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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Naval Warfare

Taiwan launches first IDS submarine in attempt to deter Chinese aggression

4th March 2024

Taipei’s morale-boosting US$1.5 billion submarine project has entered the water as Taiwan ramps up attempts to stall Chinese hostility.
Air Warfare

General Atomics XQ-67A takes first flight

1st March 2024

General Atomics' XQ-67A jet-powered combat drone has completed its inaugural flight, just weeks after the company officially revealed the platform.
Air Warfare

UK NMH programme will not see helicopters delivered to British Armed Forces until 2027

1st March 2024

Airbus, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin have progressed through to the Invitation to Negotiate phase of the New Medium Helicopter competition, but the initial goal of introducing new helicopters by 2025 remained unattainable.
Air Warfare

Singapore announces F-35A order as it looks to diversify its future fighter fleet

28th February 2024

Singapore’s announcement of the procurement of eight F-35As has solidified the country’s commitment to enhancing national security and has seen it join select nations in operating multiple variants of the Lockheed Martin fighter aircraft.
Air Warfare

KAI develops MUM-T alongside fighter program

28th February 2024

KAI has been developing manned-unmanned teaming and air-launched effects technologies to be operated alongside its domestically developed KF-21 Boramae fighter.
Land Warfare

ST Engineering updates Singapore Army’s standard service weapon

27th February 2024

STE boosts firearms portfolio with updated SAR 21 and Ultimax 100 variants, revealing it has been targeting sales via updates to the legacy assault rifle and light machine gun.
Naval Warfare

NATO’s largest exercise for decades is shaping future transatlantic security

27th February 2024

Steadfast Defender 24 (STDE24), the main NATO multi-domain exercise for 2024, has seen large-scale national and multinational live exercises taking place across the whole NATO area. Among the challenges it has attempted to tackle have been the increased lethality of uncrewed systems and how to enhance amphibious landings in cold environments.
Defence Notes

Aging infrastructure is endangering US military’s capacity to innovate

26th February 2024

The US’s ability to prepare for future conflicts had been placed at risk with many Pentagon laboratories and testing centres being housed in poorly maintained and aging structures.
Air Warfare

Rafael’s Ice and Sea Breaker readies for production

23rd February 2024

Rafael revealed at the Singapore Airshow 2024 that production was about to commence on the Ice and Sea Breaker for two customers who signed up for the missile two years ago.
Air Warfare

Embraer readies to ride “strong sales momentum” for C-390 aircraft in Asia

22nd February 2024

Embraer’s presence at the Singapore Airshow 2024 with its C-390 has underscored its confidence in the platform’s capabilities and its eagerness to secure additional orders in the region.
Defence Notes

What the US expects from a third year of war in Ukraine

22nd February 2024

On the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the uncertainty regarding the future of the conflict has split opinions in Washington, placing military assistance to Kyiv and sanctions on Moscow in a nebulous zone.
Air Warfare

General Atomics looks to broaden Mojave UAV role amid FARA cancellation

22nd February 2024

The US Army has decided to channel portions of the terminated FARA helicopter funds into uncrewed platforms, while GA-ASI continues its work on broadening the applications of UAVs in attack and reconnaissance roles.
Air Warfare

Singapore Airshow 2024: Saab's Gripen E sets sights on fighter procurement breakthroughs

21st February 2024

Saab can see glimmers of hope for its Gripen E multirole fighter jets, despite facing hurdles in recent fighter procurement competitions, as discussions unfold with Thailand, the Philippines and the Czech Republic.
Defence Notes

Sweden commits US$684.7 million in equipment and funds to Ukraine

20th February 2024

Sweden has announced another package of support for Ukraine, following hot on the heels of Canada’s additional support announced this week and last week’s support from the UK and the EU.
Air Warfare

Singapore Airshow 2024: Boeing remains confident in Indonesian F-15EX programme

20th February 2024

Despite uncertainty over a clear timeline for final approval of the Indonesian F-15EX fighter programme, discussions have been ongoing between the US and Indonesian governments, as they work to address various aspects of the FMS deal.
Naval Warfare

Australia releases blueprint for expanded naval surface fleet

20th February 2024

The much-anticipated Enhanced Lethality Surface Combatant Fleet review has allocated billions of dollars towards enhancing the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet.
Air Warfare

Singapore Airshow 2024: Singapore’s Apache upgrade among plans to renew RSAF capabilities

20th February 2024

Singapore’s air force chief has confirmed plans to extend the life of the RSAF’s Apaches to beyond 2030, as well as revealing the next steps for future purchases of F-35s, replacements for its UAV fleet and updates to its ground-based air defence systems.
Air Warfare

Singapore Airshow 2024: Singapore’s air chief reflects on lessons learnt from ongoing conflicts

20th February 2024

Singapore’s air force chief shares four key learnings from ongoing conflicts ranging from countering low-cost drones to ensuring the defence of the digital domain.
Air Warfare

France and Airbus eye up Indian defence deals

19th February 2024

India has kickstarted an ambitious procurement process on a number of defence platforms for its Armed Forces with Airbus and France likely to be the main contenders for contract wins.