Italy buying six Airbus-made A330 MRRT tankers, a $1.6B value
Rome initially announced its intention to acquire the Boeing-made KC-46 Pegasus tankers in 2022.
NHIndustries inks contract for NH90 Block 2 study in support of future tech
NHIndustries will provide “multiple evolution options” to NATO and nations involved in the Block 2 study, aligned to “respective operational requirements,” said the manufacturer.
The AFCEA DC Small Business Breakfast Program is coming up next Wednesday 5/20.
The event explores how AFCEA DC is accelerating delivery of next-gen capabilities to the US Navy and the Navy's transformation of small business programs. Secure your spot today!
Nowhere to hide: Iran war spotlights military challenges posed by space-based remote sensing
Planet in a March 9 notice to its customers, obtained by Breaking Defense, explained that the company would be instituting a 14-day delay on release of imagery not just of Iran, but also of nearby military bases, the Gulf States and "existing conflict zones."
Germany marks April deadline to rescue FCAS fighter project from collapse: Reports
Amid an intense row between Airbus and Dassault over New Generation Fighter leadership and workshare, it remains to be seen how a compromise could unfold.
Dassault CEO: FCAS jet program ‘dead’ if clash with Airbus not resolved
After Germany’s chancellor said Berlin and Paris may need different capabilities, Dassault’s Eric Trappier said France will push forward with or without Airbus.
UK awards Leonardo $1.3B AW149 New Medium Helicopter contract
The new AW149 fleet is desperately needed to plug a rotary capability gap left by retirement of the Puma HC2 fleet in March 2025.
Satellites at the center: Inside the Pentagon’s next-gen space architecture
From emerging data networks to missile tracking and cyber resilience, Breaking Defense’s latest eBook brings together essential reporting on the evolving role of satellites in national security.
Northrop, Brazil’s Embraer partner on KC-390 to pitch US, others
Under a memorandum of understanding, Northrop will explore options to develop an autonomous boom refueling system for Embraer’s KC-390, hoping to attract US and international customers.
Airbus, Singapore gains certification for A330 MRTT automatic air-to-air refueling
An Airbus official added that other countries, including Canada, have expressed interest in the capability.
Army advances Bell, M1, Lockheed to second phase of Flight School Next competition
A call for solutions notice in December said the Army plans to award a contract by September.
US-European relations will define the next year: 2026 preview
Transatlantic political turbulence could disrupt orders from European customers for US defense equipment over the long term, but if the last year is anything to go by, business is likely to be relatively predictable.
presented by
Winning the cognitive domain — A methodology built for democratic constraints
The challenge for Western democratic institutions is not a lack of capability — it is a structural one.
NATO allies oppose US peace deal for Ukraine as FCAS falters: 2025 review
From spikes in European military spending to the push for a virtual wall to protect NATO countries from Russian drones, the continent faces a new era in defense.
Spain approves $5.3 billion mega-order of 100 Airbus helicopters
In addition to the hefty H145M order, Madrid will also acquire 31 NH90 helicopters, 13 H135 rotorcraft and six H175M super-medium utility models.
France, Spain reassert faith in Europe’s next-gen future fighter, but Germany stays mum
"Please understand that the content of yesterday's [trilateral] discussions will be treated as confidential," the German Ministry of Defense told Breaking Defense.
Spanish navy shares vision for second batch of NH90 helicopters
The second batch builds off an initial acquisition of seven Standard 3 MSPT units, contracted in 2018, included within Spain’s larger order of 23 NH90 rotorcraft.