Saab Gripen E/F: The Multirole Fighter That’s Seeing a Resurgence (Updated 2026)
The JAS 39E/F Gripen is enjoying a resurgence, with its order backlog now exceeding a hundred aircraft. Recent contracts from Sweden, Brazil’s F‑X2 program, and a pending UK deal underscore its appeal as a cost‑effective multirole fighter. Saab’s carrier‑capable Gripen Marine variant expands the platform’s market reach, while the latest AESA radar and electronic‑warfare suite boost its combat edge. The growing export pipeline positions the Gripen as a strong contender against pricier fourth‑ and fifth‑generation jets.
Could the USCG Icebreaker Requirement Open the Door for More Inland Shipbuilding?
On April 2, Fincantieri Marine Group, Fraser Shipyards and Donjon Marine announced the Fourth Coast Shipbuilding Alliance, a coalition aimed at bringing new shipbuilding programs to the Great Lakes region. The alliance’s first goal is to win a U.S. Coast...
US Navy Bets on Radio Frequency to Increase Vessel Protection Against Aerial Threats
The U.S. Navy is fielding Northrop Grumman’s radio‑frequency‑based SEWIP Block 3 to protect its surface fleet from missiles and drones. The first system was installed on the Arleigh Burke‑class destroyer DDG‑91, marking the initial operational deployment. SEWIP Block 3 will be fitted to...
Greece Opts for PULS Long-Range Artillery as Demand for Capability Surges
Greece has signed a €650 million (≈US$750 million) contract with Elbit Systems for its PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) modular, truck‑mounted artillery rocket system. The four‑year delivery includes launchers, precision‑guided rockets of various ranges, loitering munitions and training rockets, plus a...
First GCAP Contract Marks Milestone for Edgewing, While UK Waits on Further Funding
Edgewing, the BAE Systems‑led joint venture, has secured its first international contract from the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) agency, worth £686 million (≈US$908 million). The design and development agreement runs until June 2026 and funds engineering work on the sixth‑generation fighter slated...
Has France Quietly Become Europe’s Real Naval Power?
France’s Marine Nationale is emerging as Europe’s pre‑eminent naval force, driven by a steady cadence of shipbuilding, an operational nuclear‑powered carrier, and a growing defense export portfolio. The carrier Charles de Gaulle was deployed to the eastern Mediterranean in March 2025, underscoring...
Leopard MBT: Alpha Beast Gets a Reboot (Updated 2026)
The Leopard main battle tank family, originating in the 1960s and refined with the Leopard 2 in the 1970s, remains Germany’s flagship armored platform. Over six decades, the series has been continuously upgraded to meet evolving threats, keeping it competitive against...
Predicted Air Defence Spending Boom Opens Doors to Indian Industry
Global air‑defence spending is projected to jump $400‑500 billion over the next five years, spurred by heightened threat perceptions after Iran's recent drone and missile attacks. Bloomberg Intelligence warns that nations are scrambling to fill gaps in low‑cost layered defence systems...
UK SMEs Remain Vulnerable in Effort to Help Build Sovereign Capabilities, JCNSS Report Warns
The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (JCNSS) warned that UK small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) remain vulnerable as the government delays its Defence Investment Plan. The report, released on 27 March, says insufficient guidance and support are preventing SMEs...
March Land Forces Roundup: A New War Confronts the Old Drone Problem
The United States and Israel launched a series of strikes against Iranian nuclear and missile facilities in late February. Iran responded with a wave of missile and uncrewed aerial system attacks aimed at Israeli and U.S. interests throughout the Gulf,...
Norway Revitalises Effort to Acquire a Tactical-Class UAV with $103 Million Competition
Norway’s Defence Material Agency has relaunched a procurement for a tactical‑class unmanned aerial vehicle, issuing a pre‑qualification notice on 31 March 2026. The framework agreement is valued at up to NOK 1 billion (approximately US $103 million) for a four‑year term, with options to extend...
Australia Is Ramping up Its Uncrewed Surface Fleet as Sea Archer Lines up for Key Requirement
Australia is investing US$138 million to acquire 40 long‑range Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), expanding the Royal Australian Navy's fleet to 55 vessels. The Bluebottles, already operating 15 units, have collectively logged 145,828 nautical miles as of September 2025. Minister Pat Conroy...
What Does Saab’s Operations Shake-Up Mean for Its New ‘Naval’ Chapter?
Saab announced that its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions will merge into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026. The restructuring combines Kockums’ expertise in submarines, surface vessels and autonomous underwater vehicles with Naval Combat Systems’ combat management,...
Iran and the Future of Amphibious Operations: Crewed and Uncrewed Solutions
The United States is positioning thousands of Marines and the 82nd Airborne Division for a possible amphibious operation against Iran, potentially targeting Kharg Island to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. While traditional landing craft will still be used, the U.S....
Franco-German Alliance Aims to Resolve FCAS Woes by End of April as Dispute Rolls On
The Franco‑German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, a €100 billion ($115 billion) sixth‑generation fighter project, is embroiled in a dispute over work‑share distribution. France has asked for roughly 80 % of the work, prompting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to appoint joint moderators to...
