Defence Notes

F-15EX and shipbuilding win big in proposed $150 billion US defence funding boost

The legislation outlined additional budget to enhance air, land and naval platforms, including next-generation air and uncrewed naval programmes.

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.

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.

More Stories

Military Logistics

US Navy teaches partners small boat repair skills

20th September 2018

US Navy personnel are teaching partner nations the critical logistics skills necessary to repair and maintain small boat fleets to support special operations and other …
Defence Notes

US Army Secretary admits Poland may not be ready for 'Fort Trump'

20th September 2018

Poland might not yet be ready for a permanent US military base, the head of the US Army said on 19 September, the day after …
Defence Notes

AAD 2018: UK seeks to reboot South African partnership

20th September 2018

One of the key mantras on the ground at AAD 2018 in South Africa is ‘potential’– this is a sentiment being explored by the UK …
Uncrewed Vehicles

Danger zone: SkyGuardian flight precautions emerge

20th September 2018

Temporary danger and diversion areas were established by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to assist the July 2018 transatlantic flight and UK touch down of …
Defence Notes

US coalition to block North Korean oil

20th September 2018

A US government effort to build a multinational coalition to monitor North Korean violations of fuel smuggling appears to be gaining steam. The Trump administration, …
Digital Battlespace

AAD 2018: Vricon brings 3D mapping technology to Africa

19th September 2018

Vricon’s software data mapping technology, 3D Surface Model, can provide military decision-makers with worldwide coverage irrelevant to terrain environments through automation and commercial satellite technology. …
Defence Notes

Opinion: South Korea – the next big defence exporter?

19th September 2018

In terms of Asian defence companies, China is clearly the big-hitter. The International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) recently published research listing three Chinese companies …
Naval Warfare

Ukraine strengthens its naval power

18th September 2018

Ukraine continues to invest in its naval fleet development by taking delivery of new vessels while also planning the purchase of additional platforms. The first …
Digital Battlespace

Intelsat encrypting Five Eyes as contested operations increase

18th September 2018

The safe transference of data is of the upmost importance to civil and military operators alike; however, the conduct of clandestine missions conducted by multinational …
Defence Notes

US Air Force seeks additional operational squadrons

17th September 2018

Stretched thin by a growing workload the US Air Force needs to add 74 operational squadrons, nearly a 24% increase, to improve its ability to …
Defence Notes

Washington set to replace US military commander in South Korea

17th September 2018

Washington is set to replace the commander of US forces in South Korea amid a rapid diplomatic thaw on the peninsula, even as denuclearisation of …
Defence Notes

Mattis in Macedonia to counter 'Russian influence' against name change

17th September 2018

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis arrived in Skopje on 17 September to back a 'yes' vote at this month's referendum on Macedonia's name change and …
Defence Notes

Opinion: Europe's forgotten war

15th September 2018

In February 2014, a separatist movement emerged in the Crimea, backed by armed groups and with Russian military assistance, they took control of the region …
Defence Notes

Congress poised to pass 2019 defence bill

14th September 2018

US House and Senate conferees emerged from behind closed doors with a compromise to fund the Pentagon with $674.4 billion next year, while padding missile …
Naval Warfare

South Korea launches its first missile-capable submarine

14th September 2018

South Korea launched its first ever missile-capable attack submarine on 14 September, despite a recent diplomatic thaw with the nuclear-armed North. The $700 million, 3,000t …
Defence Notes

Lawmakers seek clarity over US Army's Futures Command

13th September 2018

US Army leaders sought to quell lawmakers' concerns over the new Futures Command in what is expected to be an initial step towards explaining how …
Naval Warfare

Poland prioritises submarines as industry details bids

13th September 2018

Polish government officials highlighted the procurement of new submarines under the Orka programme as one of the top military priorities for the nation during MSPO …
Special Operations

Medical training needs outlined for US Army SOC

13th September 2018

US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) has outlined its specific medical training and support needs for tactical medical training. The classes were outlined in a …
Defence Notes

Russia deploys most advanced air defences at army drills

13th September 2018

Russia showcased its most sophisticated air defence system on 12 September, using it to repel a mock attack from the sky as part of what …