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EUROPE
23 Dec 24. Italy places order for up to 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. The leaders of Eurofighter and NETMA (the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency) today signed the contract for up to 24 Italian Air Force Eurofighters in Rome.
The announcement comes at a strategically important time for the Eurofighter programme and follows the contract signing last Friday (20 December) for 25 Eurofighters for the Spanish Air Force.
The new Italian Eurofighter Typhoon jets will replace Italian Tranche 1 versions that are currently in service.
Giancarlo Mezzanatto, Chief Executive of Eurofighter, said: “Italy’s decision to purchase an additional 24 jets is, of course, fantastic news for our programme, further demonstrating the strength and importance that Eurofighter Typhoon brings to Europe.
“During this past seven days we have seen two of the four Eurofighter Core Nations sign new contract orders, with a clear desire to modernise their Air Forces and confirming the crucial role they attribute to our aircraft.”
Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo, said: “The level of technology delivered by the Eurofighter programme over years is unquestionable. Its success provides also evidence of the outstanding synergies between the industry and institutions.
“We’re proud of what we’ve built together and we’re committed to providing our contribution to make sure Italy and all other partner nations continue to receive the level of capability they deserve.”
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, commented: “This contract is a major milestone for the Eurofighter programme in Italy.
“Since its inception, it has played a crucial role for national defence and security as well as in the development of advanced technologies and employment of thousands of skilled professionals. With this latest order the programme will deliver even greater capabilities and economic returns for many years.”
AVM Simon Ellard (ret.), General Manager, NETMA said: “The additional 24 aircraft for Italy is yet another proud moment for the Eurofighter Programme.
“The order will enhance the Italian Air Force’s combat air capabilities and provide security for Italy, Europe and the NATO Alliance.
“The order, which follows the contract for 25 additional jets for the Spanish Air Force signed on the 20th of December, demonstrates that the Eurofighter Typhoon continues to be the backbone of European air defence.”
As with the new Halcon II Spanish order from last week, the new Italian Eurofighters will be equipped with advanced avionics, enhanced weapon systems capable of operating Brimstone III and Meteor, new sensors and improved connectivity.
With a service life well beyond 2060, its technical capabilities will allow full integration into the Europe’s future air combat environment.
21 Dec 24. Spain orders 25 additional Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, links arms on Turkish trainer. The Eurofighter consortium said in a statement that deliveries to the Spanish Air and Space Force will take place between 2030 and 2035. Spain has signed off on an order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoon fourth-generation fighter jets under its Halcon II program. A contract between the Spanish government and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) was inked today and covers the acquisition of 21 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft. The Eurofighter consortium said in a statement that deliveries to the Spanish Air and Space Force will take place between 2030 and 2035.
“The Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets will replace part of the legacy F-18 fleet, based in Torrejon and Zaragoza, and bring the total number of Typhoon aircraft in the Spanish Air Force to 115,” it added.
In a related statement, Airbus, which builds all Spanish Air Force Eurofighters out of its Getafe site, said that the “new aircraft will: boost Spain’s air-power capabilities and operations; reinforce its prominent position at the heart of NATO, and secure the programme’s industrial footprint.”
Halcon is Spain’s national two-phase acquisition program to replace all F/A-18C/D Hornets, split between the already contracted $2.15bn Halcon 1, covering 20 aircraft, and the new second batch order. The Halcon II effort, valued at €4.6bn ($4.8bn), was cleared by Spain’s Council of Ministers in 2023. Alongside aircraft, the program also covers engines and support services.
Gen. Javier Salto Martínez-Avial, chief of the Spanish Air and Space Force has long pressed for the Halcon II order not to be delayed, warning last year that deliveries could take 10 years.
Halcon aircraft are to be equipped with state of the art avionics, electronically-scanning radar (E-Scan), and weapon systems that can support launch of Brimstone III and Full Meteor missiles, alongside new sensors and improved connectivity, according to Airbus.
Separately, Spain has also decided to partner with Turkey to support development of the Hurjet advanced jet trainer. A Memorandum of Understanding for the collaboration was signed today between the Spanish Ministry of Defence and the Turkish Presidency of Defence Industries. The move could lead to Madrid acquiring the platform as a replacement for Northrop SF-5M aircraft. (Source: News Now/Breaking Defense.com)
18 Dec 24. Slovakia buys Black Hawk helicopters, leaving Vipers up for grabs. After months of pondering, Slovakia has decided to purchase 12 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for its military, according to Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák. The move could encourage Ukraine to intensify its lobbying in Washington as Kyiv seeks the 12 AH-1Z Viper helos that Bratislava rejected.
The Black Hawk offer, comprising second-hand modernized copters, was submitted by Ace Aeronautics which is part of the Helicopter Alliance group, local daily Denník N reported. The group is controlled by Czech entrepreneur Jaroslav Strnad, the founder and former owner of local defense group Czechoslovak Group. The holding is currently owned by the founder’s son Michal Strnad, and operates a number of production facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
The Black Hawks were recently offered to Bratislava for around €150 m ($158m) without weapons, compared with the Vipers’ revised price which exceeded €550m, according to the minister. The Black Hawk is manufactured by Lockheed Martin’s subsidiary Sikorsky, and the Viper is produced by Bell.
In July 2024, the U.S. State Department authorized a tentative foreign military sale of 12 Vipers to Slovakia for an estimated $600m. This represented a sizable increase compared with the initial $340m price tag pitched to the previous Slovak cabinet. That discount resulted from the fact that a deal with Pakistan, the initially envisioned recipient of the copters, had fallen through.
Slovakia’s previous government was offered discounted Vipers under the country’s attack helicopter program, but the government that took over power in October 2023 has long hesitated over the purchase.
A senior industry official close to the talks told Defense News that Ukrainian decision-makers requested the Vipers from Washington some 20 months ago, and the latest decision is likely to further intensify Kyiv’s lobbying activities to secure the aircraft.
“They’d have been flying them by now,” the official said in a reference to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Slovak military has a fleet of nine UH-60 Black Hawks.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
19 Dec 24. Within the framework of the European Defence Fund (EDF), Thales is leading the SEACURE project to achieve a sovereign European capability in future Anti-Submarine and Seabed Warfare.
The SEACURE programme began in November 2024 for a duration of 45 months, and involves 35 European partners from 13 EU member states.
Building on the successful completion of the EDIDP (European Defence Industrial Development Programme) SEANICE project at the end of 2023, the aim of SEACURE is to achieve a sovereign European capability in future autonomous Anti-Submarine and Seabed Warfare.
The world is facing rising tensions in many regions, with asymmetric threats and the resurgence of high-intensity operations, particularly at sea. It is the case near the borders of the European Union, in the Middle East, and the Far East. This highlights how critical it is for nations to control safety at sea and to protect their maritime infrastructures. Moreover, the exploitation of marine resources, including offshore wind farms, demands continuous monitoring to prevent malicious actions by state and non-state adversaries.
Recent events are accelerating plans throughout NATO and European countries to protect maritime infrastructure of national interest. Such plans embrace new operational theatres, and require new capabilities and new methods of operation.
The main objective of SEACURE is to develop and demonstrate at sea, by 2028, an integrated system of systems aimed at successfully performing autonomous joint Anti-Submarine Warfare and Seabed Warfare operations and protecting critical maritime infrastructure. It focuses on the detection, classification, identification and tracking of underwater threats in challenging conditions, using air, surface and underwater drones. SEACURE will offer a versatile defence system for such operations, increasing the level of autonomy, based on open, agile, modular and scalable system-of-systems architecture. In addition, it will be interoperable and ready for collaborative combat.
SEACURE not only strengthens maritime security today, but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient and cooperative global maritime future.
About SEACURE
SEACURE is proposed as a continuation of the EDIDP SEANICE research project that ended in November 2023. It offers a new way of protecting our critical maritime infrastructures, and guarantees the freedom to operate in our own waters, detecting and protecting against any external threats.
The partners are:
THALES DMS FRANCE SAS
ALSEAMAR
ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GMBH
CEIIA – CENTRO DE ENGENHARIA E DESENVOLVIMENTO (ASSOCIACAO)
DRASS GALEAZZI SRL
THALES EDISOFT PORTUGAL S.A
ESG ELEKTRONIKSYSTEM- UND LOGISTIK GMBH
ETME PEPPAS & ASSOCIATES SOCIETE ANONYME
EXAIL ROBOTICS
FEAC ENGINEERING PRIVATE COMPANY
FORSVARETS FORSKNINGINSTITUTT (FFI)
FINCANTIERI SPA
FINCANTIERI NEXTECH SPA
I.D.S. INGEGNERIA DEI SISTEMI SPA
GMVIS SKYSOFT SA
INNOVATION IN RESEARCH & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
KONGSBERG DISCOVERY AS
KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLAN
LEONARDO – SOCIETA PER AZIONI
NAVAL GROUP
NAVANTIA S.A.
NAXYS TECHNOLOGIES AS
PATRIA AVIATION OY
RTSYS
SAAB KOCKUMS AKTIEBOLAG
SAAB DYNAMICS AKTIEBOLAG
SAAB AKTIEBOLAG
SAIPEM S.P.A
SCHIEBEL
SIEL SRL
SOTIRIA Technology Private Company
THALES ITALIA SPA
THALES ROMANIA SRL
NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
WSENSE SRL
19 Dec 24. United Kingdom sends two Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Türkiye ahead of possible acquisition. As reported by Restitutor Orientis on December 18, 2024, two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from the Royal Air Force (RAF) landed at Murted Air Base near Ankara, Türkiye, for evaluation by Turkish authorities. This follows Türkiye’s expressed interest in acquiring 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to modernize its air force as an interim solution while awaiting the operational readiness of the TAI KAAN, its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet. Türkiye is reportedly prepared to allocate €8–€10 bn for the possible Eurofighter deal, a decision that may involve reducing its previously announced order for 40 F-16Vs and 80 modernization kits valued at €23 bn. (Picture source: Twitter/Restitutor Orientis)
Negotiations regarding the Eurofighter acquisition began during the NATO summit held in Washington from July 9 to 11, 2024. Discussions included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and leaders of the Eurofighter consortium member countries—Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. Türkiye is reportedly prepared to allocate €8–€10 bn for the deal, a decision that may involve reducing its previously announced order for 40 F-16Vs and 80 modernization kits valued at €23 bn. The deal is expected to include technical upgrades such as the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 radar.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multirole combat aircraft developed through a consortium of European aerospace companies: Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, the aircraft is powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines, producing a thrust of 60 kN dry and 90 kN with afterburners. It can achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2.35 at high altitude and Mach 1.25 at sea level, with a supercruise capability at Mach 1.5. The Typhoon has a range of 2,900 kilometers and a service ceiling of 19,812 meters. Its design features a delta wing and canard configuration for enhanced maneuverability.
The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, including the Captor-E Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, capable of tracking up to 20 targets simultaneously and engaging them with various weapons. Armament includes a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon and 13 hardpoints capable of carrying over 9,000 kilograms of payload. The Eurofighter can deploy air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM, MBDA Meteor, and IRIS-T, as well as air-to-ground munitions like Paveway IV bombs, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles. Additionally, it can carry anti-ship missiles, including the Marte ER and Joint Strike Missile (JSM).
Upgrades to the Eurofighter include the integration of the ECRS Mk2 radar, designed for electronic warfare and advanced targeting. The radar enhances detection, tracking, and jamming capabilities, and it is resistant to electronic interference. The ECRS Mk2 uses solid-state Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs) for precise control and simultaneous engagement of multiple air and ground targets. (Source: News Now/https://www.armyrecognition.com/)
20 Dec 24. Germany formally approves Type F127 air-defense frigate program.
The German Bundestag has given its green light for the start of the Type F127 program. These 10,000 tons “frigates” are meant to replace the three in-service F124 Sachsen-class air defense frigates.
During a parliamentary session, Germany approved the procurement and the launching of several programs including additional four submarines and also the start of the F127 frigate program for the German Navy (Deutsche Marine) as part of a more global 21bn euros acquisition plan.
TKMS – leader of the program reacted as follow in a LinkedIn post:
“Green light for the F127 air defense frigate: A decisive step for the future of maritime security in Germany!
The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag has given the go-ahead for the F127 project by approving the 25m bill. This decision marks the start of planning for the next generation of sea-based air defense and secures Germany’s leading technological position in naval shipbuilding.
Important facts about the F127:
High added value in Germany: 90% of the order volume remains in Germany.
Industrial jobs: Up to 1,500 jobs at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in Wismar.
Key strategic technologies: Securing and expanding expertise in the construction of complex naval vessels.
Security policy responsibility: Closes capability gaps in air defense and underlines Germany’s reliability within NATO.
The market-ready MEKO A-400 AMD design enables a seamless succession to the F124 frigates, which will have to be replaced at the beginning of the 2030s. This sends a clear signal that Germany is strengthening its defense capabilities and fulfilling its international obligations.
Together with NVL (Naval Vessels Lürssen) and other partners, we look forward to building on the extensive preparatory work and driving this important project forward – for the security and future of our maritime economy and defense!“
The German Navy has formulated a requirement for up to six ships, but the final figure remains undetermined at this stage. The Zielbild considers five F127 to replace the existing three F124 ships. Likewise, the exact configuration of the ship is still unknown, but we should be able to learn more as construction progresses.
Germany intends to have the first F127 air-defense frigate in service by around 2034. TKMS has set up a joint venture with NVL Group in September for the construction of the vessels. The builder has indicated that construction could begin as soon as 2025 but this remains to be formally confirmed.
About TKMS A-400 AMD frigate
MEKO A-400 AMD as shown at Euronaval 2024 by builder TKMS.
The type F127 will be based on MEKO A-400 AMD anti-air warfare frigate design from the German shipbuilder TKMS specifically meant to fulfill German Navy requirements for the replacement of the F124 AAW combatants by the mid-2030s.
The MEKO A-400 AMD design has a displacement of 10,000 tons. The hull length is 160m with a beam of 21m and a draft of 5.5m. These figures represent a very notable size increase over the company’s existing F125 design, promoted for export as MEKO A 400. Propulsion is not specified but appears to feature two gas turbines and two diesel engines. This arrangement allows a top speed of 32 knots. The range is 4,000 nautical miles with an endurance of more than 30 days.The design furthermore includes hangar space for two NH-90 sized helicopters. Space for two ISO containers next to the antiship missile launchers allows additional mission flexibility.
AEGIS is the specified combat management system. A-400 AMD features four large AESA panels for Raytheon’s AN/SPY-6 or AN/SPY-7 , in addition to smaller panels for a possible X-band AESA. The Lockheed Martin-developed radar is used by the Spanish F110-frigate. Canada also selected the system for their new “River”-class destroyer, known as the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC).
In addition to either a SPY-6 or SPY-7 radar suite, pending a respective decision by Berlin, the ship can accommodate an additional radar-model. Their purpose would notionally be to incorporate weapon systems not integrated into the AEGIS/SPY-combination. Such a choice could include incorporating another combat management system such as the Canadian CMS-330. The step would facilitate vertical integration between all desired effectors and sensors, as previously reported in German defence media.
MEKO A-400 AMD model at Euronaval 2024. The design envisions a ship with a length of 160m and a beam of 21m.
The design offers 64 cells for the Mk 41 VLS, divided into two groups of 32 cells. For Germany the primary effectors using this launcher would be SM-2- and SM-6 long range SAM to provide air and ballistic missile defence. Quadpacked ESSM provide medium range SAM-capability. The cells would be strike-length and support a notional requirement also for land-attack capability through Tomahawk LACM. Additionally this configuration would support exoatmospheric ballistic missile defence via SM-3-family interceptors. The usual two RIM-116 RAM 21 round-launchers together with eight box launchers for NSM antiship missiles complete missile armament.
Guns carried include the OTO 127/64 LW main gun by Leonardo and multiple small calibre autocannons. The German MLG-27, which previously filled this requirement, will likely see replacement by a new system capable of providing enhanced defence against drone attacks. Two laser weapons positioned ahead of the bridge and on the hangar are the final notable aspect of armament on MEKO A-400 AMD. The overall design resembles Rheinmetall’s 20 kW beam combiner-based fibre laser. Considering ongoing development such a weapon is unlikely to be part of an initial configuration. (Source: Google/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news)
USA
29 Dec 24. Trump may scrap costly next-gen fighter program. The future of the United States Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet program hangs in the balance as the incoming Trump administration signals potential shifts in defense priorities. The NGAD, envisioned as a sixth-generation combat aircraft to replace the F-22 Raptor, has faced scrutiny over its projected costs and feasibility. Originally unveiled in September 2020, the NGAD demonstrator has been described as a cutting-edge platform integrating advanced stealth and combat technologies. However, with an estimated price tag exceeding that of the F-35, concerns about affordability have intensified, especially as rival nations like China accelerate their own advancements in military aviation. Recent footage of Chinese combat aircraft prototypes, reportedly developed as part of Beijing’s efforts to gain air superiority, has added urgency to the U.S. Air Force’s NGAD timeline. Nevertheless, questions remain about whether the program’s high-cost, high-capability approach aligns with the incoming administration’s defense objectives.
Elon Musk, a prominent advisor to President-elect Donald Trump and vocal critic of traditional manned fighter jets, has openly questioned the relevance of such programs in the era of advanced unmanned systems. “The F-35 design was broken at the requirements level,” Musk stated on his social media platform, X. “Manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed.”
This perspective aligns with growing calls within the defense community for a shift toward unmanned or hybrid combat systems that leverage artificial intelligence and automation.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall acknowledged the challenge of managing costs for the NGAD program during the Air, Space & Cyber Conference earlier this year. He suggested that design modifications, including adjustments to range, payload, and engine configurations, could bring the fighter’s cost below the $80-$100 m threshold set by the F-35.
One proposed solution involves integrating Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)—autonomous systems designed to perform specific mission functions alongside manned aircraft. These CCAs, with a target price of $25 m per unit, could reduce the NGAD’s overall burden while preserving its effectiveness in contested environments.
“We haven’t set a number or threshold,” Kendall told reporters. “But managing costs is critical to ensuring the program’s long-term sustainability.”
While the Trump administration has yet to announce an official position, defense analysts suggest that the NGAD program’s future may depend on its ability to deliver cost-effective capabilities. There is speculation that the administration could redirect focus toward developing a lighter, more versatile fifth-generation-plus fighter instead of pursuing the ambitious NGAD concept. The potential pivot has sparked debate within military circles about balancing innovation with practicality. Supporters of NGAD argue that maintaining air superiority requires investing in the most advanced technologies, while critics highlight the program’s expense amid broader budgetary constraints. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the fate of the NGAD program will serve as a litmus test for the U.S. Air Force’s ability to adapt to changing priorities and emerging global threats. For now, the question remains whether the NGAD represents an essential leap forward in military aviation or an untenable gamble on high-tech warfare. (Source: News Now/https://defence-blog.com/)
19 Dec 24. Air Force may curtail F-35 plan if newer tech pans out, SECAF says. Outgoing secretary Frank Kendall also clapped back at recent comments by Elon Musk about manned vs. unmanned systems. The Air Force may cut short its planned purchases of F-35 jets, depending on how newer development efforts go, the service’s outgoing secretary said Thursday.
“Our inventory objective for the F-35 is [1,763]. I don’t know what we’ll end up buying, and nobody can predict that right now. I know we’re going to buy more, and we’re going to be buying more for some period of time. At some point, this will be dependent on what we do with [Next Generation Air Dominance] and what we do with [Collaborative Combat Aircraft], we’ll probably revisit that, [but] I don’t think we’re ready to do that yet,” Frank Kendall said during an event at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.
Kendall emphasized that the F-35 isn’t going away anytime soon, and even if the service decides to build a sixth-generation fighter under the NGAD program, it would be a “very expensive airplane” that would require at least “several years” to field in quantity.
But the Pentagon does need “better performance” out of Lockheed, Kendall said. The company is still reeling from a year-long F-35 delivery pause caused by technology development problems with an upgrade package for the jet.
“They’re not delivering what they’ve been promising, and they’re not doing as fast as they could by a wide margin,” Kendall said.
Lockheed and the F-35 program recently reached a handshake deal on the next two F-35 production lots—18 and 19—but that deal might not be finalized until after the new administration takes over. Those jets will be more expensive than previous lots “for a variety of factors,” Kendall said, reiterating previous comments from Lockheed officials.
The incoming Trump administration has announced no plans for the F-35. Elon Musk, key adviser for President-elect Donald Trump and co-leader of an effort to “increase government efficiency,” recently tore into the program, calling the jet “obsolete” and a “sh*t design.”
Kendall criticized Musk’s comments, noted his lack of military experience, and encouraged him to learn more about the military before he makes “provocative” comments.
“I have a lot of respect for Elon Musk as an engineer. He’s not a warfighter, and he needs to learn a little bit more about the business I think before he makes such grand announcements, as he did,” Kendall said.
At some point, the military could rely solely on autonomous drones instead of manned fighters, but that’s “decades” away, Kendall said. Other Air Force leaders have similarly pushed back on suggestions that the days of crewed aircraft are numbered.
Kendall has just a few weeks left in his tenure as Air Force secretary before the new administration takes the helm. Kendall said he has already met with the Trump transition team, who reportedly started making their rounds at the Pentagon on Monday.
Trump has yet to announce his pick to replace Kendall. Politico reported earlier this week that Andrew McKenna, a major Trump donor and head of a small investment and advisory firm, is a top contender. If he gets the nod, McKenna would be one of several Trump picks for top Pentagon jobs with little DOD experience. Kendall said his successor—whether that person comes from the national-security community or not—should put themselves in a “learning mode” and heed the advice of professionals in the Pentagon.
“If it’s somebody who’s coming in who doesn’t know this community as well, my one major piece of advice is listen to the people who’ve been doing it for all their careers, and have a depth of knowledge and learn as much from them as quickly as you can,” he said.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense One)
REST OF THE WORLD
29 Dec 24. Saudi Arabia eyes up to 100 Turkish Kaan fighter jets as US-made F-35 remains inaccessible. According to Ekotrent on December 26, 2024, Saudi Arabia has begun negotiations with Türkiye to acquire 100 Kaan fifth-generation fighter jets. The talks were held during a three-day meeting in Istanbul, where Türkiye’s Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün hosted Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud. Discussions centered on the potential procurement of the aircraft, joint production opportunities, and technology transfer agreements, with deliveries anticipated in the 2030s.
During a visit to Türkiye in October 2024, Saudi Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud, accompanied by officials from Saudi Arabia, met with representatives from TAI, Aselsan, and Roketsan. These meetings provided Saudi officials with in-depth briefings on the Kaan’s capabilities and explored opportunities for strategic collaboration. Earlier reports have indicated Saudi Arabia’s interest in acquiring over 100 units of the aircraft, further reinforcing its intent to diversify defense procurement sources and reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers, given that Saudi Arabia appears unable to buy the F-35, despite repeated requests since 2012. This potential purchase follows Saudi Arabia’s $3.1 bn agreement with Türkiye in 2023 for the acquisition of 60 Baykar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), set for delivery in 2025 and 2026.
Ukraine has also shown interest in the Kaan. In February 2024, Ukrainian Ambassador to Türkiye Vasyl Bodnar confirmed Ukraine’s intention to acquire the aircraft and highlighted collaboration between Turkish and Ukrainian engineers in developing its engines. Ukraine considers the Kaan a potential addition to its air fleet, supporting its defense modernization efforts. This collaboration highlights broader defense ties between Türkiye and Ukraine, including technological and industrial partnerships.
The bilateral defense relationship between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye has strengthened significantly in recent years. Following a strategic summit in Jeddah in July 2024, the two countries announced plans for joint defense projects, including technology transfer agreements. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has played a central role in facilitating partnerships with Turkish firms such as Aselsan, Roketsan, and Baykar, focusing on unmanned systems, defense electronics, and advanced aerospace technologies. These agreements align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to develop a self-sufficient defense industry.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in the Kaan is part of a broader strategy to modernize its combat aircraft fleet amid challenges in acquiring U.S.-manufactured F-35 jets. Current U.S. restrictions, tied to concerns over regional stability and human rights, have led Saudi Arabia to explore alternatives. The Royal Saudi Air Force operates a fleet of F-15s, Typhoons, and Tornadoes but lacks a fifth-generation fighter. Other options under consideration include France’s Rafale and China’s J-31. The potential inclusion of technology transfer and local production agreements with Türkiye aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing domestic defense production capabilities.
The Turkish Air Force (TurAF) is also actively integrating advanced air warfare concepts into its training programs, focusing on platforms such as the Bayraktar Kızılelma, Anka-3, and the TAI TF Kaan. The Kızılelma, a jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar, conducted its maiden flight on December 14, 2022, and its production prototype flew on September 25, 2024. The Anka-3, another UCAV developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), completed its first flight on December 28, 2023. The TAI TF Kaan, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, achieved its maiden flight on February 21, 2024, with a second successful flight on May 6, 2024. These developments are part of TurAF’s strategy to modernize its fleet and enhance operational capabilities. The early deployment of these systems is expected to provide valuable operational data, facilitating design refinements and ensuring alignment with evolving combat requirements.
The Kaan program, initiated in 2016 with an investment of $1.18 bn, is designed to replace Türkiye’s aging F-16 fleet. Developed with international collaboration from partners such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, the program prioritizes local production and technology ownership. The aircraft incorporates advanced design features, including supercruise capability and reduced radar cross-section, alongside a suite of indigenous munitions such as the Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missiles. The program emphasizes network-enabled warfare capabilities and interoperability with UAVs and other air force assets.
The Kaan, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is a fifth-generation twin-engine stealth fighter designed for air superiority and multirole operations. The aircraft measures 21 meters in length, 14 meters in wingspan, and 6 meters in height. It can achieve speeds of Mach 1.8, operate at altitudes up to 55,000 feet, and has a combat range of approximately 1,100 kilometers. It is equipped with advanced AESA radar capable of detecting targets over 100 kilometers away, internal weapon bays to reduce radar visibility, and a payload capacity of more than 6,000 kilograms. Initial models are powered by General Electric F110 engines, with plans to integrate domestically developed engines in later versions. The Kaan is designed to operate with other platforms in the Turkish Air Force, including the F-35A.
The potential sale of 100 Kaan fighter jets to Saudi Arabia represents a significant step in the regional defense landscape. For Saudi Arabia, it offers a pathway to modernizing its air force while fostering local production capabilities. For Türkiye, the deal underscores its role as a rising exporter of advanced defense technologies. If finalized, this agreement could enhance Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities and solidify Türkiye’s position as a significant player in the global defense market, especially for drones.
Türkiye’s position as a significant drone producer originates from historical events and strategic decisions aimed at reducing reliance on foreign defense systems. The U.S. arms embargo following Türkiye’s intervention in Cyprus in the 1970s exposed vulnerabilities in its defense capabilities, prompting a shift toward domestic production. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, challenges in acquiring advanced drones, including the U.S. refusal to supply armed Predator systems and difficulties with Israeli Heron drones requiring local modifications, reinforced the need for indigenous solutions. Turkish companies like Baykar and TUSAŞ subsequently focused on developing domestic platforms, creating a foundation for the current drone programs.
Türkiye’s contemporary drone strategy emphasizes the development of versatile systems for both domestic security operations and international deployment. Platforms such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Anka series have been used in conflicts including Syria, Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh, demonstrating their operational utility. Additionally, Türkiye has pursued exports to over 25 countries, emphasizing cost-effective production, integration of advanced technologies like AI and stealth, and reduced dependency on foreign suppliers. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Türkiye’s defense capabilities, support geopolitical objectives, and expand its presence in the global defense market. (Source: Google/https://armyrecognition.com/
20 Dec 24. Taiwan gets US Abrams tanks, hardening final defenses in an invasion. Taiwan, which ratified a record defense budget of $20.2 bn in August as it contemplates rising Chinese aggression, received a first batch of 38 M1A2T Abrams tanks on home shores this month.
After being unloaded at Taipei’s port on Dec. 15, the tanks were transported to the Armor Training Command in Hsinchu County southwest of Taipei. Around ten will remain there for training purposes.
The M1A2T is a customized M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams version, and these are the first new tanks Taiwan has received in nearly a quarter of a century. Taiwan previously received M60A3 TTS tanks from the U.S. between 1995 and 2001.
Following this month’s first batch, 42 more Abrams tanks would be delivered next year, and the final 28 in 2026, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) said. Taiwan had ordered them in 2019.
Chen Kuoming, a Taipei-based military analyst, told Defense News the weapons are meant “most importantly” for defending the Taipei capital area. They will outfit an armored brigade in Linkou in Taipei, and another brigade in Hukou in Hsinchu.
The Abrams represents a significant step up in terms of firepower and protection compared to the existing fleet of M60A3 and M48H/CM11 models, which are armed with a 105mm main gun.
Chen said those tank types were too old and outdated, although 108 new Abrams “are just not enough” to cover replacements in central and southern Taiwan as well.
Tanks essentially represent a final line of defense against any Chinese invasion. Taiwan’s earlier lines of defense against an amphibious assault include anti-ship missiles, artillery and rockets as well as attack helicopters.
“From the Russia-Ukraine war, we’ve seen drones and loitering munitions attacking tanks,” Chen said. He therefore expressed a need for the new M1A2Ts to be upgraded against such aerial attacks.
In that context, the analyst warned of diminishing returns for tank investments. Instead, he suggested the budget should be used on other equipment like small drones and loitering munitions, Javelin antitank missiles, Stinger air defense missiles or lighter armored vehicles.
“I want to encourage army officers to think about future wars, so they’ll change their thoughts about buying heavier tanks,” he urged.
Taiwan is also in receipt of an initial 11 of 29 M142 HIMARS rocket launchers. The defense ministry revealed that the first tranche arrived in October, with 18 more systems due before the end of 2026. These HIMARS were delivered to the 58th Artillery Command in Taichung, a city midway down Taiwan’s west coast.
Taiwan’s army has received a first batch of an undisclosed number of MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) from the U.S. too. Fired from the HIMARS launchers, the ATACMS’s range of 186 miles (300km) puts mainland China within strike range. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
20 Dec 24. Government launches $159 bn continuous naval shipbuilding strategy. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy have formally unveiled the Government’s $159 bn continuous naval shipbuilding plan.
The Albanese Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a sustained and sovereign naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry, powered by an Australian workforce and supported by local supply chains, with the release of the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan.
The 2024 Plan outlines the Government’s historic investment of up to $159 bn over the next decade, as part of the Integrated Investment Program. This significant funding will enhance Australia’s maritime capabilities and includes the addition of 55 newly announced vessels, a substantial increase compared to the previous Coalition government’s plan.
The Plan establishes a 30-year pipeline for construction and sustainment projects, primarily in South Australia and Western Australia. This includes conventionally armed and nuclear-powered submarines, a more capable surface combatant fleet, and landing craft for the Australian Army.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of the plan, saying, “The long-term investment laid out in the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan represents the Albanese Government’s vision for continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment, a future made in Australia and our commitment to keeping Australians safe.
These initiatives will create a long-term pipeline of naval projects, supporting approximately 8,500 jobs in shipbuilding and sustainment by 2030, with an additional 20,000 jobs over the next 30 years tied to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.
“Through the most significant investment in maritime capability in Australia’s history, we will see generations of naval construction projects happen right here, with plans to construct and upgrade over 70 vessels across South Australia and Western Australia,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.
The Albanese Government is already taking action to expand the workforce, including:
- $1.5 bn for 500,000 Free TAFE and vocational education training places
- $250 m to attract, train, and retain the nuclear-powered submarine workforce, including 4,000 Commonwealth-supported STEM university placements across Australia
- The implementation of the South Australia Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Report and Action Plans, in partnership with the South Australian Government.
The growth of this workforce will be overseen by the newly established Maritime Workforce and Skills Council, which will collaborate with federal, state, and territory governments, industry, trade unions, and academic institutions.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy expanded on the Deputy Prime Minister’s comments, saying, “Under this plan, the Albanese Government is building world class shipyards and creating tens of thousands of well-paid jobs for decades to come, providing financial security for Australians and a future made in Australia.”
Additionally, the Government is advancing the design and planning of multi-bn-dollar infrastructure upgrades for Australia’s maritime industrial base. This includes developments such as the new Defence Precinct in Henderson, Western Australia, and the Submarine Construction Yard in Osborne, South Australia.
Building and maintaining vessels for the Defence Force is crucial to safeguarding national security, strengthening sovereignty, and enhancing Australia’s industrial capabilities.
“The Government’s record investment in the maritime domain will deliver a much bigger and more lethal navy and an army that’s appropriate to our strategic environment. This will make Australia safer,” Minister Conroy added.
To ensure the shipbuilding strategy remains aligned with evolving strategic needs, the Government will update the Plan every two years, with the next version set for release in 2026.
A copy of the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan is available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/strategic-planning/2024-naval-shipbuilding-sustainment-plan. (Source: Defence Connect)
19 Dec 24. India commissions Russian-built warship amid enduring ties with Moscow. Eleven years after its keel was laid, India has taken receipt of a 3,900-ton guided missile frigate from Russia.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a “significant milestone in the longstanding friendship between India and Russia,” with the two nations bound together by “mutual trust and a special and strategic privileged partnership.”
The ceremony for this Project 1135.6-class warship, christened INS Tushil, took place in a wintry Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad earlier this month.
The warship was originally destined to join the Russian Navy, but it was diverted to Delhi after India contracted for two frigates in October 2016. Sister ship INS Tamala is due for handover in the first quarter of 2025.
India already has six frigates of this Talwar class in service – three built in the Baltiysky shipyard, St. Petersburg, and three in Kaliningrad.
Viraj Solanki, Research Fellow for South and Central Asian Defence, Strategy and Diplomacy at the U.K.-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Defense News that Russia remains a key defense partner for India.
“India’s armed forces have long relied heavily on Russian weapons and military equipment, and that dependence will not change soon,” Solanki said.
INS Tushil, carrying BrahMos supersonic missiles, will join the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet.
After being launched in October 2021, its first sea trials occurred in January ahead of delivery acceptance trials that concluded in September.
The Indian government boasted that the warship “packs a lethal punch and is an impressive blend of Russian and Indian cutting-edge technologies and best practices in warship construction,” per a statement.
Levels of Indian content reached 26%, including 33 Indian-made systems.
However, Moscow’s war with Ukraine has encouraged India to prioritize locally built warships rather than Russian ones. In September, for example, Delhi granted acceptance of necessity for seven Project 17B frigates to be constructed in India.
“Although India is seeking to rely less on Russia for defense equipment, the sheer amount of Russian-made equipment operated by the Indian armed forces is so great that it’ll take a long time to make any significant dent,” Solanki said.
Still, he added, India has sought to diversify its equipment suppliers in recent years. “This has included co-development and co-production of equipment through joint ventures between foreign and Indian companies. At the same time, India has been seeking to enhance its own indigenous defense capabilities.”
India is widening the scope of its naval operations too, from the Gulf of Oman to the Gulf of Aden, from the Suez to Malacca, and from Australia to Madagascar. Singh said the navy “is playing the essential role of a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region.”
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
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