Northrop Grumman has introduced Valen, a multifunction active electronically scanned array that combines radar, electronic warfare and communications into one system. The company said the sensor has completed flight testing and is designed for crewed and uncrewed platforms.
A 5-megawatt Ward 250 nuclear reactor was airlifted by a C-17 Globemaster III from March Air Reserve Base to Hill Air Force Base, demonstrating the feasibility of transporting compact nuclear power systems by military aircraft for testing and potential deployment.
Leonardo S.p.A. has signed a contract to deliver four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence. The aircraft will support maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and transport missions, with deliveries to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces expected from 2029.
Airbus Helicopters has revealed two next generation rotorcraft concepts for NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capabilities study. Developed with Collins Aerospace, Raytheon and MBDA, the proposal includes a conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound design.
Northrop Grumman and Embraer are collaborating to develop enhanced air-refueling capabilities for the KC-390 Millennium aircraft. The effort aims to introduce an autonomous boom system and upgraded mission systems to support U.S. Air Force and allied aerial logistics requirements.
Germany’s parliament has approved €540 million to buy kamikaze drones for the army, with more funding possible. The systems, shaped by lessons from Ukraine, will first equip Germany’s Lithuania Brigade.
Ukrspecsystems has opened a £200 million drone production facility in Suffolk, creating up to 500 jobs and expanding UK-based manufacturing to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The site will produce surveillance and related drone systems as part of ongoing UK military assistance.
Germany’s defence minister has criticised Donald Trump for treating Vladimir Putin “like a buddy” and cutting support for Ukraine. Boris Pistorius said backing Kyiv remains vital as Russia’s war enters its fourth year.
Raytheon demonstrated its Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic system in a U.S. Army test, defeating multiple drone swarms and showcasing launch, intercept and recovery capabilities under operational conditions.
Hypersonica said its missile prototype exceeded Mach 6 and flew over 300 km in a recent test, as the company works toward a European hypersonic strike capability by 2029.
The U.S. State Department says China carried out a nuclear test in June 2020, days after deadly clashes with Indian troops at Galwan. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation did not detect any test, which the U.S. said was conducted by a decoupling method that could minimise seismic sensitivity.
Germany has said it wants to take part in a new US-led “Board of Peace” for Gaza announced by Donald Trump. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin is ready to assume responsibility in the body, which is meant to oversee Gaza’s transitional administration and support the next phase of the peace process.
A German reconnaissance unit has arrived in Greenland as part of a Danish-led mission to examine NATO’s ability to defend the Arctic. The deployment brings together European partners to assess logistics, surveillance, and possible military contributions amid growing geopolitical tensions over the region.
The UK government has introduced changes in the Armed Forces Bill to expand the Strategic Reserve by widening recall rules for former service personnel. The measures raise the recall age limit, align rules across services, and allow recall during warlike preparations, aiming to improve crisis readiness.
Finland’s Defence Forces have begun preparations to acquire anti-personnel landmines and introduce training after the country’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention took effect on January 10.
