Defence Notes

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.

Land Warfare

Viettel acts as dominant force in Vietnam’s military modernisation

Vietnam defence manufacturer Viettel, traditionally known for radar and communications equipment, has been moving into new areas including kinetic weapons and loitering munitions.

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Defence Notes

Podcast: The future of rotorcraft, the air defence market and challenges facing the Royal Air Force

22nd March 2019

Welcome to Episode 9 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.
Defence Notes

Poland will acquire 5th-generation fighter jets

22nd March 2019

The Polish MoD has announced its intention to acquire a number of 5th-generation fighter jets and gradually phase out legacy Soviet-era fighters and bombers. Under …
Defence Notes

British military opens no-deal Brexit nerve centre

22nd March 2019

The UK MoD has started up a no-deal Brexit operations centre in a nuclear-bomb-proof bunker in central London, a spokesperson told AFP on 21 March. …
Naval Warfare

Helge Ingstad decision due before summer

21st March 2019

The Norwegian MoD will make a decision on the future of the recently salvaged frigate Helge Ingstad once a report on its state has been …
Naval Warfare

Fincantieri cuts steel for fourth Italian PPA

21st March 2019

Fincantieri has cut steel for the Italian Navy’s fourth Multipurpose Patrol Ship (PPA) at its shipyard in Riva Trigoso, Genova. The vessel will be the …
Defence Notes

France pours cold water on Trump's NATO Brazil musings

21st March 2019

On 20 March 2019 France appeared to nix US President Donald Trump's suggestion that Brazil could become a NATO member while opening the door to …
Defence Notes

MBDA encouraged by orders from ‘complex and challenging’ year

20th March 2019

Weapons manufacturer MBDA is taking heart from a 2018 orders intake which amounted to €4 billion ($4.6 billion), equivalent to €2.5 billion from domestic markets …
Digital Battlespace

Eyes on the horizon for RAF's future (video)

20th March 2019

AVM Gerry Mayhew, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, discusses the future direction of the Royal Air Force in the lead-up to the Air and …
Defence Notes

EU announces €500 million for defence projects

20th March 2019

On 19 March 2019 the EU announced up to €500 million in funding for defence projects, including the development of a ‘Eurodrone’. The European Commission, …
Defence Notes

EU announces €500 million for defence projects

20th March 2019

On 19 March 2019 the EU announced up to €500 million in funding for defence projects, including the development of a ‘Eurodrone’. The European Commission, …
Defence Notes

EU announces €500 million for defence projects

20th March 2019

On 19 March 2019 the EU announced up to €500 million in funding for defence projects, including the development of a ‘Eurodrone’. The European Commission, …
Defence Notes

EU announces €500 million for defence projects

20th March 2019

On 19 March 2019 the EU announced up to €500 million in funding for defence projects, including the development of a ‘Eurodrone’. The European Commission, …
Digital Battlespace

Australia to acquire new Peregrine EW aircraft

19th March 2019

On 18 March, Australia’s DoD confirmed it is acquiring four modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). To be designated the …
Digital Battlespace

Australia to acquire new Peregrine EW aircraft

19th March 2019

On 18 March, Australia’s DoD confirmed it is acquiring four modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). To be designated the …
Defence Notes

Merkel rejects US criticism on defence spending

19th March 2019

On 19 March 2019 Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted Germany will not cut foreign aid to raise military spending, rejecting US criticism of its defence outlays. …
Defence Notes

Germany to miss NATO spending target despite short-term rise

19th March 2019

German defence spending will rise next year but then drop off again as a percentage of GDP, Berlin said on 18 March 2019, in news …
Land Warfare

US anti-missile agency delays fielding more long-range interceptors

19th March 2019

The deployment of more long-range interceptor missiles to defend the United States against North Korean ballistic missiles is being pushed back two years, to 2025, …
Defence Notes

Canada extends Iraq, Ukraine military training missions

19th March 2019

Canada's defence and foreign ministers jointly announced on 18 March 2019 the extensions of military training missions in Iraq and Ukraine. Both had been slated …
Defence Notes

France questions if US support for NATO is 'perennial'

19th March 2019

France's defence minister questioned on 18 March 2019 whether the US commitment to the NATO alliance is ‘perennial’ and said Europe needs to build defence …