Jane's Defense News

Key Points For now, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro's death is unlikely to have a significant effect on government stability in Cuba or over its existing one-party political system. The transition of power from Fidel, who ruled more than 50 years, to his brother Raúl, the incumbent president

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has expressed "grave concern" over North Korea launching missiles without prior notice, the organisation's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) said in a circular published on 25 November. The committee called on member states to "attach the

The communication network shared by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Tokyo and the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) was the target of a cyber attack in September, an MoD official told IHS Jane's on 28 November. The official, however, declined to confirm a report by Kyodo news agency claiming that

Key Points Trials focus on beam guidance and tracking system High energy laser expected to be demonstrated in 2017 MBDA Germany has edged closer to fielding a new deployable laser weapon system (LWS) following a series of day/night all-weather trials. Conducted at the Bundeswehr's military

Key Points Singapore has officially commissioned the Protected Combat Support Vehicle Platform provides the Singapore Army's motorised infantry units with an armoured logistics capability The Singapore Army has formally inducted a 20-tonne four-wheel drive platform known as the Belrex Protected

The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer and its variants have successfully completed 5,000 test flights, Yonhap news agency reported on 28 November. "The accident-free test flights have proven the safety of the T-50-based aircraft," the media outlet

Key Points SAES has developed a sonar system focusing on the automated detection, tracking, and classification of small surface craft. The work is derived from the EU-backed CLOSEYE project, with maritime trafficking via small craft being a prominent security issue for Europe. Spanish underwater

Australia and Vietnam are looking to expand defence ties with a view to supporting Australian exports to the Southeast Asian country. A spokesperson from the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) confirmed to IHS Jane's on 25 November that officials from the two countries recently concluded their

Key Points As relations with Saudi Arabia falter, transparent dispute resolution mechanisms are essential as Egypt seeks new sources of foreign currency, investment, and energy security. Success depends on Egyptian willingness to privatise and open new opportunities to private sector investors

Elbit Systems of America and the US Army signed an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract for a range of mortar-launched weapons systems, the company announced on 23 November. An Elbit Systems source told IHS Jane's the contract constituted a new framework to modify an initial,

Operation 'Atalanta', the European Unions's counter-piracy mission off the coast of East Africa, has been renewed for another two years. The EU Council agreed on 25 November to extend Atalanta's mandate until 31 December 2018. It also set aside just over EUR11 million (USD11.6 million) via the

Key Points Following a co-ordinated attack by four ethnic armed groups on government forces on 20 November 2016 in and around Muse, ongoing fighting poses risks of cross-border trade disruption and collateral damage from mortar and artillery fire. Road cargo will be at risk of collateral damage

A HOAX device was emplaced on a vehicle at Magnolia Elementary School in Trussville in the state of Alabama in the United States on 16 November, the Associated Press reported. Two suspects - identified as 35-year-old Zachary Edwards and 34-year-old Raphel Dilligard - were charged by authorities on

New Delhi plans to revive a two-year-old proposal that would compensate Moscow for Russian spares and support for assorted materiel that India intends to transfer to Afghanistan. Official sources told IHS Jane's that a trilateral arrangement is likely to take shape during the two-day Heart of Asia

Indian authorities have received six foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals since the government liberalised related rules to incentivise foreign companies to bid to secure up to 100% ownership of an Indian defence company. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement on 25 November that

The Indian government issued 75 defence industrial licences to the country's private sector during fiscal year 2015-16 (FY 2015-16), attracting proposed investment worth INR48.42 billion (USD706 million), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on 25 November. Citing a parliamentary reply by Minister of

India's Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement of 12 upgraded Dornier Do-228 maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy on 23 November for INR25 billion (USD364 million). IN officials said the upgraded Do-228s will incorporate forward-looking infrared cameras, electronic

Israel's security cabinet approved the purchase of an additional 17 Lockheed Martin F-35s on 27 November, according to multiple reports. The purchase will bring Israel's total to 50 aircraft, coming in the wake of a move by Canada that may increase unit prices. Israel had already ordered 33 F-35s,

Amid growing concerns over North Korea's missile launches, the Japanese government is expected to earmark around JPY200 billion (USD1.78 billion) in a third supplementary budget for fiscal year 2016 to upgrade the nation's air defence capabilities, The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported on 27

A Japan-UK military logistical support agreement could be signed at a January 2017 meeting in London between the foreign and defence ministers of both countries, a Japanese government official was quoted by Kyodo news agency as saying on 26 November. A Ministry of Defense (MoD) official in Tokyo