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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Defence Notes

UK begins process on new industrial strategy

2nd December 2024

The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
Air Warfare

Netherlands deploys F-35s for air policing in Estonia

2nd December 2024

The Dutch F-35s will replace the German Eurofighter Typhoons stationed in Latvia.
Air Warfare

US to deploy F-35As to Japan base by early 2026

2nd December 2024

The 48 F-35A aircraft are set to replace the 36 F-16s as part of the US Department of Defense’s plans to upgrade its aircraft across Japan.
Air Warfare

Boeing’s orderbook boosted with new US Air Force contracts

29th November 2024

Recent orders for the Boeing KC-46A tanker for the US Air Force (USAF) and engineering support for the Japan Air Self-Defence Force give a boost to the US manufacturer’s orderbook.
Air Warfare

Finland’s Summa Defence establishes drone production facility with Ukrainian partners

28th November 2024

The Finnish defence and security group will work with Ukrainian drone companies to speed up production of platforms for Ukraine and across the European Union (EU) and NATO countries.
Naval Warfare

Tusk calls for maritime policing in Black Sea to meet “threat posed by Russia”

27th November 2024

The Polish prime minister made the call ahead of a meeting of Baltic and Nordic ministers to discuss security and geopolitics in the region.
Air Warfare

L3Harris wins $1 billion communications system contract from US Navy

27th November 2024

The company will deliver its Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminal (MIDS JTRS) to the US over the next five years.
Defence Notes

Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west

26th November 2024

Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
Air Warfare

Gulfstream awarded $991 million contract from US Air Force

25th November 2024

The contract will last for seven years and will provide comprehensive maintenance services for the US Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard.
Naval Warfare

Defence Insight Briefs: How market trends are shaping the future of naval defence (analysis)

22nd November 2024

As defence markets shift to meet new demands, the naval sector has found itself at the centre of a transformative wave, driven by geopolitical shifts, the need for rapid technological advancement, and a redefined approach to maritime power projection.
Naval Warfare

Fincantieri signs R&D and training agreement with Pakistan Navy

22nd November 2024

A Memorandum of Understanding signed during an event in Karachi between the Italian shipbuilder and the Pakistan Navy covered naval training, research and development, and project-based collaboration.
Naval Warfare

Taiwan reinvigorates its asymmetrical approach to naval warfare

22nd November 2024

The threat from China has prompted Taiwan’s naval forces to shift from traditional naval structures to a more balanced strategy blending asymmetric defences with conventional platforms.
Air Warfare

UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme

21st November 2024

At the G20 summit in Brazil, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with a nod given to potentially widening the participation out to other countries.
Air Warfare

Analysis: UK government goes on decommissioning spree to balance defence budget

21st November 2024

UK defence secretary John Healey has announced the cancellation and decommissioning of naval and air force platforms to enable the government to “re-invest money in the armed forces” ahead of the upcoming Strategic Defence Review.
Naval Warfare

Egypt considers new submarine acquisitions

21st November 2024

The long-standing naval procurement partnership between Egypt and France could soon be disrupted as South Korean bidders enter the race to replace the country’s Romeo-class submarines.
Air Warfare

Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped

19th November 2024

BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
Land Warfare

Will Trump discontinue military support to Israel?

19th November 2024

Trump’s upcoming second term as US president has raised questions on how he will handle the conflict in Gaza and avoid a broader war in the Middle East.
Air Warfare

US Air Force aiming to have CCA operational by end of the decade

18th November 2024

By making “tough choices”, the US Air Force’s CCA programme has continued to move forward with Increment 2 on the horizon.
Air Warfare

UK successfully fires SPEAR 3 missile in first trial

18th November 2024

MBDA’s next-generation cruise missile will be fitted to the UK’s F-35B fighter jets, allowing them to hit targets from land and Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, according to the UK Ministry of Defence MoD.