Defence Notes

Air Warfare

Anduril’s Barracuda-100M completes latest successful test flights

The munitions variant of the Barrauda-100 autonomous air vehicle is being tested for the US Army’s High-Speed Manoeuvrable Missile (HSMM) testbed programme, with further flight tests expected in 2026.

France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend

The 2025 National Strategic Review highlights the importance of readiness against a growing Russian threat and was published days after a speech from the French President Macron who called for an increase in defence spending worth €6.5 billion by 2027.

Air Warfare

France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production

The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.

Defence Notes

Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue

Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.

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Naval Warfare

Russia and Ukraine agree maritime ceasefire – then Russia attaches strings

27th March 2025

Tentative peace in the Black Sea broke down almost immediately amid Russian demands for a financial climb-down from the EU.
Defence Notes

UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”

26th March 2025

Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
Land Warfare

Babcock secures £1.6 billion MoD contract extension to support British Army readiness

26th March 2025

The five-year contract extension will be applied to the existing 10-year DSG Service Provision and Transformation Contract.
Defence Notes

Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees

26th March 2025

The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
Defence Notes

Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market

24th March 2025

The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
Air Warfare

Sweden procures third batch of Meteor missiles for Gripen aircraft

20th March 2025

This third order from the FMV for the long-range anti-aircraft missile system is part of the Swedish Armed Forces’ effort to increase its air defence capabilities.
Air Warfare

Canada risks “bloodying its nose” should it forgo F-35 buy, says Canadian ex-defence chief

19th March 2025

Canada has stated its intention to reassess its acquisition of the F-35, amid the ongoing US-trade war, with Defence Minister Bill Blair saying it is “examining alternatives” with other aircraft manufacturers.
Naval Warfare

Royal Navy follows US Navy lead, invests in VR training to mitigate watchkeeping skill fade

19th March 2025

VR naval training is growing more accepted as it maintains bridge skills in a safe, virtual environment.
Defence Notes

Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft

19th March 2025

US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
Defence Notes

OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”

18th March 2025

Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
Defence Notes

MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog

18th March 2025

MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.
Defence Notes

Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons

13th March 2025

Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
Naval Warfare

US Navy shipbuilding branded “too slow” and “too expensive” by acquisition chief

12th March 2025

Several of the US Navy’s leading programmes, including the Constellation-class frigate and the Virginia-class submarine, are significantly behind schedule.
Defence Notes

Leonardo projects €30 billion in revenue by 2029

12th March 2025

The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
Air Warfare

Dassault considers boosting Indian presence to support future Rafale production

11th March 2025

Discussion of any new production line in India would reportedly be for the F5 jet, although India is also closing in on cementing a deal for 26 Rafale-M aircraft for its Navy.
Naval Warfare

Indra proposes “Internet of Underwater Things” as possible next step in naval warfare

11th March 2025

A new concept of underwater warfare could be needed to take naval defence to its next evolution.
Air Warfare

Leonardo and Baykar join forces to develop uncrewed aerial systems

6th March 2025

Baykar’s AKINCI drone will be the first focus platform for the joint venture, with the first prototype targeted for development in 12 to 18 months.
Air Warfare

Europe will “struggle” to fill capability gaps left by US-Ukraine aid pause

6th March 2025

Europe’s capacity to fill the capability gaps created by the US pause on military aid to Ukraine is uncertain, according to analysts, but European defence industry leaders have stressed their readiness to meet demand.
Land Warfare

World Defense Show 2026 to unite global and local innovation

5th March 2025

Saudi Arabia’s showpiece event for the defence industry will return in 2026 as it attempts to foster global defence collaboration, promote opportunity within the Kingdom and demonstrate technological innovation from across the Middle East.