• Air Warfare

  US Air Force eyes multi-orbit SATCOM capabilities

  17th September 2024

  The service is interested in the benefits it can provide such as network throughput, low latency, and resiliency for encrypted and non-encrypted communications.

• Land Warfare

  South Korean defence industry demonstrates its tech prowess

  6th November 2024

  Shephard takes a deep dive into the latest developments in the South Korean defence sector as the country arms itself to deal with current and future threats.

• Land Warfare

  AeroVironment wins $990 million stand-off contract with the US DoD

  29th August 2024

  While few details have been released, the contract will likely be for a system similar to the existing Switchblade UAS.

• Land Warfare

  Will future ground fleets finally embrace hybrid electric solutions?

  6th September 2024

  Despite growing interest in hybrid electric capabilities and its obvious advantages, obstacles and common challenges continue to hamper its deployment into military vehicles.

• Land Warfare

  Turkey’s FNSS turns to a tank for its new armoured vehicle

  2nd January 2025

  The first Kaplan Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) is due to be completed by FNSS in Turkey next year, with the second rolled out in Indonesia by Pindad, and qualification trials undertaken in both countries by 2026.

• Defence Notes

  Can the Trump administration overcome the Pentagon's multiple capability integration issues?

  23rd January 2025

  Better integration of systems and sensors across the branches will be critical to ensuring deterrence and readiness.

• Air Warfare

  BAE Systems wins $4 million in DARPA cash for AI programme

  11th September 2024

  The challenges of getting artificial intelligence into a jet fighter’s cockpit have proved considerable to date. BAE Systems will take a machine-learning approach to the problem.

• Digital Battlespace

  Arctic broadband satellites launched for reliable military connectivity

  14th August 2024

  The mission marks the first time an active US military payload has been delivered by commercial rocket.

• Air Warfare

  Embraer’s Millennium and Super Tucanos generate new customers

  19th September 2024

  Described as a “true” multi-role aircraft, Embraer has set an aim for the C-390 Millennium to be the cornerstone for different operations, from HA/DR to combat missions.

• Training

  Saab expands footprint in the US

  18th December 2024

  The company will operate in two new locations in the coming years to better support US services.

• Air Warfare

  Greenlight for Romania’s F-35 purchase takes approvals for the decade to almost $35 billion

  16th September 2024

  Romania is set to get the go-ahead for the purchase of F-35s after approval by the US State Department. Challenges before pen is put to paper remain, however, despite US$34.9 billion for 156 F-35s and equipment and systems having been approved to date.

• Uncrewed Vehicles

  UAVs in multiple classes proliferate in South Korea

  6th September 2024

  South Korea is rapidly advancing its UAV programmes and counter-drone capabilities in response to increasing threats from North Korea’s unmanned aerial systems.

• Naval Warfare

  Hellenic Navy launches second multipurpose FDI frigate, confirms talks on fourth

  23rd September 2024

  The HS Nearchos will join its sister ship HS Kimon in a variety of roles once it has been fully equipped and passed its sea trials. The delivery timeline for the fourth frigate remains unclear due to its late confirmation.

• Naval Warfare

  Indian Navy purchases anti-submarine sonobuoys to counter Chinese incursions

  5th September 2024

  The US approved the deal despite supply chain delays to other equipment ordered by India.

• Land Warfare

  Northrop Grumman partners with Hanwha Defense Australia to add Bushmaster gun to Redback IFV

  5th June 2024

  First unveiled in scale model in 2018, the AS21 Redback is a tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) selected for the Australian Army's Land 400 Phase 3. It has been based on the K21 IFV hull used by the South Korean Army.

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• Special operations vehicles

  LL-UTV (Contracted)

  Programme Background The LL-UTV is intended to increase the tactical mobility of the German Army's airborne forces and possibly also its SOF. A tender for ...

• Special operations vehicles

  LL-UTV (Options)

  Programme Background The LL-UTV is intended to increase the tactical mobility of the German Army's airborne forces and possibly also its SOF. A tender for ...

• Special operations vehicles

  MRZR Alpha LTATV

  Programme Background Polaris Government and Defense was awarded a contract to provide up to 1,500 LTATVs to USSOCOM in September 2013. These were based on ...

• Special operations vehicles

  MRZR 4 (Latvia)

  Programme Background The Latvian Armed Forces have identified a need for off-road tactical military vehicles that will help to increase the responsiveness of its expeditionary ...

• Special operations vehicles

  MRZR 2 (Forecast) (Latvia)

  Programme Background The Latvian Armed Forces have identified a need for off-road tactical military vehicles that will help to increase the responsiveness of its expeditionary ...

• Transport/tanker aircraft

  Strategic Tanker Transport [Canada]

  Programme Background This project will replace the existing fleet capability, including strategic airlift, air-to-air refuelling, Aeromedical Evacuations and Strategic Government of Canada transport. The Strategic ...

• Special operations vehicles

  Fardier SOV

  Programme Background The French Army's airborne units previously operated 280 Lohr FL500 Fardier utility vehicles to carry heavy equipment. Those vehicles increased the tactical mobility ...

• Special operations vehicles

  UAE Presidential Guard Special Operations Vehicles

  The new platform selected by the UAE Presidential Guard must be capable of operating in the UAE's desert terrain and should be able to fit ...

• Reconnaissance/patrol vehicles

  Caracal 4x4 Light Air Assault (Netherlands - Forecast)

  Programme Background As part of its Defence-wide Replacement Programme of Wheeled Vehicles (DVOW), the Dutch Army initiated the 12kN AASLT Air Assault Vehicle procurement programme ...

• Reconnaissance/patrol vehicles

  Caracal 4x4 Light Air Assault (Netherlands)

  Programme Background As part of its Defence-wide Replacement Programme of Wheeled Vehicles (DVOW), the Dutch Army initiated the 12kN AASLT Air Assault Vehicle procurement programme ...

• Reconnaissance/patrol vehicles, Special operations vehicles

  Caracal 4x4 Light Air Assault [Germany]

  Programme Background By 2017, the German Army's airborne forces had initiated two programmes to replace legacy equipment currently in service. The first of these programmes, ...

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  Air: Radio and SATCOM | P-1 EW [Japan]

  Japan is advancing its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities through the development of an EW version of the domestically produced Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. The ...

• Data links

  Data links | P-1 EW [Japan]

  Japan is advancing its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities through the development of an EW version of the domestically produced Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. The ...

• Air: Head-up displays

  Air: Head-up displays | P-1 EW [Japan]

  Japan is advancing its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities through the development of an EW version of the domestically produced Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. The ...

• Transponders and IFF

  Transponders and IFF | P-1 EW [Japan]

  Japan is advancing its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities through the development of an EW version of the domestically produced Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. The ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Trailers

  Tactical Trailer

  Polaris Defense developed the single-axle Tactical Trailer, able to carry a 450kg cargo, for use with its family of MRZR all-terrain vehicles. 

• Special operations vehicles

  DAGOR/DAGOR A1

  In October 2014 at the AUSA Annual event, Polaris Defense unveiled its 4x4 Deployable Advanced Ground Off-Road (DAGOR) vehicle as its submission for the US ...

• Special operations vehicles

  MRZR D4

  Unveiled at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in May 2016, the MRZR D4 is a high-performance, turbo-charged diesel variant of the MRZR 4 off-road ...

• Special operations vehicles

  MRZR 4

  The MRZR 4 is derived from the Polaris RZR commercial 4x4 all-terrain vehicle with modifications to make it suitable for military use. The MRZR 4 ...

• Sea: procedural training

  Polaris Desktop Bridge Trainer

  Described as a cost-effective alternative for training multiple students, the Polaris Desktop Bridge Trainer incorporates many of the features of the full navy bridge trainer, ...

• Sea: procedural training

  Polaris Navy Bridge Trainer

  The Polaris Navy Bridge Trainer simulates the bridge of a specific class of naval vessel, or as a generic bridge suitable for training personnel from ...

• Special operations vehicles

  MRZR D2

  Originally introduced in 2013, the MRZR family of vehicles is in service with the US and several other militaries across the world.  On 20 February ...

• Sea: tactical training

  Proteus Surface Warship CTT

  In addition to the generic Proteus Action Speed Tactical Trainer (ASTT), Kongsberg can also provide Command Team Trainers (CTT) tailored to the specific needs of ...

• Land: battle management systems

  FAAD/C-RAM C2

  The Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) Command and Control (C2) system was developed by Northrop Grumman to provide command and control (C2) for the US Army ...

• Self-propelled rocket launchers

  Fletcher

  Arnold Defense, which has produced more than 1.1 million 2.75in/70mm rocket launchers for airborne applications since 1961, unveiled the Fletcher 2.75in/70mm Weapon System at the September ...

• Military UGVs

  MRZR X

  Team Polaris unveiled the unmanned MRZR X multi-mode, connected vehicle for the first time at the AUVSI trade show in 2018. The MRZR X has been ...

• Special operations vehicles

  Sportsman MV850

  The Sportsman MV850 is derived from the Polaris Sportsman commercial 4x4 all-terrain vehicle and has been modified for military use. The MV850 seats one with ...

• Special operations vehicles

  MRZR Alpha

  The MRZR Alpha is an improved variant of the Polaris MRZR series developed to meet a US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) requirement for a follow-on Light Tactical ...

• Sea: weapon training

  Proteus Naval Weapon Trainer

  Kongsberg has developed a crew-served and remotely operated simulation architecture that provides man-in-the-loop training for close-in weapon systems. The trainer is already in service as ...

• Sea: procedural training

  Polaris GMDSS Trainer

  The Polaris Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Trainer includes equipment required to carry out exercises in all aspects of GMDSS and SAR training. ...