Analysis & Reports

Babcock International launched Pelorus, a digital platform designed to connect warship construction, operations, and maintenance data, on November 3, 2023, at the Euronaval defense trade show in Paris. The platform aims to enhance fleet availability and logistics by integrating information from multiple systems. It is positioned to support both existing fleets and future autonomous vessels, with applications in defense and critical infrastructure.

France has ordered the production of the UCUV, a large uncrewed combat submarine demonstrator, with first sea trials scheduled for 2028. The contract was signed by the DGA and Naval Group, aiming to enhance the French Navy's capabilities in long-endurance underwater missions. The UCUV will utilize advanced autonomous decision-making software.

NATO announced an increase in maritime patrol aircraft and drones in the Black Sea region in response to threats to commercial shipping near Romania and Bulgaria. The Euronaval 2026 event highlighted a 45% increase in exhibitors, reflecting a growing military shipbuilding market valued at $122 billion. The report stresses the necessity for European nations to develop joint maritime capabilities and improve interoperability among their naval systems.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Nov 04 2026Loading...

Fincantieri and Leonardo signed a Letter of Intent on November 3, 2026, during the Euronaval exhibition in Paris to enhance their collaboration in naval defense. The agreement aims to strengthen the role of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, focusing on developing new naval capabilities and responding to the complexities of defense programs. This partnership emphasizes the importance of strategic industrial cooperation in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

John Cockerill and Renault Group unveiled the Forefront Concept, a versatile remotely operated ground platform designed for military and civilian applications in France. The vehicle features advanced mobility and off-road capabilities, targeting a payload of up to one tonne and a range of 400 kilometers. It is intended for military uses such as logistics support and ISR operations, and was developed with input from the French armed forces.

France signed a contract with Naval Group to develop a large oceangoing underwater drone, with sea trials set to begin in 2028. The uncrewed combat underwater vehicle will perform various missions, including intelligence gathering and offensive actions. This initiative aims to strengthen the French Navy's capabilities in response to increasing underwater competition and threats to critical infrastructure.

Fokker Services Group was appointed as an Authorized Service Center for the C-390 Millennium aircraft on 03 November 2026 in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. This agreement includes maintenance and support services for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, ensuring operational readiness and technical assistance for the fleet. The C-390 Millennium is recognized as a modern military transport aircraft capable of diverse missions.

Naval Group unveiled the SCX26 drone-carrying warship concept at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris from November 3 to 6, 2024. The theoretical ship features advanced weaponry, including an electromagnetic railgun and over 100 vertical launch cells, and is designed to operate a hybrid fleet of drones for various missions. It has a crew capacity of 150 and additional space for 100 specialists.

Russian forces launched 135 drones against Ukraine as part of a winter campaign preparation for 2026-2027, aiming to exhaust Ukrainian air defenses and disrupt critical infrastructure. This strategy includes the use of ballistic and quasi-ballistic missiles to penetrate layered defenses. Ukraine is responding by developing interceptor capabilities to counter the drone threats. The campaign is characterized by a contest of adaptation and resource management between the two nations.

Dmitri VolkovWed Nov 04 2026Loading...

MBDA is developing the Stratus RS missile in Paris, which will exceed the range of the Exocet missile and serve multiple military missions. The missile is intended for France and the UK, with a development contract pending. It will feature advanced propulsion and guidance systems, and flight testing is anticipated to begin before the decade's end.

Russian forces launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure from November 2 to 3, 2023, using 289 drones, 17 ballistic missiles, and 59 cruise missiles. The strikes targeted power facilities across nine regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv, leading to widespread power outages. Ukrainian officials have reported the incidents to the International Atomic Energy Agency and set up emergency services for affected citizens.

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) withdrew from the Navy's trainer jet competition on October 30, 2023, leaving Textron Aviation Defense as the sole competitor with its M-346N trainer. The Navy plans to award a contract for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program by late September 2027, following previous withdrawals by Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) withdrew from the Navy's trainer jet competition on October 30, 2023, leaving Textron Aviation Defense as the likely winner with its M-346N trainer. The Navy plans to award a contract for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program by late 2027, following a series of withdrawals from other competitors. SNC expressed its commitment to naval jet training and readiness to re-engage if the contract structure is revisited.

The U.S. military is beginning to adopt unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) following Ukraine's lead, with over $115 million committed for UGV projects in fiscal 2026. Ukraine has ordered more than 22,000 UGVs for logistics and combat roles. The U.S. Marine Corps is developing UGVs for naval strike missions, while the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment is acquiring IBEX UGVs for logistics and counter-UAV defense.

Russia launched a coordinated strike on Ukraine's energy infrastructure on November 2-3, 2026, utilizing ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and 289 attack drones. The attack targeted substations and transmission assets, causing immediate blackouts and water disruptions. A substation critical to nuclear power operations was reportedly struck, raising safety concerns. This operation is viewed as part of a broader strategy to create repair backlogs in Ukraine's energy system ahead of winter.

Dmitri VolkovTue Nov 03 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is soliciting the defense industry for the development of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM), a new cruise missile intended for Ukraine. The missile is designed to be a 500-pound class weapon with a range exceeding 250 nautical miles and is part of a broader initiative to expedite weapon production. The Air Force aims to have the first ERAMs delivered within three months of contract award, with a total of over 1,000 units planned.

France is investing in naval power and modernization programs to enhance its military capabilities and strategic autonomy. French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin announced plans for naval drones and munitions during the Euronaval defense show in Paris. The country aims to increase defense spending to €63.4 billion by 2027, with a focus on European-origin military systems. The draft budget is currently under parliamentary debate.

Airbus has shifted its focus from the Wingman drone to the U760 Ravenstorm Collaborative Combat Aircraft in response to Germany's accelerated timeline for military procurement. The U760 is expected to enter service by 2032, while the U740 Valkyrie is being developed for a 2029 requirement. This decision reflects Airbus's adaptation to emerging operational needs of the German Air Force.

Airbus has discontinued the Wingman drone development and is now focusing on the U760 Ravenstorm Collaborative Combat Aircraft due to Germany's expedited timeline for service entry. The U760 is expected to enter service by 2032, while the Wingman was initially designed for the German Air Force. Airbus is also working on the U740 Valkyrie, which supports a 2029 requirement.

BAE Systems launched a new series of naval guns, the Sea Tridon, at the Euronaval defense show in Paris. The series includes three variants designed to counter airborne, surface, and shore threats, utilizing proven technology and programmable ammunition. Ongoing discussions with various navies are focused on integrating these systems into unmanned platforms.