Defence Notes

Read the latest general defence news and company announcements from our team of expert journalists and analysts, giving you the 'so what' behind the latest headlines.

Dassault considers boosting Indian presence to support future Rafale production

Discussion of any new production line in India would reportedly be for the F5 jet, although India is also closing in on cementing a deal for 26 Rafale-M aircraft for its Navy.

Indra proposes “Internet of Underwater Things” as possible next step in naval warfare

A new concept of underwater warfare could be needed to take naval defence to its next evolution.

Leonardo and Baykar join forces to develop uncrewed aerial systems

Baykar’s AKINCI drone will be the first focus platform for the joint venture, with the first prototype targeted for development in 12 to 18 months.

Europe will “struggle” to fill capability gaps left by US-Ukraine aid pause

Europe’s capacity to fill the capability gaps created by the US pause on military aid to Ukraine is uncertain, according to analysts, but European defence industry leaders have stressed their readiness to meet demand.

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Land Warfare

World Defense Show 2026 to unite global and local innovation

5th March 2025

Saudi Arabia’s showpiece event for the defence industry will return in 2026 as it attempts to foster global defence collaboration, promote opportunity within the Kingdom and demonstrate technological innovation from across the Middle East.
Defence Notes

UK Parliament told that Europe needs to do more within NATO and undertake reforms

5th March 2025

Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
Air Warfare

USAF tests Harpoon missile integration on F-16 aircraft

4th March 2025

The integration of the Harpoon missile on the Lockheed Martin fighter worked to showcase the rapid speed at which a ‘gateway system’ integration can add new capabilities to aircraft.
Defence Notes

What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?

4th March 2025

NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
Air Warfare

Singapore eyes C-295MPA and P-8 for maritime patrol aircraft requirement

4th March 2025

The down-selection of both the aircraft comes amid maritime tensions in the region.
Naval Warfare

Singapore to add two more submarines to fleet as it hikes defence spending

3rd March 2025

Singapore’s army and navy look set to benefit from increases in the country’s defence budget, with submarines and IFVs on the shopping list.
Defence Notes

Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet

3rd March 2025

Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
Air Warfare

MBDA’s Meteor completes first F-35B test flight

28th February 2025

The US Marine Corps’ aircraft conducted the first test flight of the missile from Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Digital Battlespace

Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making

26th February 2025

In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
Air Warfare

IDEX 2025: Edge Group expands aerospace portfolio with six new UAVs and collaboration agreements

26th February 2025

Edge Group’s international partnership collaboration included Letters of Intent (LoIs) and agreements with US firm Lockheed Martin and multinational aerospace, defence and security company, Leonardo.
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.