Defense`s Feeds

Americas Argon St Inc. won a $18 million deal for the repair of the communications interface unit for the support of operations of the MQ-4C Triton aircraft. All work will be performed in Fairfax, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by November 2026. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Technologies Corp’s Pratt and Whitney Military Engines has secured a substantial contract modification valued at up to $1.3 billion to support the F-35 Lightning II aircraft’s propulsion systems. The contract amends a prior agreement, extending services such as depot level maintenance, repair, and various forms of management support for the F135 engines that power the advanced fighter jets. This contract option covers a range of activities, including program and financial management, propulsion integration, spare parts procurement, engineering, material and product management, software maintenance, security, and technical data updates. It also includes support equipment management and training for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customers, and non-US Department of Defense participants. Middle East & Africa Elbit Systems will supply the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with advanced drones and autonomous systems as part of multiple signed deals amounting to around $40 million. […]

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has today published its annual Defence Data report for 2023, detailing defence spending from all 27 EU Member States. At a record €279 billion [1], 2023 European defence spending increased by 10% on the previous year, marking the ninth year of consecutive growth. Twenty-two of the Member States increased defence expenditure, with 11 increasing spending by over 10%.

2024 Forecast

Separately, the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) report, which provides an overview and analysis of the EU defence landscape for Member States, forecasts the following spending for 2024:

• EU defence spending is projected to reach €326 billion in 2024

• Defence investments are expected to hit a record 31% of total defence expenditure, with research and technology (R&T) spending increasing to €5 billion in 2024
• Procurement spending is seeing sustained growth and could increase beyond €90 billion in 2024

2023 European Defence spending - Key findings

The return of full-scale war to Europe and efforts by Member States to strengthen their military capabilities led to a noticeable jump in defence spending in 2023.      

• A record €72 billion was allocated to defence investments accounting for 26% of total defence expenditure, the largest share recorded by EDA since data collection began in 2005.  This allocation was overwhelmingly directed towards the procurement of new equipment, which increased by 19% on the previous year.

• In 2023, total funding for collaborative research and technology (R&T) projects initiated under the European Defence Fund (EDF), in calls 2021 and 2022, reached approximately €100 million for projects, marking the first year that the EDF had such a significant financial impact on the European defence landscape.

Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency Jiří Šedivý said: “The European Union is making strides in defence investments, spurred by the urgency of the threats we face. Still, a large proportion is spent on off-the-shelf equipment from outside the EU, highlighting the need to fortify the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. Buying together saves money, while developing assets together makes us more independent.

I welcome rising research spending. But Europe lags behind the United States and China in defence research and technology investment. To secure Europe’s future, we must prioritise innovation and unity."

Commitment to investment 

The allocation of €72 billion of total defence expenditure to defence investment by Member States marks robust growth of 17%.

The agreed benchmark of 20% total expenditure in this area is surpassed for the fifth year running, reaching 26% across the EU. Twenty Member States reached this collectively agreed benchmark, with Luxembourg (59%), Estonia (49%), Finland (45%) and Poland (45%) having the highest allocation of their overall defence expenditure to investment.

Research spending slips 

Despite increased spending dedicated to defence research and technology, Member States are still failing to reach the 2% benchmark of defence expenditure dedicated to R&T activities with two countries accounting for more than 80% of R&T spending at EU level. EU collaborative endeavours such as EDA’s ad hoc frameworks and funding via the EDF can collectively bring the EU closer to achieving the benchmark for defence spending allocated to R&T activities.

European Collaborative Defence R&T by funding source 

Figure 12, page 17 of the report

  BACKGROUND

EDA collects defence data on an annual basis, and has done so since 2006, in line with the Agency’s Ministerial Steering Board Decision of November 2005. The Ministries of Defence of the Agency’s 27 Member States provide the data. EDA acts as its custodian and publishes the aggregated figures in its “Defence data” booklets and on its website. Datasets of MS are available since 2006 on the Defence Data Portal on EDA’s website.

 

[1] Figures are expressed in 2023 constant prices.

Americas Electra has tested its EL2 ultra-short takeoff and landing (STOL) prototype aircraft for a Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering event focusing on expeditionary capabilities. The three-day, invitation-only field activity saw the system perform live overflights with low acoustic signatures across multiple intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) simulations. The US 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) has received the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) in a ceremony at Dewey Square on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. NMESIS is a mountable, ground-based anti-ship missile launcher that will be operated by the Medium-Range Missile Battery under the 3rd Littoral Combat Team (LCT). Both are components of the 3rd MLR specializing in amphibious and littoral warfare operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Middle East & Africa According to a new report by Technavio, a global technology research and advisory company, the market is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 12.21% during the forecast period. Key market players listed in the report include AeroVironment, BAE Systems, Boeing General Atomics, Leonardo, Northrop Grumman, and others – and also Israel’s three leading defense companies: Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Europe The US State Department has authorized a potential $125 million foreign […]

Americas Elbit Systems of America has scored a major win with the US Air Force, securing an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract with a ceiling of $89 million for replacing outdated Head-Up Displays (HUDs) in the service’s F-16 Block 40/42 fleet. The contract, announced on November 21, calls for the installation of Elbit’s Wide-Angle Conventional Head-Up Display (WACHUD) in place of the existing Diffractive Optic HUDs currently in use. The first delivery order, worth over $57.5 million, was placed in September 2024, with work scheduled to be carried out at Elbit America’s Talladega, Alabama facility and systems expected to be delivered by September 2027. CAE and KF Aerospace’s Ontario-based joint venture SkyAlyne has contracted Grob and Pilatus to deliver 32 training aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Under the project, the service will receive 23 G 120TP systems from Grob and 19 PC-21s from Pilatus, with deliveries to start in 2025 and 2026, respectively. The incoming fleet will be stationed at the Moose Jaw RCAF Base in Saskatchewan, where they will be operated by SkyAlyne as part of Canada’s 25-year Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program to bolster its tactical aerial capabilities in response to emerging threats. Middle East & Africa According […]

Dassault Rafale (click for cutaway view) Will Dassault’s fighter become a fashionably late fighter platform that builds on its parent company’s past successes – or just “the late Rafale”? It all began as a 1985 break-away from the multinational consortium that went on to create EADS’ Eurofighter. The French needed a lighter aircraft that was suitable for carrier use, and were reportedly unwilling to cede design authority over the project. As is so often true of French defense procurement policy, the choice came down to paying additional costs for full independence and exact needs, or losing key industrial capabilities by partnering or buying abroad. France has generally opted for expensive but independent defense choices, and the Rafale was no exception. Those costs, and associated delays triggered by the end of the Cold War and reduced funding, proved to be very costly indeed. Unlike previous French fighters, which relied on exports to lower their costs and keep production lines humming, the Rafale has yet to secure a single export contract – in part because initial versions were hampered by impaired capabilities in key roles. The Rafale may, at last, be ready to be what its vendors say: a true omnirole aircraft, […]

Americas Dynetics has received a $670.5-million contract to build the common hypersonic glide body (C-HGB) and thermal protection system for the US Army. A total of $65.8 million has already been allocated from the overall amount to the Leidos subsidiary for fiscal 2024 research, development, testing, and evaluation. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of October 2029. Teledyne FLIR has been selected by Red Cat Holdings to provide advanced thermal imaging cameras for the US Army’s new short-range reconnaissance (SRR) drone. Under the agreement, Teledyne will integrate its Hadron 640R+ longwave infrared camera module into the Black Widow unmanned aircraft system (UAS), the army’s newly-chosen SRR platform. The Hadron camera will enhance the Black Widow’s night-time capabilities with its 640×512 resolution and industry-leading thermal sensitivity. Middle East & Africa The European Council has approved a $13.9 million assistance package for the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) under the European Peace Facility. The funding aims to boost detection and countermeasure systems, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and mobility and engineering equipment. Amid rising regional tensions in the Middle East, the initiative “will contribute to strengthening the capacities of JAF, to increase their ability to ensure Jordan’s stability and national security, […]

Americas Mercury Mission won a $14 million modification, which exercises an option for the production and delivery of 121 high-definition video recorders (109 for the Navy and 12 for Australia), in support of F/A-18C-F and EA-18G aircraft retrofit efforts. Work will be performed in Torrance, California, and is expected to be completed in July 2027. The contract being modified was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin won a $16 million modification, which increases the contract ceiling to provide overrun funding for diminishing manufacturing sources non-recurring engineering and associated materials in support of a redesigned panoramic cockpit display electronic unit video mixer in support of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and non-Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in January 2029. Middle East & Africa A Syria war monitor on Thursday said clashes between the army and jihadists killed more than 130 combatants in the worst fighting in the country’s northwest in years, as the government also reported fierce battles. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said jihadist group Hayat Tahrir […]

Americas According to Defense Post, L3Harris Technologies has received a $999-million contract to deliver critical radio solutions for the US and allied forces. Under this indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity award, the company will provide Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals, modern, software-defined communication radio devices compatible with ground, air, and maritime vehicles. The radio applies Link 16 technology, a common tactical data standard found across international militaries, including NATO members, that features a secure and fast exchange of voice, text, and imagery among users. The US Air Force (USAF) has contracted Elbit Systems of America to supply F-16 Block 40/42 Wide-Angle Conventional Head-Up Display (WACHUD) replacements. The up to $89 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract will be executed through  September 2027, with the first delivery order of over $57.5 million having been placed in September. “The Wide-Angle Conventional Head-Up Display replacements provide modernization, but also commonality across the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 fleet,” Elbit America Senior Vice President of Electronic Systems Scott Tumpak said. Middle East & Africa The Israeli Ministry of Defense has approved a major new procurement deal to acquire five new corvettes for the Israeli navy and “hundreds” of new Joint Light Tactical Vehicles for the ground forces. […]

Americas Boeing won a $9 million modification, which provides follow-on integrated logistics and engineering support in support of the Harpoon/Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response Missile System and Harpoon Launch Systems for the Navy and various Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be completed in February 2026. This contract being modified was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. A number of unidentified drones were recently spotted swarming over several Royal Air Force (RAF) bases housing American troops. According to a statement from the US Air Force in Europe on Monday, the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were seen near RAF Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell in eastern England between Wednesday and Saturday last week. Middle East & Africa The US military has announced the first official combat use of its F-35C Lightning II fighter aircraft, targeting Houthi positions in Yemen. The fifth-generation aircraft was deployed by the US Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) earlier this month to strike weapons storage facilities, which housed anti-ship missiles used to target military and cargo vessels in the Red Sea Europe BAE Systems has successfully demonstrated “Herne,” an extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV) designed for military purposes. The vessel was designed to […]

Americas Boeing won a $129.2 million contract for the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor program. This contract provides for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to incorporate engineering change proposals. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; El Segundo, California; and Hunt Valley, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2030. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity. Raytheon won a $185 million delivery order for the repair, upgrade, or replacement of 160 parts in two of the 13 major subsystems of the Aegis Weapon System: the MK99 fire control system, and the Army Navy Joint Electronics Type Designation Systems Water/Surface Ship, Radar, Surveillance and Control Transmitter Group. The contract includes supply response time performance metrics. Work is expected to be completed by December 2026. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Middle East & Africa Elbit Systems reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024, accumulating a 5.2% increase in its order backlog, to $2.2 billion, a trend in line with other local defense companies supplying weapons for Israel’s war against Hamas and Hezbollah. The Israeli company […]

Americas General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has finalized the qualification trials of its new 200-horsepower heavy fuel engine (HFE 2.0) for the Gray Eagle 25M unmanned aerial system in El Mirage, California. HFE 2.0 provides a 40 percent increase in the drone’s service life, 50 percent more power to mission payloads,  and longer maintenance-free, low-sustainment capability — all required to meet the user requirements in multi-domain operations. NATO member Romania inked a deal with Washington to buy 32 F-35 jets, an unprecedented expenditure for the country neighboring Ukraine. Romania is the latest to acquire the combat jets, more than two and a half years after Russia invaded Ukraine. With an estimated cost of $6.5 billion approved by Romania’s parliament, it is the most expensive military purchase by the eastern European country. Middle East & Africa Iran said Friday it would launch a series of “new and advanced” centrifuges in response to a resolution adopted by the UN nuclear watchdog that censures Tehran for what the agency called lack of cooperation. The censure motion brought by Britain, France, Germany, and the US at the 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) follows a similar one in June. Europe The […]

Americas Silent Arrow has clinched a $1.8-million Direct to Phase II SBIR contract from the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to build and test six CLS-200 drones. The CLS-200 is an unmanned aerial system (UAS) known as a Contested Logistics System designed to carry 227 kilograms over 230 miles/370 kilometers. The US Navy has commissioned the 14th Freedom-class littoral combat ship, the USS Nantucket (LCS 27), in Boston, Massachusetts. The event followed the vessel’s acceptance trials in 2022 and delivery in July 2024. Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine began construction in 2017 as part of the US Department of Defense’s objective to modernize its warship fleet. Middle East & Africa European powers and the US have submitted a resolution censuring Iran for its poor cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, diplomats told AFP on Wednesday, as Tehran warned of a “proportionate” response if it passes. As a board meeting by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) kicked off in Vienna, diplomats told AFP that Paris, Berlin, London and Washington formally tabled a censure motion critical of Iran. Europe NATO took control of the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) in Redzikowo, northern Poland, earlier this month. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk used […]

Austal Team Trimaran LCS Design (click to enlarge) Exploit simplicity, numbers, the pace of technology development in electronics and robotics, and fast reconfiguration. That was the US Navy’s idea for the low-end backbone of its future surface combatant fleet. Inspired by successful experiments like Denmark’s Standard Flex ships, the US Navy’s $35+ billion “Littoral Combat Ship” program was intended to create a new generation of affordable surface combatants that could operate in dangerous shallow and near-shore environments, while remaining affordable and capable throughout their lifetimes. It hasn’t worked that way. In practice, the Navy hasn’t been able to reconcile what they wanted with the capabilities needed to perform primary naval missions, or with what could be delivered for the sums available. The LCS program has changed its fundamental acquisition plan 4 times since 2005, and canceled contracts with both competing teams during this period, without escaping any of its fundamental issues. Now, the program looks set to end early. This public-access FOCUS article offer a wealth of research material, alongside looks at the LCS program’s designs, industry teams procurement plans, military controversies, budgets and contracts. LCS: Concept & Needs LCS-I missions (click to view full) Ultimately, the US Navy is […]

On November 19, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was received at the Agency by Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý and Deputy Chief Executive André Denk. This marked the first bilateral meeting at EDA’s offices between the Agency’s top management and the Minister.  

The Chief Executive briefed Minister Pistorius on EDA’s current work in supporting collaborative defence research and capability development across Europe. He also thanked him for Germany’s strong support and active participation in the Agency’s projects and programmes. The Chief Executive updated the Minister on recent developments within the Agency and the Agency’s involvement in the EU’s military response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This includes joint efforts to address defence investment and capability gaps in Europe.

French high-level visit

On November 20, Chief Executive Šedivý and Deputy Chief Executive Denk welcomed France’s Deputy Defence Minister Jean-Louis Thiériot to EDA. 

Both visits follow the recent approval of the 2024 Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) report on November 19, which identifies actionable collaborative opportunities for Member States to develop critical military capabilities together. 

Americas The US Department of Defense has signed an agreement with Australia and the UK to collaborate on “offensive and defensive” hypersonic technologies. The partnership aims to accelerate the development, testing, and evaluation of cutting-edge hypersonic vehicles and technologies, including long-range missiles capable of traveling considerably faster than the speed of sound. Northrop Grumman has delivered its Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) test missile to the US Air Force, which is designed to target rapidly relocatable threats. The test missile will be used to verify the safe carriage and separation of the weapon from its launch aircraft. In 2023, the US Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a $705-million contract to supply the new SiAW for its F-35 combat jet fleet. Middle East & Africa Last month, representatives of the member states of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) gathered in Washington for the fourth time to strengthen their commitment to collective resilience against attacks, promote operational and strategic cooperation, and develop capabilities. Led by the White House, the initiative has significantly expanded over the past two years, growing from 35 member states and organizations in 2022 to 68 today. During the Washington summit, the heads of the UAE and Israeli cyber agencies called on […]

Americas The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $202-million contract to provide modernization and maintenance services for two US Navy guided-missile destroyers. Work will be performed on the USS Laboon (DDG 58) under a $114-million Docking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) contract, while the USS Wasp (LHD 1) will receive services outlined under a Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) contract. Lockheed Martin has started construction of the US Navy’s first E-130J production aircraft under its Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) program. The E-130J is based on the company’s C-130J-30 Super Hercules military transport plane and will replace the service’s older TACAMO system, the E-6B Mercury, once completed. The new aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2026, with two more to follow in the coming years. Middle East & Africa The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Greece of F-16 Engine Follow-On Support and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $160 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. Greece’s latest request also includes non-major defence equipment items such as engine components, ground handling equipment, modifications, spare parts, […]

Defence Ministers approved on 19 November 2024 the 2024 Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) report — the EU’s ‘State of the Union’ on defence. The review identifies actionable collaborative opportunities for Member States to develop critical military capabilities together. For the first time, the adoption of the report is combined with the signature of letters of intent by Member States in four areas: integrated air and missile defence; electronic warfare; loitering munitions; and a combat surface vessel.

In addition, the European Defence Agency released data showing that Member States’ defence expenditure is set to reach €326 billion, which represents 1.9% of EU GDP in 2024. Compared to 2021, before Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, spending this year is up by more than 30%. 

The 2024 CARD report, produced by the European Defence Agency (EDA) in coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU Military Staff (EUMS), was approved by Ministers of Defence during the EDA Steering Board. 

• The report finds that, despite increased defence spending, national efforts alone are 
  insufficient to allow for EU Member States’ armed forces to adequately prepare for high-intensity warfare. Greater cooperation is needed. EU collaboration must accelerate to align national efforts with agreed objectives, converge with NATO and reduce fragmentation, and strengthen Europe’s security.
• The report urges Member States to address short-term operational needs and long-term priorities at the same time. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine highlights the need for both advanced technologies and cost-effective capabilities in adequate quantities.
• The report calls on Member States to invest in land, air, and maritime assets in line with the agreed 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities. This includes replenishing stockpiles,  modernising ground and air defence systems, and enhancing interoperability. Investments in strategic enablers such as secure and resilient cyber defence, command-and-control (C2) systems, cyber and space situational awareness, and satellite communications, are equally crucial.
• To strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), Member States must reduce reliance on external suppliers, cooperate more closely, and develop secure EU defence supply chains.

Head of the European Defence Agency, High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell said: “The 2024 CARD Report is clear: national efforts, while indispensable, are not enough. The geopolitical landscape makes our cooperation, alongside increased spending, essential to be ready for high-intensity warfare. Member States’ total combined defence expenditure is set to reach 1.9% of EU GDP in 2024.

Additional funding for defence should be spent as efficiently as possible, and using part of it through collaborative European investments on capability needs would help. We have identified concrete collaborative opportunities — and Member States are taking action, as demonstrated by the four Letter of Intents signed by respective defence ministers to take concrete action together in those specific areas.”

 

FOUR COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

The CARD process identifies a number of intersections and common ground between Member States’ defence plans, based on which EDA identified collaborative opportunities. For the first time, the adoption of the CARD Report is combined with the signature of political letters of intent by a considerable number of Member States. This new development highlights that Member States are interested to work together on developing these military capabilities. The scope of these letters of intent ranges from short-term joint procurement, through medium-term modernisation and upgrades, to long-term development of future capabilities. These could be implemented through EDA or as Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects.

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý said: “To become a credible security provider, the EU must develop strategic capabilities, including for high-intensity warfare scenarios. The collaborative opportunities will bring national policymakers, planners, and armament experts together to develop relevant military assets. These are in line with NATO priorities. EDA is ready to make these collaborative opportunities a reality.”

 

1. For Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), at least 18 Member States have declared their intention to collectively fill urgent capability gaps in the short term by procuring counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), ground-based air defence (GBAD), and ammunition. In the medium term, Member States aim to develop technologies to counter swarms of drones and high-velocity threats. In the long term, they plan to build a robust IAMD architecture.
2. On Electronic Warfare, at least 14 Member States have confirmed their willingness to jointly improve their capabilities through shared procurement of equipment, establishment of data-sharing platforms, and the development of common doctrines, training, exercises, and facilities. In the long term, they will focus on developing future systems, particularly for jamming and counter-jamming
3. Regarding Loitering Munitions, at least 17 Member States share the intention to aggregate their needs in view of procuring these systems together in the short term, and work on their further development over the medium to long term. They will also work on the use of these systems by creating operational concepts and establishing common terminology, as well as conducting joint training, exercises, and testing.
4. For the European Combat Vessel (ECV), at least 7 Member States declared their intention to develop the next generation of vessels using a systems-to-hull approach. They plan to harmonise requirements, develop a business case, and prepare for joint procurement by 2040.

 

THE COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES EXPLAINED

Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) is crucial for protecting Europe’s critical infrastructure, urban areas, and military forces from an increasingly complex array of airborne threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems.

Electronic Warfare plays a critical role in modern conflicts, enabling the disruption of enemy communications and sensors while protecting friendly forces from detection and interference. This can ensure information dominance and safeguard national security.

Loitering Munitions are versatile systems that can hover over target areas and engage whenever necessary, combining intelligence-gathering with precision strikes. Recent military operations have all confirmed the disruptive potential of this capability.

European Combat Vessel (ECV) is the common name to a multipurpose modular surface combat vessel. As it is a large peninsular surrounded almost entirely by sea and with more than 80% of its trade dependent on maritime transport, Europe needs strong capabilities for protecting its waters, while being also able to respond to conflicts abroad.

 

DEFENCE SPENDING TO REACH 1.9% OF EU GDP IN 2024

 

European Defence Agency data shows that EU Member States are closing the gap in 2024 towards the NATO 2% guideline, as Member States’ total combined defence expenditure is set to reach 1.9% of EU GDP.

This is possible thanks to a more than 30% increase in defence spending compared to 2021, with defence spending in 2024 estimated to have reached €326 billion, exceeding earlier projections. In 2024, Member States are also expected to spend more than €100 billion on investment, which goes beyond the agreed target of dedicating 20% of defence, in line with their commitment under the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).

Additionally, 10 Member States are projected to allocate more than 30% of their total defence expenditure to investments. Investments in researching, developing, and procuring new defence capabilities are expected to rise from around €59 billion in 2021 to €102 billion in 2024

Americas Bell Textron has selected Integris Composites to supply armor systems for the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. Integris highlighted that its contribution will focus on enhancing the upcoming rotorcraft’s durability, speed, range, and payload capabilities. The new aircraft will contribute to “our nation’s warfighters have the decisive edge in any theater where they are operating,” Integris Composites President Andrew Bonham. The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to expand production capacity for the Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) missile to 650 units annually. Lockheed emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step in meeting the growing global demand for “the world’s most advanced missile.” This year, missile production increased by 30 percent, with projections indicating a further 20 percent rise next year. Middle East & Africa Elbit Systems announced that it has secured contracts worth approximately $335 million to supply defense systems to a European country. The contracts, to be executed over three and a half years, include advanced PULS™? rocket launchers and accompanying missiles, as well as Hermes™? 900 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) equipped with advanced payloads. Elbit’s PULS™? launchers offer versatile and advanced operational capabilities, enabling the launch of unguided rockets, precision-guided […]

Americas The 56th Air Refueling Squadron has unveiled the world’s first KC-46 Pegasus demonstration team at the Wings and Warriors Fly-In in San Marcos, Texas, on November 9. This debut performance marked a major milestone for the KC-46, highlighting its advanced capabilities and the crucial role it plays in modern air operations. The demonstration team, composed of pilots, boom operators, and maintenance personnel, showcased the KC-46’s impressive performance and versatility. Spectators were treated to a thrilling display as the aircraft executed a high-speed pass with its refuelling boom extended at 500 feet, followed by a low-speed pass with its landing gear and flaps deployed. These manoeuvres effectively illustrated the aircraft’s agility and precision, crucial attributes for a tanker operating in challenging environments. AeroVironment is set to enhance its flagship Puma unmanned aerial system (UAS), equipping it with new software designed to improve reliability in contested and denied airspace. In an announcement Thursday, the company said its Puma 3 AE and Puma LE drones will receive the software upgrade to elevate their battlefield effectiveness in electromagnetic environments. Middle East & Africa The United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence have taken delivery of an additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft from […]

The enduring challenge for the military has been to prepare for potential deployment in future scenarios, equipped with the right capabilities and strategies. This involves envisioning and testing different solutions, while engaging industry, academia, and research centres.

Earlier this year, the European Defence Agency (EDA) launched the Autonomous Systems Community of Interests (ASCI) to do just that. It has attracted over 750 members from across the warfare domains. Building on the EDA Action Plan for Autonomous Systems, the community held its first conference in Brussels from 13 to 14 November 2024.

The aim was not only to delve into the technological challenges and threat landscapes but also to emphasise the need for ethical guidelines and standardisation. The event underscored that integrating autonomous systems into European defence is as challenging as it is essential, highlighting an area where Member States collaboration will be crucial to success. 

“The Autonomous System Community of Interests is a cross-directorate effort at EDA, reflecting the need for diverse and complementary perspectives and know-how” André Denk, EDA’s Deputy Chief Executive, told the conference. “The end goal is to ensure Member States’ armed forces are equipped with highly autonomous, effective, and reliable systems as critical assets on the future battlefield” he said. 

The EDA Action Plan for autonomous systems underpins these efforts. The plan aims to improve the performance of individual unmanned systems, develop and enhance autonomous systems to work together, and enable manned-unmanned teaming across domains. It is important to note that EDA and EU armed forces are not developing fully autonomous lethal systems. 

Ukraine’s experiences in recent conflicts offer insights into the role of autonomous systems in modern warfare. Their contributions show how autonomous systems can enhance operational precision, flexibility, and risk mitigation. ASCI’s mission centres on three key priorities: recognizing autonomy’s indispensable role in defence, establishing ethical and regulatory standards, and enhancing collaboration across Europe. 

“ASCI stands as a collaborative force, linking civilian and military efforts and fostering essential partnerships. ASCI is not just a network; it is a community with a shared purpose” said Nathalie Guichard, EDA’s Research and Technology Director. “The creation of ASCI has never been more essential. Autonomous systems are reshaping defence strategies and our approach to global security challenges.”