DEFENCE FINANCE

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Breaking Defense10H AGO

Estonia’s CV90 exit has no ‘big effect’ on joint European order: BAE Hägglunds chief

“The effect is marginal. I think the other customers will get vehicles earlier,” Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, general manager of BAE Systems Hägglunds, said during a media visit to its Ornskoldsvik site.

EXPANSION

Naval News15H AGO

Fincantieri and Kayo sign agreement to establish Joint Venture in Albania

Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding groups, and KAYO, a company specializing in the development of strategic industrial infrastructure and controlled by the Albanian Ministry of Defence, signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) to establish a joint venture (JV) operating in the construction and maintenance of naval vessels in Albania.    Fincantieri press release The signing took place ... The post Fincantieri and Kayo sign agreement to establish Join

Army Technology18H AGO

Rheinmetall Wins $1.2 Billion Soldier Systems Contract from Germany

Rheinmetall Electronics secures a significant $1.2 billion contract to modernize soldier systems for the German Armed Forces, enhancing their operational capabilities.

Babcock Proposes Toyota-Based GLV to Replace British Army Land Rover

Army Technology1D AGO

Babcock Proposes Toyota-Based GLV to Replace British Army Land Rover

Babcock seeks to replace the British Army's aging Land Rover fleet with its General Logistics Vehicle, leveraging Toyota technology.

Navy's MQ-25 Stingray completes first test flight

Breaking Defense2D AGO

Navy's MQ-25 Stingray completes first test flight

The MQ-25 Stingray, Boeing’s carrier-drone program, executed a two-hour maiden flight from MidAmerica Airport. The test marks a milestone in integrating unmanned aviation into carrier operations, with potential implications for refueling and air wing composition. The development underscores a key pillar of future U.S. carrier strike capabilities and power projection.

Breaking Defense2D AGO

Rheinmetall lands €1.2B German Future Soldier contract

A major German defense modernization award solidifies Rheinmetall’s role in equipping the next generation infantry. The Bundestag approval signals sustained funding for an integrated soldier system, with additional call-offs anticipated as the program scales. The move reinforces Germany’s deterrence posture and European industrial resilience amid mounting security challenges.

Castelion Wins $105m to Integrate Blackbeard on F/A-18

Naval Technology2D AGO

Castelion Wins $105m to Integrate Blackbeard on F/A-18

Castelion’s engagement reflects a strategic intent to integrate hypersonic systems with conventional carrier airframes, potentially reshaping naval tactical options and engagement ranges. The award emphasizes accelerated testing, risk reduction, and interoperability within existing carrier groups, signaling a measured but ambitious push toward operational hypersonic delivery from familiar platforms.

Brazilian Navy Commissions First Tamandaré‑class Frigate

Naval News2D AGO

Brazilian Navy Commissions First Tamandaré‑class Frigate

The Brazilian Navy has officially commissioned the Tamandaré (F200), the lead vessel of the PFCT program, marking its transition into active service. Built at the TKMS yard in Itajaí in under four years, the ship inaugurates a new era of Brazil’s surface combatant capabilities. The deployment signals a significant upgrade in Brazil’s maritime deterrence and regional naval posture.

HD HHI Becomes First Korean Firm to Win ONR Research Project

Naval News3D AGO

HD HHI Becomes First Korean Firm to Win ONR Research Project

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries secures a groundbreaking Office of Naval Research contract, marking the first Korean company to win an ONR research project. The award signals deeper U.S.-Korea defense-industrial collaboration and potential joint development avenues for naval technology.

Army Technology4D AGO

Leidos Secures $617m IFPC Increment 2 Launcher Contract

Leidos has won a $617 million U.S. Army contract to manufacture additional launchers for the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 system. The award tightens the defense-industrial backbone supporting a key shield against ballistic missiles, rockets, and high-speed projectiles. The deal signals ongoing modernization of air and missile defense in the United States and allied networks.

Hanwha and Magnet Defense Align on US MUSVs

Naval Technology4D AGO

Hanwha and Magnet Defense Align on US MUSVs

Strategic alliance between Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense targets production of medium uncrewed surface vessels (MUSVs) for the US Department of Defense. The partnership signals deeper private-sector integration for unmanned naval capabilities amid rising great-power maritime competition. Expect accelerated development, testing, and potential export implications for allied navies.

Hanwha Ocean Unveils Dual-Use Vessel for Drone and Strike Roles

Hanwha Ocean Unveils Dual-Use Vessel for Drone and Strike Roles

Hanwha Ocean and Leidos Gibbs & Cox plan a high-capacity ship capable of carrying roughly half a brigade and performing drone mothership or arsenal ship duties. The project signals Korea's push to expand U.S. operations and broaden dual-use naval tech. This could alter future force projection and unmanned weapons integration.

Saab: Africa needs a land warfare structure to receive training systems

Army Technology6D AGO

Saab: Africa needs a land warfare structure to receive training systems

Saab asserts Africa lacks a dedicated land warfare centre to effectively integrate training systems. Without a formal structure, many African forces struggle to standardize and leverage training capabilities. The call signals a potential shift in defense acquisitions and regional security architecture across the continent.

Ultra Maritime Unveils Layered Torpedo Defense for U.S. Navy

Ultra Maritime Unveils Layered Torpedo Defense for U.S. Navy

Ultra Maritime presents a fully integrated, mission-ready torpedo defense concept at Sea Air Space 2026. The system aims to transform disparate defenses into a cohesive, layered shield against modern undersea threats. CNS-level integration signals a potential shift in U.S. Navy anti-torpedo architecture and deterrence posture.

EXCLUSIVE: Lockheed exits Navy trainer aircraft competition

Breaking Defense6D AGO

EXCLUSIVE: Lockheed exits Navy trainer aircraft competition

Lockheed Martin withdraws from the Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System contest. Remaining bidders are SNC, Boeing, and Textron Beechcraft in partnership with Leonardo. The move narrows a high-stakes program that shapes the future of carrier-based pilot training.

Invariant Demonstrates Counter-Drone Capability from USV

Invariant Demonstrates Counter-Drone Capability from USV

Invariant Corporation claims a milestone in autonomous maritime defense with its STAKE system mounted on a Textron TSUNAMI USV. The integration and early tests at Lake Guntersville indicate progress in surface-to-air kinetic engagement against unmanned aerial threats. Strategic implications center on distributed unmanned defense in littoral environments.

Malaysia Taps Roketsan for Atmaca Anti-Ship Missiles

Malaysia Taps Roketsan for Atmaca Anti-Ship Missiles

Malaysia has contracted Roketsan of Türkiye to supply Atmaca anti-ship missiles for Littoral Mission Ships being built in Istanbul. The deal, disclosed at DSA 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, marks a notable expansion of Türkiye’s defense exports. The arrangement strengthens Kuala Lumpur’s maritime dissuasion as regional tensions persist.

Gulf to FREMM EVO: Fincantieri Shapes Next Naval Air Defence

Gulf to FREMM EVO: Fincantieri Shapes Next Naval Air Defence

The Gulf operations underscore a rapid evolution in naval air defence at sea. Footage of Qatar's Al Fulk LPD and Al Zubarah-class corvettes launching Aster missiles signals a new generation of integrated shipborne air and missile defences. Fincantieri's FREMM EVO program appears poised to set the standard for future maritime anti-air capabilities.

Maintenance Complete on HMS Queen Elizabeth at Rosyth

Naval Technology6D AGO

Maintenance Complete on HMS Queen Elizabeth at Rosyth

Babcock has completed scheduled maintenance on the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth at its Rosyth facility. The work concludes a planned dry-dock period aimed at sustaining carrier flight-deck readiness and overall platform reliability. The completion preserves the ship’s gatekeeping role in UK carrier strike potential and alliance deterrence.

Navy Secretary Phelan Leaves Post Immediately, Pentagon Says

Breaking Defense7D AGO

Navy Secretary Phelan Leaves Post Immediately, Pentagon Says

Disruptive leadership turnover hits the top echelons of the U.S. Navy. Pentagon confirms the departure is effective immediately, signaling a rapid governance shift at a critical defense node. Analysts will watch for cascading effects on naval policy, budgeting, and expeditionary priorities.

DREXR upgrade flight trials completed on US Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

Naval Technology7D AGO

DREXR upgrade flight trials completed on US Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

The Digital Receiver Exciter Recorder (DREXR) upgrade has completed flight trials aboard the US Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman led the effort, signaling progress in airborne radar modernization. The development strengthens the Hawkeye’s mission readiness and data handling capabilities for carrier air wings.

Breaking Defense7D AGO

Rheinmetall lands multibillion dollar FV-014 loitering munitions framework contract

Rheinmetall secures a multibillion-dollar framework for FV-014 loitering munitions after signaling a demonstration with a NATO customer. The deal signals a push to scale up unmanned precision strike capabilities within European defense industrial base. Analysts will watch for export controls, interoperability, and potential NATO-wide deployment timelines.

Northrop Grumman and Hanwha Sign MOA for Advanced Reactive Strike

Naval News7D AGO

Northrop Grumman and Hanwha Sign MOA for Advanced Reactive Strike

Northrop Grumman and Hanwha Aerospace sign Memorandum of Agreement to co-develop a first-stage solid rocket booster for the Advanced Reactive Strike system, a surface-launched, extended-range weapon designed for stand-off attacks in contested environments. This collaboration signals deeper cross-continental defense industrial integration and potential new capabilities for allied deterrence.

Carrier EW boost: Northrop to deliver SEWIP to carriers by 2028

Breaking Defense7D AGO

Carrier EW boost: Northrop to deliver SEWIP to carriers by 2028

Northrop Grumman confirms a SEWIP configuration for destroyers and a separate SEWIP setup for aircraft carriers, signaling a broad surface electronic warfare modernization. The arrangement aligns with ongoing efforts to field integrated air and surface defense networks. The 2028 delivery timeline frames a near-term upgrade cycle for carrier strike groups.

Army Technology7D AGO

L3Harris Wins $65 Million ATACMS Solid Rocket Motor Contract

L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract worth $65 million to manufacture solid rocket motors for the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). The award reinforces the defense industrial base supporting long-range surface-to-surface missiles. The deal signals continued emphasis on propulsion manufacturing for key US battlefield deterrence capabilities.

Fincantieri to lead upgrade of PPA ships to Full Combat System

Naval News7D AGO

Fincantieri to lead upgrade of PPA ships to Full Combat System

Fincantieri will spearhead the contractual integration to upgrade PPA-class multipurpose ships to the Full Combat System configuration. The pact was signed by OCCAR-EA’s Director and Fulvio Palermo, head of Fincantieri's Naval Vessels Division, on behalf of a temporary consortium. The move signals a push to modernize the PPA fleet's combat capabilities.

Babcock completes major maintenance programme supporting UK carrier capability

Naval News7D AGO

Babcock completes major maintenance programme supporting UK carrier capability

UK carrier readiness restored after Babcock finishes planned maintenance on HMS Queen Elizabeth at Rosyth. The overhaul reinforces propulsion, stabilisation and critical systems for sustained carrier operations. Strategic implications: extended operational window for UK carrier presence and NATO deterrence.

Air Force Eyes Massive Boost for F-15EX Fleet

Breaking Defense8D AGO

Air Force Eyes Massive Boost for F-15EX Fleet

The U.S. Air Force fiscal 2027 budget outlines a substantial increase for the F-15EX program, signaling a push to expand air-combat capacity. Meanwhile, funding remains favorable for the F-35 and deliberate retirement slowdowns for legacy platforms like the A-10 Warthog. The package reflects a broader effort to modernize the fighter fleet while preserving mission flexibility across platforms.

Lockheed Martin Secures $200 Million for PAC-3 MSE Integration on U.S. Navy Vessels

Image: Army Technology / army-technology.com

Lockheed Martin Secures $200 Million for PAC-3 MSE Integration on U.S. Navy Vessels

The Navy advances high-performance defense by funding PAC-3 MSE integration across surface ships, enlarging interceptor inventories. This accelerates deployment of a mature missile defense capability Lockheed Martin has refined for years, signaling a push to bolster maritime layered defense and deterrence.

EC Approves $92m Grant for Patria-led FAMOUS Phase 3

Image: Army Technology / army-technology.com

Army Technology8D AGO

EC Approves $92m Grant for Patria-led FAMOUS Phase 3

The European Commission funds the third phase of the Patria-led FAMOUS program, advancing European defense tech in highly mobile augmented armor systems. The grant underpins continued development, integration, and testing across a consortium of European defense firms. This financing signals EU commitment to next-generation armored capabilities and cross-border industrial collaboration.

Expat business community takes on Ukraine air-defence role

Army Technology8D AGO

Expat business community takes on Ukraine air-defence role

Expatriate volunteers in Ukraine bolster local air-defence units as Russia conducts a Spring-Summer campaign. The move signals foreign civilian involvement shaping Ukraine’s air threat response. Strategic implications center on deterrence, regional security, and civilian-military cooperation.

US Navy selects GA-ASI for CAMP autonomy project

Naval Technology8D AGO

US Navy selects GA-ASI for CAMP autonomy project

The US Navy’s NAVAIR PMA-281 has named GA-ASI to lead the Collaborative Autonomy Mission Planning and Debrief (CAMP) program. The selection marks a step forward in naval unmanned systems and autonomous warfare planning. CAMP aims to integrate autonomous mission planning with real-time debriefs to shorten cycle times and improve decision speed.

General Atomics Pitches Armaments for Trump-class Battleship

Image: Naval News / navalnews.com

General Atomics Pitches Armaments for Trump-class Battleship

General Atomics proposes integrated weapons packages for the U.S. Navy’s planned Trump-class battleships, unveiled at Sea Air Space 2026. The firm outlines advanced systems already in development, signaling a push to harden the platform's deterrence and reach. The concept faces the realities of high-end naval arms competition and budget trade-offs among new warships.

Leonardo DRS Launches New Maritime C-UAS Capability

Leonardo DRS announced that it has successfully integrated its Maritime Mission Equipment Package (M-MEP) on an autonomous unmanned surface vessel (AUSV), delivering a new counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability designed to detect, track, identify, and defeat aerial unmanned threats operating in the maritime domain. Leonardo press release Built for rapid integration on crewed and uncrewed ... The post Leonardo DRS Launches New Maritime C-UAS Capability appeared first on Naval News.

Fincantieri Marine Group to build Saildrone Spectre USV

Naval Technology8D AGO

Fincantieri Marine Group to build Saildrone Spectre USV

Fincantieri Marine Group has won a contract to construct Spectre, Saildrone’s new multi-mission uncrewed surface vessel. The award signals a growing collaboration between a major shipbuilder and a naval autonomy company. Spectre aims to expand unmanned surface capabilities across naval, maritime security, and ISR missions.

Breaking Defense8D AGO

NHI inks Block 2 study contract for NH90 future tech

NHIndustries will offer multiple evolution options to NATO and partner nations within the Block 2 study. The options are tailored to meet respective operational requirements as defined by the program. The move signals a deliberate push to keep the NH90 platform at the cutting edge of rotorcraft technology.

PARTNERSHIP

Hanwha and Magnet Defense Formalize MUSV Strategic Partnership

Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense formalize a strategic MUSV partnership to develop 38-meter autonomous surface vessels. The deal signals a push toward cost-effective, high-endurance unmanned ships for potential U.S. military use. The alliance encompasses multiple projects and rapid prototype pathways, highlighting growing naval AI and autonomy competition.

Izumo Bow Redesign Marks F-35B STOVL Milestone

PRODUCTION

Image: The War Zone / twz.com

Izumo Bow Redesign Marks F-35B STOVL Milestone

The JMSDF Izumo-class helicopter carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183) publicly reveals a dramatically redesigned bow, a key step in its conversion to operate F-35B STOVL fighters. The modification signals a shift in Japan's naval aviation capabilities and carrier mentality. Analysts will watch for formal trials and potential global balance implications as the ship nears integration with vertical landing aircraft.

F/A-XX Next Gen Naval Fighter Concept Video Emerges From Northrop Grumman

The War Zone9D AGO

F/A-XX Next Gen Naval Fighter Concept Video Emerges From Northrop Grumman

We see a lot more of Northrop Grumman's F/A-XX tailless naval fighter concept in the new video, including some interesting features. The post F/A-XX Next Gen Naval Fighter Concept Video Emerges From Northrop Grumman appeared first on The War Zone.

OCX GPS Ground Control System Axed Over Insurmountable Hurdles