• Land Warfare

  UK DragonFire laser weapon completes successful test

  19th January 2024

  DragonFire, a new laser weapon system built for the UK MoD, was first unveiled at DSEI 2017 in London during its design phase. For the development work, MBDA has grouped expertise from Leonardo, QinetiQ, MBDA, Arke, BAE Systems, Marshall and GKN.

• Digital Battlespace

  US DoD updates approach to the threats and benefits of AI

  3rd November 2023

  The first DoD AI Strategy, published in 2018, and revised DoD Data Strategy, published in 2020, are two foundational documents that matured the department's data-centric structures to increase the efficacy of fielding modern AI-enabled capabilities.

• Naval Warfare

  MBDA to provide Sea Ceptor naval defence systems for Polish Miecznik-class frigates

  15th January 2024

  The Miecznik (Swordfish) programme, a multi-role frigate project for the Polish Navy, was first reported in 2014 as a multi-role coastal patrol vessel.

• Uncrewed Vehicles

  UK unveils $5.7 billion uncrewed systems plan with an eye on Ukraine

  23rd February 2024

  The UK has outlined a strategy on how it will spend billions of dollars on uncrewed systems over the next decade as it transitions to a more mixed force of crewed and uncrewed platforms.

• Air Warfare

  UK disposable frontline drones set for 2025 deployment while collaborative platforms await decision

  28th March 2024

  Reflecting on lessons learned from the cancellation of the Mosquito programme, the Royal Air Force has redefined the role of uncrewed systems within its ranks through a tiered system.

• Uncrewed Vehicles

  Analysis: Europe emerges as a crucial strategic market for UAV manufacturers

  5th June 2024

  Europe's fragmented UAV market, driven by geopolitical factors and recent conflicts like the Russo–Ukrainian War, offers significant opportunities for drone manufacturers. Key technological advancements and evolving procurement strategies present a fertile landscape for growth and innovation in the region.

• Land Warfare

  Norway set to order NASAMS to replace systems donated to Ukraine

  16th November 2023

  National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) was originally developed by Norway's Kongsberg and Raytheon to meet the requirements of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

• Land Warfare

  Australia embarks upon a massive restructure of army

  3rd October 2023

  In response to strategic circumstances, the Australian Army is in for a massive overhaul and redistribution of units and equipment.

• Naval Warfare

  New and improved landing craft to boost amphibious ops for Dutch marines

  19th September 2023

  The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) is embarking on the upgrade and replacement of its existing amphibious landing craft to provide new capabilities for long-range transport and marine assault.

• Naval Warfare

  Fourth US Navy TAO replenishment oiler launched despite cost concerns

  31st October 2023

  The fourth John Lewis-class (TAO-205) fleet replenishment oiler for the US Navy was launched in a ceremony at shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO’s San Diego facility on 28 October 2023.

• Air Warfare

  Indonesia delays Mirage procurement, upgrades Sukhoi and F-16 fleet instead

  5th January 2024

  Indonesia's procurement of 12 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar has been delayed due to financial constraints, redirecting funds towards upgrading its existing fleet of Sukhoi Su-30 and Lockheed Martin F-16 aircraft.

• Air Warfare

  KAI develops MUM-T alongside fighter program

  28th February 2024

  KAI has been developing manned-unmanned teaming and air-launched effects technologies to be operated alongside its domestically developed KF-21 Boramae fighter.

• Defence Notes

  Volvo agrees to sell French vehicle maker Arquus

  16th January 2024

  French vehicle manufacturer Arquus has been purchased by John Cockerill Defense which has a focus on turrets.

• Naval Warfare

  TAGOS-25 surveillance ship design advances

  11th August 2023

  The design of seven new TAGOS-25 ocean surveillance ships for the USN's Military Sealift Command (MSC) is being developed by shipbuilder Austal USA.

• Air Warfare

  US buys 21 tactical resupply drones for navy and marines

  12th April 2023

  Survice Engineering has been awarded $8 million contract for 21 TRV-150C Tactical Resupply Uncrewed Systems.

Programme Results - Defence Insight

• Transport/tanker aircraft

  KC-130J - US Marine Corps

  Programme Background The C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin to replace aging C-130 variants. The US and FMS ...

• APCs/IFVs - 6x6, APCs/IFVs - 8x8

  Otaman (Ukrainian Marine Corps)

  Programme Background Practika first unveiled the Otaman family of 6x6 and 8x8 armoured vehicles in late 2016. These were developed to meet the requirements of ...

• APCs/IFVs - 8x8

  BTR-4E (Ukrainian Marine Corps)

  Programme Background The Ukrainian Navy is seeking to standardise the armoured vehicle fleet of the Ukrainian Marine Corps in order to simplify maintenance, logistics and ...

• APCs/IFVs - 4x4

  JLTV (Brazil - 1st Batch)

  Programme Background Under its PROADSUMUS programme, the Brazilian Marine Corps is procuring new equipment to support its deployment in expeditionary operations. One of the new ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Medium Landing Ship (9-18) [USMC]

  The US Marine Corps is looking to develop a new platform to bridge the gap between its large assault ships and smaller landing craft. This ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Medium Landing Ship (9-18) [USMC]

  The US Marine Corps is looking to develop a new platform to bridge the gap between its large assault ships and smaller landing craft. This ...

• APCs/IFVs - 4x4

  JLTV [Brazil - 2nd Batch]

  Programme Background Under its PROADSUMUS programme, the Brazilian Marine Corps is procuring new equipment to support its deployment in expeditionary operations. One of the new ...

• UAS: communication systems

  UAS: communication systems | QX-2 (Forecast) [Brazilian Marine Corps]

  In August 2023, EDGE Group announced that it hosted a four-day Brazilian Marine Corps delegation. The tour was focused on, among other things, autonomous systems and ...

• UAS: flight control systems

  UAS: flight control systems | QX-2 (Forecast) [Brazilian Marine Corps]

  In August 2023, EDGE Group announced that it hosted a four-day Brazilian Marine Corps delegation. The tour was focused on, among other things, autonomous systems and ...

• Military UAS - mini, Military UAS - rotary-wing

  QX-2 (Forecast) [Brazilian Marine Corps]

  Programme Background Four-Day Tour On 3 August 2023, EDGE Group announced that it had hosted a four-day delegation from the Brazilian Marine Crops, showing it ...

• Naval: Combat Management Systems

  Naval: Combat Management Systems | Medium Landing Ship (1-8) [USMC]

  The US Marine Corps is looking to develop a new platform to bridge the gap between its large assault ships and smaller landing craft. This ...

• Naval: shipboard communication systems

  Naval: shipboard communication systems | Medium Landing Ship (1-8) [USMC]

  The US Marine Corps is looking to develop a new platform to bridge the gap between its large assault ships and smaller landing craft. This ...

• Military UAS - rotary-wing, Military UAS - small

  Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) / Small ULS-A (US)

  Programme Background US Marine ULS-A programmes The US Marines are seeking a family of Unmanned Logistics Systems-Air (ULS-A), which will provide logistics and ground units with ...

• Light attack, Trainer

  F-5E/F Adversary Trainer US Navy

  The F-5N is a single seat, dual engine supersonic land based fighter. It is designed to a service life of 9000 flight hours. The aircraft ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - MALE

  Large ULS-A / Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) [USMC]

  Programme Background US Marine ULS-A programmes The US Marines are seeking a family of Unmanned Logistics Systems-Air (ULS-A), which will provide logistics and ground units with ...

Equipment Results - Defence Insight

• Laser pointers

  AN/PEQ-16 MIPIM

  The AN/PEQ-16 MIPIM (Mini Integrated Pointer Illuminator Module) is a multi-function laser pointer that incorporates an IR laser pointer, an IR illuminator, a visible red ...

• Air: helicopter flight simulators

  MCAT

  The Marine Common Aircrew Trainer (MCAT) has been designed to train CH-53E Super Stallion, MV-22B Osprey and UH-1Y Venom enlisted aircrew. The single training device ...

• APCs/IFVs - 4x4

  RG33

  BAE Systems RG33 is a family of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles available in both 4x4 and 6x6. The medium-weight class of BAE Systems MRAP ...

• APCs/IFVs - 8x8

  R600

  The R600 8x8 armoured vehicle is an amphibious IFV designed by Panus for the Royal Thai Marine Corps. It completed testing by the marines in ...

• Counter-UAS systems

  CLWS

  Developed by Boeing, Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS or CLaWS) is a medium-range, low-power laser C-UAS system. According to the reports, the CLWS prototype has ...

• Land: Electronic Attack - Jamming

  AN/PLQ-9 Thor-III

  Sierra Nevada’s AN/PLQ-9 Thor-III is the standard Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) manpack system in service with the US Army and US Marine Corps (USMC). ...

• Land: Electronic Attack - Jamming

  AN/PLT-5 Thor-II

  Sierra Nevada Corporations’s (SNC's) AN/PLT-5 Thor-II Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) system is designed to equip CIED teams and is used throughout the US armed ...

• Military UAS - fixed-wing, Military UAS - tactical

  Shadow M2

  The Shadow M2 builds on the Shadow 200, but has greater endurance and payload capability, quieter and more reliable propulsion and an optional SATCOM capability ...

• 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 ...

• Air: mission management systems

  AFATDS

  Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) is a multi-service (US Army/USMC) joint and combined forces fire support battle command system. It provides automated support ...

• APCs/IFVs - tracked

  AAV SU

  In May 2014, BAE Systems and SAIC received contracts from the USMC to develop survivability upgrade proposals for a portion of its 1,060-strong BAE Systems ...

• Subsystems: software

  FLAMES

  Flexible Analysis Modelling and Exercise System (FLAMES) is a family of COTS software products that claims to address all aspects of constructive simulation development and ...

• 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 ...

• Land: battle management systems

  Integrated Combat Solution

  Kongsberg's Integrated Combat Solution (ICS) is a platform-agnostic digitisation and integration system designed for integration into vehicles or other tactical platforms. Suitable for both new vehicles and ...

• Air-to-surface missiles

  Viper-E

  In November 2011, MBDA bought the Viper-E (previously called Viper Strike) precision munition from Northrop Grumman. Viper-E allows aircraft, helicopters and UAVs to precisely engage ...