Analysis & Reports

Martin-Baker and Collins Aerospace are adapting their ejection seat technologies to support the development of unmanned aircraft, as showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow. They are engaging with drone manufacturers to enhance safety and operational capabilities. Despite advancements in unmanned systems, major militaries continue to invest in manned fighter jets, ensuring the need for life-saving technologies remains critical.

Ukrainian drone units have been actively targeting Russian ships and maritime infrastructure in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, hitting over 180 vessels in recent weeks. This campaign, led by commanders Robert 'Magyar' Brovdi and 'Ray', aims to weaken Russian control over Crimea and disrupt their logistics. The attacks have reportedly increased to six vessels targeted daily since July, coinciding with intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports.

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) announced Canada joining as an observer during the Farnborough International Airshow, with discussions on potential new partners. The UK committed £8.6 billion to the program, which aims for a 2035 service entry date. The Brontanax Combat Collaborative Aircraft was unveiled, supporting the UK's sixth-generation air force strategy.

Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Raytheon officials in Kyiv to discuss military cooperation, emphasizing the importance of Patriot missile systems. He also met with Laura Loomer, who has shifted her stance on Ukraine, indicating a change in the MAGA movement's views. Zelensky plans to visit Washington next week for a funeral and hopes to meet with Trump.

Allison Transmission announced it will supply 3,000 fully automatic transmissions for EAGLE V armored vehicles to General Dynamics European Land Systems for the German Armed Forces. The contract includes an option for 2,000 additional vehicles and covers both command and control and ambulance variants. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027, reinforcing Allison's role in defense vehicle propulsion.

Romania signed a landmark agreement with France to acquire twelve Thales Ground Master 200 MM/A radars to enhance its airspace protection. The deal, funded under the EU's SAFE programme, emphasizes the partnership between the two nations. The radars, capable of detecting targets up to 350 kilometers, are expected to be delivered by 2027, marking a significant upgrade to Romania's defense capabilities.

MGI Engineering announced the launch of the T-022 Vortex combat drone in the United Kingdom. The drone is designed to operate autonomously alongside crewed jets, achieving speeds of Mach 0.85 and a combat radius exceeding 4,000 km. Priced between £3 million and £6 million, it aims to provide affordable air power and is powered by a Rolls-Royce Orpheus engine.

Greece authorized the acquisition of a new air defense system from Israel, valued at up to €3.5bn ($4bn), along with various types of drones and military transport aircraft. This procurement reflects Greece's ongoing military enhancement efforts in collaboration with Israel.

Greece approved a 3.5 billion euro air defense system from Israel, known as Achilles Shield, on July 23, 2026. This multi-layered system aims to counter ballistic missiles, aircraft, and drones and is expected to be operational within 35 months. The decision is part of a broader modernization effort, which includes various military procurements to enhance Greece's defense capabilities against regional threats, particularly from Turkey.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

Rheinmetall held a foundation-laying ceremony for a new powder plant in Aschau am Inn on July 22, 2023, as part of its 'Firepower' project. The investment of €350 million will significantly increase ammunition production capacity, with the workforce expected to grow to 1,400 employees. The new facilities aim to produce 4,200 metric tons of powder annually by 2028, enhancing Germany's defense capabilities and supply chain resilience.

A Ukrainian FPV drone struck a Russian T-72B3A tank equipped with the Arena-M active protection system near Mayak on July 23-24, 2026. The system failed to prevent the strike, raising concerns about its effectiveness against modern drone threats. This incident occurred within a column of ten Russian tanks, indicating potential vulnerabilities in Russian armored units.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jul 24 2026Loading...

BAE Systems unveiled the Brontanax Collaborative Combat Aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow. The CCA, designed for electronic warfare and precision strikes, is set to be deployed in 2030. It involves over 500 employees and 75 companies from the UK aerospace sector, with an estimated cost of 25 million US dollars.

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.