• Land Warfare

  Romania selects Rheinmetall Lynx IFV as local defence manufacturing expands

  8th May 2026

  As part of a multi-billion-dollar vehicle and artillery overhaul, Romania has officially selected the KF41 Lynx IFV to replace its ageing Soviet-based platforms.

• Land Warfare

  The C-UAS challenge: Finding the threat before it finds you

  18th May 2026

  How Teledyne FLIR Defense C-UAS solutions – and sensors optimized for third-party systems integrators – deliver early drone detection and decision advantage for UAS threat response

• Defence Notes

  How US Special Operations Forces are using AI to transform modern warfare

  29th May 2026

  USSOCOM is expanding the use of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and human-machine teaming to improve decision-making, survivability and operational reach in contested environments.

• Land Warfare

  February land forces roundup: ST Engineering and Russia lift the lid on new platforms

  27th February 2026

  This month we saw a major presence from Turkish, Russian and Chinese companies at the World Defense Show with new vehicles from major suppliers, while elsewhere there were evolving mortar programmes and artillery modernisation efforts.

• Defence Notes

  Thales: deployment speed to determine winners in ‘production versus production’ era

  16th September 2026

  At its technology summit in London, attended by Shephard, Thales UK examined the importance of speed to delivery, the growing focus on cross-domain capabilities and how procurement reform could be crucial for future battlefield advantage.

• Land Warfare

  FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands

  24th September 2026

  FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.

• Land Warfare

  Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans

  27th July 2026

  The first ground launch of the SM-2 could offer Canberra a path to expand its missile defence capability by adapting systems already fielded across the ADF.

• Land Warfare

  US Army reaches out to industry for M109 replacement in a deal worth up to $8 billion

  3rd September 2026

  The US has tried several times to replace the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, a requirement which Shephard forecasts could be for as many as 670 platforms and worth as much as US$8 billion.

• Defence Notes

  Six critical capability gaps shaping the US Golden Dome implementation

  4th June 2026

  How emerging technologies and capability priorities will shape America’s next-generation missile defence system.

• Land Warfare

  Eurosatory 2026: has the time finally come for Oshkosh’s hybrid electric JLTV?

  9th June 2026

  Oshkosh Defense’s hybrid electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle offers the standard benefits of this type in scenarios such as silent watch and silent running as well as providing power for recharging systems. The company is arguing its 115kW power opens other roles too, particularly counter-drone.

• Defence Notes

  NATO signs agreements worth billions of dollars on missiles, air defence and aircraft

  9th July 2026

  Announcements on aircraft deals and agreements for trans-alliance cooperation to boost the production and purchase of weapons and equipment were key takeaways from this week’s NATO summit.

• Land Warfare

  Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges

  23rd October 2026

  Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.

• Land Warfare

  Integrated approach: transforming vehicle communications for a new era of warfare

  19th October 2026

  In the modern battlespace, military intercom systems can no longer operate in isolation. They must instead be integrated with the wider tactical network, gaining operational advantages through secure communications with dismounted soliders and other assets across domains.

• Land Warfare

  MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia

  10th September 2026

  The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.

• Land Warfare

  Eurosatory 2026: Ukraine drives European artillery renaissance

  17th June 2026

  European governments have ordered nearly 1,400 self-propelled howitzers and more than 400 multiple-launch rocket systems since 2022 as lessons from Ukraine reshape long-range fires requirements across the continent.

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• Main battle tanks

  Decisive Lethality Platform [USA]

  Background The DLP is one of five vehicle families being developed for the US Army's NGCV programme. Expanded to include five programmes in October 2018, ...

• Military UAS - micro

  eBee Vision [US]

  Background Multiple orders In November 2025, the US Army acquired three eBee Vision systems to enhance training operations at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Germany. A ...

• Military UAS - small

  Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) (Increment 1) [USA]

  Programme Background Programme Objective The Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) was to provide a tactical ISTAR capability for US Army Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). It was ...

• Hybrid effector systems

  M-SHORAD Increment 3 [USA]

  Background The US Army is upgrading its maneuver short-range air defense system (M-SHORAD). Under the overal programme, there are three increments. Increment 1 vehicles are ...

• APCs/IFVs - tracked

  XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle [US]

  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 a ...

• Medium UGVs

  Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-METT) [USA]

  Background Whilst there are many medium UGV programmes developing concepts for last-mile resupply problems, the US Army's M-METT programme aims to provide an uncrewed logistics ...

• Military UAS - mini

  SpyLite [India]

  Background Rising tensions Following a rise in tensions with China along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2018, Indian forces in the area recognised ...

• Main battle tanks

  Botswana K2 MBT

  Programme Background The only indication that the Botswana Ground Force was considering the acquisition of the K2 MBT came from a report in Botswana's The ...

• APCs/IFVs - 8x8

  Boxer (JSFT) [Germany]

  Background The German Army has a requirement for a heavy armoured vehicle platform to supplement the lighter Fennek in service with its JFSTs. Unlike the ...

• Military UAS - micro

  NX70 Microdrone (Second Batch)

  Programme Background The French Army procured the NX70 to meet an urgent operational requirement for a small UAS that could provide short-range ISR for dismounted ...

• Military UAS - mini

  RQ-11 Raven (US Army)

  Programme Background The AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven began to be deployed by the US Army in 2004 and was selected as its sole small UAS in ...

• Loitering munitions

  Launched Effects - Medium Range (LE-MR) [US]

  Background Air-launched effect (ALE) In 2022, the US sought a family of systems comprising an air vehicle, payload, mission systems applications and support equipment to ...

• Self-propelled guns

  Mobile Tactical Cannon [US]

  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 ...

• Military UAS - micro

  NX70 Microdrone (Third Batch)

  Programme Background The French Army procured the NX70 to meet an urgent operational requirement for a small UAS that could provide short-range ISR for dismounted ...

• LTVs - 4x4

  eLRV [USA]

  Background Purpose The US Army unveiled a new concept for a more deployable IBCT structure at AUSA in October 2014. Built around three main types of ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Multipurpose missiles, Loitering munitions

  Barracuda (Family)

  Barracuda is a family of air-breathing Autonomous Air Vehicles (AAV), purpose-built for hyper-scale production and mass employment. The Barracuda-M is the munition configuration of Barracuda. Different family members ...

• Heavy UGVs

  AMAS

  The Autonomous Mobility Appliqué System (AMAS) is a multi-platform kit designed to integrate low-cost sensors and control systems onto US Army and USMC tactical vehicles ...

• Light UGVs

  Centaur

  The Centaur is a military UGV developed specifically for the US Army's Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II), a requirement for a ...

• Assault rifles/carbines/shotguns

  6.5mm CT Carbine

  The 6.5mm Cased Telescoped (CT) Carbine is a closed-bolt, forward-feed, gas piston-operated weapon being developed as part of the US Army's Lightweight Small Arms Technology ...

• Land: tactical engagement simulators

  Instrumented Ground Combat Training Systems

  Cubic supplies combat training systems for CTCs, homestations and forward-deployed environments. The systems are designed to support missions including force-on-force, urban operations, joint, combined arms ...

• MPVs - 4x4

  RG33

  BAE Systems RG33 is a family of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles available in both 4x4 and 6x6. The medium-weight class of BAE Systems MRAP ...

• Air: fixed-wing flight simulators

  F-35 Training System

  BAE Systems is involved in F-35 Lightning II Training System design and sustainment, working with prime contractor Lockheed Martin. BAE Systems leads the instructional systems ...

• Short Range Missile Defence Systems: 0 to 20 km range

  Initial Maneuver - SHORAD

  Unveiled at AUSA 2019, Initial Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) is a multipurpose platform, based on the Stryker IFV, which moves and maneuvers in ...

• Trailers

  M900 Series

  Heil’s M900-series tactical refuellers are designed and built to meet US military performance standards. The M967A2 ground equipment refueller and the M969A3 aircraft refueller are ...

• Data links

  BUG-E

  The USAF Electronic Systems Center developed Battlefield Universal Gateway Equipment (BUG-E) to connect dissimilar communications networks to enable them to share data. For example, it ...

• Unguided Medium Calibre Ammunition

  Next Generation Combat Vehicle Ammunition

  The Next Generation Combat Vehicle Ammunition (NGVA) is a family of ammunition being developed by the US Army's Armaments Center and manufactured by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems ...

• Military UAS - tactical

  MQ-8C Fire Scout

  The MQ-8C is a newer version of the Fire Scout and is based on a Bell 407 commercial helicopter. It offers a greater range, endurance ...

• Subsystems: software

  Virtual Combat OutPost Tool

  The Virtual Combat OutPost (VCOP) Tool was developed by SDS for the US Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center to allow users to ...

• Major networking projects

  IBCS

  The Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) is a C2 system designed to integrate current and future sensors. The system also improves ...

• Data links

  MIDS LVT-2/11

  The MIDS LVT-2/11 is a self-contained mobile system that provides a ground link for simultaneous coordination of air, land and maritime forces. The system can ...