Analysis & Reports

On June 2, 2026, the French Defence Procurement Agency awarded MBDA a contract for the development of the ASN4G hypersonic missile, expected to enter service around 2035. This missile will be operated by the French strategic air forces and will replace the ASMPA missile. The ASN4G's hypersonic capabilities are intended to enhance airborne deterrence against evolving threats.

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.

The UK Navy is currently unable to deploy operational forces as all 5 Astute-class submarines are docked for repairs. The Royal Navy's fleet has significantly decreased, with only 13 surface ships remaining, and its ammunition reserves can only support 8 days of large-scale operations. Recent crises have highlighted the military's lack of readiness and response capability, raising concerns about the UK's defense strategy.

A military parade will be held on July 14, 2023, on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, featuring approximately 10,000 participants, including 6,500 marching troops. The event, themed 'European Strategic Awakening,' aims to showcase France's military commitment and honor Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots will join French pilots in the aerial display, and the parade will be attended by international dignitaries, including NATO and EU officials.

James Heappey, the Minister of State for Armed Forces, resigned on June 11, 2023, citing dissatisfaction with the UK government's defense investment plans. He criticized the plans for lacking transformative change and adequate funding to address modern security threats. The investment plan, originally set for release in autumn 2025, has faced delays due to funding disputes within the government.

Russian forces launched an offensive in northern Donetsk, engaging in urban combat in Konstantinovka, which they have fully controlled in the eastern part. The Ukrainian Armed Forces reported strikes on multiple Russian military and logistical facilities during the same period.

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.

EDGE Group launched EDGE Europe, a defense enterprise, headquartered in Paris, with a manufacturing site in Bordeaux. The initiative aims to enhance defense capabilities in Europe through technology-driven industrialization and partnerships. EDGE Group plans to invest in local talent and has previously acquired stakes in various European defense companies.

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.

Alexandra ReevesThu Jun 11 2026Loading...

British Defense Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday, criticizing Prime Minister Keir Starmer for inadequate defense spending amid rising threats. Healey stated that the government's Defense Investment Plan falls short of necessary resources for military readiness. His resignation could destabilize Starmer's Labour government, which faces internal dissent. Italy's defense minister expressed support for Healey's concerns regarding defense funding.

Germany and France have acknowledged the failure of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, which was intended to be a joint fighter jet initiative. This decision comes as Europe increases defense spending, with Germany's military budget projected to exceed 2% of GDP in 2026. The FCAS's collapse highlights significant disagreements over design authority and national defense priorities, raising concerns about Europe's military autonomy and future defense cooperation.

Dr. Klaus WeberThu Jun 11 2026Loading...

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.