Main News Portal

Global defence news, analysis and data insights across air, land, naval and military training. Shephard’s team of expert journalists cover new equipment and technology coverage, capability development, acquisition plans, contract awards and more.

Land Warfare

Operational Moog Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform makes debut outside US

Moog’s Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) is being displayed integrated onto a Supacat High Mobility Transporter (HMT) which in service with the British Army.

Land Warfare

India’s Zorawar light tank nears combat readiness following high-altitude trials

India’s Zorawar light tank, crafted for high-altitude agility and amphibious operations, has entered its next development phase following trials.

Naval Warfare

Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?

Autonomous vessels can reduce risk to the lives of naval personnel, but could retrofitting be a faster, cheaper option?

Land Warfare

US Army special operators test 5G and Wi-Fi 6e device for dismounted troops

Persistent Systems’ Personal Transport 5 was built for deployment in challenging, contested and congested scenarios.

More Stories

Air Warfare

US approves additional $39 million JASSM-ER order for JASDF’s aircraft

20th January 2025

The contract for these additional missiles to equip its F-15J, F-35A and F-35B fighter jets follows its earlier request for 50 missiles in March 2024.
Land Warfare

Kongsberg Defence Australia to supply control stations to Poland under $12 million deal

20th January 2025

The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence System (CDS) command and control (C2) console is derived from the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System air defence console currently in service with the Australian Army,
Naval Warfare

Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role

17th January 2025

The outgoing US Secretary of the Navy named destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers during his last weeks in office.
Air Warfare

Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries

17th January 2025

The 10 helicopters delivered throughout 2024 make up part of a larger contract for 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters for the country.
Air Warfare

Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France

17th January 2025

The Airbus rotorcraft will replace the French Air Force’s Puma helicopters, following the initial contract signing in 2021.
Land Warfare

Sweden orders 44 more Leopard 2A8 tanks to replace donations to Ukraine

17th January 2025

Along with the order for the new tanks, Sweden will upgrade its older variants to the same standard as the new vehicles.
Naval Warfare

South Korea receives first Batch-III frigate and issues contracts for other vessels

17th January 2025

South Korea is moving ahead at speed with its frigate programme, involving both domestic heavy-hitting shipbuilders.
Defence Notes

Incoming Irish government backs plans for larger defence force

17th January 2025

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.
Naval Warfare

UK-Japan meeting resolves details of Carrier Group operations

16th January 2025

As joint military training begins between the UK and Japan, a meeting of defence ministers plans details of a Carrier Group deployment later in the year.
Naval Warfare

Spanish F-110 frigate’s new SPY-7 radar achieves successful track, keeping launch on schedule

16th January 2025

The SPY-7 radar will undergo testing and calibration down to its component level before it is handed over to the Spanish Navy.
Land Warfare

Australia launches hunt for counter-drone systems

16th January 2025

Australia is looking for a counter-drone system and is turning to its substantial local companies in the field such as Drone Shield, EOS and Codarra.
Uncrewed Vehicles

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

16th January 2025

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.
Air Warfare

Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays

16th January 2025

According to local media sources, thousands of drones destined for Ukraine are currently stuck in warehouses due to bureaucratic delays.
Land Warfare

Viettel acts as dominant force in Vietnam’s military modernisation

16th January 2025

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

How Chinese advancements will impact the future development of the US Air Force fleet

16th January 2025

US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has said that China would continue to be a “problem” for the development of the service’s fleet over the coming decades.
Land Warfare

Singapore commissions Hunter engineer vehicle variant

16th January 2025

The HT-AEV, developed in partnership with DSTA and ST Engineering, will be an advanced armoured engineer vehicle designed to enhance obstacle-clearing capabilities.
Air Warfare

Royal Thai Air Forces’ bid for Saab’s Gripens backed by defence minister

15th January 2025

The Thai government minister expressed confidence in the aircraft type, noting that a decision on the selection process between the Gripen and F-16 would be “made soon”.
Naval Warfare

India commissions three new vessels

15th January 2025

The new vessels, Nilgiri, Surat and Vagsheer, will be deployed to protect vital trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
Air Warfare

GCAP needs to “avoid mistakes” of previous programmes to meet 2035 date, states UK Defence Committee

15th January 2025

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) report highlighted issues with opening the programme to other international partners, as well as notable gaps in future training requirement for the sixth-generation aircraft.