• Digital Battlespace

  Germany signs contract for new SIGINT ships

  10th July 2023

  Germany has signed a contract with NVL Group for three fleet service ships, providing the country with new naval SIGINT capabilities in the Baltic and beyond. The ships will gradually replace Germany's existing Oste-class boats.

• Naval Warfare

  Canada in talks with six countries over future submarine needs

  31st July 2023

  The Canadian Patrol Submarine Programme (CPSP) is in its options analysis phase that includes engagement with potential builders to determine next steps.

• Naval Warfare

  DSEI 2023: Can the Royal Navy's submarine fleet handle the pressure?

  12th September 2023

  The third and final instalment of Shephard’s focus on the UK Royal Navy (RN) examines the state of the submarine force. The SSN fleet is still in transition as the last Trafalgar-class boats retire and Astute-class boats struggles to get into service, and pressure on Vanguard-class SSBNs is increasing as the Dreadnought successor project gets under way following long delays.

• Training

  Brazil bets on indigenously developed simulators to improve military training

  28th August 2023

  Brazil's in-house developed simulators can replicate multiple scenarios and missions and prepare commanders, paratroopers, pilots, gunners and marksmen while reducing costs related to acquisition and maintenance.

• Uncrewed Vehicles

  Ukraine shows combat-tested armament at DSEI 2023

  15th September 2023

  The Ukrainian pavilion at DSEI 2023, organised by state-owned Spetstechnoexport, exhibited several indigenous combat-tested systems, including UAVs, USVs and an evacuation vehicle.

• Land Warfare

  US DoD announces additional weapons and support for Ukraine

  26th July 2023

  The US DoD has authorised $400 million more in security assistance for Ukraine, including air defence munitions, artillery, armoured vehicles and anti-armour weapons, in support of operations against Russian forces.

• Defence Helicopter

  KAI and Airbus Helicopters ink a supply contract for LAH and KUH helicopters

  12th September 2023

  Airbus Helicopters and KAI have agreed a contract covering the supply of helicopter components for the latter over the next decade.

• Naval Warfare

  SeaFuture 2023 puts spotlight on Italian naval programmes

  20th June 2023

  The recent SeaFuture event highlighted some of Italy's most important submarine, surface ship and naval aviation procurements. Shephard Defence Insight puts these latest programme developments in detailed context.

• Digital Battlespace

  How Next-Generation Optical Systems Are Transforming Multi-Domain Operations (Studio)

  13th September 2023

  Optical solutions are crucial for effective situational awareness. As militaries prepare for the joint all-domain command and control (JADC2) future, Raytheon ELCAN is embracing innovation in digital engineering, material science and beyond to ensure its customers thrive in the data-driven battlespace.

• Uncrewed Vehicles

  New UMS Skeldar V-200 UAV console unveiled

  26th July 2023

  MilDef and UMS Skeldar have introduced a bespoke console for V-200 UAVs, enhancing workspace and ergonomics for operators.

• Naval Warfare

  UK, Italy and France embark on destroyer upgrade programmes

  28th June 2023

  At the Paris Air Show, France and Italy signed an MoU for the mid-life upgrade of their Horizon-class destroyers. The upgrades will focus on anti-air defences, including radar, weapons and combat systems, while the UK's Daring-class destroyers will receive air defence capability enhancements.

• Naval Warfare

  Anglo-French uncrewed minehunting project moves forward with assurance trials

  14th June 2023

  The joint Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) effort is delivering an autonomous minehunting capability to the Royal Navy and Marine Nationale.

• Air Warfare

  Japan explores missile launching from cargo planes

  26th July 2023

  Japan is considering the use of cargo planes to launch missiles, aiming to diversify its launch platform options. The introduction of the Rapid Dragon system, tested by the USAF, could expand the capabilities of the JSDF's stand-off missile arsenal.

• Naval Warfare

  ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock team up for INS Shankush overhaul

  27th July 2023

  Over the next three years, INS Shankush will be modernised by India's state-owned shipyard Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems will be responsible for supplying equipment packages.

• Naval Warfare

  Elbit completes sea trials of Deseaver Mk-4 countermeasure system

  1st August 2023

  Elbit Systems has successfully completed sea trials of the Dseaver Mk-4 counter measure dispensing system, enhancing the Israeli Navy's protection against complex missile threats in maritime environments.

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• Frigates

  Constellation Class - FFG(X) (1-10)

  Programme Background The FFG (X) programme was first announced with a Request for Information (RFI) released by the US Navy in July 2017 with a ...

• Destroyers

  Next-Generation Large Surface Combatants (LSC) - DDG(X) [USN]

  Programme Background Requirements The US Navy (USN) is acknowledging a need to move away from the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer design, which is slowly outgrowing. Flight III ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Tier 2 Frigates Procurement [Australia]

  The February 2024 Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review recommends that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) acquire at least seven, and optimally 11, Tier 2 ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Tier 2 Frigates Procurement [Australia]

  The February 2024 Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review recommends that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) acquire at least seven, and optimally 11, Tier 2 ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Project SEA 3000 [Australia]

  The February 2024 Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review recommends that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) acquire at least seven, and optimally 11, Tier 2 ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Project SEA 3000 [Australia]

  The February 2024 Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review recommends that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) acquire at least seven, and optimally 11, Tier 2 ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Joint Future Surface Combatant - FSC (3) [Belgium]

  The Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) are undertaking a joint Future Surface Combatant (FSC) project to replace their existing M-class Karel Doorman-class ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Joint Future Surface Combatant - FSC (3) [Belgium]

  The Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) are undertaking a joint Future Surface Combatant (FSC) project to replace their existing M-class Karel Doorman-class ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Luleå Class [Sweden]

  According to the Swedish Defence White Paper for the 2021-2025 period, the Navy will need to replace the existing two ageing Gävle-class corvettes with new surface ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Luleå Class [Sweden]

  According to the Swedish Defence White Paper for the 2021-2025 period, the Navy will need to replace the existing two ageing Gävle-class corvettes with new surface ...

• Loitering munitions, Military UAS - small

  Maritime Drones (Ukraine Aid) [UK]

  Programme Background October 2024 In October 2024, the UK Government announced £120 million ($152 million) of funding for Ukraine’s Navy and maritime capabilities, which will fund uncrewed surface ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Luleå Class (1-4) [Sweden]

  According to the Swedish Defence White Paper for the 2021-2025 period, the Navy will need to replace the existing two ageing Gävle-class corvettes with new surface ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Luleå Class (1-4) [Sweden]

  According to the Swedish Defence White Paper for the 2021-2025 period, the Navy will need to replace the existing two ageing Gävle-class corvettes with new surface ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Joint Future Surface Combatant - FSC (3) [Netherlands]

  The Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) are undertaking a joint Future Surface Combatant (FSC) project to replace their existing M-class Karel Doorman-class ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Joint Future Surface Combatant - FSC (3) [Netherlands]

  The Belgian Navy and the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) are undertaking a joint Future Surface Combatant (FSC) project to replace their existing M-class Karel Doorman-class ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Ship-launched torpedoes

  UMGT-1 torpedo

  The UMGT-1 is a Soviet-designed universal small-sized homing torpedo with a 400 mm caliber, developed for engaging both surface ships and submarines. Its compact size ...

• Military UAS - mini, Military UAS - rotary-wing, Military UAS - tactical

  Ghost

  Developed to be versatile, Ghost is a manoeuvrable, rotary-wing mini-UAV designed for performing ISR missions in urban warfare, observation stakeout missions and covert special operations ...

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

  Loki

  Loki is a Ukrainian mini fixed-wing drone designed by the National Association of Ukrainian Defence Industries (NAUDI). The drone is launched from a pneumatic launcher ...

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

  Thor

  Thor is a Ukrainian fixed-wing small drone manufactured by the National Association of Ukrainian Defence Industries (NAUDI). Powered by a lithium polymer or lithium-ion battery, ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  SCOMBA

  SCOMBA is a combat management system developed by Navantia for the Spanish Navy. It has been in service with the Spanish Navy since 2010 across ...

• Military - USVs

  Bluebottle

  Bluebottle is a persistent, autonomous, uncrewed surface vessel from Ocius Technology in service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

• Sea: procedural training

  IMAT

  DAS supports the development and deployment of the Interactive Multisensor Analysis Training (IMAT) system for the US Navy, used at navy schoolhouse and training centres, ...

• Sea: naval surveillance radar

  Sea Giraffe 4A

  The Sea Giraffe 4A is a medium-to-long-range surveillance radar produced by Swedish manufacturer Saab. The radar is designed to provide automatic and simultaneous air and ...

• Sea: naval surveillance radar

  Surface Scout

  The Surface Scout is a two-dimensional, medium-range naval surveillance radar manufactured by Thales Netherlands. The radar is designed to automatically detect and track small surface objects in heavy ...

• Military - USVs

  Marlin

  Marlin is a Turkish uncrewed surface vessel (USV) equipped with electronic warfare and other equipment that has been used on exercises with the Turkish Navy.

• EO/IR systems, Sea: ship surveillance and fire control systems

  SeaFLIR 380-HD

  The SeaFLIR 380-HD is a long-range, multispectral surveillance system for surface vessels. Manufactured by Teledyne FLIR, the system combines HD IR, colour or SWIR spectral information. According to ...

• Land: Radio and SATCOM

  JTRS Later Increment Waveforms

  A number of waveforms are scheduled for implementation in later JTRS increments: WNW with low probability of intercept/detection and bandwidth-efficient advanced modulation; SRW with LPI/LPD; ...

• Military - USVs

  Sentinel - Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT)

  Sentinel is an autonomous uncrewed surface vessel (USV) built from the decommissioned HMAS Maitland , a former Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Armidale-class Patrol Boat.

• Sea: procedural training

  SEWTT

  The Surface Electronic Warfare Team Trainer (SEWTT) is a software application developed by EWA GSI as a next-generation tactical training application for US Navy surface ...

• Corvettes

  Shadhinota Class (Type C13B/Type 056)

  The Shadhinota-class comprises four Type C13B corvettes built by China's Wuchang Shipbuilding Industrial Group for the Bangladesh Navy. Designed to conduct anti-air warfare and ASuW ...