Mercedes-Benz has announced a tie-up with drone start-up Tytan Technologies at the International Aerospace Exhibition in Berlin, the centrepiece of which is to be a drone defence system, for which the Stuttgart-based brand is to provide the carrier vehicles.
Germany’s new armoured brigade in Lithuania has completed its first live-fire exercise, bringing together nearly 3,000 troops and 800 vehicles from eight NATO nations as the alliance strengthens its eastern defences.
Pro-Palestine activists blocked access to the ILA Berlin Air Show ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit. Police removed protesters after they disrupted the opening of Germany’s major aerospace and defence event.
German aerospace company ERC System plans to start serial production of its Victor heavy-lift drone in 2028, three years earlier than planned. The hybrid-powered aircraft is aimed at military and civilian users amid rising demand.
Germany’s defence minister says the collapse of the FCAS fighter jet programme is a major setback for European defence cooperation. The ambitious Franco-German-Spanish project was meant to deliver a next-generation combat aircraft from 2040.
Germany believes talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine could become possible in the coming months. European governments are discussing who could represent them in negotiations as U.S.-led efforts remain stalled.
NATO has launched the BALTOPS naval exercise in the Baltic Sea, involving more than 6,000 personnel, 30 vessels and 15 countries. The drills focus on protecting maritime traffic, freedom of navigation and regional security.
Germany and the Netherlands will jointly lead a new NATO command centre in Estonia from mid-2026. The headquarters will oversee exercises and help coordinate defence operations on NATO’s eastern flank.
German firearms manufacturer Heckler & Koch reported a sharp rise of 255% in first-quarter profit and revenue. Strong demand and long-term contracts with NATO armed forces are expected to support future business growth.
Germany is preparing legislation that would require military reservists to take part in training exercises during peacetime. The move is part of plans to expand reserve forces and strengthen military readiness.
German troops, Leopard tanks and other military equipment have arrived in Lithuania for the first major exercise involving Germany’s new brigade. The Freedom Shield drill brings together NATO forces to train near Russia’s borders.
Rostec has started flight testing the Ka-226T helicopter fitted with the Russian-made VK-650V engine. The first 20-minute test flight evaluated stability, controllability, and engine integration with onboard systems.
Raytheon and Lockheed Martin have delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units for the Javelin missile system to the U.S. Army as production ramps up at a modernized facility in Arizona.
Norway and France have signed the Narvik Agreement, a bilateral defence pact covering mutual military assistance, Arctic cooperation, defence industry ties and participation in French-led nuclear deterrence talks.
Thales has completed the first live firings of its X-Fire launcher, a long-range land strike system being developed with Soframe as France plans future deep-strike capabilities and replacement of existing LRU systems.
ITPS Canada has ordered six Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers, with options for an additional six for tactical fighter pilot training at the International Tactical Training Centre.
The Czech Ministry of Interior has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for 11 H145 helicopters to be operated by the Czech Police Aviation Service placing the current H135 fleet .
The Royal Thai Navy has ordered two Airbus C295 aircraft configured for transport, surveillance and search-and-rescue operations. The order follows an Air Force order last week for two aircraft.
The UK has completed its first successful laser communication data download from a satellite in Low Earth Orbit, demonstrating a system intended to support faster and more secure military communications.
American Rheinmetall and Harbinger have formed a partnership to develop robotic and Uncrewed Ground Vehicles for combat, logistics and sustainment missions supporting U.S. Department of War modernization efforts.
