Italy’s Ministry of Defence has awarded a €1.393 billion contract to Airbus Defence and Space for six A330 MRTT tanker aircraft and integrated logistics support under a Heavy Multi Role tanker fleet modernization program. The procurement process covered aircraft acquisition and long-term support arrangements over a planned period of 122 months.
Sweden has initiated negotiations with France’s Naval Group for four Luleå-class frigates based on the FDI design. The vessels are planned for delivery between 2030 and 2034 and are intended to expand Swedish naval air defence capabilities while contributing to NATO operations.
The U.S. Navy has moved the MQ-25A Stingray program to Milestone C, allowing progress toward Low-Rate Initial Production. The carrier-based unmanned aircraft is designed to provide aerial refueling support and extend the operational range of carrier strike groups.
MBDA announced that the SPEAR air-to-surface missile completed its first flight aboard a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B test aircraft earlier this year. The flight at Naval Air Station Patuxent River marked another stage in the integration programme for the weapon onto the UK’s F-35B fleet, with additional testing activities planned.
Russia’s Su-57D has completed its first test flight, marking the debut of what is considered the world’s first two-seat fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The new variant is intended to combine combat, training and command-and-control roles, including management of operations involving manned and unmanned aircraft.
DRDO has completed development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air modes near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The missile was tested against ground and airborne targets and integrated with UAV systems.
Airbus Defence and Space plans to open a new A330 MRTT conversion centre in Seville, Spain, by the end of 2027. The facility will increase annual aircraft conversion capacity, support maintenance work and upgrade aircraft already in service.
France has ordered Giraffe 1X radar systems integrated onto Scania tactical vehicles to strengthen low-altitude air defence and anti-drone detection capabilities. The systems will replace part of the French Army’s older radar fleet, with deliveries planned between 2026 and 2027.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the U.S. Air Force have completed flight tests of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System on the MQ-9A Reaper at the Nevada Test and Training Range, including multiple firing profiles and aerial target engagements.
Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have completed the first flight of an MQ-9B unmanned aircraft fitted with LoyalEye airborne early warning radar pods. The trial marks the beginning of a test programme leading to a full capability demonstration later this year.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a proposal for special EU associate status and renewed calls for full membership, saying Ukraine should have equal rights and a complete role within the bloc.
Finland says it will exceed NATO’s 1.5 percent target for defence- and security-related spending in 2026, reporting an estimated 2.4 percent of GDP under the framework. The government said spending will include preparedness, resilience and homeland defence-related activities beyond the Ministry of Defence.
Norway has instructed hospitals and municipalities to update health emergency preparedness plans for war and crisis situations. Authorities have been asked to prepare for making 7,000 beds available for military and civilian casualties and strengthen blood preparedness measures.
The Royal Thai Air Force has ordered two Airbus C295 tactical transport aircraft for its 46th Wing Division at Phitsanulok air base. The aircraft will be assembled in Spain, with the first delivery scheduled for 2029. Thailand already operates three C295 aircraft through the Royal Thai Army.
The first Boeing E-7 Wedgetail aircraft for the Royal Air Force has arrived at RAF Lossiemouth for testing and evaluation. The aircraft, WT001, will continue trials before entering RAF service with No. 8 Squadron as an airborne early warning platform.
Airbus Helicopters and the Spanish Navy completed a maritime flight trial in Spain involving an H135 helicopter, the Flexrotor and A900 drones, and the patrol vessel Rayo. The exercise tested real-time drone control, live data sharing and integration into naval combat systems.
The UK Ministry of Defence said an RAF Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft was repeatedly intercepted by Russian Su-35 and Su-27 fighter aircraft over the Black Sea during a routine flight in international airspace, prompting diplomatic action with the Russian Embassy.
Leonardo has signed a contract valued at around €320 million with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), part of EDGE Group, to provide naval combat systems for the Kuwait Navy’s Al Dorra missile boat program, supporting the Falaj 3 configuration and wider cooperation efforts.
Lithuania has signed an agreement with Saab for Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons and training equipment valued at SEK 460 million ($49 million). Deliveries are planned from 2026 to 2029, while options within the ten-year agreement could increase the total value to SEK 640 million ($69 million).
The Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has expanded access to its counter-drone marketplace through agreements with Australia, Poland and South Korea while also awarding a $500 million contract to Perennial Autonomy for AI-enabled counter-UAS systems and drone interceptors.
