Germany has ordered 20 new Eurofighter aircraft from Airbus to strengthen its Air Force capabilities. The fighters will feature upgraded radar and electronic warfare systems and will be delivered between 2031 and 2034 as part of Europe’s joint defence programme. The new aircraft will serve as a technological bridge to the Future Combat Air System, which is expected to enter service from 2040.
HAL’s Nashik facility has conducted the first flight of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A and inaugurated new production lines for the fighter and the HTT-40 trainer aircraft. The expansion is intended to increase LCA output to 24 aircraft annually and represents a major boost to India’s indigenous manufacturing capacity.
The British Royal Navy’s sixth Astute Class submarine, HMS Agamemnon, has completed her first dive at BAE Systems’ Barrow shipyard, marking a key stage in trials before entering operational service. The test verified weight, stability, and onboard systems performance.
Leonardo and KNDS have entered into an agreement to offer the CAESAR Self-Propelled Howitzer to the U.S. Army. Leonardo DRS will act as prime contractor and KNDS as system designer and manufacturer, with the system proposed for integration on U.S. tactical vehicles.
Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned of legal challenges to a bill expanding the Bundeswehr’s role in domestic drone defence after a surge in suspected Russian drone sightings. The plan would strengthen police capabilities and create a joint defence centre, but faces constitutional concerns over military involvement in internal security.
The EU Council has endorsed Germany’s medium-term fiscal plan and activated the national escape clause, allowing limited temporary flexibility for higher defence spending under the Stability and Growth Pact. The clause permits deviation of up to 1.5% of GDP annually for four years while maintaining overall fiscal discipline.
Germany’s intelligence chief Martin Jäger warned that the country is already “under fire” from Russia and must prepare for further escalation. Speaking to lawmakers, he said Moscow seeks to destabilize NATO and intimidate Europe amid rising tensions, airspace violations, and drone incidents over German infrastructure.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveiled the L-SPIKE 4X Launched Effect and showcased the Iron Beam laser air defense system at AUSA 2025 in Washington, D.C. The company said Iron Beam is entering delivery to the Israel Defense Forces, while the new L-SPIKE 4X expands its precision strike missile family.
Germany plans to order over 600 Skyranger air defence systems from Rheinmetall in a deal worth more than €9 billion to strengthen its drone defence. The mobile system, now in testing, can be mounted on Boxer and Leopard 1 vehicles and is designed to counter modern aerial threats, including drone swarms.
The British foreign intelligence service, MI6, has launched a new dark-web portal for informants to get in touch with it securely, and a new YouTube channel with instructional videos in eight languages, including poorly-composed Hindi.
The German cabinet approved a bill for setting up a National Security Council and introducing voluntary military service, which could turn into conscription in the absence of sufficient volunteers, of which an initial 15,000 are required with a target of 80,000, whom the government plans to entice with high salaries.
Thailand has placed an order for three Gripen E and one two-seat Gripen F fighter aircraft, besides associated equipment, support and training, for SEK 5.3 billion (around $550 million), within an existing agreement with Sweden for 12 aircraft.
The appointment of Sergio Gor to the newly-created position of Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs does not need Senate approval, unlike nomination as ambassador, so he can begin dealing with India immediately, at a time when ties between the two countries have plunged over tariffs and Trump’s insistence on taking credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire in May.
The suspension of military exports to Israel represents a major step for Berlin, which has been one of its strongest supporters since the October 7, 2023 attacks and has repeatedly blocked EU initiatives to issue sanctions over the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Thyssenkrupp is to retain a majority stake of 51% in TKMS through a new holding company. The remaining 49% of TKMS shares are to be transferred to Thyssenkrupp shareholders in proportion to their shareholdings, making them direct shareholders of TKMS.
