Analysis & Reports

Germany is evaluating its participation in the French-Italian SAMP/T NG production to enhance European air defense capabilities. Ukraine plans to order four SAMP/T NG systems starting in 2027, with interim systems to be delivered before then. The report emphasizes the challenges of transitioning from the American Patriot system to a European alternative, highlighting the need for collaborative production and operational standardization.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Greece's Security Council approved a €3.5 billion deal with Israel for air defense systems and UAVs, forming the 'Achilles Shield' network. The systems, provided by Israeli firms Rafael and Israel Aerospace Industries, will become operational within 35 months, with Greek companies producing at least 25% of the systems. This procurement is part of Greece's broader military upgrade plan amid ongoing tensions with Turkey over territorial disputes.

Orqa announced plans to expand its drone manufacturing capacity in Osijek, Croatia, from 290,000 to 500,000 units by the end of 2026. This initiative is part of the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance, aimed at enhancing European defense capabilities. The company emphasizes a supply chain free from Chinese components, reflecting operational lessons from Ukraine's conflict. A partnership with General Cherry will also establish manufacturing capacity in Ukraine.

A Russian T-72B3A tank equipped with the Arena-M active protection system was struck by a Ukrainian FPV drone during a combat test near Maiak in January 2026. This incident, part of a larger assault involving ten tanks, highlights the system's failure to intercept drone threats, raising concerns about its operational effectiveness. The Arena-M system was recently upgraded to target drones, but its limitations were evident in this engagement.

Ukraine plans to produce the P1-SUN JetKiller interceptor starting in August 2026 to counter Iranian Shahed drones and their Russian variants. The interceptor is designed for a range of 30 kilometers and will utilize AI for guidance. Skyfall aims to manufacture up to 50,000 units per month, enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities against mass drone attacks. Additionally, Ukraine is targeting Russian defense industries to disrupt drone production.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Fincantieri signed a contract amendment with OCCAR to enhance the U212 NFS program, introducing new technologies and accelerating the delivery of the fourth submarine to 2032. This agreement, valued at approximately 317 million euros, includes the integration of advanced countermeasure systems and aims to ensure long-term operational efficiency for the Italian Navy. Deliveries of the submarines are set to begin in 2029, with one new submarine expected each year until 2032.

The Korean Hanwha Group delivered 218 K9PL self-propelled howitzers to the Polish Armed Forces in July 2023. This includes 212 units from a 2022 contract and 6 from a 2023 agreement. The K9PL features a 155mm main gun with a range of about 40 kilometers and is part of Poland's military modernization strategy, which includes plans for additional artillery systems.

Embraer is rapidly expanding its defense market presence with significant orders for the KC-390 military transport aircraft from NATO member countries, South Korea, and Middle Eastern nations. Orders have surged to approximately 40 aircraft as of July 2023, driven by increased defense spending in Europe due to the Ukraine conflict. The KC-390 now holds a 60% market share in the medium military transport aircraft sector, with ongoing efforts to penetrate markets in Uzbekistan and the UAE.

Canada joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer on July 21 during a meeting in London with Japan, the UK, and Italy. This marks the first instance of a country participating in the project in this capacity, allowing Canada to access detailed information about the next-generation fighter jet's capabilities. Japan plans to deploy this aircraft by 2035 as a successor to the F-2 fighter.

Rheinmetall is constructing a new powder plant in Aschau am Inn, Germany, with production set to begin gradually from 2027. The project, involving an investment of €500 million, aims to significantly expand the production capacity for propellant components, creating 500 new jobs and increasing the workforce to 1,400. The facility will enhance Germany's strategic autonomy in ammunition production, with maximum capacity expected by 2028.

Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a contract to acquire 10 KANGAL/ADL 100 radio-frequency jamming systems from Turkish manufacturer ASELSAN in Sarajevo. This acquisition is part of an ongoing military support relationship with Turkey, which has previously provided drones and other military equipment. The KANGAL/ADL 100 is designed to disrupt hostile drone operations by jamming their communication and navigation signals.

The German Navy is acquiring eight P-8A aircraft for anti-submarine warfare, with a request for more due to insufficient numbers. This acquisition is part of a broader effort to enhance NATO's anti-submarine capabilities amid increasing Russian activity. The German Navy is also planning to integrate these aircraft with MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and is prioritizing the development of long-range surface missiles.

Reiser Simulation and Training signed a contract with HeliOperations to provide advanced flight training devices for the German Navy at the Farnborough International Airshow. This agreement is part of a seven-year program aimed at training prospective helicopter pilots for the NH90 Sea Lion and Sea Tiger variants. The new devices include a Flight Training Device simulating the AW139 helicopter and a hoist training system, enhancing the training environment for naval operations.

Embraer and Anduril signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Farnborough Airshow to integrate the Barracuda-500M missile into the C-390 Millennium aircraft. This collaboration aims to enhance the aircraft's operational capabilities by enabling the launch of multiple munitions simultaneously. The first successful flight test of the Barracuda-500M was conducted in September 2024, validating its performance and modularity.

A U.S. B-1 bomber conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets from Fairford base in the UK on July 21, 2023. In response, Iran issued a warning that any foreign military base used for attacks would be considered a legitimate target. The UK subsequently raised its military readiness level due to these developments.

Airbus Helicopters is advancing Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) systems through various projects, including the VSR700 drone and HTeaming technology. In 2024, interoperability tests demonstrated successful cooperation between crewed helicopters and unmanned systems in France and Italy. The Spanish Navy conducted successful trials with the H135M and Flexrotor drone in 2025, showcasing real-time reconnaissance capabilities. These developments are part of a broader effort to enhance military operations through integrated drone and helicopter systems.

Russian forces conducted airstrikes on Ukrainian military targets, including drone production facilities and ports, on the 23rd. They reported controlling Berytske in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian forces engaged in 261 combat incidents, successfully repelling multiple Russian attacks while their air defense intercepted many incoming threats.

A Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian Su-35 fighter jet in air-to-air combat on the eastern front in July 2026. This marks the first air-to-air kill by a Ukrainian F-16 since their deployment in 2024. The engagement highlights the advancements in Ukraine's air defense capabilities, as confirmed by U.S. military officials.

The 2026 Farnborough International Airshow featured displays of military and defense equipment, including MBDA's air-defense system components and hypersonic munitions. Beta Technologies showcased its MV250 autonomous VTOL aircraft, while Pratt & Whitney presented the F135-PW-100 turbofan engine. Embraer's KC-390 Millennium was also demonstrated in flight.

Elbit Systems's U-TacS is proposing the Watchkeeper X variant for the UK's Project Corvus, aimed at fulfilling a requirement for a long-range reconnaissance drone.