Israel approves $45B defense budget as Iran war rages
Israel’s defense budget has undergone major increases in recent years, reflecting the country’s shift from low-level conflicts to a multi-front war that began on Oct. 7, 2023.
European Commission adopts $1.7B work program to ramp up weapons production
The European Defence Industry Programme covers funding for 2026 through 2027 with a first round of calls for proposals opening on the EU’s tender portal starting on Tuesday.
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Answering the demand signal to move faster, field sooner, iterate continuously
As threats rapidly evolve, digital engineering, manufacturing capacity and robust supply chains are critical to meeting challenges.
Ukraine inks defense agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with UAE to follow
“Ukraine has been countering [Iranian drones] for years [and] all features of this defense are of interest to the Gulf,” Samuel Bendett, adviser at Center for New America Security, told Breaking Defense.
Norway floats additional $11.8B in defense spending through 2035, cancels drone program
The new funding is set to go directly toward the acquisition of new F-35 fifth generation fighter jet integrated Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) munitions, and stiffen the pace of big ticket submarine and frigate procurements.
South Korea’s KAI rolls out first production KF-21 fighter jet
The aircraft, a two-seat jet carrying the serial number 26-001, rolled out at KAI’s facilities at Sacheon in a ceremony attended by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
State Department clears $340M FMS request for hypersonic missile testing support for Japan
The Japanese government has earmarked $769 million in its defense budget for HVGP development and deployment for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on April 1.
Modernizing defense enterprise IT without disrupting the mission
Government can’t stop to update systems, so modernization has to happen without interruptions.
NATO sees $145B in munitions needs, as members all hit 2 percent GDP for first time
"That is clearly one of the main areas we will focus on at the next NATO summit," Rutte said regarding munitions production.
MBDA plans $5.8B investment in missile production as demand soars
"MBDA has attained an unprecedented strategic dimension as one of the instrumental pillars of rearmament in Europe," CEO Eric Béranger said.
France sets up ‘urgent’ $9.8B munitions top-up package
Paris also plans to launch a new platform dubbed France Munitions to act as a wholesale buyer of weapons for both the French Armed Forces and export customers.
Iran conflict disrupts economies, but experts predict rise in defense spending
“To counter these [Iran’s] asymmetric threats, Gulf states are compelled to accelerate military modernization, prioritizing advanced air defenses like Patriot and THAAD upgrades,” said a retired Kuwaiti air force officer.
Breaking Defense announces Breaking Defense Europe, a new, distinct, European edition
Breaking Defense Europe will launch May 4 with Tim Martin and Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo as co-editors.
‘Bleeding cash’: UK investment plan delay hurting key suppliers, industry groups warn
"We have got SMEs [Small to Medium Enterprises] that have had to exit the sector," Samira Braund, defence director at trade body ADS, told British lawmakers.
Swiss Destinus, Shield AI wrap European drone autonomy test campaign
Despite the absence of customers, the companies are hoping that the demonstration could tempt European air forces looking for cUAS solutions that can reduce reliance on crewed aircraft.
Lockheed Martin Australia, Rheinmetall exploring HIMARS sustainment Down Under
Though the tie-up isn't complete, if the deal happens Lockheed would see work done on its HIMARS at a Rheinmetall center in Queensland.
India seeking to join European sixth-generation fighter program: Reports
One defense analyst said that at this stage, it may be difficult for either the GCAP or FCAS teams to take on new development partners.