Analysis & Reports

Germany signed a €324 million contract with Norway for air-launched cruise missiles to equip its F-35 fighter jets. This makes Germany the fifth nation to choose Joint Strike Missiles for the F-35. The agreement is part of a broader trend towards European defense autonomy amid changing U.S. involvement in European security.

Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK) signed an exclusive agreement with the London Proof House on 19 May in Tampa, Florida, to provide advanced testing and proofing for rifles intended to replace the SA80 as part of Project GRAYBURN. This partnership aims to ensure that the Beretta NARP or Sako ARG40 is ready for frontline service, emphasizing the importance of proofing in the manufacturing process.

Saab Dynamics has developed the HEAT 758 round for the Carl-Gustaf recoilless gun, designed to penetrate modern explosive reactive armor (ERA) on tanks. This new ammunition can achieve penetration of up to 700 mm behind ERA at a range of 600 meters. The Carl-Gustaf system, in service since 1948, continues to evolve with new technology and increased production capabilities to meet demand.

Russia's Africa Corps deployed Garpiya-A1 drones against rebel forces near Sevare in June 2025. This marks the first confirmed use of this upgraded drone outside Ukraine, enhancing the precision strike capabilities of Russian and Malian forces. The Garpiya-A1, equipped with advanced navigation to counter jamming, signifies Russia's ongoing military engagement in Mali following the rebranding of Wagner Group.

KONGSBERG signed a NOK 3.5 billion contract to deliver Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) to Germany, enhancing the readiness of Germany's F-35 fighter jets. This agreement, part of a government sale with Norway, marks Germany as the fifth nation to adopt the JSM, following Norway, Japan, Australia, and the US. The deal reflects the strengthening defense ties between Norway and Germany, as emphasized by officials from both countries.

TKMS and Elbit Systems signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Kiel on May 18, 2026, to collaborate on the development and integration of advanced naval defense solutions. This partnership aims to enhance maritime security and strengthen the strategic ties between Germany and Israel, addressing current and future defense challenges.

The U.S. State Department approved a $236 million sale of AGM-184 Joint Strike Missiles to Belgium on May 18, 2025, allowing Belgium to enhance its F-35A fighter jets with advanced strike capabilities. This acquisition represents a significant upgrade in Belgium's military capabilities, marking its first purchase of cruise missiles. Defence Minister Theo Francken emphasized the strategic importance of this development for national deterrence and operational autonomy.

RAF 9 Squadron conducted operational sorties with APKWS-guided rockets in the Middle East on May 17, 2026. This integration, completed in under two months, aims to provide a cost-effective solution for intercepting drones, reflecting a shift in air defense strategy. The operational use of Typhoon with APKWS is significant for Gulf states, emphasizing the need for economical defense solutions against low-cost threats.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue May 19 2026Loading...

The U.S. military conducted exercises in Lithuania to counter drone swarms and improve tactics for using drone technology. Nearly 1000 personnel participated, testing new systems and strategies under varying weather and terrain conditions. The exercises are part of the 'Flytrap Program' and involve collaboration with allied forces.

Poland deployed four micro reconnaissance satellites on May 6, 2023, as part of its self-developed space satellite network for geospatial imaging. The satellites, developed by Iceye's Polish branch, enhance Poland's ISR capabilities and have demonstrated strong anti-jamming features. The Polish Ministry of Defense announced the successful deployment, which is part of a contract valued at approximately $235 million. Images of Russian military facilities were also released.

Ukraine has developed and declared its first guided aerial bombs ready for combat use in May 2026. These bombs, capable of striking targets dozens of kilometers behind enemy lines, feature a 250-kilogram warhead and are designed to evade air defenses. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that an experimental batch has been purchased for deployment, marking a significant advancement in Ukraine's military capabilities.

US soldiers participated in Project FlyTrap 5.0 in Lithuania, learning to identify drones by their sounds during patrols. Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Harrington emphasized the importance of recognizing drone noises to enhance situational awareness. This training draws lessons from the Ukrainian military's experience in identifying aerial threats. The exercise focused on detecting and defeating low-cost unmanned aerial systems.

The US Army has entered into an agreement with Czech manufacturer U&C UAS for the delivery of specialized drones to its units stationed in Europe.

France is procuring 17 Giraffe 1X radars to enhance its mobile drone defense capabilities, with deliveries planned for 2026-2027. The radars will be mounted on Scania V3P vehicles, reflecting a strategic shift towards improved detection of small aerial threats. This procurement aims to address gaps in air defense and integrate new sensor technologies into the French Armed Forces' operational framework.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon May 18 2026Loading...

The UK Ministry of Defence has selected four companies to advance the development of drones designed to operate in conjunction with British Army Apache attack helicopters. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Army's aerial assets.

Ukraine has developed a 250-kilogram guided bomb, which has been procured in an experimental batch and is currently being tested by pilots. This advancement poses a challenge to Russia's previous dominance in guided munitions, as the bomb can strike targets from several kilometers away. The development reflects Ukraine's efforts to enhance its military capabilities amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Dmitri VolkovMon May 18 2026Loading...

Saab and Scania France signed a contract with the Directorate General of Armaments for the supply of 17 Giraffe 1X radars for the French Armed Forces. One radar will be used for testing, while 16 will be installed on Scania V3P tactical vehicles. Deliveries are expected between 2026 and 2027, enhancing the air defense capabilities of the French military.

U&C UAS signed a contract to supply reconnaissance drones to U.S. Army units in Europe, enhancing their ISR capabilities. This marks the first confirmed international defense export for the Czech-Ukrainian firm. The drones were evaluated successfully during military exercises, demonstrating strong reliability and operational efficiency. The contract reflects the growing demand for persistent surveillance in Europe following increased security concerns since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Britain's Ministry of Defence relaunched its search for a precision strike loitering munition under Project INSTIGATOR in May 2026, with a budget of approximately $160 million. The program seeks to develop a drone capable of engaging targets beyond 80 kilometers and emphasizes rapid deployment and modular design. Responses to the request for information are due by May 29, 2026, as the UK aims to enhance its military capabilities in response to recent conflicts.

Ukraine has developed its first domestically produced guided aerial bomb, the KAB, which features a 250 kg warhead and is designed to target fortified positions. Pilots are training for combat use as the weapon has completed testing and an experimental batch has been procured. This development marks a significant step in Ukraine's military capabilities in 2026.

Alexandra ReevesMon May 18 2026Loading...