Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany plan to set up a joint venture in early 2026 to develop naval laser weapon systems. The move follows joint trials of a laser demonstrator tested at sea and is aimed at providing drone defence capabilities for the German Navy.
Rafael has delivered the first operational Iron Beam high-power laser air defence system to the Israel Defense Forces. The system will be integrated into Israel’s layered air defence network alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow interceptors.
Airbus Defence and Space and Indra have been selected to carry out an 18-month definition study for Spain’s future SIGINT aircraft. The work comes alongside Airbus-led combat training programmes which will incorporate the induction of 30 Turkish HÜRJET trainer aircraft and follows Spain’s recent order for additional C295 transport aircraft.
HAL has conducted the inaugural flight of its Dhruv New Generation helicopter in Bengaluru, marking its entry into the civil helicopter market. The event also included DGCA certification for indigenous manufacture of the Shakti civil engine, with full civil certification expected in the coming months.
France has ordered two GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft from Saab in a contract worth about SEK 12.3 billion. Deliveries are planned between 2029 and 2032, and the agreement includes training, support, ground equipment, and an option for two more aircraft.
Lithuania has ordered RBS 70 Bolide air defence missiles from Saab in a deal valued at SEK 3 billion, with deliveries planned between 2028 and 2032. The purchase follows earlier contracts for Carl Gustaf ammunition and AT4 grenade launchers, expanding Lithuania’s recent defence procurement programme.
The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned ICG Ship Amulya, a new Adamya-class fast patrol vessel built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The ship will be based at Paradip and tasked with surveillance, interdiction, and search and rescue duties.
Spain has placed four contracts for 100 Airbus helicopters for its army, navy, and air force, including the H135, H145M, H175M and NH90, as part of a major fleet modernisation effort.
The European Maritime Safety Agency has awarded Airbus a €30 million contract to provide maritime surveillance services using the Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system to stream electro-optical, infrared, and radar imagery in real time to the EMSA RPAS Data Centre, with operations set to begin in 2026.
Schiebel has carried out the first CAMCOPTER S-300 flight test campaign in France, expanding the system’s flight envelope during trials conducted at a military drone test site near Bordeaux, and bringing the programme to a total of 100 accumulated flight hours.
Austria has signed a contract for 12 M-346 F Block 20 aircraft from Leonardo, covering aircraft delivery, training systems, and six years of logistical and maintenance support. The M-346 F aircraft will replace the Saab 105, which retired from Austrian service in 2020.
Leonardo has signed a contract with Italy’s TELEDIFE to develop and deliver four next-generation radars for the Michelangelo Dome air and missile defence system, intended to detect and track ballistic threats at ranges of up to 3,000 kilometres.
The Indian Navy has commissioned INAS 335, its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, at INS Hansa in Goa. The unit is now operational and is intended to support shipborne aviation missions, including anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and search and rescue on the western seaboard.
Finland has rolled out its first F-35A fighter, designated JF-501, at Lockheed Martin’s facility in the United States. The aircraft will support pilot training in 2026 before entering Finnish Air Force service, alongside new AIM-120D-3 missile procurement.
Poland has declared full operational capability for its IBCS-enabled WISŁA air defence system, making it the first U.S. NATO ally to field the networked command system. The move follows live-fire tests and expands Poland’s integrated air and missile defence.
