• Land Warfare

  Insight: Why the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle is making a clean sweep of Nordic markets

  19th September 2023

  Shephard Defence Insight explores the evolution of BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV from its inception in the late 1980s to the latest CV90 MkIV, detailing the order history and upgrade packages of its ten European customers.

• Air Warfare

  Doubts about C-130J triggers $62 million contract to determine suitability for US next-gen TACAMO programme

  19th April 2023

  The US Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $62 million contract modification to study the suitability of the C-130J aircraft for the E-XX TACAMO programme.

• Defence Helicopter

  Updated: UK New Medium Helicopter bidders ready to move as soon as MoD confirms timeline

  23rd June 2023

  The lack of clearly defined acquisition targets for the UK New Medium Helicopter programme continues to pose challenges to the timeline of introducing the new rotorcraft into service by 2025.

• Air Warfare

  Indonesia invests in Mirages to plug a fighter shortfall

  16th June 2023

  Indonesia's air force goes back in time to acquire ex-French, ex-Qatari Mirage fighter jets.

• Land Warfare

  India fantasises about a new indigenous FRCV tank

  20th June 2023

  The Indian Army is dreaming big about its FRCV, but such visions often evaporate when subjected to India's protracted red tape.

• Digital Battlespace

  Thales lands second major European order for SquadNet soldier radios

  28th March 2023

  Austria has followed Belgium in selected Thales' SquadNet tactical radios for its armed forces.

• Air Warfare

  Turkiye's Roketsan makes pioneering launch of cruise missile from Akinci drone

  18th May 2023

  The firing of a Roketsan Çakir weapon from an Akinci platform is believed to be the first instance of a cruise missile being launched from a UAV.

• Digital Battlespace

  IHSE’s mission-critical KVM solutions - When uncompromising security is required (Sponsored)

  27th April 2023

  In defense, government and other restricted information applications, security is imperative. Leakage of confidential information quickly becomes a serious threat and managers must ensure that their systems provide the highest level of protection against external and internal threats. IHSE’s Common Criteria certified KVM extenders offer a new level of security that helps to maintain complete data integrity and to prevent unauthorized access.

• Training

  US Air Force recommences Air Operations Center training activity

  19th May 2023

  After a six-month pause the USAF has recommenced training personnel to serve in its Air Operations Centers.

• Training

  MQ-9 SeaGuardian drone makes waves in US Navy exercise

  1st May 2023

  The US Navy’s Group Sail Exercise, held over a six-day period in Hawaiian waters, featured a General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone for the …

• Defence Notes

  What's new in the updated version of the US Marines Force Design 2030

  9th June 2023

  The most recent Force Design 2030 document introduces adjustments in terms of capabilities, doctrine, structure and training focusing on improving readiness.

• Defence Notes

  Updated US Marine Corps Force Design 2030 highlights need for novel capabilities

  6th June 2023

  The USMC is seeking air-launched swarming munitions as well as multi-domain reconnaissance and C2 systems to boost its frontline force.

• Defence Helicopter

  Sikorsky awaits UK New Medium Helicopter requirements to unveil production plans, explores new X2 design

  2nd June 2023

  Sikorsky has yet to reveal its production plans for its UK New Medium Helicopter contender while industry anxiously anticipate the release of critical acquisition targets. The company also continues the exploration of its X helicopter concept for the international market.

• Air Warfare

  How can Sweden develop a future air combat capability, freeing it from GCAP ties – for now?

  14th April 2023

  Sweden is exploring ways to upgrade its JAS 39 C/D jets to keep them operationally relevant and is studying future fighter capabilities, potentially including an upgraded Gripen multi-role aircraft in partnership with Brazil's Embraer.

• Defence Helicopter

  Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight

  4th May 2023

  On April 22, 2023, Turkish Aerospace’s T-625 GOKBEY general-purpose helicopter conducted a test flight with an indigenous TEI-TS1400 engine for the first time.

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• Fighter - multirole

  F-16V Procurement [Slovakia]

  Programme Background Earlier in April 2018, the US State Department announced that it has approved a possible FMS deal of 14 F-16V aircraft for an ...

• Fighter - multirole

  JAS 39E/F Gripen (Brazil)

  In 2016, Gripen’s Project and Development Center was opened in Sao Paulo to allow Sweedish and Brazillian engineers to work together in the Gripen development ...

• ISR/special mission

  E-6 TACAMO Recapitalisation Programme (E-130J) [USN]

  Programme Background The E-6 Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) Recapitalisation Programme (E-XX) provides for air vehicle replacement and mission systems modernization to augment and eventually ...

• APCs/IFVs - 6x6

  6x6 APC (Philippines)

  Programme Background The Philippine Army has identified an urgent need for new wheeled APCs, after the Battle of Marawi exposed shortcomings in its existing fleet ...

• Fighter - multirole

  Kfir Replacement [Colombia]

  Programme Background In May 2021, budget constraints prompted new Colombian finance minister José Manuel Restrepo (in post since 3 May) to place on indefinite hold ...

• APCs/IFVs - tracked

  KF41 Lynx [Hungary]

  Programme Background Since 2017, the Hungarian MoD has invested considerable funds into the modernisation of Hungary's Armed Forces. Under its Zrínyi 2026 development plan, the ...

• APCs/IFVs - 6x6

  Jaguar Medium Common Armoured Vehicle Platform [Belgium]

  Programme Background In its Strategic Vision for Defence document published in June 2016, the Belgian MoD outlined its aspirations for equipping five motorised manoeuvre battalions ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - micro, Military UAS - mini, Military UAS - rotary-wing

  Force Protection Drone Systems [Poland]

  Background Force Protection In November 2024, the Polish Defence Ministry's Armaments Agency signed a PLN 499 million (US$127.6 million) agreement with WB Group for 12 Force Protection drone ...

• APCs/IFVs - tracked

  Project Land 400 Phase 3 [Australia]

  Programme Background Requirement: 2015 RfI The Land 400 Phase 3 programme will procure a new tracked IFV to replace the Australian Army's legacy fleet of ...

• APCs/IFVs - 6x6

  Griffon Light Common Armoured Vehicle Platform [Belgium]

  Programme Background In its Strategic Vision for Defence document published in June 2016, the Belgian MoD outlined its aspirations for equipping five motorised manoeuvre battalions ...

• APCs/IFVs - tracked

  XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle [USA]

  Programme Background Requirement The OMFV programme is the latest of several attempts to develop a Bradley replacement.  Designed to be capable of operating with or without ...

• APCs/IFVs - tracked

  AICS [Italy]

  Programme Background The Italian Army has identified a requirement for new tracked IFVs to equip its armoured and mechanised brigades. These new vehicles will replace ...

• APCs/IFVs - tracked

  CV90 [Slovakia - First Batch]

  Programme Background Requirements The Slovakian Armed Forces are currently lumbered with an ageing inventory of legacy platforms that are not interoperable with its allies and ...

• APCs/IFVs - tracked

  Land 400 Phase 3 (Amphibious Vehicles) [Australia]

  Programme Background The Australian DoD released the initial RfI for the Land 400 Phase 3 programme in November 2015. Following consultations with local industry, the ...

• AEW&C

  E-7 Wedgetail (Second Order) [U.K.]

  Programme Background Seeking to replace its six ageing Boeing E-3 Sentry AEW&C;, the British Royal Air Force awarded Boeing a £1.89 billion contract in 2019 ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  E-LynX AR

  Elbit Systems' E-LynX AR is a multi-channel SDR designed for operation in airborne platforms, including helicopters, transport aircraft and fighter jets. The MANET-capable radio allows ...

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  E-LynX Manpack

  Elbit Systems E-LynX Manpack is a multi-band VHF/UHF radio system. The MANET-capable radio features GPS-independent synchronisation, advanced security features and support for multiple waveforms.

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  E-LynX MP Vehicular

  Elbit Systems' E-LynX MP (7200MP-VD55) is a dual-channel vehicular SDR that supports VHF, UHF and L-Band transmissions. The radio features VOIP and analogue interface support, Blue ...

• UAS: communication systems

  E-LynX LX

  Produced by Elbit Systems, the E-LynX LX is a lightweight communication system designed for uncrewed applications in particular. It provides video, audio and data communications ...

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  MCTR-7200 (E-LynX HH)

  Part of the E-LynX family, the field-proven MCTR-7200 is a tactical software-defined radio with software communications architecture, an intuitive user interface and multiple configuration options. ...

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  MCTR-7200 MIPR

  Part of the E-LynX family, the MCTR-7200 Military IP Radio (MIPR) is a tactical networking IP data radio that delivers high-speed broadband data communication to ...

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  PRC-4090

  The Barrett PRC-4090 is a software-defined radio that offers secure e-mail, data transfer and voice connectivity within an HF network. Notably, it can connect to ...

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  PNR-1000

  Part of the E-LynX family, the PNR-1000 IP radio supports up to 64-member ad-hoc networking including full-duplex voice conferencing, data and video simultaneously. As the newest generation ...

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  AN/ARC-174

  Rockwell Collins AN/ARC-174 is an HF radio system primarily used in military helicopters. Amongst its several customers, the radio set was notably chosen for the ...

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  BNET-V

  BNET-V is a MANET Software-Defined Radio for vehicles. Designed by Rafael, the multiband radio has a modular architecture and offers compatibility with several legacy systems.

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  SOVERON AR

  Developed by Rohde&Schwarz;, SOVERON AR is an airborne SDR that is in use with both fixed and rotary wing platforms. Notably, the radio adheres to ...

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  Next Generation Survivor Radio

  The Next Generation Survivor Radio (NGSR) is a software-defined radio being developed by General Dynamics Mission Systems. It is expected to enter into service after June 2026.

• Land: Radio and SATCOM, Naval: Radio and SATCOM

  CNHF1

  Produced by KNL, the CNHF1 is a software-defined HF radio system with cognitive radio capabilities. Capable of receiving the entire HF spectrum, it provides secure, ...

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  MCR1025

  Reutech's LANDSEC MCR1025 is an HF manpack radio system in service with the South African National Defence Force. Notably, it supports Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) ...

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  Sentry Mesh 6161

  The Sentry Mesh 6161-L is a software-defined radio produced by Domo Tactical Communications and Codan Communications. Unveiled in 2023, the L-band radio is marketed at soldier ...