Defence Notes

Naval Warfare

Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution

The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.

Naval Warfare

Ireland steps up European defence co-operation in the face of Russian activity

Ireland is militarily neutral but has joined a European Union (EU) rapid reaction force and a European information sharing group.

Air Warfare

L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS and software solutions

L3Harris Technologies is investing in new systems and software for maritime operations and modernising the US Navy’s fleet of MPAs

New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia

This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.

More Stories

Air Warfare

US Air Force F-15 EW kit completes operational testing

3rd April 2024

Designed to offer full-spectrum electronic warfare capabilities for the F-15E and F-15EX fighters, the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) will enable freedom of manoeuvre and deeper penetration into battlespaces.
Naval Warfare

Belgium buys Exail’s R7 ROVs for underwater operations

3rd April 2024

The Belgian Armed Forces have ordered six R7 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) from the French company Exail to allow for underwater inspection and disposal of explosive ordnance (EOD).
Air Warfare

Lockheed takes US JAGM and Hellfire follow-on production order

2nd April 2024

The total contract award value for Hellfire and JAGM missiles for the US services was set out for up to $4.5 billion between 2023 and 2025.
Training

Largest combined US-Indian exercise Tiger Triumph 2024 comes to an end

2nd April 2024

The bilateral Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise was held from 18–31 March 2024 in India. The 2024 edition marked the third time the exercise had taken place and was the largest to date, according to the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet.
Naval Warfare

Indonesia chooses French Naval Group to support building of two submarines

2nd April 2024

Indonesia has signed a contract with Naval Group to support the construction of two Scorpene Evolved Full LIB submarines via technology transfer.
Air Warfare

US hypersonic programmes to receive almost $7 billion in 2025

2nd April 2024

The investments in hypersonic capabilities, part of the US$9.8 billion fund the Pentagon requested for long-range fires, will cover several initiatives across all domains.
Air Warfare

UK F-35 deliveries navigate TR-3 software snag as MoD keeps cool

29th March 2024

While the Royal Air Force recently received two new Lightning F-35B jets, delays in TR-3 software implementation have raised questions about the delivery of the remaining 13 Lockheed Martin jets.
Naval Warfare

US Coast Guard to invest nearly $500 million in Arctic capabilities

28th March 2024

The branch has been seeking icebreakers, cutters, C3 and ISR solutions, as well as uncrewed aerial and maritime platforms.
Air Warfare

UK disposable frontline drones set for 2025 deployment while collaborative platforms await decision

28th March 2024

Reflecting on lessons learned from the cancellation of the Mosquito programme, the Royal Air Force has redefined the role of uncrewed systems within its ranks through a tiered system.
Naval Warfare

Canadian Coast Guard awards pre-construction contract for MPVs

28th March 2024

The company received the Construction Engineering and Long Lead Items contract after having completed the Basic Design review for the vessels in late 2023.
Naval Warfare

Italy’s Fincantieri signs $1.3 billion contract to supply PPAs to Indonesia

28th March 2024

The contract will include two PPA units which were originally designed for and ordered by the Italian Navy.
Air Warfare

Boeing starts construction on first final assembly facility outside North America

27th March 2024

The site will manufacture the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, the first combat aircraft manufactured, engineered and designed in Australia in more than 50 years.
Naval Warfare

Royal Navy to equip vessels for $170.5 million with decoy launcher Ancilia

27th March 2024

The protection system would be fitted to a range of Royal Navy surface ships, including Type 26 and 31 frigates, and Type 45 destroyers.
Defence Notes

US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap

26th March 2024

The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
Naval Warfare

BlueWhale - A True Submarine Force Multiplier

26th March 2024

The seventh annual REPMUS* and Dynamic Messenger naval exercises, organized and led by the Portuguese Navy and NATO, were held over a three-week period in September 2023.
Air Warfare

Saab begins German Eurofighter EW sensor suit works

26th March 2024

The enhanced Eurofighters will replace the ageing Tornado ECR jets in the German Air Force’s fleet.
Air Warfare

US Navy orders 17 new Super Hornets

25th March 2024

New contract awarded to Boeing will see the delivery of 17 new F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighters and critical technical data.
Training

General Atomics adds new capabilities to Predator trainer

22nd March 2024

The new Predator Mission Trainer upgrade was said to enhance mission realism with improved visual graphics and offer instructors streamlined control for a more efficient and student-focused learning experience.
Air Warfare

Saab charts course for next-gen Swedish fighter

22nd March 2024

Studies on future fighters conducted by Saab and the FMV will aim to explore technologies and operational concepts, including crewed and uncrewed systems.