Analysis & Reports

Emmanuel LEVACHER was re-elected as President of GICAT during a board meeting in Paris on July 13, 2026, following a General Meeting held on July 8, 2026.

On September 17, 2026, the European Union and Ukraine announced a drone alliance involving 18 companies to enhance drone production and defense capabilities. This initiative aims to utilize unused EU defense funds for joint projects with the Ukrainian defense industry, leveraging Ukraine's expertise in drone technology. The alliance signifies a shift in how Ukraine is viewed in defense collaborations, moving from a recipient to a partner with operational competence.

Dr. Klaus WeberThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

Putin is using the upcoming elections in Russia, scheduled for 18-20 September, to recruit military personnel by promoting over 200 veterans as candidates. This strategy aims to bolster support for the war in Ukraine and mitigate potential backlash from the public. The Kremlin is managing the election narrative to project legitimacy and encourage military enlistment among the youth.

The Royal Navy is enhancing its naval readiness to secure the Atlantic against Russian probing activities. Two British warships are deployed weekly to monitor Russian vessels, reflecting a significant military focus on the North Atlantic. A 'Northern Navies' agreement is being finalized among ten countries to create a persistent maritime force in response to security threats. The Royal Navy is also transitioning to a 'hybrid Navy' that integrates crewed and uncrewed systems.

Team BOXER UK supports job and skills growth in Newcastle upon Tyne through an armoured vehicle programme. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance British manufacturing capabilities in the defense sector, announced on 17 September 2026.

Germany is deploying four Eurofighter jets to Lielvārde, Latvia, to secure the airspace during the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 3, 2023. This mission, involving several dozen soldiers and technicians, is a response to heightened concerns over drone incursions from Russia and Belarus. The operation is part of NATO's enhanced air policing efforts in the Baltic region.

NAMMO CEO Morten Brandtzæg warned in Raufoss, Norway, that cutting off industrial cooperation with the US could lead to a decade-long capability gap for European allies. He emphasized the critical dependence of European F-35s on AMRAAM rocket motors supplied by NAMMO and highlighted the need for increased production of 155mm ammunition to support Ukraine. Brandtzæg stated that the interconnected industrial base must not be disrupted due to political turbulence.

Ursula von der Leyen announced the establishment of a European Security Council and an Emergency Security Protocol in Brussels on September 16, 2026. The council aims to enhance coordination among EU member states and allies in response to hybrid threats. The report emphasizes the need for Europe to develop its own defense capabilities, as it may require around 500 billion euros to replace key American strategic enablers.

Dr. Klaus WeberThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

Hanwha Aerospace and Lockheed Martin UK unveiled the Redback infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a 40mm turret at the DVD 2026 exhibition in the United Kingdom. This vehicle features the CTA International 40mm cannon and Lockheed Martin UK's SkyKeeper command-and-control system, enhancing its capabilities for air defense. Australia has ordered 129 Redback vehicles for its LAND 400 Phase 3 program.

Finland joined France's 'Frontline Deterrence' initiative on September 14, 2023, becoming the tenth European partner. Both nations announced plans to establish a nuclear guidance group in the coming months to enhance defense cooperation. Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that this initiative adds value to Finland's defense planning, while emphasizing that no nuclear weapons will be stationed in Finland during peacetime.

U.S. forces are unprepared for potential nuclear attacks in space, as revealed by a report from the American Foreign Policy Council. The Pentagon confirmed the presence of weapons in orbit, while Russia has issued threats regarding U.S. satellites. U.S. decision-makers lack clear operational plans for responding to a nuclear crisis in space, raising significant national security concerns.

Germany and the United States signed an agreement to expand the production of Patriot interceptors and Tomahawk missiles in Germany. This pact, announced during German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius's visit to the Pentagon, aims to address the high demand for munitions and strengthen trans-Atlantic defense ties. Germany is already producing older Patriot interceptors and plans to start manufacturing the latest PAC-3 MSE interceptors soon.

Ursula von der Leyen called for the urgent creation of a new EU-wide security response mechanism for hybrid attacks during her State of the Union Address in Milan. She proposed a new European Security Council that would include Canada, Norway, Ukraine, and the UK. This initiative aims to address security threats that do not constitute armed aggression, such as cyberattacks and sabotage. The proposal comes amid rising concerns over security incidents across Europe.

The British government reversed its decision on equipping the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers with catapults, opting instead for the F-35B configuration. This decision, made in May 2012 after an initial choice in October 2010, cost approximately £100 million and has lasting implications for the carriers' operational capabilities. The Royal Navy plans to maintain these carriers until 2069, while exploring future catapult options under Project Ark Royal.

General Dynamics Land Systems-UK and ARX Robotics are collaborating to advance the integration of autonomous systems with crewed vehicles for the British Army. This partnership aims to enhance military capabilities through innovative technology. The collaboration is currently ongoing in the United Kingdom.

Swarmer has agreed to acquire Ratel Robotics, a major Ukrainian combat robot manufacturer, for up to $224 million. The deal, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, will integrate Ratel's unmanned ground vehicles with Swarmer's AI-powered coordination software. This acquisition aims to enhance military capabilities by combining ground and air drone operations, with Ratel's technology already supporting numerous combat missions in Ukraine.

Lockheed Martin and L3Harris are significantly increasing the production of Patriot PAC-3 missiles, aiming for 2,000 units annually by 2027. This surge responds to urgent demands from Ukraine and NATO allies facing missile threats. The production expansion highlights the need for a diversified air defense strategy, as current reliance on expensive interceptors is unsustainable against cheaper drone threats. NATO's air defense capabilities remain under strain, necessitating coordinated procurement and increased production efforts across Europe.

Alexandra ReevesWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

A Russian drone crossed from Belarus into Lithuanian airspace and was tracked by Polish radar. An Italian Eurofighter shot down a second drone following the same route. Following the incident, a disinformation campaign emerged, altering images of the drone to falsely suggest it was a Polish design. Poland's Ministry of National Defense issued corrections to clarify the situation.

Thomas Dans was appointed chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission in December 2020, where he has promoted U.S. military interests in the Arctic and advocated for closer ties with Russia. His actions have raised tensions with Denmark regarding Greenland, and he has been involved in discussions about national security and energy security in the region. Dans has also been linked to Damen Shipyards, which builds icebreakers.

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd secured a €13 million contract involving Comtech’s MTTS Terminals. This contract was announced recently and is associated with a NATO ally.