Analysis & Reports

Ukraine is expanding its e-Points defence procurement system, which now includes bonuses for innovative use of drones. This initiative aims to enhance the country's military capabilities and procurement processes.

The UK Armed Forces have received nearly 8,000 uncrewed systems (UxS) over the last 18 months, indicating a gradual increase in military capabilities. This delivery reflects the UK's ongoing efforts to enhance its military technology and operational readiness.

The U.S. Army conducted evaluation testing of the Hornet DE-2 kamikaze drone at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany. This lightweight drone, with an operational range of about eight miles, is designed as a low-cost tactical strike asset. It can operate independently or in swarms, utilizing AI-assisted control to engage targets effectively, even in challenging electronic environments.

U.S. military aircraft were denied permission to land at Sigonella air base in Sicily while en route to the Middle East. The request was made after takeoff from the U.S., leaving no time for parliamentary approval. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that any non-agreement use of bases requires parliamentary consent, reflecting the government's cautious stance amid rising tensions over the Iran war.

U.S. military aircraft were denied permission to land at Sigonella air base in Sicily while en route to the Middle East. The request was made after takeoff from the U.S., leaving no time for parliamentary approval. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that any non-agreement use of bases requires parliamentary consent. This decision reflects Italy's cautious stance regarding the Iran war and its impact on domestic politics.

Rheinmetall announced a partnership with Boeing Australia to provide MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones to the German military on March 31, 2023. The drones will be customized to meet the needs of the German Armed Forces, with deliveries expected to start in 2029. The Ghost Bat drone is designed for independent surveillance and reconnaissance missions and is currently in the development phase, having completed over 150 test flights.

Iran has launched missile strikes against various targets in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Beersheba, as part of a long-term plan to weaken Israeli and U.S. military presence in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted these operations on March 31, 2023, utilizing missiles and attack drones against U.S. bases in the UAE, Iraq, and Kuwait.

Rheinmetall announced a collaboration with Boeing to provide the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the German Air Force, aiming for a 2029 service entry. The partnership will focus on system integration and support, competing against Airbus and Kratos, who are offering the XQ-58A Valkyrie. This initiative follows Rheinmetall's recent challenges regarding comments on the Ukrainian drone industry.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg joined the advisory board of Powerus, a Florida-based startup focused on acquiring Ukrainian drone technology for the U.S. military. This move indicates a growing interest among U.S. investors in Ukrainian defense technology, despite stalled diplomatic talks regarding the conflict with Russia. Powerus plans to go public following a merger, highlighting the increasing commercial ties between U.S. and Ukrainian defense sectors.

Keith Kellogg, former special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, joined the advisory board of Powerus, a Florida-based startup focused on acquiring Ukrainian drone technology for the U.S. military. This move reflects growing U.S. interest in Ukrainian defense technology, despite stalled diplomatic talks regarding the conflict with Russia. Powerus plans to go public following a merger, indicating a significant shift in defense tech collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Embraer successfully completed a cold-weather demonstration campaign of the KC-390 Millennium at the Vidsel Test Range in Sweden on March 31, 2026. The aircraft showcased its capabilities in Arctic conditions, including rapid loading and deployment of heavy vehicles. This operation confirmed the KC-390's suitability for missions requiring high logistical responsiveness in demanding environments.

Norway delivered 39 XR training systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2023 as part of a Nordic defense technology collaboration. The systems, valued at approximately $8.3 million, are designed to enhance training for armored vehicles, including the Leopard 2A4 tank, by providing a secure virtual training environment. This initiative aims to address training delays and operational risks faced by Ukrainian forces due to limited access to physical vehicles.

The Ukrainian Defense Technology Cluster Brave1 and NATO launched the UNITE — Brave NATO program on 25 March 2026, aimed at developing counter-UAV technology and electronic warfare solutions. The initiative encourages collaboration between Ukrainian and NATO defense companies to create joint innovations, with a total budget of 10 million euros for the first round. Finalists will undergo testing in Ukraine, with winners announced in summer 2026.

CSG acquired a 49% stake in Hirtenberger Defence Systems in Austria, enhancing its capabilities in mortar systems and ammunition production. This acquisition aims to strengthen CSG's manufacturing base in Europe and improve its response to growing international demand for ammunition. The partnership will also explore establishing a joint venture in Slovakia to support industrial programs and sales capabilities.

NATO members achieved a historic milestone by meeting the 2% GDP defense spending threshold, with a 20% increase in defense expenditure noted in March 2026. Germany allocated over €108 billion for defense in 2026, marking a significant shift in its military posture. NATO is also restructuring its air and missile defense and launching vigilance activities such as Eastern Sentry and Baltic Sentry to enhance operational readiness along its eastern flank.

Alexandra ReevesTue Mar 31 2026Loading...

HENSOLDT opened a service and innovation center in Ukraine on 31 March 2026 to enhance operational availability and support local military capabilities. The center focuses on coordination, training, and linking innovation with industrial implementation in the defense sector. HENSOLDT aims to strengthen its partnership with the Ukrainian armed forces by providing local expertise and ensuring systems remain operational.

Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia have formed a strategic partnership to provide the MQ-28 Ghost Bat to the Bundeswehr by 2029. This collaboration aims to enhance Germany's military capabilities with a proven autonomous combat aircraft designed for various mission profiles. Rheinmetall will oversee the integration of the MQ-28 into Germany's existing military systems, ensuring operational support and adaptation to national requirements.

Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia have formed a partnership to provide the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as a collaborative combat aircraft for the Bundeswehr. This initiative aims to enhance Germany's air combat capabilities by integrating the MQ-28 into existing military systems. The MQ-28 has already completed over 150 flights and is designed to operate alongside manned aircraft. Concurrently, Airbus is developing another unmanned combat aircraft system, indicating a competitive landscape for Germany's future air combat solutions.

DroneShield and Origin Robotics signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on counter-UAS projects, enhancing detection and interception capabilities. This partnership aims to address emerging threats from kamikaze drones, leveraging DroneShield’s advanced sensor fusion and Origin Robotics’ interceptor platforms. The collaboration positions both companies to pursue opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.