Breaking Defense Europe

Saildrone expands European footprint with production plans in 3 countries

Polish Navy floats first frigate under major modernization program

The frigate is scheduled to be delivered to the Polish Navy in 2029. Work on the second Miecznik-class frigate is ongoing.

By Bartosz Głowacki

Global

Germany and the Netherlands are jointly acquiring 69 additional RCT30 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles (KNDS)

Germany and the Netherlands buy 69 more RCT30 infantry fighting vehicles

Manufacturer KNDS said it has developed the Boxer RCT30 as the "backbone" of Germany's new "Medium Forces."

By Tim Martin

Opinion

The defense sector is under water: Maritime investments reflect growing threats

A recent sequence of undersea-focused defense acquisitions is a welcome pivot to a critical warfighting domain, two CSIS experts argue.

By Aleksandar Jovovic and Katy Buda

Latest News

Space

EU lays out $18B satellite constellation plan, with Spanish firm winning key role

Overall investment in the high profile program is expected to push beyond $18 billion, with first satellite launches slated for 2029.

By Tim Martin

Global

Rheinmetall projects $346 million naval loss after F126 frigate cancellation

The loss was a blow to Rheinmetall's new naval ambitions, but the rest of the European giant saw a large rise in revenue.

By Tim Martin

Air Warfare

How Ukraine tries to intercept Russian drones more effectively — and affordably

Since last year, Kyiv has turned to Western fighter jets to shoot down aerial threats, but also rely on dispersed air defense teams and other modified aircraft.

By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Pentagon

How ITAR concerns are affecting US defense sales abroad

US arms-sale regulations are causing some European firms to reassess their approach toward military modernization.

By Breaking Defense Video

Air Warfare, Global

Italy’s controversial Gulf military mission enters public spotlight

“This is certainly one of Italy’s most significant deployments to the Gulf in many years — its importance lies not only in the number of personnel, but, above all, in the quality and scarcity of capabilities sent,” one Italian analyst said.

By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Pentagon, Global

Europe wants ITAR-free weapons. US firms are trying to adjust.

Skepticism surrounding US-European relations has led to a serious push on the continent to move away from buying weapons that are subject to US arms-traffic regulations.

By Ashley Roque and Aaron Mehta

Naval Warfare

Rheinmetall unveils new guided-missile frigate projected for North American tender

The German GMF 140 is envisioned to integrate US-sourced radar options, hypersonic weapons and ballistic missiles, the AEGIS Combat System, and 64 Strike-Length Vertical Launch System cells.

By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Air Warfare

GCAP timeline could shrink ‘by a couple of years,’ Leonardo CEO says

Lorenzo Mariani said the sixth-gen fighter could enter service two years ahead of its 2035 target date, but only if some requirements for the "initial version" were altered.

By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Global

Rafael CEO eyes IPO by end of year, plans to attend French defense shows in future

In an interview with Breaking Defense, Yoav Tourgeman acknowledged that questions remain about how exactly the Israeli defense giant would go public.

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare

Ukraine, NATO launch new funding program to counter Russian drones

Five areas were listed by Brave1 as of high interest: active protection systems against FPVS; affordable counter-shaded systems; electromagnetic support for signals intelligence; electromagnetic attack technology against FPVs; and high-altitude platforms.

By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Air Warfare

Leonardo UK CEO sees potential CCA role, but wary of funding

Clive Higgins told Breaking Defense the firm would likely pitch its experience in sensors and EW, but also saw an opening for drones developed with a Turkish partner.

By Tim Martin

Air Warfare