Main News Portal

Global defence news, analysis and data insights across air, land, naval and military training. Shephard’s team of expert journalists cover new equipment and technology coverage, capability development, acquisition plans, contract awards and more.

Air Warfare

Paris Air Show 2025: Lockheed says TR-3 upgrade “closing in” on completion

The TR-3 configured F-35 aircraft have rolled off production lines since July 2024, but are still not yet combat capable and are still awaiting final sign-off for the software upgrade.

Air Warfare

Spanish Army’s VAMTAC drone acquisition progresses ongoing UAV investment

Spain has made clear its intent to acquire a range of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), including those that will form part of its wider VAMTAC programme, announced in June 2025.

Air Warfare

Further funding allocated for Eurofighter Typhoon ECRS Mk2 radar programme

The latest tranche of funding from the UK government comes ahead of the radar's integration into Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from 2028.

Air Warfare

M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force

The Leonardo M-345 High-Efficiency Trainer (HET) basic/advanced trainer is similar to the M-346, which is the second part of the Italian Air Force’s training system, but is a substantially smaller and less powerful aircraft.

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Land Warfare

UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward

13th June 2025

The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
Naval Warfare

South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs

13th June 2025

HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
Defence Notes

Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide

12th June 2025

The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
Air Warfare

Belgium’s F-35A order progresses at it awaits first jet delivery by late 2025

12th June 2025

The first aircraft delivery timeline confirmation comes as Belgium weighs up an additional F-3A buy from Lockheed Martin.
Air Warfare

Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance

12th June 2025

New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
Land Warfare

Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up

12th June 2025

Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
Air Warfare

Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training

12th June 2025

In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
Air Warfare

Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry

12th June 2025

As European countries increase their defence budgets, the Paris Air Show will look to how the aerospace industry’s responds, with programme progression, new technology and industrial partnerships all expected to take centre stage at Le Bourget.
Air Warfare

Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution

12th June 2025

The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
Naval Warfare

South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays

12th June 2025

Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
Land Warfare

Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement

11th June 2025

The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
Air Warfare

Combat-proven capabilities: How precision-strike systems are evolving for tomorrow’s battlespace (podcast)

11th June 2025

Combat-tested technology is being reshaped to counter A2/AD threats, reduce reliance on GPS and enable faster, more autonomous targeting in complex environments. In this special podcast, experts explain how the evolving threat landscape is shaping next-generation strike capabilities.
Air Warfare

Saab and Helsing hail world-first as Gripen E aircraft flies with ‘Centaur’ AI agent

11th June 2025

The flights, which pitted an AI-integrated Gripen E against a Gripen D in a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat scenario, marks a major milestone for Saab’s Project Beyond which looks to modernise the Gripen E platform.
Naval Warfare

US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026

11th June 2025

The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
Naval Warfare

US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs

10th June 2025

The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
Air Warfare

Embraer eyes industrial partnerships as it maintains “strong” European C-390 momentum

10th June 2025

The company’s Defence and Security CEO said that C-390 momentum was strong in the continent, as the manufacturer looks to lock down critical strategic European campaigns, industrial partnerships and ongoing orders.
Naval Warfare

Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy

10th June 2025

Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
Air Warfare

Embraer evaluates new mission capabilities for C-390 with ISR study to finish by 2026

10th June 2025

Alongside its official Maritime Patrol study, Embraer is also evaluating further special missions capabilities for its aircraft, including those in the space domain and with drones, CEO Bosco da Costa Junior told Shephard.
Land Warfare

Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand

9th June 2025

The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.