Defence Notes

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.

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.

Naval Warfare

Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule

The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.

Air Warfare

Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion

The UAE’s Edge Group has been positioning itself as a key defence and technology partner to Indonesia, where it has been focusing on naval platforms, UAVs and long-term industrial collaboration.

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Naval Warfare

Risks stalk Australia’s Hunter class

23rd February 2022

It is common for large Australian military procurements to go awry, but officials remain upbeat about progress on its new frigates.
Naval Warfare

Final French FREMM frigate’s first sea trials begin

23rd February 2022

Lorraine will be the French Navy’s eighth FREMM frigate and second with enhanced air defence capabilities.
Defence Notes

Global defense industry to tap into Middle East market at Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show (Sponsored)

23rd February 2022

Taking place from 6-9 March 2022 in Riyadh, World Defense Show, the global stage for interoperability, will bring together the global industry for four action-packed days of exhibits, live demonstrations, conferences, and seminars.
Defence Notes

US seeks to regain lost ground against China on rare earths

23rd February 2022

A newly announced facility from MP Materials strengthens US rare earths processing for DoD programmes.
Defence Notes

DoD urges more competition in call to shake up US defence industrial base

23rd February 2022

In its ‘State of Competition within the Defense Industrial Base’ report, the DoD warns that the trend of industry consolidation over the last three decades has created ‘a national security and economic risk to the nation’.
Naval Warfare

SEA torpedo launcher to equip Philippine corvettes

23rd February 2022

SEA has previously delivered its Torpedo Launch System for Philippine Navy frigates.
Uncrewed Vehicles

Canada shines more light on RPAS plans

23rd February 2022

The Canadian Department of National Defence has confirmed the programme schedule for its optionally armed UAS procurement plan, while also identifying where the aircraft will be based.
Digital Battlespace

Australia requests anti-missile kit for transport aircraft via FMS

23rd February 2022

Australia requests an FMS for LAIRCM replacement components to be installed on transport aircraft as part of an RAAF upgrade programme.
Air Warfare

India pushes ahead with Ka-31 AEW purchase

23rd February 2022

India's fleet of Ka-31 AEW helicopters is ageing, and new examples are needed to equip forthcoming warships.
Land Warfare

Australia eyes up laser target designators

22nd February 2022

Leonardo will provide laser target designators as part of the Australian Project Land 17 Phase 2 programme.
Naval Warfare

Navalised Iron Dome completes first interceptions from Sa’ar 6 corvette

22nd February 2022

The crew of Sa’ar 6 corvette INS Magen led recent C-Dome tests.
Naval Warfare

Textron carries on with UISS support

22nd February 2022

The USN requires continued input from Textron for the Unmanned Influence Sweep System.
Air Warfare

UK funds additional F-35 squadron but doubts persist over future fleet total

22nd February 2022

The UK has committed to spend more money on a second tranche of F-35B fighter jets but it has not divulged how many it plans to buy.
Defence Notes

UK MoD Equipment Plan is affordable, but watchdog warns of risks

22nd February 2022

The National Audit Office has warned that the MoD’s 10-year Equipment Plan could be ‘over-optimistic’.
Air Warfare

NZ leads the pack with NH90 availability rates

22nd February 2022

Many countries are dissatisfied with their NH90 helicopters, but New Zealand seems to have found a recipe for success.
Naval Warfare

Chinese navy provocatively lases an Australian P-8

21st February 2022

China stands accused of illuminating an Australian military aircraft with a laser, something it has not denied.
Defence Notes

Irish government dedicates €2.4 million to new brain trust

21st February 2022

Irish Ministers Simon Harris and Simon Coveney have announced ten research teams have been shortlisted for the defence innovation competition.
Defence Notes

UK strives to solve disconnect with SMEs

21st February 2022

The latest UK action plan for better engagement with SMEs appears to be an attempt to build better relationships between the MoD, prime contractors and the defence supply chain — but how will theory translate into practice?
Training

Australia extends Hawk 127 contract for BAE Systems

21st February 2022

The Hawk 127 will continue as the lead-in fighter training platform for the RAAF until 2031.