Analysis & Reports

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.

On 13 May 2026, NATO's B9-Nordic summit in Romania addressed the ongoing war of attrition against Russia, emphasizing enhanced military cooperation among fourteen nations. Ukrainian forces reported 210 combat engagements and significant Russian airstrikes, while NATO condemned Russia's aggressive actions. The summit highlighted the need for stronger defense capabilities in response to escalating threats, particularly in Eastern Europe.

Dmitri VolkovThu May 14 2026Loading...

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.

WB GROUP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ROMAERO in Bucharest to enhance Romania's defense capabilities through joint production of unmanned aerial systems and loitering munitions. This agreement, established at the Black Sea Defence and Aerospace exhibition, aims to support Romanian Armed Forces and facilitate broader European market production. The partnership reflects WB GROUP's commitment to building lasting industrial relationships in Romania.

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 $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.

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.

EDGE Group signed an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in CMD, a leading Italian engine company, on 14 May 2026 in Atella, Italy. This acquisition aims to expand EDGE's capabilities in advanced engineering and propulsion systems, enhancing its position in the automotive, aerospace, and marine sectors. CMD will maintain its operations independently until the transaction is finalized, ensuring continuity for its stakeholders.

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.

EU Ministers of Defence endorsed a plan to strengthen the European Defence Agency (EDA) during a meeting in Brussels on 12 May 2026. The plan includes a three-year roadmap focusing on innovation, experimentation, and collaborative procurement to enhance the EDA's capabilities in response to security challenges. The first phase is set to begin in mid-2026, aiming to reinforce the Agency's functions and support member states' defense cooperation.

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.

NATO members are undergoing a significant strategic recalibration in 2026, driven by the U.S. prioritization of homeland defense and the Indo-Pacific. European nations have increased military spending, with a 14% rise to $864 billion, and Germany plans to expand its military personnel significantly. Spain has called for a European Union army, reflecting a push for greater strategic autonomy in response to U.S. policy shifts.

Alexandra ReevesThu May 14 2026Loading...

NATO is conducting its largest exercise series since the Cold War, mobilizing 32,500 troops in May 2026. EU member states have pledged $940 billion for defense by 2030, but face challenges in industrial implementation. NATO Secretary General has called for a 400% increase in air defense capacity, highlighting the urgent need for Europe to enhance its military capabilities amid rising threats from Russia.

Dr. Klaus WeberThu May 14 2026Loading...