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

Airbus wins €480 million contract to build communications network for French air and naval forces

26th February 2025

The IP Network, named RIFAN 3, will build on the work of previous RIFAN 2 network, with development work carried out on the new system between 2026 to 2030.
Defence Notes

UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens

25th February 2025

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.
Air Warfare

IDEX 2025: Aselsan plans further electro-optic systems’ flight tests for 2025

24th February 2025

Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol confirmed that the tests for its TOYGUN and KARAT products would take place on a UAV platform as efforts continue to progress its “challenging” technology roadmap into 2025 and 2026.
Defence Notes

Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons

18th February 2025

Increased drone use in Ukraine and in Middle Eastern conflicts has created a strong impetus to develop laser and radio-frequency firepower as exploration of direct-energy technology intensifies.
Land Warfare

India unveils new air surveillance radars at Aero India 2025

16th February 2025

Of the various types unveiled, one serves as an early-warning system, designed to detect stealth aircraft, while the second detects aerial targets and the third, protects mobile army units – all providing an extra-layer of threat detection for the Indian Armed Forces.
Air Warfare

IDEX 2025: Industry poised to profit from Middle East air forces’ modernisation efforts

14th February 2025

Companies such as the Eurofighter consortium and Embraer, await potential orders from the Middle East, while countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE work to add mass, modernise and replace ageing aircraft.
Air Warfare

China’s modernisation could “gradually erode” US advantage, says IISS

13th February 2025

China’s growing capabilities, such as newly unveiled combat aircraft designs and ongoing J-20 aircraft production, were noted as examples of the country's rapid modernisation efforts and military reforms.
Air Warfare

Regent’s Viceroy targets “early March” for US Marine-aided sea trials

11th February 2025

The sea trials will focus on de-risking the seaglider with US Marine involvement after Regent signed a partnership to help develop the prototype, against a backdrop of growing military interest from the UK and Japan.
Defence Notes

Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion

11th February 2025

The new figure is an increase from US$75.8 billion in 2024 and showcases the country’s focus on its Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified and sustainable economy, reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on oil.
Air Warfare

Ukraine’s fighter fleet boosted with France’s Mirage 2000s and extra Netherlands’ F-16s

7th February 2025

The first Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft have finally been delivered to Ukraine, as confirmed by France’s defence minister on 6 February. They will join the F-16s already in service to bolster Ukrainian air defence.
Air Warfare

Indian defence budget boosted by 9% as MoD heralds a “year of reforms”

7th February 2025

This new budget announcement, which has an increased focus on domestic procurement, comes as international countries arrive ahead of Aero India 2025.
Defence Notes

Broad demand for land and technology equipment boosts defence companies’ financial results

6th February 2025

Financial reporting season for the calendar year of 2024 has continued to show substantial growth for defence companies as countries across the world, particularly those in Europe, open the chequebook.
Naval Warfare

Singapore’s navy starts naval patrols with uncrewed vessels

5th February 2025

The unmanned patrol vessels have utilised collision-avoidance AI and expertise from Western allies in their design and construction.
Naval Warfare

Learning from Japan: how to transform a fleet at speed

4th February 2025

At a recent event in London, lessons were shared based on the experiences of the Japanese Navy and how it has been building a fleet rapidly.
Defence Notes

EU commits to increased defence spending and boosting capability

4th February 2025

There has been increased pressure from the second-term Trump administration in the US, as there was in the first term, for increased defence spending from non-US NATO countries, a move which is noted by Europe as already occurring.
Air Warfare

Boeing CEO notes “confidence” in defence arm despite 20% Q4 revenue loss

30th January 2025

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg indicated ongoing improvements were being made in its defence programmes going forwards, despite being affected in Q4 by cost pressures, higher manufacturing costs and the impact of the IAM strike.
Air Warfare

Updated US Air Force doctrine emphasises the need for multi-domain capabilities

28th January 2025

Modifications in the US Air Force (USAF) doctrine aim to prepare the service for tomorrow’s warfare.
Air Warfare

UK MoD “getting a grip” of budgets as three UK air programmes slip into the red

23rd January 2025

The E-7 Wedgetail, Future Combat Air System and the Protector programmes were highlighted as items of concern from a recently published UK Infrastructure and Projects Authority report.
Defence Notes

Can the Trump administration overcome the Pentagon's multiple capability integration issues?

23rd January 2025

Better integration of systems and sensors across the branches will be critical to ensuring deterrence and readiness.