Analysis & Reports

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a national security plan addressing increased Russian hybrid threats and the need for military readiness. The plan anticipates future conflicts in sea and outer space by 2035, urging Europe to enhance military capabilities and societal resilience. It highlights a significant rise in hybrid warfare operations attributed to Russia and recommends reducing technological dependency on non-European suppliers.

Nammo is developing a new prototype rocket motor engine for the IRIS-T air defense system in Raufoss, Norway. The new engine aims to enhance the capabilities of the IRIS-T SLX variant, which can intercept targets at a range of 80 kilometers. This development is part of a broader effort to support Ukraine's air defense capabilities, as Ukrainian forces have successfully utilized existing IRIS-T systems against Russian targets since 2022.

The European Union announced a 3.3 billion euro investment in Ukrainian drones, missiles, and ammunition on September 18, 2026. This funding aims to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing challenges. However, concerns remain regarding the timely delivery and actual production capacity of the promised support, as well as the strategic implications of the funding structure.

S.WFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow on September 18, 2026, coinciding with the start of parliamentary elections, with over 350 drones involved. The attack included strikes on a refinery in Yaroslavl and a military airfield in Rostov. Ukrainian forces aim to increase the political cost of the ongoing war for Russia, while the Russian military adapts its defenses and missile capabilities in response to these drone threats.

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The U.S. Navy awarded a $47.4 million contract modification for engineering support of the Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) program on May 6, 2025. This marks the development of the first new nuclear weapon since the Cold War, with an expected delivery capability by 2034. The contract includes various technical support tasks and is primarily based in Washington, D.C., with additional work at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor and Norfolk.

Latvia's government approved the acquisition of Morana 155 mm self-propelled howitzers from Czech manufacturer Excalibur Army, reversing its earlier decision to pursue a deal with Sweden's BAE Systems Bofors. This decision was influenced by cost assessments, delivery times, and local defense industry involvement. The procurement is part of Latvia's defense budget for 2026, which allocates 4.91% of GDP to military spending.

Poland warns of potential Russian drone or missile strikes against NATO allies during the winter months, emphasizing the need for NATO to prepare for ambiguous attacks. The warning highlights the strategic implications for Poland's air defense and the necessity for a unified NATO response to any incidents. This assessment is based on intelligence and reflects concerns about Russia's tactics in the ongoing conflict.

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Germany deployed four Eurofighter Typhoons to Latvia to protect the airspace during the parliamentary election on October 3, 2026. This action responds to increased drone incidents on NATO's eastern flank, highlighting the challenges of defending against small, inexpensive drones. The mission serves to demonstrate NATO solidarity and provide a visible military presence.

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The MSPO 2026 defense industry event in Kielce attracted 45,000 visitors and featured 1,209 exhibitors from 43 countries. This record-breaking attendance highlights Kielce's growing significance as a leading hub in the global defense sector.

Latvia's government decided to purchase Czech-made Morana howitzers for its National Armed Forces on September 15, 2025, opting for this system over Sweden's Archer due to cost and delivery issues. The Morana howitzer, a 155mm system, will enhance Latvia's artillery capabilities and includes local industry participation in its procurement. Despite this decision, Latvia continues to maintain a strategic defense partnership with Sweden.

Nokia Defense and C3IA signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance digital communications capabilities for the UK defense sector. This partnership aims to support the modernization of defense communications in the UK.

Rheinmetall UK and Mercedes-Benz UK formalized a partnership to support the British Army's future tactical mobility requirements under the Land Mobility Programme. This collaboration focuses on enhancing the logistical capabilities of the British Army through new vehicle solutions.

On September 16, 2026, U.S. and Indian soldiers conducted a counterterrorism building-clearing demonstration in Auli, India, involving approximately 6,000 personnel. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability in mountain warfare without indicating a formal military alignment against China. While it improves cooperation, India's military priorities remain focused on continental issues rather than Pacific engagements.

Marcus ChenThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

Emmanuel LEVACHER was re-elected as President of GICAT during a board meeting in Paris on July 13, 2026, following a General Meeting held on July 8, 2026.

On September 17, 2026, the European Union and Ukraine announced a drone alliance involving 18 companies to enhance drone production and defense capabilities. This initiative aims to utilize unused EU defense funds for joint projects with the Ukrainian defense industry, leveraging Ukraine's expertise in drone technology. The alliance signifies a shift in how Ukraine is viewed in defense collaborations, moving from a recipient to a partner with operational competence.

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Putin is using the upcoming elections in Russia, scheduled for 18-20 September, to recruit military personnel by promoting over 200 veterans as candidates. This strategy aims to bolster support for the war in Ukraine and mitigate potential backlash from the public. The Kremlin is managing the election narrative to project legitimacy and encourage military enlistment among the youth.

The Royal Navy is enhancing its naval readiness to secure the Atlantic against Russian probing activities. Two British warships are deployed weekly to monitor Russian vessels, reflecting a significant military focus on the North Atlantic. A 'Northern Navies' agreement is being finalized among ten countries to create a persistent maritime force in response to security threats. The Royal Navy is also transitioning to a 'hybrid Navy' that integrates crewed and uncrewed systems.

Team BOXER UK supports job and skills growth in Newcastle upon Tyne through an armoured vehicle programme. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance British manufacturing capabilities in the defense sector, announced on 17 September 2026.

Germany is deploying four Eurofighter jets to Lielvārde, Latvia, to secure the airspace during the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 3, 2023. This mission, involving several dozen soldiers and technicians, is a response to heightened concerns over drone incursions from Russia and Belarus. The operation is part of NATO's enhanced air policing efforts in the Baltic region.

NAMMO CEO Morten Brandtzæg warned in Raufoss, Norway, that cutting off industrial cooperation with the US could lead to a decade-long capability gap for European allies. He emphasized the critical dependence of European F-35s on AMRAAM rocket motors supplied by NAMMO and highlighted the need for increased production of 155mm ammunition to support Ukraine. Brandtzæg stated that the interconnected industrial base must not be disrupted due to political turbulence.