• Naval Warfare

  Taiwan reveals first indigenous submarine to much fanfare

  2nd October 2023

  Taiwan has made good progress with its submarine programme, revealing its initial boat in late September.

• Land Warfare

  Elbit Systems wins $55 million contract for Netherlands' counter-UAS solution

  21st August 2023

  Elbit Systems has won a $55 million contract to provide the Netherlands with multi-layered ReDrone C-UAS systems, featuring radar, signal intelligence and electro-optical capabilities. Deliveries will be completed by 2027.

• Naval Warfare

  Norwegian navy ready to make decision on frigate life support contract

  22nd September 2023

  The future maintenance and modification of the Royal Norwegian Navy’s (RNoN’s) four remaining Fridjtof Nansen-class frigates is to be decided by the end of the year.

• Air Warfare

  Inside Hamas' Arsenal: Rockets, drones, loitering munitions and tactics deployed in the assault on Israel

  10th October 2023

  Hamas has stunned experts with a sophisticated assault on Israel, leveraging Iranian-backed weaponry and training. The attack, featuring swarms of rockets and UAVs, has revealead a diverse arsenal, including the the Al-Zawari UAV and the repurposed Shebab drone.

• Digital Battlespace

  Redefining Modern Warfare: Multi-Domain Operations and the Shift to Integrated Communications across the Force (Studio)

  25th October 2023

  The multi-domain operations (MDO) concept is now a core focus for the US and its allies. The paradigm has significant implications for communications technology as militaries seek to integrate platforms and systems across different networked communications domains.

• Land Warfare

  Russia's UVZ makes new push to convert outdated T-72 tanks to BMPT 'Terminators'

  1st September 2023

  Russia's UralVagonZavod (UVZ) is offering the conversion of older T-72 main battle tanks (MBTs) into BMPT-72 'Terminator'-style fire support vehicles. According to UVZ, this offering is primarily intended for international customers who possess ageing fleets of the tank.

• Naval Warfare

  Latest Virginia-class SSN commissioned by US Navy despite increasing pressure on submarine service

  16th October 2023

  USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) has become the 22nd Virginia-class submarine to enter service with the US Navy following a commissioning event on 14 October 2023.

• Naval Warfare

  Anzac-class frigate to test-fire Sea Ceptor in New Zealand's first naval missile launch in seven years

  15th August 2023

  HMNZS Te Mana is conduct a five-month deployment to test all the new equipment it received during the recent Frigate Systems Upgrade (FSU) project, including a first missile firing since 2016.

• Naval Warfare

  Insight: Gowind 2500 corvette enjoys strong export business despite Romanian rejection

  5th September 2023

  France's Naval Group's Gowind 2500 corvette, designed for multiple naval missions, has gained popularity worldwide. Shephard Defence Insight provides detailed analysis of its export contracts, armament and technical specifications.

• Air Warfare

  Insight: How will the US Navy keep its EA-18G Growler EW aircraft flying until 2046?

  14th September 2023

  The carrier-based EA-18G Growler entered service in 2010 and is intended to remain in service until 2046. Shephard Defence Insight analyses the key operational technologies on the aircraft and the upgrade path needed to keep it flying and effective for another two decades.

• 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

  Australia reverses decision on Schiebel Camcopters for naval UAVs

  21st September 2023

  It turns out that Australia has made absolutely no progress in obtaining shipborne UAVs in the past 18 months or so.

• Naval Warfare

  India gifts missile corvette to Vietnam amidst deepening ties

  17th July 2023

  Cementing the two countries' defence partnership, India has donated a second-hand warship to Vietnam.

• Defence Helicopter

  US approves $203 million sale of Hellfire missiles for French Tiger helicopters

  10th July 2023

  The US State Department has approved the sale of AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles to France for use on Tiger HAD attack helicopters.

• Naval Warfare

  First Flight III destroyer for US Navy introduces innovative radar capabilities

  8th October 2023

  The introduction of USS Jack H. Lucas to the US Navy's fleet has led to a series of innovative developments that will enhance US capabilities in A2AD zones.

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• Mine-protected vehicles, MPVs - 4x4

  4x4 Protected Mobility Vehicles [Malaysia]

  Programme Background Malaysia already operates a fleet of 20 AV4 Lipan Bara 4x4 vehicles delivered between 2016 and 2017, 18 of which are assigned to ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - tactical

  TUAS [Malaysia]

  Programme Background Tender & Requirments The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) issued a tender in May 2020 to provide a new Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System (TUAS). ...

• Special operations vehicles

  Special Operations Vehicles [Malaysia]

  Forecast Methodology Malaysia's SOV tender calls for a vehicle that 'is capable of conducting special operations deep in enemy-held territory' and 'capable of manoeuvring in hostile ...

• Submarines: conventional, attack

  Submarines Procurement [Malaysia]

  Programme Background Requirements In 2015, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) issued the so-called 15 to 5 Transformation Plan, which envisioned the service to be standardised ...

• Landing platform docks/dock landing ships

  Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) (1-2) [Malaysia]

  Programme Background Requirements The Royal Malaysian Navy are in the process of a fleet transformation plan known as the 15 to 5 Transformation Plan, which ...

• OPVs

  LMS Batch IV (11-13) [Malaysia]

  Programme Background Requirements The current Keris-class (see separate entry) Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) has been introduced to replace many of the current classes of obsolete ...

• OPVs

  LMS Batch III (8-10) [Malaysia]

  Programme Background Requirements The current Keris-class (see separate entry) Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) has been introduced to replace many of the current classes of obsolete ships that ...

• Landing platform docks/dock landing ships

  Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) (3) [Malaysia]

  Programme Background Requirements The Royal Malaysian Navy are in the process of a fleet transformation plan known as the 15 to 5 Transformation Plan, which ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Floréal Class Replacement [France]

  The French Navy urges the replacement of the Floréal-class frigates with a new class of vessels that will mainly operate in French overseas territories.  Speaking to ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Floréal Class Replacement [France]

  The French Navy urges the replacement of the Floréal-class frigates with a new class of vessels that will mainly operate in French overseas territories.  Speaking to ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - MALE

  Anka-S (Additional Units) [Malaysia]

  Programme Background First Three Drones Following years of exploring MALE UAVs and a few failed efforts, the RMAF clarified it wanted to acquire the three ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) (1-2) [Malaysia]

  The Royal Malaysian Navy currently operates two ageing logistics ships that are not equipped to carry out amphibious missions and operate beyond their intended design ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Multi-Role Support Ship (MRSS) (1-2) [Malaysia]

  The Royal Malaysian Navy currently operates two ageing logistics ships that are not equipped to carry out amphibious missions and operate beyond their intended design ...

• Corvettes

  New Generation Patrol Vessels Batch II (7-12) [Malaysia]

  Programme Background Requirements Malaysia unveiled a plan in 2015 to restructure and recapitalise its navy. The plan is called the 15 to 5 Plan and ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - small

  ScanEagle 2 (Malaysia)

  Programme Background Maritime Security Initiative (MSI) programme The RMN received the ScanEagle 2's thought to be provided by the US under the Maritime Security Initiative ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Military - USVs

  High-Speed Intercept Boat

  Poly Technologies displayed its High-Speed Intercept Boat at DSA in Malaysia in 2016. 

• Military helicopters - scout/light attack

  MD 530G

  The MD 530G is the newest addition to the MD Helicopters line of light scout attack platforms. It has increased-capacity landing gear and a mission-configurable ...

• MPVs - 4x4

  Condor

  At the DSA 2016 exhibition in Malaysia, DRB-HICOM DefTech displayed a prototype of an upgraded Malaysian Army Condor 4x4 APC. Thyssen-Henschel (now part of RMMV) ...

• EO/IR systems

  M-DSA

  M-DSA is the next step in the sensor modernisation of the M-TADS/PNVS system. Upgraded capabilities support more rapid target identification and coordination, as well as ...

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

  SR-10 VTOL

  Deftech showcased the SR-10 VTOL at DSA 2022. It has been locally designed in Malaysia to conduct aerial mapping, surveillance and line inspection missions. The hand-launched platform is powered ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - small

  Light-Weighted Close-Range UAV

  Seen by Shephard at DSA 2024, the Light-Weighted Close-Range UAV is from the Vietnamese company Viettel. According to Viettel's brochure, disseminated at DSA 2024, the ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - small

  CW-100

  The CW-100 is a small VTOL capable UAV manufactured byChengdu Jouav Automation Technology Co CW (JOUAV) in collaboration with Malvus Sense. Displayed at DSA 2022, it is ...

• APCs/IFVs - 6x6

  Black Fox 6x6

  Doosan’s Black Fox family of 6x6 and 8x8 AFVs was developed to compete for a Republic of Korea Army requirement. Although not selected for the ...

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

  CW-007

  The CW-007 VTOL UAS is part of the Chengdu Jouav Automation Technology Co CW (JOUAV) series and is the smallest of the fleet.  It is primarily ...

• MPVs - 4x4

  Guardian

  IAG's Guardian 4x4 armoured personnel carrier has been designed to carry up to ten fully equipped personnel and their support equipment. While the vehicle is ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - tactical

  Tactical UAV

  Unveiled at DSA 2022, the Deftech Tactical UAV is an indigenously developed platform based on the Aldura Mk1. The platform is aimed at the Royal Malaysian ...

• EO/IR systems

  M-TADS/PNVS

  The Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) is the EO fire control system that US Army AH-64D/E Apache helicopter pilots use for ...

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

  CW-15

  The CW-15 is a mini VTOL capable UAV manufactured by Chengdu Jouav Automation Technology Co CW (JOUAV). Belonging to the CW series, the CW-15 is electrically powered ...

• Loitering munitions

  Todak

  Unveiled at DSA 2024, the Todak is a loitering munition from Mindmatics. The catapult-launched platform is powered by a Li-ion 25.2V battery, and it is ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - MALE

  MALE UAV

  As its name suggests, the MALE UAV is a male-class drone. It has been developed by Indo-Pacific Communication & Defence (IPCD) and certified by the Ministry of ...