Analysis & Reports

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has officially codified the Pliushch ground drone, enabling its formal procurement by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This unmanned reconnaissance platform, equipped with a 10-meter extendable mast, is designed for communications and electronic warfare, and can operate autonomously for up to four days. The Pliushch is already in use by combat units, marking a significant step in Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Ukraine is establishing a legal framework for arms exports to the U.S. and integrating drone technology into joint ventures with American firms. The new export framework allows for the sale of drones, missiles, and other military equipment, reflecting a significant shift in Ukraine's defense strategy. Additionally, Ukraine signed the CORPUS Memorandum with five European nations to coordinate defense procurement efforts. This development comes as Ukraine's defense production capacity has surged, attracting interest from U.S. investors.

EDGE Group signed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in CMD, an Italian engine maker, to enhance its capabilities in advanced engineering and propulsion systems. The deal, which is expected to close by the end of the year, aims to build a European propulsion hub that complements EDGE's global industrial footprint. CMD specializes in propulsion systems for UAVs and marine applications, aligning with EDGE's expansion strategy in the defense sector.

Enforce Tac 2026 showcased advancements in defense and security at the Nürnberg Exhibition Centre from 23 to 25 February 2026, featuring over 1,400 exhibitors and 26,500 visitors. The event highlighted key topics such as counter-UAS and air defense, marking its evolution from a law enforcement focus to a broader defense exhibition. Notably, it was held under the patronage of Germany’s Federal Chancellor.

Self-propelled artillery is currently driving the global artillery sector, with Europe and the Asia-Pacific emerging as the leading markets. This competition highlights the significance of artillery in military capabilities and defense strategies.

Britain signed a £1 billion contract for 72 RCH 155 remote-controlled howitzers on May 13, 2026, to enhance its artillery capabilities. The contract, awarded to ARTEC GmbH, aims for first deliveries in 2028 and addresses a capability gap identified by military leadership. This procurement not only strengthens the British Army but also supports job creation in the UK and deepens defense cooperation with Germany under the UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement.

Fire Point has unveiled the Freya project, a pan-European ballistic missile defense initiative, aimed at developing the FP-7.x interceptor missile. This system is designed to integrate with NATO standards and existing air defense infrastructures across Europe. The project addresses the need for cost-effective interception of ballistic threats, leveraging open-source technologies and multinational components. A license agreement for Link-16 use was signed on May 29, 2025, enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

Romanian manufacturer IRUM unveiled the IRON-690, a modular autonomous ground drone, at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace exhibition in Bucharest on May 13, 2026. The drone is designed for defensive support operations, capable of logistics transport and casualty evacuation, with a payload capacity of 7 tonnes. Its command and control architecture ensures NATO interoperability, making it suitable for military applications.

Team LionStrike announced the inclusion of the Chevrolet Silverado HD in its proposal to the U.K. Ministry of Defence for the Land Mobility Programme. The Silverado HD, equipped with a powerful turbodiesel engine, offers significant towing and payload capabilities. This proposal aims to enhance the operational readiness of the British Armed Forces by providing modern vehicles tailored for military use.

The UK announced the procurement of 72 Remote Controlled Howitzers 155mm (RCH 155) artillery systems, valued at approximately $1.35 billion, with first deliveries expected in 2028. These systems will be mounted on Boxer armored vehicles and are designed to enhance the UK's artillery capabilities. The acquisition follows the donation of AS90 systems to Ukraine in 2023 and will be managed by OCCAR in collaboration with ARTEC and Rheinmetall.

The UK announced the procurement of 72 Remote Controlled Howitzers 155mm (RCH 155) artillery systems, valued at $1.35 billion, with deliveries starting in 2028. These systems, mounted on Boxer armored vehicles, will enhance the British Army's artillery capabilities, which have been lacking since the donation of AS90 systems to Ukraine in 2023. The deal will be contracted through OCCAR and includes training and support services.

Wild Hornets reported that its STING interceptor drone downed over 300 targets in a single day during a major Russian drone assault on Ukraine on May 13-14, 2026. One crew achieved a record of 120 kills, highlighting the effectiveness of the STING platform in countering drone threats. This operational performance underscores the evolving tactics in Ukraine's air defense strategy against increasing drone attacks.

Rotron Aerospace successfully demonstrated its SkyLance long-range one-way effector platform in London on May 12, 2026. This platform is designed for long-range autonomous strike capabilities and is part of a strategic partnership with Ondas Inc. to enhance UK defense capabilities and exports. The SkyLance system aligns with NATO's defense strategy, providing scalable and cost-effective solutions for modern operational environments.

Diehl Defence UGV Ziesel successfully fired 17 SPIKE LR guided missiles during tests conducted over five days in Nürnberg. This marks the first successful use of a modern guided missile from the Ziesel platform, which has been enhanced with new hardware and software. The SPIKE LR missile is designed for precision strikes against armored targets.

Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Systems signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 12, 2026, in Bonn to integrate advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) and counter uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities into next-generation uncrewed systems. This partnership aims to enhance operational effectiveness for defense forces by embedding these capabilities into uncrewed platforms.

Navantia strengthens its position in the European naval defense industry by leading the E DOMINION project and participating in three additional projects, MINERVA, SHIELD, and ABYSSA, with a total budget of €146 million. These initiatives aim to enhance naval capabilities, including the development of a European Digital Ship and advanced subsea systems. The projects reflect a commitment to European technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy in defense.

The UK Armed Forces are acquiring 72 RCH 155 howitzers to address a capability gap created by the donation of AS90 artillery to Ukraine. This procurement is part of the UK's ongoing military modernization efforts.

Saab and PGZ Group signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to enhance naval capabilities in Poland. The agreement focuses on lifecycle support for surface vessels and submarines, and plans to establish an Underwater Technology Centre. They will also evaluate the production of Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Drone and explore collaboration on a heavyweight torpedo.

Russia conducted large-scale missile and drone strikes against Ukraine on the 14th, resulting in power outages across 11 regions. Ukrainian energy engineers are actively working to restore electricity to affected areas.

A Ukrainian software company has developed the I-SEE, an AI-powered drone detection system capable of identifying threats at distances up to 2.5 kilometers. The system operates offline, processes video locally, and sends alerts to military units via messaging apps. It addresses critical gaps in frontline air defense by detecting drones before human operators can react, significantly enhancing operational capabilities.