Analysis & Reports

Saab received a SEK 2.9 billion contract from Sweden's Defense Materiel Administration to continue work on the future fighter system from 2026 to 2028, with options for 2029 and 2030. This contract focuses on developing both manned and unmanned platforms and is part of the Koncept för Framtida Stridsflyg program, which aims to enhance Sweden's air combat capabilities beyond 2040.

Ukraine is developing faster air-defense interceptors to counter Russian jet drones, showcased at the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland, in September 2026. The new interceptors aim to address the threat posed by faster Geran variants, with testing planned for autumn. This development highlights Ukraine's focus on affordability and rapid production cycles in response to evolving drone threats.

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Italy ordered two additional MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 drones from General Atomics, set for delivery at the end of 2027. This decision comes despite concerns from the US Air Force regarding recent combat losses of the drone type in Iran. The Italian Air Force has been a key user of MQ-9A drones for various missions, supporting NATO operations and intelligence efforts.

Anduril Industries is negotiating with Poland's Ministry of National Defence to assemble Barracuda missiles locally and is proposing its Fury and Thunder autonomous aircraft to complement Poland's F-35 and Apache fleets. Poland is set to receive 32 F-35 jets and 96 Apache helicopters, with deliveries beginning in 2028. The company aims to make Poland the first European user of these autonomous systems, enhancing operational capabilities for its military.

The Italian Air Force has ordered two new MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft from General Atomics. This acquisition aims to enhance Italy's military drone capabilities.

Blighter is promoting its radar systems for border and low-altitude air surveillance at the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland. The company has deployed over 800 radar units in over 40 countries and won a contract to supply its systems to an unnamed Eastern European army. Blighter's radars are designed to detect low-flying threats, including drones, and are already in use by various military forces, including the UK Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Air Force.

Aero Sentinel's G2 unmanned aircraft successfully completed reconnaissance missions during a Romanian military exercise, demonstrating its capabilities in a challenging electronic warfare environment. The drone operated for up to 75 minutes, detecting enemy positions despite heavy jamming. Romanian defense officials showed interest in further evaluating the G2 for potential military integration.

The US Army has contracted to triple the production of PAC-3 MSE missiles to about 2,000 per year by 2030. Poland is expanding its military to 500,000 personnel by the same year. Ukraine is urgently requesting 5 to 10 PAC-3 missiles at a time due to a shortage caused by ongoing Russian missile attacks. The demand for air defense systems is rising as the conflict continues.

NATO has allocated over $10 billion in military aid to Ukraine, but delays in delivery are compromising Ukraine's defense against Russian attacks. Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that these delays cost lives, as Ukraine struggles to maintain air defense capabilities. The U.S. has warned allies to prepare for a prolonged conflict, highlighting the need for timely support to counter Russian aggression.

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KONGSBERG integrated Echodyne's MESA radar into its PROTECTOR RS4 and RS6 remote weapon stations on September 9, enhancing their counter-drone capabilities. The PROTECTOR family, with over 25,000 units deployed globally, can now effectively track and engage small unmanned aircraft. This integration was showcased at the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland.

Ukraine has expanded its drone campaign against Russian naval assets into the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas, conducting multiple strikes from November 2024 to September 2026. Notable incidents include attacks on the Qendil tanker and the sinking of the Arctic Metagaz. Ukrainian forces have targeted various Russian vessels and infrastructure, with the SBU claiming responsibility for several operations.

The European Union approved 3.2 billion euros for 1,000 Patriot missiles to support Ukraine, with funding sourced from a European loan mechanism. This decision, made on September 8-9, 2026, underscores Europe's reliance on U.S. defense capabilities, as the EU lacks the capacity to produce such systems independently. The Ukrainian Defense Minister confirmed contracts for these missiles with partner nations, while the UK contributed an additional 100 million pounds for air defense.

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U.S. soldiers trained on a counter-drone defense system at the Combined Arms Training Center in Grafenwoehr, Germany. The training included the use of Merops AS-3 Surveyor interceptor drones, which are part of a larger effort to counter the growing threat of small drones in combat. The U.S. Army has acquired these interceptors for operations against Iranian-designed drones in the Middle East.

Finland has agreed to purchase over 100 Patria TREMOS mortar systems, with deliveries starting this year and continuing through 2028. The TREMOS system allows existing mortar barrels to be mounted on wheeled or tracked vehicles, enhancing mobility and operational efficiency for the Finnish Army. Patria developed the system in collaboration with the Finnish Defence Forces, and the contract is expected to create significant employment opportunities in Finland.

Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (KhKBM) has produced over 600 BTR-4 troop carriers since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022. The company, which relocated its operations due to missile strikes, can manufacture about 200 vehicles annually. Despite the output, there are no active contracts for new orders, and the updated BTR-4E variant meets NATO standards for protection.

INEOS Automotive, with Hobson Industries and TVS Supply Chain Solutions, is competing to replace the British Army's aging vehicles with the Grenadier in the Light Mobility Vehicle program. The Enhanced Protection Vehicle, an armored variant, will be showcased at the DVD2026 defense vehicle exhibition on September 16-17, 2026. This initiative aims to replace older models like the Pinzgauer and Land Rover 90 and 110 Wolf.

The French Navy received the first two Falcon 2000 LXS Albatros maritime surveillance aircraft at Lann-Bihoué, Brittany. This delivery marks the beginning of the AVSIMAR program, which aims to field a total of 12 Albatros aircraft for maritime patrol and rescue operations. The new aircraft will replace older models and are expected to achieve initial operational capability by the end of 2026.

The collapse of the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS program has left Europe with only one sixth-generation manned aircraft in development. The British-Italian-Japanese GCAP program is being considered as a future option, while older aircraft like the F-35 are also under review for upgrades. Sweden's Saab may join the competition, and there is a continued effort to enhance Europe's domestic military aircraft production.

ASELSAN signed a contract to supply Poland with 24 ARSUS reconnaissance and surveillance systems at the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce. Deliveries are planned for 2028 and 2029, as part of a broader agreement that includes future collaborations. This deal follows a previous electronic warfare contract and signifies deepening military cooperation between ASELSAN and the Polish Armed Forces.

Rheinmetall AG selected Radiocrafts AS to provide mesh networking radio technology for integration into its next-generation battlefield sensing system in Oslo, Norway, on September 8, 2026. This technology aims to enhance reliable communications in contested environments, supporting the shift towards distributed military operations. Radiocrafts' modules are designed for easy integration and are manufactured in Europe, ensuring supply-chain confidence.