Analysis & Reports

France is developing the Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération (PANG), a $12 billion nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, to replace the Charles de Gaulle and enhance its military capabilities. Slated for deployment by 2038, the PANG aims to secure France's strategic autonomy amid changing global dynamics. Critics argue that the project diverts essential funds from more modern military needs and represents an outdated approach to power projection.

NATO launched its first Testing, Evaluation, Verification and Validation (TEVV) campaign for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies at the Sēlija Military Training Area in Latvia from March 9 to 13, 2026. This initiative, part of NATO's Rapid Adoption Action Plan, involved defense industry companies from NATO member states and Ukraine. The next testing activity is planned for May 27, coinciding with the International Drone Summit in Riga.

Germany and France are collaborating to resolve an industrial dispute over the New Generation Fighter (NGF) element of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) by mid-April. French President Emmanuel Macron and German officials have emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement between Airbus and Dassault. The NGF aims to replace existing combat aircraft by 2040, but recent tensions over leadership and workshare could jeopardize the project's future.

On October 18, 2023, French President Macron announced the initiation of construction for a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named 'Charles de Gaulle' in Nantes. The carrier is set to enhance France's naval capabilities and is expected to be operational by 2038, replacing the current carrier. It will incorporate advanced French technology and is historically significant, named after the WWII resistance movement.

Ukraine has deployed the Bohdana-BG towed howitzer in frontline units, specifically operated by the 147th Separate Artillery Brigade in eastern Ukraine. This domestically produced 155mm artillery system has been in active service for at least a year and is designed to adapt to drone-heavy combat. The howitzer features a maximum firing range of 41 kilometers and emphasizes accuracy over rate of fire, with crews typically firing one to two rounds per minute.

Gulf nations are actively seeking assistance from Ukraine to enhance their counter-drone capabilities amid ongoing threats from Iranian drones. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed that teams have been dispatched to the Middle East to showcase drone defense technologies. Ukrainian manufacturers report a capacity to produce thousands of interceptor drones daily, but export controls remain a challenge for international cooperation.

The German navy is set to acquire four MEKO frigates from TKMS as a backup due to delays in the F126 program, with the first unit's construction starting in December 2023. This acquisition is part of a bridge solution to ensure anti-submarine capabilities by late 2029. Lawmakers have approved the preliminary contract, while negotiations continue with NVL for the F126 program's main contractor.

Leonardo acquired Iveco Defence Vehicles for €1.7 billion ($1.9 billion) to enhance its defense capabilities. This acquisition is part of Leonardo's strategy to strengthen its position as a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer in the land defense sector. The deal is expected to leverage the complementary strengths of both companies in providing integrated defense solutions across various platforms.

Rheinmetall and AID signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 25 to upgrade the Italian Army's anti-tank mines. The project will modernize several hundred thousand MATS mines, developing the MATS MK2 to enhance safety and combat effectiveness. Work is set to begin within the next 12 months, creating new jobs at both companies.

Dronetag has been selected for the EUDIS Business Accelerator in March 2026, becoming the first Czech company to join this EU defense innovation program. The company specializes in drone detection systems aimed at enhancing airspace security and countering low-cost threats. This selection follows Dronetag's previous recognition by NATO's DIANA accelerator, highlighting its role in advancing defense technology in Europe.

Alpine Eagle is scaling production of its Sentinel counter-drone system in Munich, Germany, as demand accelerates across Europe. The company has secured contracts with three new customers and is expanding operations to the UK and Netherlands. Sentinel combines advanced radar and sensor technology to counter drone threats, and the company is also participating in trials in Ukraine and a defense innovation program in the Netherlands.

NATO is revising its integrated air and missile defense planning amid rising threats from Russia and recent military engagements. The Eastern Sentry initiative integrates air defense capabilities across NATO's eastern flank, successfully intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at Turkey. Concurrently, NATO conducts various military exercises in the Nordic-Baltic region, emphasizing persistent operations and enhanced readiness.

Alexandra ReevesThu Mar 19 2026Loading...

The Russian Army has withdrawn T-90M tanks from the front lines in Ukraine, with over 153 confirmed losses since the start of the conflict. Uralvagonzavod is ramping up production, aiming for 250-300 units by 2025, despite significant battlefield losses. The T-90M's design flaws have led to increased vulnerability, prompting a strategic shift in deployment.

Ukrainian President Zelensky met with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg and UK Prime Minister Starmer in London on October 17, 2023, to discuss enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities. They focused on military support, including the purchase of Patriot missiles from the U.S. A joint statement was signed to strengthen defense cooperation, with the UK committing to provide at least £3 billion in military aid annually until 2031.

Ukrainian military pilots have raised concerns about the aging flight equipment, particularly for MiG-29, Su-27, and L-39 aircraft, which may expire before the aircraft themselves. The 'Sonyashnyk' community emphasized the need for modernization to ensure pilot safety and mission effectiveness. Despite previous attempts to procure modern equipment, issues with compliance and adaptation to Soviet-era aircraft persist, impacting operational capabilities.

The U.S. Army delegation evaluated the Morana 155 self-propelled howitzer in the Czech Republic, assessing its capabilities and potential cooperation with the Czechoslovak Group. The visit included a demonstration of the howitzer's technological features and operational advantages. This evaluation is part of the Army's efforts to replace its towed M777 howitzers with more mobile artillery systems.

The Royal Netherlands Navy acquired 12 V-BAT unmanned aerial systems, which were operationally tested during NATO’s Cold Response exercise in Norway. These drones are equipped with radar and camera systems for reconnaissance and can provide live data to naval operators. The acquisition process was expedited under a NATO procurement framework, allowing for rapid deployment across eight ships.

Milrem Robotics and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advanced defense technologies, focusing on unmanned ground vehicles and regional security. This partnership aims to leverage each other's expertise and resources to enhance interoperability and innovation in defense capabilities.

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted drone strikes on Iranian gas facilities in South Pars, Bushehr Province on March 18. The strikes targeted the largest gas facility in Iran, which processes 40% of the country's gas supply. This operation was reportedly coordinated with U.S. officials, according to Israeli sources.

Sisu Auto is ramping up production of SISU GTP vehicles to five per week, responding to strong demand from Finland and Sweden, which have ordered over 700 units. The company aims to deliver the next 200 vehicles by the end of the year and reach a total of 1000 vehicles by spring 2028. The vehicles are designed for high mobility and protection, with 74% domestic content, highlighting Finland's defense industry capabilities.