Defence news and analysis - Page 3

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.

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Air Warfare

Royal Thai Air Force moves forward with Gripen E/F selection

4th June 2025

The deal has a Phase 1 budget of US$596 million for the acquisition of four Gripen E/F aircraft, according to the RTAF.
Air Warfare

Czech Republic extend Gripen lease to bridge until entry of F-35

3rd June 2025

The Czech Republic has formally extended its lease of Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft until 2035, allowing for the arrival of the first Lockheed Martin F-35 in 2031 and full operational capability four years later. .
Naval Warfare

Construction of Canadian Coast Guard OOSV Naalak Nappaaluk is “nearly complete”

3rd June 2025

The Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel has entered the final stages of building and should be delivered in August.
Defence Notes

Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme

3rd June 2025

Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
Air Warfare

F-35 capability boost could come in next three years, says Lockheed CEO

3rd June 2025

Lockheed had previously spoken of ‘supercharging’ its F-35, using technology developed for its unsuccessful NGAD bid, while broader work on delivering its TR-3 aircraft to customers continues.
Land Warfare

Energy evolution: How laser defence systems are powering the next phase of air defence (podcast)

3rd June 2025

Laser-based air defence is moving from promise to deployment as global threats evolve. In this special podcast, we explore how high-energy laser systems are reshaping interception strategies.
Naval Warfare

Shipbuilders’ group warns US failing to tap full naval industry capacity

3rd June 2025

The Amphibious Warship Industrial Base Coalition has pointed out that issues related to bureaucracy, prerequisites and predictability have been limiting the involvement of smaller shipyards in military acquisition programmes in the US.
Defence Notes

Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans

2nd June 2025

While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
Air Warfare

What impact will the massive drone attack on Russian territory have on the future of the war in Ukraine?

2nd June 2025

The large-scale Ukrainian UAV offensive against airbases in Russia is likely to affect the conflict in multiple ways in addition to impacting the warfare of tomorrow.
Defence Notes

UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions

2nd June 2025

The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
Defence Notes

Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details

2nd June 2025

The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was designed to answer two questions: What is needed to fix UK defence and make it fit for the 2040s, and what do you get for a fixed financial profile? The SDR outlines that work still needs to be done on specifics.
Land Warfare

Czech Republic set to order RBS 70 NG systems as CAESAR howitzers begin production

2nd June 2025

The Czech Government is to approve the purchase of a fleet of vehicle mounted integrated air defence systems as the country invests to overhaul its equipment. Spending includes two dozen F-35As, CAESAR howitzers and refurbished Leopard tanks.
Defence Notes

Billions of pounds earmarked for new munitions factories and submarine expansion ahead of UK Strategic Defence Review

2nd June 2025

The UK’s Strategic Defence Review will call for ‘warfighting readiness’ and outline the threats the country will need to face and counter with modern defence equipment and technology.
Air Warfare

Why is the US military focusing on having low-cost, disposable drones in its inventory?

1st June 2025

Diverse acquisition and development efforts across the US Department of Defence (DoD) have been focusing on the benefits cheap uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer.
Land Warfare

Latvian ASCOD IFVs to enter service next year as country’s land programmes surge

1st June 2025

Latvia is buying Austrian Spanish Cooperative Development (ASCOD) infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The country is investing widely including in the purchase of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Patria 6×6 vehicles, TRML-4D air defence radars and air defence systems and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
Special Operations

Why artificial intelligence has secured its place in special forces' operations

31st May 2025

The diverse use cases of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been turning it into a critical tool for Special Operations Forces (SOF).
Naval Warfare

Swedish Visby frigates to get air defence system under $166 million contract

30th May 2025

Saab announced in 2021 that it had signed an agreement with Swedish defence procurement for the development of plans for a Visby upgrade. One aspect of the upgrade is for the introduction of a surface-to-air missile capability.
Defence Notes

India greenlights $4.7 billion defence spend as post-war tensions simmer

30th May 2025

Precision strikes, drone warfare and shifting regional doctrine mark aftermath of four-day India-Pakistan conflict.
Naval Warfare

Malaysia signs NSM launcher deal, issues Littoral Combat Ships support LOI and acquires first USV

29th May 2025

As LCS delays persist, RMN re-arms Lekiu-class frigates and embraces unmanned systems amid budget constraints.