Defence Notes

Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds

First quarter 2025 results have been dropping for companies in the past week but many of the US results come with a health warning in their forward-looking aspects about the potential impact of actions by the Trump administration.

Naval Warfare

Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS

In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.

Defence Notes

Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan

The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.

Naval Warfare

How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions

The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.

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Defence Notes

OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”

18th March 2025

Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
Defence Notes

MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog

18th March 2025

MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.
Defence Notes

Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons

13th March 2025

Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
Naval Warfare

US Navy shipbuilding branded “too slow” and “too expensive” by acquisition chief

12th March 2025

Several of the US Navy’s leading programmes, including the Constellation-class frigate and the Virginia-class submarine, are significantly behind schedule.
Defence Notes

Leonardo projects €30 billion in revenue by 2029

12th March 2025

The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
Air Warfare

Dassault considers boosting Indian presence to support future Rafale production

11th March 2025

Discussion of any new production line in India would reportedly be for the F5 jet, although India is also closing in on cementing a deal for 26 Rafale-M aircraft for its Navy.
Naval Warfare

Indra proposes “Internet of Underwater Things” as possible next step in naval warfare

11th March 2025

A new concept of underwater warfare could be needed to take naval defence to its next evolution.
Air Warfare

Leonardo and Baykar join forces to develop uncrewed aerial systems

6th March 2025

Baykar’s AKINCI drone will be the first focus platform for the joint venture, with the first prototype targeted for development in 12 to 18 months.
Air Warfare

Europe will “struggle” to fill capability gaps left by US-Ukraine aid pause

6th March 2025

Europe’s capacity to fill the capability gaps created by the US pause on military aid to Ukraine is uncertain, according to analysts, but European defence industry leaders have stressed their readiness to meet demand.
Land Warfare

World Defense Show 2026 to unite global and local innovation

5th March 2025

Saudi Arabia’s showpiece event for the defence industry will return in 2026 as it attempts to foster global defence collaboration, promote opportunity within the Kingdom and demonstrate technological innovation from across the Middle East.
Defence Notes

UK Parliament told that Europe needs to do more within NATO and undertake reforms

5th March 2025

Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
Air Warfare

USAF tests Harpoon missile integration on F-16 aircraft

4th March 2025

The integration of the Harpoon missile on the Lockheed Martin fighter worked to showcase the rapid speed at which a ‘gateway system’ integration can add new capabilities to aircraft.
Defence Notes

What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?

4th March 2025

NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
Air Warfare

Singapore eyes C-295MPA and P-8 for maritime patrol aircraft requirement

4th March 2025

The down-selection of both the aircraft comes amid maritime tensions in the region.
Naval Warfare

Singapore to add two more submarines to fleet as it hikes defence spending

3rd March 2025

Singapore’s army and navy look set to benefit from increases in the country’s defence budget, with submarines and IFVs on the shopping list.
Defence Notes

Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet

3rd March 2025

Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
Air Warfare

MBDA’s Meteor completes first F-35B test flight

28th February 2025

The US Marine Corps’ aircraft conducted the first test flight of the missile from Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Digital Battlespace

Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)

26th February 2025

In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
Air Warfare

IDEX 2025: Edge Group expands aerospace portfolio with six new UAVs and collaboration agreements

26th February 2025

Edge Group’s international partnership collaboration included Letters of Intent (LoIs) and agreements with US firm Lockheed Martin and multinational aerospace, defence and security company, Leonardo.