition parties argue the restriction is “illogical” given today’s heightened global security threats. Tina Bru of the Conservative Party emphasized the urgent need to support Western defense industries amid rising geopolitical tensions. The fund, the largest in the world, currently excludes firms involved in cluster munitions and controversial weapons. Norges Bank Investment Management, which oversees the fund, declined to comment on any potential revisions to its ethical guidelines. Original news