Defence news and analysis - Page 2

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.

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.

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.

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.

More Stories

Naval Warfare

Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer

9th June 2025

The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
Air Warfare

Why tactical UAVs are winning on the future battlefield (Podcast)

9th June 2025

In Conversation: In this special edition of the Shephard Defence Podcast, Tony Skinner sits down with Dan Slasky, President and CEO of Aeronautics, to explore how cutting-edge tactical unmanned aerial systems are reshaping today’s battlefields.
Land Warfare

Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher

9th June 2025

Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
Air Warfare

Poland reassesses equipment priorities as S-70i Black Hawk acquisition stopped

9th June 2025

The country first entered negotiations for the procurement of Black Hawk helicopters in 2023. Now, the reassessment marks a shift in the country’s military equipment and strategic needs in light of the Ukraine conflict.
Land Warfare

CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality

9th June 2025

The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
Air Warfare

Tata to build Rafale fuselages in India as Dassault ramps up global production

6th June 2025

New Hyderabad facility will host the first overseas Rafale fuselage line, as India looks to bolster its aerospace ecosystem and align with long-term AMCA goals.
Air Warfare

German Air Force pushes ahead with A400M infrared protection system upgrade

6th June 2025

The Direct Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) system will serve to protect the aircraft from surface-to-air missile threats, with installation scheduled for later this year.
Air Warfare

UVision declares a “first” with helicopter-launched loitering munition to be displayed at Paris Air Show

6th June 2025

UVision’s HERO loitering munition family is widely used. As an air-launched loitering munition, however, it is a new concept which could meet a specific declared need of the US Marine Corps.
Air Warfare

Japan targets T-4 replacement ahead of GCAP as pressure mounts to modernise pilot training

6th June 2025

The JASDF has been looking to replace its T-4 jet fighters amid concerns over training capacity and pilot readiness for fifth-gen fighters.
Air Warfare

Australia bets big on new systems and local industry in the face of drone wars

6th June 2025

Australia has a small but vibrant drone and counter-drone industry ranging from niche dual technology company Grabba Technologies to large multinational like DroneShield. It is these companies and a reshaping of procurement methods to ramp up its drone power.
Air Warfare

Germany becomes fifth JSM customer with planned $644 million order

5th June 2025

Norway, Japan, Australia and the US have already selected Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for use from Lockheed Martin’s F-35A multirole fighter aircraft. Demand for the missile has led to an expansion in manufacturing.
Air Warfare

RTX Raytheon to surge production of AIM-9X Block II missiles by nearly 80% in three years

5th June 2025

Currently manufacturing 1,400 AIM-9X Block II missiles annually, Raytheon plans to reach the mark of 2,500 per year by September 2028.
Naval Warfare

Kuwait agrees $2.45 billion deal for Falaj 3 missile boats

4th June 2025

The deal for Falaj 3 missile boats is one of the largest ship deals for the Middle East and the region’s highest-value naval shipbuilding export to date. It follows the commissioning earlier this year of the first of type for UAE.
Land Warfare

Rafael to unveil new Iron Beam laser director at Paris Air Show

4th June 2025

Israel has a substantial air defence system which includes Iron Dome and David’s Sling but laser systems will allow lower cost intercepts for short ranges against smaller threats.
Air Warfare

UK bets big on drone investment and boosts its drone deliveries to Ukraine tenfold

4th June 2025

The £4 billion domestic funding package will go towards the development of autonomous and uncrewed aerial systems and was announced in the wake of the publication of the UK Strategic Defence Review.
Air Warfare

Philippines acquires additional FA-50 aircraft in $700 million contract

4th June 2025

Korea Aerospace Industries has netted a follow-on order from the country for 12 aircraft to be delivered by 2030.
Defence Notes

What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow

4th June 2025

Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
Digital Battlespace

Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend

4th June 2025

Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
Air Warfare

US Army progresses with the Flight School Next project

4th June 2025

A special procurement notice for the Flight School Next was issued this week as potential suppliers step up their efforts.