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.
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).
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.
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.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed a new EU “associate member” status for Ukraine that would bring Kiev closer to EU institutions and security arrangements while delaying full membership rights.
Germany plans to buy an initial 40% stake in defence company KNDS, the maker of Leopard 2 tanks and Panzerhaubitze 2000 systems, as Berlin seeks greater involvement in the defence industry and aims to retain key expertise.
The U.S. Pentagon has signed agreements with several defense firms to expand production of low-cost cruise and hypersonic missiles under new procurement programs aimed at increasing strike weapon inventories between 2027 and 2029.
L3Harris Technologies announced the Wraith Shield software capability, designed to convert tactical radios into AI-enabled sensing and counter-drone systems. The company said the capability will support military forces operating against small unmanned aerial threats in contested environments.
The United States, working with Venezuela, the United Kingdom and the International Atomic Energy Agency, has completed the removal of highly enriched uranium from Venezuela’s RV-1 research reactor.
The UK Ministry of Defence has deployed the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System on RAF Typhoon fighter jets operating in the Middle East to counter drone threats. The laser-guided system completed testing and entered operational service within two months.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has introduced the Storm Shield miniature electronic warfare system designed for unmanned aerial platforms. The company says the system is intended to provide UAVs with autonomous electronic protection in contested electromagnetic and air defense environments.
The British Army will procure 72 RCH 155 remote controlled artillery systems under a contract worth nearly £1 billion. The programme involving Rheinmetall and KNDS will replace AS90 artillery systems transferred to Ukraine.
Larsen & Toubro and France-based Exail have partnered to provide an unmanned mine counter-measure suite for the Indian Navy’s planned fleet of 12 Mine Counter Measure Vessels. The companies will offer autonomous and remotely operated systems designed to detect and neutralise naval mines.
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded £10 million in contracts to four companies developing autonomous drones designed to support Apache attack helicopters. The drones are intended for reconnaissance, strike support and electronic warfare missions under Project NYX.
Russia said it had successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile during a launch overseen by the Strategic Missile Forces. President Vladimir Putin said the system would enter combat duty by the end of the year, according to a Kremlin transcript.
