The European Commission has approved Germany’s plan to acquire a 40 percent stake in KNDS, the maker of Leopard 2 tanks and PzH 2000 howitzers. The company also plans to expand production in Germany and add thousands of jobs.
Daimler Truck is expanding its defence business under a new global brand and aims to reach €1 billion in annual defence revenues by 2028. The company plans major investments, new jobs and a broader military vehicle portfolio.
After the collapse of the FCAS fighter programme, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger has raised doubts about whether the planned Franco-German tank project will ever materialise.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Airbus Defence and Space plans to open a new A330 MRTT conversion centre in Seville, Spain, by the end of 2027. The facility will increase annual aircraft conversion capacity, support maintenance work and upgrade aircraft already in service.
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).
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 European Commission has opened applications for founding members of a new EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance aimed at improving European drone and counter-drone capabilities. The initiative will bring together industry, innovators and military users from Europe and Ukraine.
The EU has approved SAFE defence funding for France and Czechia, allocating up to €15.09 billion and €2.06 billion respectively. The financing supports joint procurement and investment to strengthen defence production and readiness across member states.
German companies are increasingly exploring defence opportunities as geopolitical tensions drive demand. A new survey shows rising interest, with more firms planning to enter the sector in the coming years.
