Sweden aims to boost military spending by nearly 30%, hitting NATO spending target

Sweden aims to boost military spending by nearly 30%, hitting NATO spending target
Sweden aims to boost military spending by nearly 30%, hitting NATO spending target

Citing its planned military commitment, Stockholm says it “will be a credible, reliable and loyal member of NATO.”

UK official: No ‘definitive’ timeline to decide Saudi involvement in GCAP next-gen fighter project

UK official: No ‘definitive’ timeline to decide Saudi involvement in GCAP next-gen fighter project
UK official: No ‘definitive’ timeline to decide Saudi involvement in GCAP next-gen fighter project

The new comments come in a Breaking Defense interview after another UK official separately said he believes the Saudis “will be part of GCAP in due course” — the strongest support yet from Britain for Saudi joining.

At DSEI 2023, a spotlight on new UK defense secretary, Ukraine and AUKUS

At DSEI 2023, a spotlight on new UK defense secretary, Ukraine and AUKUS
At DSEI 2023, a spotlight on new UK defense secretary, Ukraine and AUKUS

The Defence and Security Equipment International expo brings together military officials and defense firms from around the world. Here’s what’s likely to be on their mind.

European Defence Agency signs first set of joint ammunition procurement contracts

European Defence Agency signs first set of joint ammunition procurement contracts
European Defence Agency signs first set of joint ammunition procurement contracts

The 155mm rounds have been procured for loading on French Caesar, Polish Krab, German Panzerhaubitze 2000 and Slovakian Zuzana self-propelled howitzers.

Saab unveils new naval operator workspace concept and camouflage system

Saab unveils new naval operator workspace concept and camouflage system
Saab unveils new naval operator workspace concept and camouflage system

“I would consider any partner that will step up and say that ‘we’re really interested in this’ because that would probably accelerate our process,” said Saab’s Johan Hagg of the workstation.

Ukraine counteroffensive analysis: West needs to help Kyiv ‘outrange’ Russians, protect own artillery

Ukraine counteroffensive analysis: West needs to help Kyiv ‘outrange’ Russians, protect own artillery
Ukraine counteroffensive analysis: West needs to help Kyiv ‘outrange’ Russians, protect own artillery

A new RUSI analysis calls on international partners to “ensure” the proposed artillery park is developed, while also working to cut down an existing supply of 17 artillery systems, operated by Ukraine, to focus on “maintaining a more limited range of guns at greater scale.”

Netherlands, Romania and Lockheed agree to open F-16 training center

Netherlands, Romania and Lockheed agree to open F-16 training center
Netherlands, Romania and Lockheed agree to open F-16 training center

The letter of intent comes after the Biden administration approved the re-export of the fourth generation jets to Ukraine.

Saab makes AI statement of intent with BlueBear acquisition

Saab makes AI statement of intent with BlueBear acquisition
Saab makes AI statement of intent with BlueBear acquisition

Dean Rosenfield, group managing director at Saab UK, told media that the acquisition was part of a “deliberate strategy” to grow and expand business in Britain.

In surprise move, UK names energy minister Grant Shapps next defense secretary

In surprise move, UK names energy minister Grant Shapps next defense secretary
In surprise move, UK names energy minister Grant Shapps next defense secretary

In a social media post today, Shapps said he was “looking forward to working with the brave men and women of our Armed Forces” and “continuing the UK’s support for Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s barbaric invasion.”

Spain punches ‘above its weight’ in European Defense Fund investments: Report

Spain punches ‘above its weight’ in European Defense Fund investments: Report
Spain punches ‘above its weight’ in European Defense Fund investments: Report

Sounding a note of caution however, the report questions if Spain can continue a “high level of performance and involvement” in EDF projects because of industry suppliers reaching a “saturation point.”

UK awards BAE Systems $113M Trinity tactical network contract

UK awards BAE Systems $113M Trinity tactical network contract
UK awards BAE Systems $113M Trinity tactical network contract

BAE Systems will be supported at an industrial level by US firms L3 Harris and KBR, an engineering company headquartered in Texas.

Netherlands to double MQ-9A order to eight aircraft

Netherlands to double MQ-9A order to eight aircraft
Netherlands to double MQ-9A order to eight aircraft

“We are doubling the number of MQ-9A Reapers so we can increase our maritime and overland intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance (ISR) capacity,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Jan Ruedisueli, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s 306 Squadron.

Romania expects F-35 Letter of Agreement in 2024, first aircraft in 2030

Romania expects F-35 Letter of Agreement in 2024, first aircraft in 2030
Romania expects F-35 Letter of Agreement in 2024, first aircraft in 2030

The initial order for 32 aircraft also includes 35 engines, weapons, ammunition, logistics support, training services and simulators, according to the Romanian Ministry of National Defence.

New UK sanctions for alleged Russian suppliers hit Turkish and Emirati firms, Iranian drone maker

New UK sanctions for alleged Russian suppliers hit Turkish and Emirati firms, Iranian drone maker
New UK sanctions for alleged Russian suppliers hit Turkish and Emirati firms, Iranian drone maker

The “landmark sanctions will further diminish Russia’s arsenal and close the net on supply chains propping up Putin’s now struggling defence industry,” said UK foreign secretary James Cleverly.