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.

Naval Warfare

Havelsan boosts command and control in Omani fleet “for 20 years”

A new deal between the Turkish firm and the Royal Navy of Oman would upgrade all the navy’s currently active vessels.

Land Warfare

IDEX 2025: Milrem Robotics unleashes Havoc

Milrem Robotics has added a large 8x8 Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) to its list of products as it continues to ramp up production of its Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) UGV.

Air Warfare

Regent’s Viceroy targets “early March” for US Marine-aided sea trials

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.

Air Warfare

IDEX 2025: Heven Drones launches ‘The Raider’, its new hydrogen-powered UAS

The new uncrewed aerial system has been designed to address multiple mission requirements, building on its H2D family of drones with an extended range and payload capacity.

More Stories

Naval Warfare

India and UK to collaborate on propulsion for next-generation Landing Dock Platform

12th February 2025

The two countries signed a Statement of Intent to design an integrated full electric propulsion system for the Landing Platform Dock by 2030.
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.
Land Warfare

Saab receives $60 million contract for anti-tank and air defence systems for CV90s

11th February 2025

The Universal Tank and Anti-Aircraft System (UTAAS) is a modular, integrated sight and fire control system for BAE Systems Hägglunds Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) and acts against both aerial and land targets.
Land Warfare

What is preventing the Pentagon from fielding emerging missile defence technologies?

11th February 2025

Issues related to low budgets and the slow speed of development programmes are among the main obstacles the US DoD must overcome in respect to missile procurement and deployment.
Naval Warfare

New anti-mine technology delivered to French and Royal Norwegian navies

11th February 2025

Thales and Patria are among the companies to have supplied European navies with systems to combat the growing sea mine threat.
Air Warfare

Netherlands signs deal for eight PC-7 MKX training aircraft

10th February 2025

The eight new aircraft will also be joined by four flight simulators, the former replacing the air force’s current Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft by 2027.
Air Warfare

US Army UH-60M Black Hawk fitted with T901 engine approaches first flight

10th February 2025

The service recently started ground run testing to verify the full integration of the T901-GE-900 engine.
Naval Warfare

Quantum technology will revolutionise anti-submarine and anti-mine warfare, says Thales UK CTO

10th February 2025

Quantum technology could radically enhance underwater visibility of hostile vessels and mines – and deliver PNT in GNSS-deprived areas.
Land Warfare

Need to develop AI-powered red pictures for battlefield situational awareness?

10th February 2025

Leverage Systematic's SitaWare suite to fuse intelligence and share awareness of your opponent’s deployments and capabilities.
Air Warfare

Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2025)

10th February 2025

The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2025.
Naval Warfare

Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate to use half the crew of the Type 23 and embrace automation

10th February 2025

The Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate is incorporating automation, reduced crew requirements and enhanced living conditions into its design as the force attempts to meet modern operational demands.
Land Warfare

Lockheed Martin awarded $2.8 billion THAAD development contract

7th February 2025

The contract amount for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System will support its continued development over the next five years, with two options to extend for up to 10 years.
Naval Warfare

MDL and TKMS partnership becomes sole bidder for India’s $8 billion P751 contract

7th February 2025

The partnership is understood to be the only remaining contender for the contract which could be signed in 2026.
Land Warfare

Rheinmetall signs $3.2 billion framework agreement for platoon systems

7th February 2025

As part of the agreement, Rheinmetall has received an initial contract for 92 platoon systems, consisting of 68 refurbished platoon systems and 24 new systems, worth approximately €417 million (US$432 million).
Air Warfare

Ukraine’s fighter fleet boosted with France’s Mirage 2000s and extra Netherlands’ F-16s

7th February 2025

The first Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft have finally been delivered to Ukraine, as confirmed by France’s defence minister on 6 February. They will join the F-16s already in service to bolster Ukrainian air defence.
Air Warfare

Indian defence budget boosted by 9% as MoD heralds a “year of reforms”

7th February 2025

This new budget announcement, which has an increased focus on domestic procurement, comes as international countries arrive ahead of Aero India 2025.
Naval Warfare

HII revenues down in 2024, but Mission Technologies arm blooms

6th February 2025

The shipbuilder has been dealing with a pre-Covid 19 backlog as well as winning new business.
Air Warfare

Sikorsky advances Black Hawk modernisation with new engine ground tests

6th February 2025

The UH-60 helicopter ground run test of the T901 engine is the first in a set of tests for boosting the helicopter’s range and lift capacity. The first flight of the improved engine Black Hawk is anticipated for later in 2025.
Air Warfare

Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing

6th February 2025

Australia received its first MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in August last year with another two expected to be delivered this year.