Defence Notes

F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost

The legislation outlined additional budget to enhance air, land and naval platforms, including next-generation air and uncrewed naval programmes.

Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds

First quarter 2025 results have been dropping for companies in the past week but many of the US results come with a health warning in their forward-looking aspects about the potential impact of actions by the Trump administration.

Naval Warfare

Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS

In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.

Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan

The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.

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Defence Notes

Rafael eyes US production of Ice Breaker

3rd August 2022

If Rafael can seal a production partnership in the US for Ice Breaker, Israel could use Foreign Military Financing to buy the missile rather than dipping into its own defence budget.
Land Warfare

US greenlights sale of Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units to the UK

3rd August 2022

The US State Department has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs) to the UK worth up to $300m.
Defence Notes

Rolls-Royce boosts German capacity to meet MTU engine demand

2nd August 2022

Rolls-Royce Power Systems is investing in new assembly lines and an additional 450 employees by 2031, anticipating increased demand for MTU-brand engines following shifts in European security policy.
Air Warfare

PLAAF unveils YY-20 air-to-air tanker aircraft

2nd August 2022

China's air force confirms it is operating the tanker variant of the Y-20, as the nation expands the reach of its military aircraft.
Land Warfare

US selects Northrop Grumman for homeland missile defence

1st August 2022

Northrop Grumman recruited to bolster US intermediate and intercontinental ballistic missile defence.
Naval Warfare

Royal Navy welcomes multifunctional XV Patrick Blackett

1st August 2022

The newest research ship for the UK Royal Navy can be adapted to specific trials or experiments including testing UAVs, autonomous vessels and AI decision-making.
Defence Notes

UK government funds SME defence innovation with Defence Technology Exploitation Programme

29th July 2022

A new UK initiative seeks to harness the defence innovation potential of SMEs.
Training

RCN trains crews for paradigm shift as Arctic operations beckon

29th July 2022

The Royal Canadian Navy is enhancing simulator infrastructure at its main Pacific training facility, with an emphasis on upgrading projectors and introducing VR technology.
Naval Warfare

South Korea launches first KDX-III Batch 2 destroyer

29th July 2022

A new batch of Aegis-equipped destroyers is on the way for the ROKN, with the first launched by HHI.
Air Warfare

MH-60 Romeos flirt in India for the first time

29th July 2022

The first pair of MH-60Rs has arrived on Indian soil, with a third expected in a month's time.
Naval Warfare

US Navy publishes new plan for more than 350 crewed ships and submarines by 2045

28th July 2022

The US Navy is pushing for a fleet of over 350 crewed ships and submarines and around 150 large USVs and UUVs under the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm Mike Gilday's Navigation Plan 2022.
Digital Battlespace

US Navy orders more Technology Insertion 16 hardware

28th July 2022

DRS Laurel will provide more consoles, displays and peripherals to modernise USN surface vessel combat systems.
Air Warfare

Farnborough 2022: MBDA outlines vision for Tempest Weapon Effects Management System

28th July 2022

Last week saw big announcements by Team Tempest and MBDA was eager to talk about their own progress at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Defence Notes

New UK Prime Minister has mountain to climb on delivering defence promises (Opinion)

28th July 2022

Whoever becomes the next UK Prime Minister may find it near-impossible to overcome the perennial procurement and spending issues facing the MoD, as well as recently generated geopolitical problems such as the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Defence Notes

Australian Dash 8s for maritime surveillance to receive radar upgrade with SeaVue

28th July 2022

Under contract from Cobham Special Mission, Raytheon is upgrading a fleet of 11 Dash 8 aircraft with the SeaVue MR radar.
Air Warfare

India begins flying LCA Mk1A, buys engines for HTT-40

28th July 2022

HAL has begun flight testing of the Tejas light fighter, and has ordered turboprop engines for its HTT-40 trainer.
Defence Notes

New Zealand embarks on defence policy reset

28th July 2022

New Zealand could be about to undergo a radical change in its approach to defence in the Indo-Pacific region, if a new review designed to face security threats is completed.
Defence Notes

Thales subsidiary fully acquires Advanced Acoustic Concepts

27th July 2022

Thales Defense & Security Inc has completed its deal to acquire full ownership of Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC) after buying out its joint venture partner Leonardo …
Defence Notes

Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements

27th July 2022

New MRO contract between Boeing Defence Australia and RUAG Australia replaces work previously done in the US.