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.

More Stories

Air Warfare

Germany's potential SCAF exit for GCAP unpacked

3rd November 2023

The leaked information about Germany leaving the Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS/SCAF) project and joining the rival Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) hints at the growing complexities and tensions within the Franco-German partnership.
Digital Battlespace

US DoD updates approach to the threats and benefits of AI

3rd November 2023

The first DoD AI Strategy, published in 2018, and revised DoD Data Strategy, published in 2020, are two foundational documents that matured the department's data-centric structures to increase the efficacy of fielding modern AI-enabled capabilities.
Air Warfare

Lockheed wins US Air Force nuclear weapons contract worth almost $1 billion

3rd November 2023

US aerospace giant will carry out engineering, manufacturing and design for an RV for the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM.
Naval Warfare

New US Navy chief of naval operations sworn in after long delay

3rd November 2023

The swearing in of Adm Lisa Franchetti had been delayed which has been predicted to have medium-term effects on the service.
Naval Warfare

Second Jan Mayen-class OPV handed over to Norway

2nd November 2023

The new KV Bjørnøya OVP represents a critical component of Norway's commitment to enhancing its maritime security and replacing its ageing vessels with modern ones.
Air Warfare

French Navy tests VSR700 naval UAS demonstrator on multi-mission frigate

2nd November 2023

The latest Naval Aerial Drone System trials aimed to showcase the UAS performance capabilities in surveillance and intelligence missions.
Air Warfare

Germany selects consortium to develop key SCAF technologies and ‘remote carriers’

1st November 2023

A signed contract between Airbus, FCMS and MBDA will focus on technology maturation, with an emphasis on complementary basic technologies for NGWS and the Future Combat Air System use from 2040.
Defence Notes

BAE Systems grows DI unit with purchase of Eurostep

1st November 2023

BAE Systems and Swedish data sharing company Eurostep have been co-operating on projects for a number of years and the deal will help the development of the UK company’s digital asset management suite PropheSEA.
Naval Warfare

Babcock wins new contract to support UK Royal Navy Phalanx weapon system

30th October 2023

The Phalanx is used on multiple Royal Navy platforms, including the Albion-class landing platform dock, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Type 45 Class destroyer and Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
Air Warfare

US to build new B61 gravity bomb variant

30th October 2023

The new bomb would be deployable from contemporary aircraft and would replace some B61-7s in the existing nuclear stockpile while maintaining a similar yield.
Naval Warfare

Contracts signed for Polish coastal defence subsystems

26th October 2023

The deal for the coastal defence systems was signed in September and the latest contracts formalise the involvement of Polish companies.
Training

Ukrainian Navy participate in Exercise Joint Warrior in UK

26th October 2023

The Ukrainian Navy has joined 10 nations involved in a major multinational exercise in waters off Scotland.
Defence Notes

Rheinmetall joins in Ukrainian JV on the support and manufacture of military vehicles

24th October 2023

Germany’s Rheinmetall will provide further support to Ukraine, on top of billions-of-dollars worth of munitions, by taking a majority stake in a military vehicles company.
Air Warfare

Boeing extends Australian wing kit partnership until 2028

24th October 2023

Boeing will continue working with Australian partner Ferra for the supply of precision aerial munitions for five more years.
Defence Notes

European Defence Agency report predicts multi-domain operations, new tech and robots to dominate beyond 2040

24th October 2023

Future defence forces will face a range of challenges beyond the metal, silicon chips and microprocessors that currently threaten national security and defence.
Digital Battlespace

Airbus and Northrop Grumman partner for UK military satellite comms programme

23rd October 2023

A new collaboration between the US and European aviation giants will attempt to unite the space interests of US, UK and European partners via the UK's SKYNET programme.
Naval Warfare

Japan successfully fires electromagnetic railgun

23rd October 2023

While other countries have given up on electromagnetic railgun technology Japan remains committed to the ground-breaking concept.
Defence Notes

Research paper points to a Russian ‘ghost navy’ providing logistical support

19th October 2023

Russia has been using commercial vessels to move military equipment to avoid controls, according to a report from NATO Defense College and RUSI.
Land Warfare

Hanwha shows off new 40mm automated air defence system

18th October 2023

Hanwha continues to innovate with a new cannon-based automated air defence system and lasers.