Sweden is progressing with plans to acquire four Embraer C-390 transport aircraft as part of a joint procurement effort with Austria and the Netherlands. The announcement was made at the LAAD Defence & Security exhibition following a memorandum of understanding signed on March 28. Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson emphasized that the collaborative approach enables faster and more cost-efficient delivery. The move builds on Sweden’s earlier decision in November to select the C-390 to replace its aging fleet of Lockheed Martin KC/C-130H aircraft. The deal reflects growing European defense cooperation aimed at streamlining modernization efforts. Original news
Tag: News
LEO Boom Reshapes Satellite Communications Industry
The satellite communications sector is being transformed by the rapid growth of low Earth orbit (LEO) internet services from companies like SpaceX and Amazon’s Kuiper. This shift prompted Australia to cancel its $5 billion Joint Project 9102 with Lockheed Martin, citing the need for more flexible, multi-orbit capabilities. Daniel Gizinski of Comtech emphasized that improving user experience is now a key focus in connectivity solutions. Meanwhile, Astranis is scaling up its MicroGEO satellite fleet, highlighting the appeal of faster deployment and adaptable infrastructure. These developments mark a broader industry pivot toward more dynamic and responsive space communications models. Original news
Eurofighter Confirms Export Customers Receive Full-Capability Typhoons
Eurofighter has confirmed that its export customers receive the same advanced capabilities as partner nations, countering concerns raised by recent U.S. comments. This assurance follows remarks by President Donald Trump suggesting that some foreign aircraft variants, such as the F-47 NGAD, may be “dumbed down” for non-U.S. buyers. A Eurofighter consortium representative clarified that no such limitations apply to the Typhoon. The fighter jet manufacturer is actively pursuing new export deals, with Poland and Türkiye identified as promising short-term prospects. The statement reinforces Eurofighter’s commitment to offering top-tier performance across its global customer base. Original news
Sweden Unveils Record $1.6 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Sweden has announced its largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine, worth 16 billion kronor ($1.6 billion), aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s defenses against Russia. The aid will primarily fund new defense orders from Swedish and European manufacturers, while also supporting Ukraine’s domestic arms industry. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stressed the urgency of increased support from Western allies. About 70% of the aid is expected to be delivered to Ukraine within the year. The package includes ground support vehicles to maintain operational readiness of F-16 fighter jets stationed at Ukrainian air bases. Original news
Kongsberg to Open Missile Factory in Australia
Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (KDA) will establish its first Naval Strike Missile (NSM) production facility outside Norway at Newcastle Airport in Australia. Scheduled to begin operations in 2027, the factory will produce both NSMs and Joint Strike Missiles (JSMs). The missiles are intended for use by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and international partners. This move supports Australia’s goal of strengthening sovereign defense manufacturing capabilities. It also reinforces Kongsberg’s global supply chain and strategic ties with Indo-Pacific allies. Original news
Majority of Canadians Support Scrapping F-35 Deal in Favor of European Jets
A Nanos Research poll shows that 62% of Canadians favor canceling the $19-billion contract to buy 88 F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin in favor of European alternatives. Prime Minister Mark Carney has launched a review of the deal, stressing the importance of value and exploring domestic production options. Former defense official Alan Williams raised concerns about Canada’s limited control over the jets due to Lockheed Martin’s retention of source code. The poll surveyed 1,264 Canadians between March 28–30, with a 2.8% margin of error. The results highlight growing public skepticism about U.S. defense procurement amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Original news
Portugal Still Considers F-35A as Key Option for Future Fighter Fleet
Portugal’s Air Force continues to view the Lockheed Martin F-35A as a strong candidate to replace its aging fleet of F-16s, despite earlier mixed signals from the defense minister. Major General João Nogueira emphasized structural and avionics issues with the current fighters, stressing the importance of moving toward fifth-generation capabilities. While alternative options are being considered, Nogueira underscored the F-35’s significance in maintaining advanced airpower. Portugal plans to spend $4.6 billion on defense in 2024 as it works toward meeting NATO’s 2% GDP benchmark by 2029. The decision on a new fighter is expected in the coming years. Original news
France Pledges €2 Billion in New Military Aid Package to Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a €2 billion (approximately $2.2 billion) military aid package for Ukraine during a press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. The package includes Milan anti-tank missiles, MICA air-to-air missiles for Mirage aircraft, Mistral surface-to-air missiles, VAB armored vehicles, AMX-10RC reconnaissance vehicles, loitering munitions, and drones. Macron emphasized the urgency of continued support amid ongoing conflict with Russia. France has already provided tens of thousands of 155mm shells for Ukraine’s CAESAR and TRF1 self-propelled howitzers. This latest commitment reinforces France’s role as a key defense partner to Kyiv. Original news
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo Begin Early Merger Talks on Satellite Businesses
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo have entered early-stage discussions with EU antitrust regulators about a potential merger of their satellite operations, according to Reuters. The talks are in the pre-notification phase, indicating the beginning of a lengthy process that may not yield concrete results until sometime next year. A second source noted that France and Italy are generally supportive of the initiative. However, the European Commission’s stance will be critical, given its past opposition to similar consolidation efforts. The merger aims to strengthen Europe’s satellite manufacturing capabilities amid growing global competition. Original news
Germany Seeks Closer Defense Ties with South Korea Amid Industry Push
German Ambassador to South Korea Georg Schmidt called for deeper cooperation with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). He emphasized Germany’s €1 trillion defense investment plan, aligning with U.S. calls for increased European defense spending. Schmidt pointed to ongoing collaboration, including South Korea’s acquisition of German Taurus missiles, while acknowledging growing competition between the two nations’ defense industries. He stressed the importance of domestic production capabilities and rapid manufacturing in Germany’s procurement strategy. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness, he noted, will be decisive factors in future defense partnerships. Original news
Airbus Eyes Deeper Defense Collaboration with Türkiye
Airbus is seeking to expand its collaboration with Türkiye’s defense and aviation industries, particularly by increasing local parts production. The move follows a March 24–25 summit in Toulouse where Airbus showcased its latest sustainable aviation developments. Airbus currently works with 41 Turkish suppliers, who produce $600 million worth of components annually. The company aims to deepen this partnership by encouraging greater involvement from Türkiye’s defense and aerospace sector. Officials expressed interest in leveraging Türkiye’s military aviation capabilities in future projects. Original news
Sweden Tests Saab’s Tp 47 Lightweight Torpedo on Small and Unmanned Vessels
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Saab have tested the new Tp 47 lightweight torpedo from small, unconventional platforms, including a Combat Boat 90 and an unmanned surface vessel (USV). These trials aim to assess the torpedo’s compatibility with non-traditional naval craft. The Tp 47 is a next-generation, 400 mm wire-guided torpedo designed for the unique environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea. FMV confirmed collaboration with Saab and the Swedish Armed Forces to explore broader deployment of the torpedo on smaller naval platforms. The initiative reflects Sweden’s efforts to enhance flexibility and capability in littoral warfare. Original news
MBDA CEO Urges Greater European Defense Cooperation Amid Record Sales and NATO Uncertainty
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger has urged European governments to increase cross-border collaboration in weapons development as uncertainty grows over the Trump administration’s NATO commitments. Speaking on March 17, Béranger said Europe is at a pivotal moment for security, citing the unpredictable behavior of traditional allies. He revealed MBDA achieved €4.9 billion in revenues and a record €13.8 billion in order intake for 2024. His remarks coincided with the EU’s announcement of a €150 billion loan initiative under the ReArm Europe Plan to boost defense capabilities. The call underscores rising pressure on Europe to strengthen its own defense industrial base. Original […]
Small Launcher Market Shrinks as Investment Shifts Toward Medium-Lift Rockets
The small launcher market is declining, with only four new companies founded in 2023 compared to 27 in 2017, according to the NewSpace Index. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt now leads Relativity, investing over $1 billion into the company, one of the few well-funded U.S. rocket startups. Investor attention is shifting from small launchers to medium-lift capabilities, favoring firms like Rocket Lab and SpaceX. Meanwhile, countries in Europe and Asia continue to prioritize sovereign launch capabilities, fueling international investment in launch infrastructure. Despite the slowdown in startups, global demand for independent access to space remains strong. Original news
Denmark Eyes Airbus A330 MRTT Buy to Strengthen European Aerial Refueling Capabilities
Denmark plans to join the European air-to-air refueling pool and may purchase two Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft for approximately $1.1 billion between 2025 and 2033. The country intends to first buy flight hours and later acquire a share equal to two aircraft in the Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet. The A330 MRTT supports both boom and probe-and-drogue refueling systems, making it compatible with a wide range of European and U.S. aircraft. The move comes amid growing concerns about Europe’s reliance on U.S. aerial refueling capacity as Washington signals disengagement. Denmark also plans to invest 4.7 billion kroner to accelerate development […]