UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
The procurement division of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence officially signed a contract with Dassault to acquire 18 Rafale fighters plus a separate deal for ‘associated logistic support’, the French aircraft manufacturer announced on 25 January.
This follows a draft agreement signed in September 2020.
The €2.49 billion ($3.02 billion) deal includes six new-build and 12 ex-French Air and Space Force aircraft, to be delivered to the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) in the next two years, as well as missiles from MBDA and Safran (AASM Hammer).
Under the logistics contract, Dassault stated that it will support the HAF Rafale fleet until mid-2025, maintaining the availability of equipment and systems ‘at the highest level’.
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Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.