Defence Notes

Read the latest general defence news and company announcements from our team of expert journalists and analysts, giving you the 'so what' behind the latest headlines.

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.

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.

Defence Notes

UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost

The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.

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Air Warfare

US fires approximately 75 precision-guided weapons against Iran’s nuclear facilities

22nd June 2025

In the operation Midnight Hammer, the Pentagon deployed 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators and more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles.
Defence Notes

Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide

12th June 2025

The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
Air Warfare

Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance

12th June 2025

New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
Air Warfare

Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry

12th June 2025

As European countries increase their defence budgets, the Paris Air Show will look to how the aerospace industry’s responds, with programme progression, new technology and industrial partnerships all expected to take centre stage at Le Bourget.
Naval Warfare

South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays

12th June 2025

Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
Air Warfare

Combat-proven capabilities: How precision-strike systems are evolving for tomorrow’s battlespace (podcast)

11th June 2025

Combat-tested technology is being reshaped to counter A2/AD threats, reduce reliance on GPS and enable faster, more autonomous targeting in complex environments. In this special podcast, experts explain how the evolving threat landscape is shaping next-generation strike capabilities.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Air Warfare

Macron hints at possible future Rafale deal, following France-Indonesia defence pact

28th May 2025

The Letter of Intent (LoI)discussed deepening the partnership between the two nations and focused on military equipment that included submarines, fighter jets and frigates.
Defence Notes

QinetiQ reports record growth and announces $2 billion contract but shows loss for FY2025

27th May 2025

QinetiQ has operations in Australia, the UK and the US with the latter including supporting Customs and Border Protection, US Navy aircraft carrier support and work on US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.
Air Warfare

FCAS programme to launch Phase 2 by mid-2026, say French officials

22nd May 2025

Developed by France, Spain and Germany, the European 6th-generation combat air programme is progressing apace with new milestones expected by next year after delays to the programme.
Defence Notes

US forces’ heads lay out their needs and requirements before Senate committees

22nd May 2025

The new US administration has introduced or outlined plans for substantial change across the Department of Defence (DoD) and its branches. Several branch heads faced up to Senate Committees to outline needs and challenges.