Analysis & Reports

The Russian Armed Forces deployed T-72B3A tanks equipped with the Arena-M Active Protection System in 2023. Training for tank crews is currently taking place in the Dnepropetrovsk region. The Arena-M APS aims to enhance protection against drones and other threats, although its effectiveness in real combat remains to be seen.

Nazi Germany developed and deployed the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, the world's first rocket-powered interceptor, from 1941 to 1944. The aircraft achieved speeds exceeding 620 mph and was armed with 30mm cannons, but its operational effectiveness was limited by a short powered flight duration and high pilot casualties. Ultimately, only nine Allied aircraft were downed, while many Komets were lost in accidents or combat.

The HYDIS Project Consortium completed the Final Concept Review for a European counter-hypersonic and anti-ballistic interceptor on July 10, 2026. The selected interceptor concept was chosen by France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in the project. The consortium, led by MBDA, has made advancements in design and technology maturation, integrating various components for enhanced performance.

The Challenger 3 program is modernizing 148 Challenger 2 tanks in Telford, with production supported by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land. The UK aims to regenerate its tank manufacturing capabilities, including gun-barrel production, after a two-decade gap. Initial operating capability is targeted for 2027, with the program sustaining approximately 750 jobs across the supply chain.

France began construction of the France Libre, an 80,000-ton nuclear supercarrier, in March 2026. The carrier was designed to launch a sixth-generation fighter, which was canceled in June 2026, leaving France to rely on Rafale fighters. The carrier is expected to be commissioned in 2038, but its air wing remains uncertain due to the fighter program's collapse.

U.S. President Trump pledged to allow Ukraine to manufacture its own Patriot missile interceptors during discussions at a NATO summit in Turkey. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that this move is crucial for enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities against Russian missile attacks. However, the production of these interceptors is expected to take years and require significant investment. In parallel, Ukraine is developing its own missile defense system, FREYA, to bolster its defenses.

Ukraine is advancing its efforts to produce the Freya ballistic missile defense system, with a coalition meeting scheduled in France. This system aims to counter Russian ballistic missiles and is designed to be a more cost-effective alternative to the Patriot system. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that the FP-7.X interceptor will be mass-produced starting in August 2023, with the goal of intercepting its first missile by the end of 2027.

Saab is developing a future combat ecosystem centered on drones, potentially eliminating the need for a crewed fighter. This shift follows the collapse of the FCAS program, which failed to produce a prototype due to corporate disputes. Sweden's strategic military decisions are influenced by its NATO membership and the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Saab targeting a Gripen successor by 2050.

Lockheed Martin and nLIGHT Defense were selected to develop high-energy laser systems for the U.S. military, with contracts starting at $86 million and potentially reaching $847 million. The initial prototypes will focus on counter-drone capabilities, while future models aim to enhance cruise missile defense. The Pentagon emphasizes the need for these systems to be deployable across various platforms.

Ukraine is negotiating a drone deal valued between $35 billion and $50 billion with the U.S., involving testing of Ukrainian-made systems. This shift aims to transition Ukraine from a recipient of military aid to a co-producer of military technology. The U.S. has received positive feedback on the systems tested, indicating a significant change in military cooperation between the two nations.

Alexandra ReevesFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

Germany is developing a high-energy laser weapon system for its navy, set to be operational by 2029, to counter threats from drones and maritime targets. This initiative, a collaboration between MBDA Germany and Rheinmetall, involves extensive testing and raises concerns about national sovereignty versus European defense integration. The project aims to enhance Germany's military capabilities amid evolving threats.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the development of a domestic missile defense system named FREYA on July 10, 2023, in Kyiv. The system aims to match the interception capabilities of the U.S. Patriot system while being cheaper and easier to produce. Ukraine plans to hold a meeting in France to discuss the project with countries that can assist in its implementation.

Rheinmetall and MBDA are developing a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy, expected to be operational by 2029. The contract, valued in the mid three-digit million-euro range, includes full system development from reconnaissance to target engagement. The laser demonstrator has been successfully tested on the German frigate Sachsen, demonstrating effectiveness against various targets.

Germany is purchasing Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon launch systems from the United States in 2026 to address a military capability gap. This acquisition reflects a shift from U.S. troop stationing to German procurement of American systems, highlighting ongoing reliance on U.S. technology for deterrence. The quantities involved remain classified, with approval expected from Washington in August 2026.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

Italian investigators dismantled a Russian espionage ring in Rome, targeting information on Ukrainian air defense systems. Former intelligence officials were arrested for collaborating with Russian military intelligence officer Mikhail Astakov, who sought details on systems like the Samp-T and Michelangelo Dome. The operation involved cash payments for sensitive information and led to the expulsion of two Russian military attaches from Italy.

On October 10, two oil storage facilities in Rostov Oblast caught fire due to drone attacks. The Krasnodar Krai command reported a fire from drone debris. Ukrainian forces intercepted 376 drones overnight, while 137 Russian drones were used in attacks on Ukraine.

Neros Technologies is developing a new counter-unmanned aircraft system (c-UAS) interceptor drone called Bandit, announced on July 10, 2023. The company has scaled production to approximately 2,000 units per day, supplying 6,000 drones to Ukraine and securing a $17 million contract for 8,000 Archer Strike drones with the U.S. Marine Corps. This development reflects a strategic shift towards counter-drone technology in response to increasing drone threats.

The U.S. Navy awarded Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace a $50.3 million contract modification on July 2, 2025, for additional launcher missile modules supporting the NMESIS system. This system enables the Marine Corps to launch Naval Strike Missiles from unmanned ground vehicles, enhancing their anti-ship capabilities. The contract reflects a broader modernization strategy and involves international collaboration across NATO countries.

The Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) signed a contract on 9 June 2026 with MBDA and Rheinmetall to develop a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy, expected to be operational by 2029. This system aims to enhance naval defense capabilities against air, sea, and land threats, with a focus on utilizing German supply chains. Extensive testing has already demonstrated its effectiveness in various conditions.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed that the U.S. is testing Ukrainian-made aerial and maritime drones, receiving positive feedback. This marks progress on a long-stalled drone production deal valued at $35 billion to $50 billion. Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of a Patriot interceptor license for Ukraine's defense amid ongoing Russian strikes. The developments indicate a strengthening military partnership between Ukraine and the U.S.