Defence Notes

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

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.

Trump enters the White House promising into bring the US military to a “golden age”

The returning US president also reiterated a commitment to supply the services with “made-in-America” capabilities and to end conflicts worldwide.

Incoming Irish government backs plans for larger defence force

It has been more than six weeks since the Irish general election. After long negotiations, a coalition of two of the three largest parties and independents has resulted in a Programme for Government (PfG) which will form the basis of a government almost guaranteed to be formed on 22 January.

Uncrewed Vehicles

Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market

The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.

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Digital Battlespace

How Does Viasat's Technology Aid in an Embassy Rescue? (sponsored video)

15th August 2019

This video is brought to you by Viasat In a situation where citizens are being held hostage in an embassy, the speed of response is …
Defence Notes

Lockheed receives JASSM FMS support contract

14th August 2019

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $99 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) foreign military sales production support. This contract will provide …
Naval Warfare

USS Gerald R Ford propulsion mods completed

14th August 2019

The US Navy and Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) have completed the maintenance and repair of the propulsion plant for the USS Gerald R …
Land Warfare

Aegis Ashore returns to service in Romania

13th August 2019

NATO’s Romania-based Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defence (BMD) system has completed an update and has been returned to service at its Deveselu base. While details …
Defence Notes

Is the ‘Red Dragon’ fearsome or friendly?

13th August 2019

If Beijing’s leaders and its numerous mouthpieces are to be believed, China is a friendly and cuddly panda intent on holding the world together. Then …
Digital Battlespace

Asian nations boost spy satellite capacities

13th August 2019

Asian countries continue to enhance their satellite constellations, with China, India and South Korea all making recent announcements in the space realm. China, for instance, …
Naval Warfare

Lockheed Martin receives Aegis repair work

12th August 2019

Lockheed Martin will undertake repair work in support of the Aegis SPY-1 weapon system under a US Department of Defense contract announced on 9 August. …
Naval Warfare

General Dynamics receives sub repair work order

12th August 2019

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp has received an order for the planning, material procurement and repair work of the US Navy’s USS Washington. The $15 …
Naval Warfare

Analysis: China seeks to dominate the seas

12th August 2019

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) focus as stated by China’s latest Defence White Paper is to build a strong and modernised naval force …
Defence Notes

Analysis: China's air force sees shift in strategic mission

12th August 2019

China’s shifting focus from traditional security concerns to global power competition has brought along changes in People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s (PLAAF) strategic mission.
Naval Warfare

US Navy ponders prolonging Los Angeles subs

10th August 2019

The US Navy is studying whether to extend the service life of some of its ageing Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) by 12 years …
Naval Warfare

HMS Talent arrives at HM Naval Base Clyde

9th August 2019

The Royal Navy’s HMS Talent has arrived at its new home port at HM Naval Base Clyde. The Trafalgar-class attack submarine has operated from HM …
Defence Notes

BAE Systems delivers Sceptre planning system

9th August 2019

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to deliver Sceptre to the RAF to transform the way it plans, briefs, executes and debriefs missions on …
Naval Warfare

Philippines commissions second-hand ASW corvette

9th August 2019

The Philippine Navy (PN) formally took receipt of its new – or rather, second-hand – corvette from South Korea on 5 August. The 32-year-old Pohang …
Defence Notes

Podcast: The US Army on its Next Generation Combat Vehicle, an interview with Cohort and considering the disruption of lasers

9th August 2019

Welcome to Episode 29 of The Weekly Defence Podcast. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and more. Sign up to an early email alert of future podcasts here.
Naval Warfare

BAE Systems awarded US Navy vessel work

8th August 2019

BAE Systems will enhance operations on new build US Navy aircraft carriers, after being awarded a prime contractor position on a new IDIQ contract. The …
Defence Notes

US air superiority effort faces uncertain funding

8th August 2019

The USAF is trying to stave off a deep budget cut to its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) technology development programme. While the air force …
Naval Warfare

Rheinmetall, MBDA to develop naval laser

8th August 2019

Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland will collaborate on the development of a laser demonstrator for the German Navy’s K130 corvette. The companies will jointly construct, integrate …
Defence Notes

India’s budget shortfall is thwarting modernisation

8th August 2019

India’s defence budget for April 2019-March 2020 presented by the re-elected government has fallen short of expectations, with planned modernisation of the military i likely …