US Air Force Is Eyeing Cost-Effective Automated Counter-Drone Solutions
The U.S. Air Force has issued a Request for Information seeking automated, expeditionary counter‑drone solutions that can be rapidly deployed to protect airbases and forward operating sites. The AFRL‑led RFI, due 7 April, targets integrated systems capable of 24/7 point‑defense against both individual and swarming Group 1 drones. The service emphasizes cost‑effectiveness and mobility for defending fixed and semi‑fixed installations. This effort aims to fill critical gaps in the Air Force’s counter‑uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) inventory.
Dormant Helicopter Programmes in Africa and Asia Present Opportunities
Ageing Soviet-era helicopters in Africa and Asia are creating capability gaps as modernisation programmes stall. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent CAATSA sanctions have disrupted traditional supply chains, halting upgrades for at least 13 identified programmes. Western manufacturers, such...
New US$1.4 Billion Package to Boost Canada’s Defence Capabilities
The Canadian Department of National Defence unveiled a CAD 2 billion (approximately US $1.4 billion) investment package aimed at modernising the armed forces. The funding targets space‑based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, new small‑arms, and expanded ammunition manufacturing capacity. It forms part of...
Growing a Digital Backbone: An Essential Capability for the Multi-Domain Battlespace (Studio)
Rheinmetall Digital Systems unveiled Battlesuite, an open‑architecture digital ecosystem designed to deliver true multi‑domain connectivity across land, air, sea, cyber and space. The platform tackles legacy fragmentation, data silos and slow procurement by fusing sensor data in real time and...
Electric and Hybrid Aerial Drone Fleets Are Expanding Their Footprint
Renewable‑powered uncrewed aerial vehicles are moving from prototype to frontline deployment, with electric and hybrid drones gaining traction across Western militaries. The UK Royal Navy cleared the T‑150 for combat, while the United States and France are pouring funds into...
Estonia Opts for Smart, Adaptable and Cooperative Solutions in the Face of Russian Threat
Estonia is prioritizing smart, adaptable and cooperative defence solutions as the Russian threat looms. With a population of 1.3 million and the EU’s third‑smallest GDP, it has narrowed procurement and focused on joint ventures. Its domestically produced equipment is now being...
How Uncrewed Rotary Platforms Are Shaping Approaches to Contested Logistics
The defense sector is accelerating development of uncrewed rotary aircraft to support logistics in contested environments. Airbus leads the effort with its MQ‑72C, built for the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Logistics Connector demonstration. These UAVs are derived from existing crewed...
Could an Outdated US Army Organic Industrial Base Threaten US Readiness?
The U.S. Army’s organic industrial base (OIB) still relies on World War II‑era production methods, causing delays, cost overruns, and limiting the ability to produce ammunition and sustain ground vehicles. Over $5 billion has been invested in the past four years, yet...
Eastern European Helicopter Modernisation Could Open Doors for Western Manufacturers
Eastern European nations are accelerating helicopter modernisation to replace ageing Soviet‑era fleets, spurred by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Hungary’s recent purchase of 16 Airbus H225M helicopters exemplifies the region’s pivot toward Western technology. The drive is motivated by...
Drone Wars: Countries Are Looking for Answers but Do Companies Have the Solutions?
Manufacturers are accelerating counter‑drone (CUAS) development as nations rush to buy systems for battlefield and homeland protection. Recent Middle‑East flare‑ups, including the US‑Israeli strike on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory attacks, have underscored the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems highlighted...
UK E-7 Wedgetail Delay Down to a “Technology Issue”, As MoD Grapples with Slipping Timelines
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the first E‑7 Wedgetail airborne early‑warning aircraft, ordered in 2019, will now be delivered in 2026 after a series of setbacks. Officials traced the delay to a technology issue within Boeing’s certification process,...
Forecast $21.9 Billion Light Attack and Trainer Opportunities up for Grabs as Leonardo Lines up M-346
Leonardo is positioning its M‑346 jet to capture a projected $21.9 billion market for light‑attack and trainer aircraft. The aircraft is seen as a cost‑effective replacement for aging trainer fleets and a cheaper alternative to high‑end fighters like the F‑35. CEO...
US Air Force Seeks Capabilities to Improve C3 for Aircraft Fleet and Warfighters
The U.S. Air Force issued three Request for Information (RFI) notices to find technologies that will strengthen command, control and communications (C3) after losing four aircraft during Operation Epic Fury under non‑hostile, unclear circumstances. The losses—three F‑15 fighters and a KC‑135 tanker—highlighted...
Fourth Company Looks to Texelis Celeris Chassis to Develop a New 4x4 Vehicle
Finnish defense firm SCATA announced that its upcoming SCATA Mk1 4x4 will be built on Texelis’s Celeris rolling chassis. The vehicle is slated for unveiling at the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition. This marks the fourth international partnership leveraging the Celeris platform,...
RTX Raytheon Enhances SM-3 and SM-6 Production Capacity
RTX Raytheon has finished expanding its Redstone Missile Integration Facility in Alabama, raising Standard Missile‑3 and Standard Missile‑6 production rates by more than 50%. The boost is intended to replenish Pentagon missile stockpiles that were drawn down during recent operations....
What the Rise of Interoperability Between Western Allies Means for Defence Procurement
Western allies are increasingly pursuing interoperable defence platforms, exemplified by the UK’s commitment to supply Norway with at least five Type 26 anti‑submarine frigates, creating a combined 13‑ship fleet. Parallel initiatives such as the European Patrol Corvette programmes highlight a broader...
Rolls-Royce to Lead Powertrain Development for MGCS in Important Step for the Programme
Rolls‑Royce Power Systems has been appointed general contractor to develop the drive system for the Franco‑German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). The contract pairs its 1,400 kW MTU199 ten‑cylinder engine with ZF’s eLSG5000 electrified powershift steering transmission, creating the world’s first...
UAE’s First Combat Use of M-SAM II Could Raise Export Prospects for South Korean Air Defence
South Korea’s M‑SAM II missile, part of the Cheongung II air‑defence suite, was employed by the United Arab Emirates to intercept Iranian projectiles launched after the U.S. Operation Epic Fury. The engagement, beginning on 28 February, marks the first overseas combat use of...
Leonardo Plans to Fly Uncrewed Fighters Alongside M-346 Aircraft by Mid-2026
Leonardo announced that its M‑346 light‑attack trainer will act as a crewed "mother" aircraft to control two uncrewed fighter prototypes, with the first flight demonstrations slated for May 2024 and a public rollout by mid‑2026. The program, dubbed crewed‑uncrewed teaming...
HMS Anson’s Milestone Stay in Australia Cut Short During AUKUS Deployment
The UK Royal Navy’s Astute‑class submarine HMS Anson arrived at HMAS Stirling on 23 February, marking the first time a UK nuclear‑powered attack submarine received maintenance in Australia. The deployment supported the AUKUS partnership, which aims to develop a new generation...
Estonia Boosting Defence Industry with Lessons From Ukraine, Says Country’s Economic Minister
Estonia’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry, Erkki Keldo, announced a comprehensive push to expand the nation’s defence industrial base, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s wartime mobilisation. The plan includes directed funding, streamlined company formation, financial support for startups, rapid‑prototyping programmes,...
How Operation Epic Fury Could Reduce US Readiness to Face China
Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. offensive against Iran, is consuming significant training time, maintenance capacity, and ammunition stockpiles. Analysts warn that the sustained high‑intensity campaign could degrade the Pentagon’s overall readiness. The strain on logistics and personnel may limit the...
UK Faces Cost of Balancing Defensive Capabilities Abroad as Iran Conflict Widens
The United Kingdom has dispatched the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon, Wildcat helicopters equipped with Martlet missiles, Eurofighter Typhoons and F‑35B aircraft to Cyprus and the wider Middle East following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri. These assets aim to reinforce regional air‑defence...
What Will the Replacement of A-10s by F-35s Mean for the US Air Force?
The U.S. Air Force will retire its remaining 162 A‑10 Thunderbolt II aircraft by the end of fiscal year 2026, replacing them with F‑35A Lightning II fighters. The A‑10, a dedicated close‑air support platform since the 1970s, is being phased out due...
Embraer Turns to AI Solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS Evolution
Embraer is integrating Valkyrie Aero’s Gunslinger artificial‑intelligence suite into its A‑29 Super Tucano platform to boost counter‑uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) capabilities. The AI-driven system will provide pilots with real‑time tactical decision‑making assistance during drone‑threat engagements. While the Super Tucano already...
Why Middle Eastern Markets Demand Bespoke AFV Solutions
Middle Eastern defense customers are increasingly insisting on armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) that are customised for the region’s extreme climate and operational demands. Western OEMs find that off‑the‑shelf European designs often require significant modifications, such as enhanced cooling and desert‑ready...
Swiss Army Still Awaits New Artillery Contract to Replace M109 Howitzers
The Swiss Army selected the KNDS Artillery Gun Module mounted on a Piranha IV 8×8 as the replacement for its aging M109 155 mm self‑propelled howitzers, but a final procurement contract has not yet been signed. The competition concluded in late 2024, with the...
Milrem Outlines Plans for Havoc and Vector as Ukrainian THeMIS Numbers Set to Double
Estonian robotics firm Milrem Robotics announced it will deliver 150 Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicles to Ukrainian forces by the end of 2026, more than doubling the 70 already supplied. The majority—about 90%—are configured for basic...
White House Calls on Pentagon Contractors to “Rapidly and Aggressively” Boost Weapon Production
The White House has publicly urged Pentagon contractors to "rapidly and aggressively" increase weapons production to support Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. campaign aimed at countering Iran. President Donald Trump personally pressed defense firms to accelerate output, despite Pentagon officials asserting that...
US Pentagon Claims to Have Severely Damaged Iranian Capabilities, Promises to Increase Attacks
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Operation Epic Fury has severely damaged Iran’s military capability, claiming the Iranian Air Force is eliminated and 20 Navy vessels—including a frigate—were destroyed in international waters. The Pentagon pledged to intensify pressure on Tehran by...
New Zealand Buys Tri-Service Uncrewed Kit From Syos Aerospace
The New Zealand Defence Force has signed a contract with Syos Aerospace to acquire a tri‑service uncrewed kit, covering ground, surface and aerial platforms. The package includes SG400 uncrewed ground vehicles, SM300 uncrewed surface vessels, SA2 reconnaissance UAVs and SA7 UAVs...
Localisation Is the Aim of the Game in Defence Procurement
Defence procurement is shifting toward localisation, making domestic manufacturing and technology transfer essential for deal closure. European governments now demand local production as a contract condition. Hungary leads the change, signing agreements with Rheinmetall for the KF41 Lynx and Nurol Makina...
US Navy SPY-6 Approaches FRP with Raytheon Already Having “a Hot Production Line”
Raytheon says its SPY‑6 radar family is already operating on a hot production line and is poised to shift into full‑rate production once the U.S. Navy grants final approval. Low‑rate initial production is nearing completion after extensive testing across the...
First Confirmed US One‑way Drone Strike on Iran Sharpens Pentagon UAV Expansion
The United States confirmed its first combat use of low‑cost, one‑way attack drones against Iranian targets during Operation Epic Fury. footage released by CENTCOM shows the drones deployed by Task Force Scorpion Strike alongside precision munitions. The Pentagon is accelerating a program...
February Land Forces Roundup: ST Engineering and Russia Lift the Lid on New Platforms
The World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh attracted nearly 1,500 exhibitors and 140,000 visitors, cementing its status as a premier land‑forces exhibition. Turkish manufacturers BMC, Otokar and FNSS showcased more than a dozen new vehicles, while Russia’s Rosoboronexport introduced the...
UK’s New Medium Helicopter Deal Finalisation on Horizon, Alludes Leonardo CEO
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani indicated that the UK Ministry of Defence will announce the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) contract within days, ending weeks of speculation. Leonardo is the only bidder for the £1 billion (US$1.3 billion) programme, positioning the company to secure...
UK Royal Navy Notes Hybrid Air Wing Progress with Eyes on Peregrine Drone Development
The UK Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATX) programme is advancing toward a hybrid air wing by 2040, with recent progress highlighted at the Defence IQ International Military Helicopter 2026 conference. Officials confirmed ongoing discussions to expand the deployment of the Peregrine...
Golden Dome for America Hits One-Year Mark but Key Questions Remain on Its Progress
One year after its launch, the Pentagon’s Golden Dome for America program aims to create a layered “shield” of sensors and interceptors to protect the U.S. homeland from aerial threats. The effort, a complex system‑of‑systems, is hampered by inter‑service integration...
Middle East UAV Market Underscored by $17bn in Unsigned Deals
The Middle East UAV market still has about $17 billion in pending contracts, according to Shephard Defence Insight. Saudi Arabia leads the pipeline, eyeing MQ‑9B and Gambit systems, while other regional programs remain unawarded. Recent trade shows in Dubai, Abu Dhabi...
US Air Force Pushes Sentinel’s Initial Capability to Early 2030s Despite China’s Nuclear Progress
The U.S. Air Force has pushed the LGM‑35A Sentinel’s initial capability from the original 2029 target to the early 2030s after a series of cost overruns and schedule slips. A Milestone B decision to move the program into engineering and manufacturing...
How the Golden Fleet Will Change the US Navy Acquisition Process
The U.S. Navy’s Golden Fleet program introduces a streamlined acquisition model that leans heavily on artificial‑intelligence‑enabled design and scheduling tools. By expanding the vendor base and forging deeper industry partnerships, the initiative seeks to cut red tape and accelerate shipbuilding...
Ireland Predicted to Make French Connection for Vehicle Buy
Ireland is preparing to replace its aging RG‑32M 4×4 armoured patrol vehicles and Piranha III 8×8 personnel carriers with platforms from France’s Scorpion programme. French media suggest the deal could also bundle CAESAR 155 mm self‑propelled artillery, even though Ireland has not...
Leonardo UK “Optimistic” On Further Proteus Funding, Confirms International Interest
Leonardo UK announced optimism about securing additional funding for its Proteus autonomous‑system demonstrator ahead of the UK Defence Investment Plan. The programme, backed by a £60 million MoD contract awarded in 2022, completed its maiden flight in January 2026, proving key...
What Capabilities Are Being Tested Under AUKUS Pillar II?
Under AUKUS Pillar II, Australia, the UK and the US are testing next‑generation autonomous and uncrewed maritime capabilities. The latest Maritime Big Play exercise in Australia featured live‑fire trials of C2 Robotics’ Speartooth large uncrewed underwater vehicle and involved around 30 emerging systems....
Scaling for Diverse Fleet Needs: How Many CCA Will Be Acquired per Crewed Aircraft?
The defence sector lacks a standard ratio of uncrewed to crewed aircraft, as collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) capabilities and national requirements differ widely. Medium‑altitude long‑endurance (MALE) CCAs are positioned as cost‑effective, low‑risk platforms that can operate in mixed formations with...
Focus on Economy over Capability Highlights the Cost Imperative for CCA Success
The Shephard Defence Insight report highlights that cost, not just capability, will dominate the collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) market. The U.S. Air Force’s Increment 1 CCA program aims for airframes priced around $25 million, forcing manufacturers to prioritize affordability. The XQ‑58 Valkyrie,...
France and India Secure Long-Term Defence Roadmap Built on Shared Production
During President Emmanuel Macron’s February visit, France and India signed 21 defence agreements cementing a decade‑long roadmap worth $40‑50 billion. The pact expands Rafale fighter production, launches a Safran‑led M88 engine assembly line in India, and creates a Bharat Electronics‑Safran joint...
US Navy to Deploy UAVs with Standard Munitions in Long-Range Strikes
The U.S. Navy’s Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike (RIMES) program is seeking unmanned aerial vehicles capable of launching standard 1,000‑lb class munitions from ships or austere shore sites. The Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit has issued a solicitation,...
Turkey Targets Italian Market with Strategic Partnership on USVs and Hybrid Platforms
Turkey’s defence firms Havelsan and VN Maritime have signed a strategic MoU with Italy’s Piloda Defence to develop uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and hybrid naval platforms. The partnership targets a first procurement contract in Italy by the first half of...
US Army Plans Q2 Prototype Proposal Request for Its Mobile Tactical Cannon Programme
The U.S. Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program seeks a 155 mm wheeled, self‑propelled artillery system to replace the towed M777 howitzer across Stryker, Mobile and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. A Request for Prototype Proposals will be issued in Q2 FY 2026,...
