• Defence Helicopter

  Podcast: Revolutions in Vertical Flight S2 E5 - Providing Disaster Relief

  7th September 2021

  Helicopters provide vital assistance during disaster relief operations such as firefighting and earthquake response. But how do pilots prepare for these toughest of missions?

• Naval Warfare

  Kharg loss hurts Iranian pride

  16th June 2021

  The loss of IRIS Kharg was the latest disaster to befall the Iranian navy but there are no plans to build or buy a replacement.

• Naval Warfare

  Pakistan Navy plays spot the difference with fourth corvette

  24th June 2021

  There are indications that the final corvette in a four-vessel programme for Pakistan includes a change of air defence missile.

• Naval Warfare

  USN picks Bath Iron Works for post-delivery work on DDG 120

  23rd June 2021

  Bath Iron Works to support newly launched Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA ship.

• Land Warfare

  JLTV experiences mixed fortunes in new NATO countries

  22nd June 2021

  Slovenian procurement of 4x4 light tactical vehicles proceeds smoothly, in contrast with plans elsewhere in central and eastern Europe.

• Naval Warfare

  Austal USA gains Independence-class LCS contract modification

  23rd June 2021

  Austal USA will provide design services and integrated data and product model environment support for the Independence-class LCS under the latest contract modification.

• Land Warfare

  British Army embraces SlingShot

  28th June 2021

  Add-on kit turns UHF/VHF radio into a BLoS solution to support voice and data communications.

• Naval Warfare

  IAI integrates Sa'ar 6 corvette combat suite

  8th July 2021

  Installation of AESA radar aboard new Israeli corvettes meets a requirement to protect valuable offshore energy installations, and heralds further integration of the Barak MX air defence system.

• Air Warfare

  Japan to develop UAV that works alongside F-X

  28th June 2021

  Japan has an indigenous 'loyal wingman' programme that will complement the future F-X fighter in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

• Defence Helicopter

  Podcast: Revolutions in Vertical Flight S2 E4 - The Utility of the Helicopter

  7th September 2021

  The helicopter has become an essential tool for militaries, parapublic agencies and emergency services. But its unique characteristics have also ensured a vital role for the helicopter across a myriad of commercial activities.

• Defence Notes

  New Zealand to re-evaluate Defence Capability Plan

  12th July 2021

  New Zealand's defence secretary has announced a post-COVID redraft of the government's much-lauded Defence Capability Plan, with potential for a radical departure from existing roles and requirements.

• Naval Warfare

  Improving seal reliability (sponsored)

  28th June 2021

  Since ship propulsion shifted from sails to propellers, preventing seawater from getting into the hull via the stern tube has been one of the most fundamental engineering challenges of designing and operating vessels. Without reliable sealing, even the simplest marine operation can become time consuming, costly and complex. Today there are new challenges to reliability, including greater forces at play and an environmental focus on preventing fluids from escaping the hull as well as getting in. But the stern tube seal remains a basic building block of safe and secure sailing.

• Naval Warfare

  Izumo modifications pave the way for F-35 operations

  30th June 2021

  Changes to the flight deck on the helicopter carrier JS Izumo should allow Japan to project power more effectively over its dispersed territories.

• Naval Warfare

  Canadian and Danish firms collaborate on containerised minehunting payloads

  10th June 2021

  Modular payloads will include Kraken surveillance systems and SH container modules for offshore patrol vessels.

• Naval Warfare

  Introduction of Australian frigates could be substantially delayed

  16th July 2021

  While Australian defence officials have not made any official announcement, it seems the Hunter class is facing sizeable delays.

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• Fighter - multirole

  MiG-35 (Russia)

  The MiG-35 is a new-generation derivative of the twin-engine MiG-29 (NATO code-name ‘Fulcrum’) featuring multi-role combat capabilities, significantly reworked airframe and a vastly expanded arsenal ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Multirole Underwater Seabed Surveillance Ship (MU3S) [Italy]

  In June 2024, during a presentation provided at the NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (MARSEC COE), the Italian Navy detailed the new capabilities it ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Multirole Underwater Seabed Surveillance Ship (MU3S) [Italy]

  In June 2024, during a presentation provided at the NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (MARSEC COE), the Italian Navy detailed the new capabilities it ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | SIGINT Vessel Procurement [Spain]

  The Spanish Navy urges the replacement of the intelligence gathering ship Alerta, which has been in service since 1992. In April 2025, Spain released its upgraded ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | SIGINT Vessel Procurement [Spain]

  The Spanish Navy urges the replacement of the intelligence gathering ship Alerta, which has been in service since 1992. In April 2025, Spain released its upgraded ...

• Sealift/replenishment vessels

  Joint Maritime Multi-Mission System (J3MS)/SIGINT Ship (2) [Italy]

  Programme Background Requirements Since 2002, the Italian Navy has operated the SIGINT ship Elettra. The vessel, which is expected to remain in service until the ...

• AEW&C

  Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (1-6) [NATO]

  Programme Background NATO’s E-3A AWACS fleet is set to retire in 2035, after 50 years of service. To plan for the required follow-on capability, NATO's ...

• Sealift/replenishment vessels

  Multirole Underwater Seabed Surveillance Ship (MU3S) [Italy]

  Programme Background Requirements According to the presentation provided by the Italian Navy, the MultiroleUnderwater Seabed Surveillance Ship (MU3S) will:operate a wide range of uncrewed systems, ...

• Sealift/replenishment vessels

  SIGINT Vessel Procurement [Spain]

  Programme Background Requirements The Spanish Navy urges the replacement of the intelligence gathering ship Alerta, which has been in service since 1992. Prior to that, ...

• Air: Radio and SATCOM

  Air: Radio and SATCOM | Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (1-6) [NATO]

  NATO is estimated to procure up to 18 AEW aircraft under the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) programme to replace the current E-3 Sentry fleet when ...

• Data links

  Data links | Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (1-6) [NATO]

  NATO is estimated to procure up to 18 AEW aircraft under the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) programme to replace the current E-3 Sentry fleet when ...

• Air: Head-up displays

  Air: Head-up displays | Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (1-6) [NATO]

  NATO is estimated to procure up to 18 AEW aircraft under the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) programme to replace the current E-3 Sentry fleet when ...

• Transponders and IFF

  Transponders and IFF | Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (1-6) [NATO]

  NATO is estimated to procure up to 18 AEW aircraft under the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) programme to replace the current E-3 Sentry fleet when ...

• Military UAS - small

  Puma 2 AE [Germany]

  Programme Background The Germany navy had an urgent requirement for three UAS required for reconnaissance and identification in maritime operations. A platform was required that ...

• Destroyers

  DDX Programme (1-2) [Italy]

  Programme Background Requirements Destroyers are fundamental to Italy's blue water fleet and will be required to be capable of projecting capability at sea from the ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Unguided Medium Calibre Ammunition

  MK244 Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) Enhanced Lethality Cartridge (ELC)

  MK244 Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) Enhanced Lethality Cartridge (ELC) is a 20mm medium calibre round manufactured by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

• Anti-ship missiles, Surface-to-surface missiles

  3M-54 Kalibr

  The 3M-54 Kalibr, or Klub (NATO reporting name: SS-N-27 'Sizzler'), is a Russian surface ship and submarine-launched anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile.

• Light machine guns

  LSAT LMG

  Textron Systems Unmanned Systems is developing and maturing a Lightweight Small Arms Technologies (LSAT) family of weapons and ammunition with the US Army that fires ...

• Unguided Medium Calibre Ammunition

  MK149 Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot

  The MK149 Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) is a 20mm medium calibre round manufactured by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

• Air-to-surface missiles, Anti-ship missiles

  Kh-31

  The Kh-31 (NATO reporting name AS-17 Krypton) is a Russian anti-ship missile that is known for its anti-radiation (Kh-31P) and anti-ship (Kh-31A) versions.

• Unguided Tank Ammunition

  105mm M490 Target Practice - Tracer

  The 105mm M490 Target Practice - Tracer is a tank training round manufactured by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

• Naval: COMINT and ELINT systems

  Flat Track

  The Flat Track (NATO reporting name) is a barrage and deception radar jamming system that is able to counter anti-ship missiles.

• Assault rifles/carbines/shotguns

  6.5mm CT Carbine

  The 6.5mm Cased Telescoped (CT) Carbine is a closed-bolt, forward-feed, gas piston-operated weapon being developed as part of the US Army's Lightweight Small Arms Technology ...

• Unguided Artillery Ammunition

  105mm HE HB ER G3

  The 105mm High Explosive (HE HB) extended range (ER) G3 ammunition round, manufactured by KNDS, is a part of the 105mm NATO standard shell family. ...

• Major networking projects

  NATO SATCOM

  Leonardo has been awarded a turnkey contract to rationalise and upgrade NATO’s SATCOM systems and associated infrastructure. The company will design, build, test, commission and ...

• Major networking projects

  NATO DCIS

  Airbus is delivering the NATO Deployable Communication and Information System (DCIS). The project represents a major upgrade in the capability of NATO Response Forces (NRF) ...

• Land: RWS

  Qimek NATO

  Rheinmetall's RWS family includes the Qimek single-weapon RWS and the Nanuk dual-weapon RWS. The Qimek NATO combines full stabilisation, long-range day/night all-weather sights and a ...

• Land: RWS

  Nanuk NATO

  Rheinmetall's RWS family includes the Qimek single-weapon RWS and the Nanuk dual-weapon RWS, which was introduced in 2008. The Nanuk NATO combines full stabilisation, long-range ...

• Unguided Medium Calibre Ammunition

  20MM PGU-28 A/B Semi-Armor Piercing High Explosive Incendiary (SAPHEI)

  The 20MM PGU-28 A/B Semi-Armor Piercing High Explosive Incendiary (SAPHEI) is a medium-calibre round manufactured by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

• Unguided Tank Ammunition

  M724A2 Target Practice Discarding Sabot-Tracer

  The M724A2 Target Practice Discarding Sabot-Tracer is a 105mm training tank round manufactured by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. The US Army procured the 1,623 rounds ...