Germany’s military reached 186,700 active soldiers in July, the highest level in 13 years. Applications also rose 26 percent as Berlin expands recruitment and defence spending, leaving its 2026 troop goal now well within reach this year.
Germany has opened a new centre to develop and test technology for detecting and stopping hostile drones. The move follows a series of incidents as Berlin expands the Federal Police’s drone defence force to 300 officers nationwide.
Germany expects an “arms race” in drone defence as threats evolve. The Federal Police is expanding its drone unit from 70 to 300 officers, after an explosive-laden drone was found at Leipzig airport earlier this month.
Saab has displayed its A3-001 concept for an uncrewed combat aircraft in Sweden. The system is intended to operate alongside crewed aircraft and could be used for electronic warfare, air defence suppression and precision strikes.
The U.S. Army has selected Hanwha’s K9 Mobile Howitzer for its Mobile Tactical Cannon program. Six prototypes will be delivered initially, with an option for 12 more, for testing as a possible M777 replacement.
Northrop Grumman has completed a critical design review for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Block II upgrade, allowing integration and testing to begin. The company plans to deliver upgraded aircraft by the end of the decade.
Russia’s Rosoboronexport has begun an export campaign for the new Garpia-A1E loitering munition, offering the system to foreign customers and discussing possible local production. The company says it has a range of up to 1,000 km.
U.S. Central Command is establishing Task Force Falcon Strike, a multinational unit combining U.S. and regional personnel to operate one-way attack drones in the air, at sea and underwater across the Middle East.
Components for Switzerland’s first F-35A aircraft are being manufactured at Leonardo’s Cameri facility in Italy. The fuselage and wing will be sent to the US for final assembly, with deliveries to Switzerland beginning in 2028.
India and Japan have signed a memorandum to advance maritime security cooperation covering information sharing, naval exercises, ship repair and logistics, alongside wider defence technology cooperation.
India has signed a Rs 1,943 crore, 30-month contract with General Atomics to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian aircraft for the Navy, adding surveillance capacity in the Indian Ocean Region ahead of a larger planned MQ-9B fleet.
The United States has approved a possible $4.5 billion sale of four KC-46A tankers to Qatar, as U.S. tanker losses and damage during the Iran war highlight the role of aerial refueling aircraft.
