Analysis & Reports

Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles will showcase a new main battle tank prototype at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris from June 15 to 19. This tank is designed to replace Italy's aging Ariete and features advanced protection systems like StrikeShield and ROSY. The partnership aims to enhance European armored warfare capabilities amid rising defense spending in response to security threats.

Russia has launched 1,400 jet-powered attack drones against Ukraine in 2026, marking a significant increase from 180 in 2025. The Geran family of drones, including the Geran-3, Geran-4, and Geran-5, poses a new threat to Ukrainian air defenses due to their speed and range. Russian forces aim to make jet-powered drones 50% of their strike UAVs, reflecting a strategic shift in their drone campaign.

Germany is reassessing its military aircraft procurement strategy in 2026 after the failure of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), considering additional purchases of F-35A aircraft. The German Air Force has ordered 35 F-35A and may acquire 15 more, reflecting a shift in defense policy amid NATO's call for enhanced military capabilities. The abandonment of FCAS highlights the differing military needs between Germany and France.

Dr. Klaus WeberSat Jun 13 2026Loading...

Senop and Nammo Raufoss have developed a thermal weapon sight designed for compatibility with various firearms in Norway. This new weapon system aims to enhance targeting capabilities across different platforms.

OHB and Rheinmetall established the joint venture OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH in Bremen on 11 June 2026 to enhance secure communications for the Bundeswehr. The venture will oversee the development and operation of a communications architecture that connects soldiers and systems, ensuring secure data transmission. This initiative aims to strengthen Germany's strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty in defense.

The U.S. announced a $4 billion military financing loan to Poland on June 12, 2023, to support the procurement of military equipment, including F-35 fighter jets. This loan increases total U.S. military financing to Poland to nearly $20 billion. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Warsaw Air Force Base, where Poland has begun receiving F-35 jets as part of NATO's eastern defense strategy.

Tiny drones are gaining attention at the Berlin Air Show, showcasing advancements in first-person-view drone technology. Civilian drone manufacturers are prominently featuring these small UAVs, indicating a growing interest in their capabilities. The event reflects current trends in drone development and potential future applications.

Poland's defense minister announced plans to purchase two additional squadrons of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters during the induction ceremony of the first squadron at Łask Air Base in 2023. This decision aims to enhance Poland's military capabilities, doubling the existing order to a total of 64 aircraft. The first 32 F-35s are expected to be fully inducted by 2029, with significant investments made to prepare the air base for these advanced jets.

The AW249 helicopter made its international flying debut at ILA 2026 in Germany. Italy plans to acquire 48 units to replace its aging Mangusta fleet, with serial production already underway and first deliveries expected in 2028. The AW249 is designed to be a highly interoperable platform, integrating advanced data systems for military operations. Germany is evaluating the AW249 as a potential long-term solution for its armed forces.

On June 12, Russian forces shot down 16 Ukrainian drones near Moscow. The Ukrainian Armed Forces launched attacks on Russian energy facilities in Dagestan and Samara, resulting in fires at the sites. The strikes targeted military and logistical facilities in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk regions.

Ukraine is integrating artificial intelligence systems into its military operations to enhance decision-making on the battlefield. The Ukrainian Armed Forces, comprising approximately 1 million personnel, are utilizing AI for drone operations and combat planning. A unified AI system is being developed to improve coordination and speed up analysis of battlefield data. Meanwhile, Russia is also advancing its AI capabilities for military applications.

Airbus Defence and Space and SkyFall signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Berlin on 12 June 2026 to form a strategic partnership aimed at advancing defense technologies and enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities. This collaboration will combine Western defense expertise with Ukrainian combat insights to develop next-generation air defense systems. The initiative supports the European Sky Shield Initiative and aims to strengthen collective deterrence in Europe.

The AURIGA project, led by the Leonardo Consortium, officially commenced on December 6, 2026, focusing on the development of a next-generation infantry fighting vehicle. Involving 48 companies from 18 European countries, the initiative aims to enhance interoperability and integrate advanced technologies in vehicle protection, mobility, and command systems. The project is co-financed by the European Defence Fund with a budget of €25 million.

BAE Systems is developing a new digital capability for indirect fires aimed at the UK military. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance military capabilities in the region.

The Finnish Defence Forces conducted live testing of multiple interceptor drone systems, including the Hornet Block 1, to enhance their drone interception capabilities. This testing reflects Finland's strategic focus on countering drone threats, particularly given its long border with Russia. The Hornet Block 1 is designed to autonomously intercept various drone types and operates effectively in environments where GPS signals are unavailable.

Latvia, Belgium, and Estonia formed an international user community for the BLAZE interceptor drone during a meeting in Latvia in April 2026. The countries shared battlefield lessons and discussed improvements to the system, which is designed to autonomously target and destroy drones. Origin Robotics confirmed ongoing support and upgrades for the BLAZE system, which is the first NATO-codified autonomous interceptor drone.

Exail launched a new deployable navigation solution on June 12, 2026, in Saint-Germain-En-Laye, designed for military forces operating in GNSS-denied environments. This system allows for rapid deployment and is compatible with various military platforms, enhancing operational continuity and interoperability across domains. Built on advanced fiber optic gyroscope technology, it addresses the challenges posed by electronic warfare and contested environments.

AM General is pitching its Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 at the Eurosatory trade show in Paris next week. The UGV is designed to meet evolving battlefield needs, supporting logistics, casualty evacuation, and armed missions. The Ukrainian military plans to contract 25,000 unmanned ground platforms this year, reflecting rising interest in such capabilities among NATO member states. The JLTV A2 variant will also be showcased, featuring significant modifications from the previous model.

Poland officially received its first three F-35 multirole fighter jets at the 32nd Tactical Air Base on June 12. The jets, named 'Cavalrymen', are part of a larger procurement plan that includes 32 aircraft to be delivered by 2029, following a $4.6 billion agreement signed with the U.S. in 2020.

Leonardo secured over €64 million in funding from the European Defence Fund 2025, leading 15 selected projects aimed at enhancing European defense capabilities. The projects include ASIMOV, focused on in-orbit operations, and ANEMOS, aimed at improving information superiority. This success reflects Leonardo's strategic alignment with European defense priorities and its role in fostering collaboration across multiple countries and entities.