Analysis & Reports

Indra Land Vehicles was established in August 2025 to oversee military vehicle production in Gijón, Spain. The company aims to manage the Dragón 8×8 programme and other artillery systems, with plans to create 1,000 new direct jobs. The Gijón facility currently employs 150 people and is set to increase its workforce as production ramps up. Indra has also acquired a controlling stake in TESS Defence, which is responsible for various military vehicle programmes.

France is developing the THUNDART rocket system to enhance its land strike capabilities, with an operational entry targeted for as early as 2030. This new system, with a range of 150 km, aims to replace the aging LRU fleet, which currently consists of nine systems. The development reflects France's need to improve its military capabilities in response to lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine.

Alexandra ReevesMon Jun 22 2026Loading...

MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense entered the final phase of negotiations with the French defense procurement agency for the THUNDART artillery system, expected to be operational by 2030. This next-generation system will enhance France's long-range strike capabilities and is designed for high-intensity conflicts. It will also meet the operational needs of allied countries and includes plans for a joint venture to support future upgrades.

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense launched the TrophyLab platform last week in Vienna to share technical intelligence from captured Russian military hardware with allied governments and defense companies. The platform catalogs over 115 samples of seized equipment and provides access to blueprints and analyses for vetted users. This initiative aims to enhance military cooperation and knowledge sharing among allies.

SZCZĘŚNIAK Special Vehicles showcased its Heavy Recovery and Technical Rescue Vehicle at Eurosatory 2026. The vehicle is designed for the recovery and technical support of heavy military and transport vehicles, capable of recovering up to 20,000 kg. In March 2026, the company signed a contract for 35 additional vehicles, with deliveries planned from 2027 to 2029.

Australia sold its Jindalee over-the-horizon radar technology to Canada in a $2.5 billion deal signed on June 22, 2026. This marks the first international export of this technology, which will enhance Canada's surveillance capabilities in the Arctic. BAE Systems Australia will support the project, with an initial operational capability targeted for December 2029.

Ukrainian Special Operations Forces are conducting training with the LRAD 1950XL-RT, a vehicle-mounted long-range acoustic communication system, in Ukraine. This marks the first observed instance of the SSO utilizing such equipment, which is designed for non-kinetic operations and can project sound at significant distances. The training suggests an exploration of new capabilities for psychological operations and border security enforcement.

The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force publicly displayed and launched multiple Dongfeng-17 missiles on June 21, showcasing their operational capabilities. This event marks a significant moment as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Rocket Force. The Dongfeng-17, with a range of 1800 to 2500 kilometers, is designed for complex attack trajectories against high-value targets, enhancing China's military deterrence in the region.

Li MinghuiMon Jun 22 2026Loading...

MARSS has opened a new office in Nice, France, and is recruiting to double its global AI technology team to enhance its counter-drone capabilities. This expansion aims to meet the increasing demand for its NiDAR system, a leading counter-drone Command and Control platform. The move strengthens MARSS's presence in Europe and supports its collaboration with EOS, its parent company.

IDV showcased its latest uncrewed ground vehicles, including the CLX2 light hybrid tank and the 6x6 Viking UGV, at Eurosatory. The Viking UGV features advanced sensor systems and a range of 30 kilometers, while the CLX2 can reach speeds of 70 km/h with a total range of 500 kilometers. These systems enhance the capabilities of armed forces in modern hybrid conflicts.

IDV unveiled a tracked uncrewed ground vehicle and a modified wheeled UGV at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris. The company, recently acquired by Leonardo, highlighted its investment in robotics and the development of technologies like MACE and ATLAS for military applications. Three UGVs were showcased, including the Viking 2.4 and CL2X, equipped with advanced weapon systems.

Thales and Hanwha Aerospace signed a Letter of Intent on June 17 at Eurosatory to collaborate on integrating South Korean Chunmoo missiles with Thales' X-Fire launch platform. This partnership aims to enhance long-range precision strike capabilities and tap into international and European markets. The integration involves adapting three missile types, including the CGR080, CTM-MR, and CTM290, to meet operational requirements of Western armed forces.

Germany is negotiating with Japan to participate in the European drone project, enhancing bilateral security cooperation. The German ambassador to Japan confirmed Japan's interest in joining the project, which aims to develop advanced military drones. Additionally, Rheinmetall plans to establish a military production base in Japan, further solidifying defense ties between the two nations.

Switzerland plans to establish a drone battalion by 2028, focusing on hybrid threats and long-range attacks. The Swiss Armed Forces will enhance capabilities in protecting critical infrastructure and intelligence gathering. The government has approved new defense guidelines and will collaborate with universities and industry. Additionally, Switzerland is acquiring anti-drone systems in response to increased violations of infrastructure.

On September 25, 2024, the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a training simulation warhead into the Pacific Ocean. This marked the first such launch in 44 years, demonstrating advanced mobile launch capabilities and operational readiness under diverse conditions. The missile accurately landed in the designated maritime area, showcasing China's strategic deterrence capabilities.

NASA dropped four probes into the Venusian atmosphere on December 9, 1978, as part of the Pioneer Venus mission. One probe, the Day Probe, unexpectedly transmitted data for 67 minutes and 37 seconds after landing in Dione Regio. This probe was not designed to survive impact, highlighting the differences in U.S. and Soviet approaches to planetary exploration. Future missions to Venus are planned for around 2031.

The Rocket Force conducted a training exercise in China featuring multiple new missile systems, including the DF-17. The exercise focused on simultaneous missile launches, showcasing advanced coordination and rapid deployment capabilities. Experts noted the operational advantages of such exercises in real combat scenarios.

On September 25, 2024, China's Rocket Force successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a training simulation warhead into the Pacific Ocean. This event marks the first missile launch in this area since May 18, 1980, showcasing China's military capabilities and confidence in overcoming air defense systems.

The Army established the 7th Infantry Division Multi-Domain Command – Pacific, integrating 12,000 soldiers to enhance modern warfare capabilities. Headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the command focuses on cyber and electronic warfare, utilizing drones and long-range artillery to support joint forces in the Pacific region.

The Russian Navy is currently using the Ropucha-class landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin to escort the cargo vessel Mikhail Britnev in the Baltic Sea, employing a makeshift anti-drone netting as a response to perceived threats from Ukrainian drones. This reflects a broader issue of inventory shortages within the Russian Baltic Fleet, as they adapt to new operational challenges in a region increasingly dominated by NATO forces.

Alexandra ReevesSun Jun 21 2026Loading...