• Land Warfare

  2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress

  18th December 2025

  The last year has seen several major procurements in the land market. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill reviews the main trends and themes in land procurement of 2025.

• Land Warfare

  EuroTrophy systems contracted for Leopard 2A8 tank buyers as demand rises

  20th January 2026

  Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the original designer and manufacturer of the system, states that more than 1,800 have been sold and, while not all customers are known, more than 1,000 of these have been bought by the US and Israel.

• Land Warfare

  Norway opts for Hanwha’s Chunmoo for long-range fires under $2 billion deal

  29th January 2026

  The selection of Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo long-range precision fires system, with a contract expected to be signed on 30 January, makes Norway the second European country to choose the system. It is expected an operational system will be in service within four years.

• Land Warfare

  Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options

  18th December 2025

  The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.

• Land Warfare

  Western Europe is looking to refresh its APC/IFV fleets with potential $41 billion spend

  4th December 2025

  As militaries across Western Europe continue to modernise their capabilities, there are some major potential opportunities in the requirement for armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles.

• Land Warfare

  Supacat and KNDS join forces for British Army vehicle programme

  17th November 2025

  The Land Mobility Programme is the biggest UK opportunity for the next few decades if it all falls into place. Companies have been filling their dance cards as milestones approach in the hope they are not the mirages of the past.

• Land Warfare

  Germany set to order 75 more Leopard 2A8s after 12 months of wins for the platform

  20th November 2025

  Leopard 2 variants have been introduced in 15 European countries and are in use across 23 nations worldwide, with 301 Leopard 2A8s alone having now been ordered.

• Defence Notes

  Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners

  5th December 2025

  While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.

• Land Warfare

  Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles

  19th December 2025

  The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.

• Land Warfare

  KF41 Lynx finds a path but hurdles remain

  11th November 2025

  The Lynx is typically configured as an IFV operated by a crew of three and with space for up to eight dismounts in the rear troop compartment. The platform is being delivered to Hungary, has been contracted for Italy and will soon be in Ukrainian hands in small numbers.

• Land Warfare

  Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts

  16th February 2026

  Experience on the battlefield is accelerating the adoption of active protection systems as technologies continue to evolve to reflect shifting global defence needs.

• Defence Notes

  Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat

  20th March 2026

  Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.

• Land Warfare

  Czech Republic set to order RBS 70 NG systems as CAESAR howitzers begin production

  2nd June 2025

  The Czech Government is to approve the purchase of a fleet of vehicle mounted integrated air defence systems as the country invests to overhaul its equipment. Spending includes two dozen F-35As, CAESAR howitzers and refurbished Leopard tanks.

• Land Warfare

  CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in

  2nd February 2026

  The Common Armoured Vehicle System is continuing to rack up orders as the British Army looks likely to become an operator of the vehicle, while Italy and Ireland are also contenders.

• Defence Notes

  Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026

  16th October 2025

  The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• APCs/IFVs - 6x6

  Titus

  While there has been no direct confirmation that Nexter has sold the Titus to Saudi Arabia, it has been confirmed that Nexter has delivered CAESAR ...

• Self-propelled guns

  ATMOS [Denmark]

  Programme Background In 2016, the ATMOS was one of two systems shortlisted to meet a requirement from the Danish Army for up to 21 new ...

• Self-propelled guns

  Caesar (Batch 1) [Estonia]

  Programme Background Prior to procuring Caesar, Estonia was in the process of acquiring the K9 Thunder as well.  In June 2024, Estonia announced that it would ...

• Self-propelled guns

  Caesar [Lithuania]

  Programme Background In June 2022, Lithuania awarded KNDS France a contract for 18 Caesar SPHs. This came in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of ...

• Self-propelled guns

  Caesar (Batch 1) [Czech Republic]

  Background The Czech Republic currently operates a small fleet of Dana SPHs. A total of 273 were produced for Czechoslovakia, of which 86 remain in Czech ...

• Self-propelled guns

  Caesar (Batch 2) [Estonia]

  Programme Background Estonia procured its first 12 Caesars in June 2024, with deliveries taking place in 2025. This second contract, awarded in February 2026, mirrors ...

• Self-propelled guns

  Caesar (Batch 2) [Czech Republic]

  Background The Czech Republic currently operates a small fleet of Dana SPHs. A total of 273 were produced for Czechoslovakia, of which 86 remain in Czech ...

• Self-propelled guns

  AMX Mk F3 replacement [Ecuador]

  Background Ecuador currently operates 12 AMX Mk F3s as its only SPH.  Acquired in 1976, they are increasingly obsolete and in need of a replacement. ...

• Self-propelled guns

  Wheeled artillery vehicle (VAR) [Argentina]

  Programme Background Argentina currently operates a small fleet of SPHs, split between 24 AMX Mk F3s and 18 VCAs. Both platforms have now exceeded their ...

• APCs/IFVs - 6x6

  Titus [Czech Republic]

  Programme Background The Czech government first announced its intention to purchase the Nexter TITUS platform in 2015.  However, a contract did not materialise until July ...

• Self-propelled guns

  New wheeled howitzer [Spain]

  Background The majority of Spain's current artillery fleet consists of towed platforms, with over 200 in service. Its SPH capability consists of 96 M109A5 Paladins. Spain's ...

• Self-propelled guns

  Caesar [Croatia]

  Background Croatia currently operates the Soviet 2S1 Gvozdika, alongside a small number of German PzH 2000s.  Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, multiple ...

• Self-propelled guns

  M109 Paladin Replacement [Latvia]

  Programme Background Latvia acquired 47 Paladins in the M109A5Oe configuration from 2017 to 2018. These vehicles, purchased second-hand from Austria, had been upgraded to this configuration ...

• Self-propelled guns

  ATMOS [Colombia]

  Programme background The Colombian army currently operates a variety of towed artillery platforms. The acquisition of self-propelled platforms is intended to enhance the capabilities of ...

• Self-propelled guns

  Mobile Tactical Cannon [USA]

  Background The US Army began using the M777 in 1995. Since then, it has served as a field artillery piece providing fire support for American ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Self-propelled guns

  Caesar 6x6 MkII + 8x8

  Nexter’s Caesar (CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie) is a self-propelled 155mm/52cal artillery mounted available on either a 6x6 or 8x8 truck chassis. The configuration was chosen to provide ...

• Towed guns

  Trajan

  Nexter unveiled the Trajan 155 mm/52 calibre towed gun at IDEX 2013. Trajan was developed for the export market, with the first potential customer being ...

• Land: air defence simulators

  CAESAR

  The Computer Aided Evaluation System for Air Defence Rating (CAESAR) was designed for air defence mission planning and provides a means to train commanders and ...

• Land: battle management systems

  ATLAS

  An interoperable C4I system for artillery missions and resources deployed in the French Army. Commissioned in 2005, ATLAS represents a main element of battlespace digitisation, ...

• APCs/IFVs - 8x8

  VBCI-2

  Nexter unveiled the VBCI-2 IFV, the latest evolution of its 8x8 VBCI infantry fighting vehicle, at DSEI 2015 in London. Using company funds, Nexter has built ...

• Air: Integrated cockpit systems

  Helic³om

  Helic³om is a fully digital, integrated C3 and mission management system designed to provide crew with data communications and accurate, real-time tactical pictures. The modular ...

• Land: RWS

  ARX 20

  The ARX 20 was developed by Nexter to meet demand for a vehicle-mounted RWS that offers more firepower than an RWS armed with a 12.7mm ...

• Main battle tanks

  EMBT

  KNDS (KMW + NEXTER Defense Systems) presented its first joint product, the EMBT (European Main Battle Tank) demonstrator, at the June 2018 Eurosatory defence exhibition. The EMBT mounts ...

• MPVs - 4x4

  Aravis

  Nexter unveiled its 12.5t Aravis at Eurosatory 2008, and in April 2009, the company received a launch order for 15 vehicles to equip French Army ...

• Medium UGVs

  Ultro

  Nexter Robotic's Ultro is a 4x4 multi-mission tactical robot designed as a multi-role platform UGV.  100% electric and capable of silent running, the Ultro is ...

• Naval guns

  Narwhal

  Narwhal is a 20mm, remotely operated naval gun turret by Nexter Systems. It utilises Nexter Systems' M621/M693 cannons, also deployed on helicopters. Narwhal can be ...

• APCs/IFVs - 6x6

  TITUS

  Nexter Systems unveiled the Tactical Infantry Transport & Utility System (TITUS) 6x6 modular armoured vehicle at DSEI 2013. TITUS was developed for the export market ...

• Unguided Artillery Ammunition

  155MM LU 211

  German company KNDS-Nexter's 155MM LU 211 is a long-ranged medium calibre artillery shell designed to neutralise and supress the enemy.  It can engage targets at ...

• Self-propelled guns

  RapidFire

  Thales unveiled the RapidFire, intended to protect both mobile forces and key assets/fixed points, at the Eurosatory 2012 exhibition. The system is designed to exploit ...

• Self-propelled guns

  GCT

  The GCT 155 mm tracked self-propelled howitzer was developed as a replacement for the French Army's Mk F3 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. Unlike the open-topped ...