Analysis & Reports

Terma and Diehl Defence signed a cooperation agreement in Berlin during the ILA Berlin Airshow 2026 to develop future defense products and technologies. This collaboration focuses on ground-based air defense systems and guided missiles, aiming to enhance the European defense industrial base. Both companies have a decade-long partnership in defense projects.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Reflex Aerospace announced a strategic partnership in June 2026 to co-develop a new Very High Resolution and Very High Revisit satellite constellation (VHR²C) in Berlin. This satellite system is designed to provide rapid production and high-resolution imagery to meet modern intelligence demands. The first satellite is expected to launch in Q4 2027, enhancing capabilities for persistent surveillance and actionable intelligence.

Elbit Systems announced a partnership with Diehl Defence on June 11, 2023, to provide the SkyStriker loitering munition to the German Armed Forces. This collaboration aims to enhance Germany's defense capabilities through local manufacturing and assembly, addressing the growing need for advanced loitering munitions. The SkyStriker, capable of a range over 200km, is part of Israel's strategic push into European defense markets.

Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna (NPGM) is developing a 40 mm ammunition production facility in Niewiadów, Poland, with construction expected to be completed by April 2027 and production starting in mid-2027. The project includes a 30-year exclusive production license from ST Engineering and aims for an annual output of 480,000 rounds. NPGM plans to localize 85% of component manufacturing in Poland to enhance supply resilience for NATO.

The joint fighter jet project between France and Germany has been terminated due to conflicting requirements, with France needing carrier-capable aircraft and Germany not having aircraft carriers. This failure raises questions about future military cooperation and the relevance of large-scale defense projects in light of rapid technological advancements. New alliances for aircraft development are being explored, including a coalition led by Airbus for a sixth-generation fighter jet.

Airbus and a coalition of German defense companies formed 'Team Gen 6' to develop a 6th-generation fighter aircraft following the collapse of the Future Combat Air System project. The announcement was made at the Berlin Air Show, with plans to salvage some technologies from the previous project. Spanish companies are also expected to join the initiative as Germany explores options for future fighter procurement.

The Berlin Air Show features discussions on an Italian helicopter project and highlights the growing demand for air defense systems amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. This reflects a significant focus on military equipment and defense capabilities.

The German Navy is expanding its capabilities with the deployment of P-8A Poseidon aircraft and NH-90 Sea Lion helicopters. On June 11, 2026, the Naval Aviation Wing commander confirmed that all eight P-8A aircraft on order will be delivered by late next year. Recent operations included joint patrols with the UK and exercises in the North Atlantic, enhancing NATO's defense posture.

Germany coordinated the delivery of approximately 35 PAC-3 interceptors and IRIS-T munitions to Ukraine on June 10. This effort reflects Germany's role as a broker in air defense support, addressing Ukraine's urgent military needs against Russian missile threats. The report emphasizes the importance of timely support within a six-to-eight-month window to maintain Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

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Canada delivered a new batch of Roshel Senator armored vehicles to Ukraine on February 24, 2026, as part of Operation UNIFIER. This delivery includes 383 Senator vehicles and 66 LAV-6 light armored vehicles, enhancing the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Senator MRAP is specifically designed to withstand mine blasts, improving troop survivability in combat conditions. This commitment reflects Canada's ongoing military support and training efforts for Ukraine.

The German Air Force showcased the Eurofighter at ILA 2026, featuring new systems like the Rafael Litening 5 targeting pod and Spice 250 precision munitions. Airbus plans to integrate these systems into the Eurofighter by 2029, enhancing its capabilities for future operations. The KEPD 350 Taurus missile will also be upgraded for the next generation of Eurofighters, set to replace the Tornado ECR fleet by 2030.

German and Spanish companies, including Airbus and Indra, are urging their governments to continue funding for sixth-generation fighter jet development after the Future Combat Air System program was dropped. They warn that a lack of funding could result in an irreversible loss of expertise. The companies emphasize the need for a multinational approach to maintain European air combat capabilities.

MBDA showcased a hybrid high-energy laser and missile interceptor system at the Berlin Air Show in Berlin, designed to counter drone threats. The DEWS-L laser weapon and DEFENDAIR guided missile system aim to neutralize small, fast unmanned aerial vehicles. This new system could be operational in Germany by the end of the decade, reflecting a shift in military focus towards precision strike capabilities amid rising demand for conventional munitions.

EM&E Group will present its new ODIN 6×6 C-UAS system at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris from June 15 to 19, 2026. The system integrates drone detection and neutralization capabilities into a 6×6 armored vehicle, enhancing tactical mobility and protection. The exhibition will also feature other advanced defense technologies, reaffirming EM&E Group's role in defense innovation and European strategic autonomy.

Northrop Grumman received a $31 million contract modification to sustain Poland's advanced air and missile defense system, with work based in Huntsville, Alabama, and completion expected by December 31, 2029. This contract enhances the WISLA Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System, which integrates the Patriot missile system with the IBCS, making Poland's air defense network one of the most advanced in NATO. Poland is significantly increasing its defense spending in response to regional security threats.

Vegvisir is launching a communications module for military drones at Eurosatory 2026, aimed at maintaining connectivity in contested environments. The module supports various communication channels and is designed for harsh field conditions. It has already secured its first European customer and is being tested in nine countries, including the US and Australia.

Airbus Defence and Space and Alta Ares signed a memorandum of understanding in Berlin on 11 June 2026 to develop European counter-drone solutions. This partnership aims to enhance air defense capabilities, particularly against suicide drones, and includes the integration of advanced systems like the Black Bird interceptor and X-Lock system. Alta Ares' counter-drone systems have been operational in Ukraine since 2024, highlighting their battlefield effectiveness.

Airbus Helicopters and Quantum Systems signed a cooperation agreement in Berlin on June 10, 2026, to integrate counter-UAS interceptors onto the H145M military helicopter. This partnership aims to enhance defense capabilities against modern airborne threats. The agreement reflects a commitment to improving Europe's defense ecosystem and includes the introduction of the uncrewed U145 helicopter featuring Quantum Systems' C-UAS solution.

Germany is facing a fighter aircraft gap following the collapse of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program in 2026. The German Air Force is considering purchasing additional F-35s or joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to address this issue. The collapse of FCAS raises concerns about NATO's European defense capabilities and the need for a unified approach to military procurement.

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Elbit Systems and Diehl Defence signed a strategic partnership in Berlin on June 11, 2026, to jointly offer the SkyStriker loitering munition system to the German Armed Forces. This advanced system is designed for high-precision strikes and can be launched from multiple platforms. The collaboration aims to strengthen Germany's defense capabilities and includes local manufacturing and support if awarded relevant contracts.