Defence Notes

Read the latest general defence news and company announcements from our team of expert journalists and analysts, giving you the 'so what' behind the latest headlines.

Naval Warfare

Insight: What is the way forward for the propulsion systems of conventional submarines?

Recent advancements in lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology have led to a resurgence of conventional diesel-electric submarines. As a result, shipbuilders like Naval Group have opted to move away from air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems and instead focus on a range of submarines equipped with a full LIB configuration.

Defence Notes

Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard

The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.

Defence Notes

UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?

The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.

Training

What is preventing the US Pentagon from succeeding in multi-domain scenarios?

Outstanding issues to be addressed include improving doctrine, increasing the number of joint exercises and better integrating capabilities across the services.

More Stories

Air Warfare

Saab posts strong Q3 results despite T-7 trainer difficulties

29th October 2024

The demand for Saab’s broad portfolio remains high, the Swedish company said, with it anticipating a 2024 organic sales growth between 15-20%.
Defence Notes

UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review

28th October 2024

The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
Naval Warfare

MBDA and Safran unveil the latest versions of the SIMBAD-RC and NGDS launchers

25th October 2024

With navies facing the growing threats of swarms of UAVs and fast attack craft/USVs, the two French companies have been developing reloadable-at-sea systems capable of firing multiple ammunitions.
Naval Warfare

Pioneering the Future of Naval Defence: Fincantieri's Cutting-Edge Innovations

22nd October 2024

Fincantieri leads naval defence innovation, integrating advanced propulsion, digital tools, and sustainable technologies for modern military fleets.
Defence Notes

US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities

18th October 2024

BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
Naval Warfare

Royal Navy calls for industry views on modular outfitting

17th October 2024

The UK Government has called for industry views on the viability of a long-term approach to NavyPODS.
Air Warfare

RTX Raytheon wins $736 million contract to make AIM-9X missiles

15th October 2024

Part of a US Navy and US Air Force joint programme, work under this contract will take place across the US up to 2029.
Air Warfare

Horizon Aircraft promotes military use case for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

13th October 2024

The Cavorite X7 is being promoted to serve three key military operational use-cases: ISR, medical evacuation and insertion/extraction.
Training

Why the US must enhance training for mariners operating in contested environments

11th October 2024

A US DoD report questioned the adequacy of contested environment training for civilian mariners supporting surge sealift missions and called for improved inter-agency coordination to better prepare them for potential conflict zones.
Defence Notes

Just Released: Military Training Technology Report October 2024 now available to read

10th October 2024

How the latest portable simulation solutions can deliver JTAC training wherever it is needed
Air Warfare

UK Royal Navy Wildcat fires Sea Venom anti-ship missile

9th October 2024

The Wildcat is fitted with .50cal gun and carries Stingray torpedoes and Marlet lightweight missiles. Sea Venom substantially boosts the platform’s punch.
Air Warfare

Netherlands commits €400 million into drones for Ukraine defence

8th October 2024

The Netherlands has already spent approximately €4 billion so far in military support to Ukraine.
Land Warfare

Singapore enhances air defence coverage for army forces in the field

4th October 2024

The adapted SPYDER system extends the reach and lethality of the air defence coverage of army units in their area of operations.
Defence Notes

Irish defence budget increased by just €100 million despite €25 billion surplus

3rd October 2024

The budget of more than €1.3 billion is a record figure for the Irish Defence Forces but almost a quarter is to meet to meet the pensions costs of Defence Forces Veterans and their dependents.
Digital Battlespace

Just Released: Space Technology Report

3rd October 2024

Why space is an essential part of modern military capabilities
Land Warfare

AUSA 2024 preview: Vehicles to take centre stage as competitions heat up

3rd October 2024

The Association of the US Army’s flagship conference and exhibition, the largest defence trade show in the US, returns on 14 October presenting one of the few chances for companies to publicly put their platforms to an audience of US decision-makers. Shephard takes a look at what’s in store for 2024.
Naval Warfare

Japan’s record defence budget proposals prompt major reorganisation for navy

2nd October 2024

Despite a record budget proposal, Japan’s military force has continued to face staffing problems, while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force readies itself for a major upheaval of its surface fleet.
Defence Notes

Just released: Night Vision & Situational Awareness Technology Report 2024 now available to read

1st October 2024

How night vision devices and soldier-worn sensors are underpinning advanced tactical C4ISR capabilities
Land Warfare

Seeing the Unseen – The Indispensable Role of Infrared Detection in Modern Defense Technology

30th September 2024

Infrared detection has emerged as a cornerstone of defense systems, providing essential capabilities in surveillance, target acquisition, and threat detection.