Analysis & Reports

Greece is evaluating the Elbit Air Keeper system to enhance its air defense capabilities as part of the 'Achilles Shield' initiative. This system integrates various intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities, allowing for improved situational awareness and threat neutralization. The collaboration with Israel aims to bolster Greece's defense posture against perceived threats, particularly from Turkey.

The UK Ministry of Defence announced plans to spend up to £400 million on Tekever AR5 surveillance drones to replace the Watchkeeper system. The initial order will include six units, with a total of 24 expected by 2029. The AR5 drones, which have been utilized by Ukraine's Armed Forces, will be produced in a new facility in Swindon, set to open in 2026.

Airbus Defence and Space reported a record intake of €1.3 billion in 2025 during the Farnborough Airshow in London. The company is advancing its drone and aircraft capabilities, including the A400M's use in firefighting in France and the development of the A330 MRTT+. Airbus is also acquiring Ultra Cyber to enhance its cybersecurity offerings and is working on new drone technologies like the Bird of Prey and UCCA solutions.

Embraer delivered the first C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft to the Czech Air Force on 16 July 2023 at Prague Kbely Air Base. This delivery marks the beginning of the aircraft's operational service, enhancing the Czech Republic's airlift capabilities for NATO operations and domestic emergencies. The C-390 can carry heavy cargo and perform multiple missions, solidifying its role within the Czech Armed Forces.

Poland proposed joint production of missiles for the Patriot air defense system with Ukraine and the U.S. during a visit to Washington on July 23. This initiative aims to address security concerns and ensure that missile production occurs in safe locations. The U.S. plans to issue a production license for Patriot missiles to Ukraine, with potential production sites in Germany or other European countries to mitigate risks from Russia.

Greece approved a €3.5 billion procurement from Israel for a multi-layer air defense system on July 23, 2023. The system, named 'Achilles Shield', will enhance Greece's defense capabilities and includes various military equipment such as C-390 transport aircraft and drones. The Greek Armed Forces aim to modernize their military by investing approximately €28 billion by 2036.

Russian forces launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine from July 25 to 26, 2026, utilizing 95 missiles, including Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and 136 drones. Ukrainian air defense reportedly intercepted several missiles, while President Zelensky noted the extensive use of drones and guided bombs. The attacks are part of a strategy to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses and compel requests for advanced missile systems from allies. Ukrainian forces responded with strikes on Russian drone control infrastructure in Crimea.

Dmitri VolkovSun Jul 26 2026Loading...

Germany pledged 500 million USD in military aid to Ukraine for 2026, utilizing the PURL mechanism to purchase American weapons. Ukraine's defense needs are estimated at 120 billion USD, with European NATO allies discussing a total aid package of at least 70 billion EUR. This highlights Europe's dependence on American military supplies while raising concerns about the pace of European defense production.

Dr. Klaus WeberSun Jul 26 2026Loading...

Romanian F-16 fighter jets shot down three Russian-linked drones over the Black Sea in three days, with the latest intercept occurring on Sunday morning near Sulina. The first drone was confirmed as a Shahed, used by Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Romania's President condemned the airspace violations and announced ongoing investigations into the incidents, highlighting the increasing military tensions in the region.

AndroMach successfully tested a reusable hypersonic drone engine in Gironde, achieving 21 ignitions and seven minutes of burn time. The tests, confirmed by France's Direction Générale de l’Armement, demonstrated the engine's reusability, which is crucial for future flight tests. The engine is intended for a suborbital drone capable of conducting microgravity experiments and testing technologies in actual flight conditions.

The UK Ministry of Defence announced the selection of the Tekever AR5 drone to replace the aging Watchkeeper fleet, with a contract valued at up to $533 million over ten years. The AR5, capable of carrying advanced surveillance equipment, is expected to enhance the British Army's operational capabilities. Initial orders include six drones, with plans to increase to 24 by 2029, and production will take place at a new facility in Swindon, UK.

In July 2026, Russian forces launched over 25 ballistic missiles and 125 drones against Ukraine, exceeding their monthly production capacity. Despite the extensive use of these weapons, the operations have not achieved a decisive breakthrough on the front lines. Ukrainian forces reported successful interceptions of many of these attacks, while also conducting strikes on Russian logistics and military targets.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jul 25 2026Loading...

Elistair and Exail integrated the Khronos tethered drone with the DriX unmanned surface vessel to enhance maritime surveillance. This system provides persistent aerial monitoring for coastal security and port protection, operating for up to 24 hours while streaming live video. The drone's capabilities extend surveillance beyond traditional surface sensors, allowing for remote operation from shore.

The U.S. Space Development Agency awarded General Dynamics Mission Systems a $400 million contract to develop the ground segment for missile-tracking satellites as part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. This initiative aims to enhance missile defense capabilities by providing near-instant warning of missile launches globally. The contract supports the development of 72 Tracking Layer satellites, with the first expected to launch by 2029, and completion of the ground systems by September 30, 2030.

Lockheed Martin received a $23 million contract from the U.S. Navy to establish maintenance depots for F-35A jets in Finland, Switzerland, and South Korea. This initiative aims to enhance the countries' capabilities to maintain their stealth fighters domestically, reducing reliance on U.S. facilities. The work is expected to be completed by December 2028, with significant portions of the work occurring in Fort Worth, Texas, and Cheongju, South Korea.

Romanian Air Force shot down a second drone in its airspace on Saturday morning, following a similar incident the previous day. The first drone was intercepted near Padina in Buzău County, while the second was downed 10 km west of Sfântu Gheorghe in the Danube Delta. Both incidents involved F-16 fighter jets and mark a significant development in Romania's air defense capabilities against potential threats from Russian drones.

On July 24, 2026, Russian forces launched three Iskander-M ballistic missiles at a defense exhibition in Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, resulting in ten fatalities and approximately one hundred injuries. One missile was intercepted, while two struck the target area. The attack aimed at Ukrainian defense industry representatives, prompting criticism from President Zelensky regarding the event's location near residential buildings.

Dmitri VolkovSat Jul 25 2026Loading...

The Swedish Air Force is enhancing its operational capabilities and readiness for long-term conflict, focusing on multi-domain operations and increased training. Major General Jonas Wikman highlighted the participation in numerous scrambles and the introduction of advanced equipment, including Gripen E fighters and new transport aircraft. Sweden plans to expand its satellite capabilities and improve its air defense strategies in response to regional threats.

Germany held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new powder factory in Aschaffenburg on July 22, 2023. The facility, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, is set to become the largest and most modern powder factory in Europe, increasing Germany's production capacity by six times. This initiative aims to enhance Germany's military sovereignty by reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for ammunition.

BAE Systems unveiled its new unmanned combat aircraft, 'King of Thunder', at the Farnborough Airshow on July 22, 2023. The aircraft is set to begin flight testing next year and aims for operational use by 2030. This initiative reflects the UK's strategy to enhance its air power in response to global threats and lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict. The project has attracted significant investment and is designed to operate alongside manned aircraft, potentially costing about one-third of traditional fighter jets.