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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
08 May 25. UK MoD seeks “external assistance” for Priority Weapons Projects. A contract awarded does not disclose what assistance will be provided nor specify what weapons projects will benefit. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a contract, details of which have been heavily redacted, for “external assistance” for work on what it has called Priority Weapons Projects. Valued in excess of £800,000 ($1m), the contract, awarded to a Fox and Pickle Associates, began in March 2025 and will run through to March 2027. The contract notice was published by the UK government on 15 April and updated on 1 May and was issued by the MoD’s Air Commercial Team at RAF Cosford. While Fox and Pickles Associates is registered at Companies House, little additional information can be gleaned from what public material is available. The company is registered to an address in Manchester, UK, suburb. According to Companies House information, the same Manchester address is also listed as being the site of two other companies: Leading Edge Legal and Nudgems Limited. With so little information available, it is unclear what services Fox and Pickle Associates will be providing to the MoD under its Priority Weapons Projects.
What are the Priority Weapons Projects?
The UK MoD is undertaking a range of research programmes into new technologies that could shape the future battlespace, including laser-based weaponry, AI integration, and hypersonic missiles. However, the reference to Priority Weapons Projects, appears new. Some weaponry development is being undertaken via the MoD’s Portfolio Management Agreement 2 (PMA2) with European defence prime MBDA under the complex weapons programmes, although it is not known whether such capabilities are part of the abovementioned Priority Weapons Projects. The UK is also developing laser-based weapon systems for use on land and at sea, through programmes such as DragonFire at Porton Down. Another emergent capability that is shaping how nations conduct warfare, as seen in the ongoing war in Ukraine, is through the massed used of small first-person drones, equipped to operate as loitering munitions. Such weapons now proliferate the battlefields of Ukraine and are now considered to be the most lethal of all weapon systems deployed by Ukraine or Russia, more so than conventional lethal platforms like artillery and long-range strike systems. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
06 May 25. Progress continues on Britain’s sixth generation combat jet. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed continued progress on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), with over £2 bn invested to date and formal programme structures now in place to deliver the next-generation fighter aircraft under the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Japan and Italy. In a written response to James Cartlidge MP, Defence Minister Maria Eagle noted that the UK “has invested over £2 bn already in FCAS/GCAP and the associated Team Tempest research and development programme.” She also confirmed that the Future Combat Air System’s Outline Business Case 1 (OBC1) was submitted in March 2021, following the Strategic Outline Case in December 2018. The FCAS initiative encompasses a broader ‘system of systems’ to ensure future air superiority, while GCAP is delivering the central crewed platform — a sixth-generation combat aircraft intended to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon in the mid-2030s. Significant milestones in the programme’s governance have been reached in recent months. A new trilateral body, the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), has been established to coordinate timelines and strategic goals across the UK, Japan, and Italy. Meanwhile, industry partners BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC) have agreed to form a new joint venture company to oversee development of the aircraft. Both the GIGO and the new industrial headquarters will be based in Reading, placing the UK at the heart of programme delivery.
“Progress continues to be made on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The core platform, that will sit at its heart, is being delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP),” said Eagle.
The sixth-generation fighter will incorporate advanced stealth technologies, cutting-edge sensors, and the ability to team with autonomous systems. Alongside the aircraft, the broader FCAS framework will integrate weapons, AI, cloud-based command systems, and supporting assets to create a networked combat capability. (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
06 May 25. RAF air-to-air refuelling capabilities under review. The effectiveness and future configuration of the UK’s air-to-air refuelling capability are currently being reviewed as part of the wider Strategic Defence Review, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. In response to a series of parliamentary questions from James Cartlidge MP (Conservative – South Suffolk), Defence Minister Maria Eagle stated: “All capability requirements, including those for Air-to-Air refuelling, are being considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review process.” This includes evaluating the current RAF system as well as the potential merits of integrating a boom refuelling system on the RAF’s Voyager fleet – the UK’s primary aerial tanker aircraft. At present, the UK’s Voyagers are equipped with the probe-and-drogue system, which is incompatible with certain allied aircraft that rely on boom-type refuelling. While no decision has yet been announced, the matter has long been under consideration, particularly as interoperability with U.S. and NATO allies remains a key operational priority. In a related question on the A400M Atlas, Cartlidge asked whether the UK might consider upgrading its fleet to include an air-to-air refuelling system. Eagle clarified that such a capability already exists. (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
03 May 25. NATO issues challenge call for systems to detect, track and neutralise FPV drones. NATO has issued a Request for Innovative Participation (RFIP) notice for industry and academia to propose innovative concepts, systems, or integrated architectures that can detect, prioritise, track, and neutralise fibre-optic-controlled FPV drones, and potentially other similar low-cost uncrewed threats. Responses are due by May 30. A committee will select up to 10 solutions amongst the responses submitted to participate in the Innovation Challenge (IC) 25 Pitch Day projected to be June 20, 2025. Participation in the Pitch Day will be either on-site, in Tallin, Estonia or online. An Advisory Panel will then assess the systems.
“Since late 2024, the Russian Federation has introduced a new generation of fiber-optic-controlled First Person View (FPV) drones on the battlefield,” the RFIP states. “These drones are resistant to electronic warfare and jamming due to the use of fibre-optic tethered communication links. This advancement, first recorded in the Kursk region and later expanded across Donetsk and Zaporizhia, has escalated the threat level, presenting new challenges for NATO and its partners. EW counter-UAS systems are ineffective against this type of drone. The combination of high maneuverability, jamming immunity, and low visual and radar signature makes these drones particularly dangerous to frontline troops and forward elements.”
The RFIP is intended for discovery purposes only, not to solicit any type of contracts. However, relevant solutions could potentially support development of future requirements and the RFIP notes that solutions submitted should “be deployable within 6-12 months” and have “strong potential for mass production in Ukraine”.
NATO is interested in both kinetic and non-kinetic systems, which should be able to detect and track drones as small as 300x300x100 mm in adverse weather and at night. Systems should be lightweight (ideally under 100 kg), able to be mounted on a vehicle and have the ability to detect and target at up to 40-50 km/hour. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
04 May 25. UK seeks closer defence procurement ties with EU. The UK Government is pursuing deeper defence cooperation with European allies, including steps towards joint procurement and stockpiling of equipment, according to a ministerial statement. In response to a Parliamentary Question from Martin Wrigley MP (Liberal Democrat – Newton Abbot), Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle said the Government is committed to building an “ambitious, broad-based UK-EU security partnership” as part of efforts to respond to the current threats facing Europe.
She added: “We will seek a new geopolitical partnership with the EU that drives closer coordination and complements our unshakable commitment to NATO, which will remain the foremost vehicle for European security.”
Eagle pointed to existing multinational initiatives as examples of collective defence efforts, including the European Long-Range Strike Approach, the DIAMOND integrated air and missile defence project, and NATO’s Defence Production Action Plan.
She said that such cooperative procurement efforts would “deliver more of the capabilities we need across the continent and enhance our shared deterrence.”
The Minister also made clear the importance of the UK’s domestic defence industry, stating: “This Government recognises the vital role the UK’s defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK.” (Source: Defense News Early Bird//https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
01 May 25. British Chinook sustainment programme advances. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme is progressing to schedule, with construction of the first aircraft underway in the United States and Initial Operating Capability (IOC) expected in 2029, according to a written response published on 30 April 2025. Responding to a question from James Cartlidge MP (Conservative – South Suffolk), Defence Minister Maria Eagle stated:
“The first tranche of the Chinook Capability Sustainment programme to deliver 14 new build heavy assault Chinook helicopters remains on course to deliver Initial Operating Capability in May 2029 and Full Operating Capability in October 2030.”
The programme, re-approved by ministers in May 2024 following cost and schedule reviews, aims to modernise the UK’s heavy-lift helicopter fleet with the H-47 (Extended Range) variant of the Chinook. These new aircraft will significantly enhance long-range lift capabilities for British forces. Eagle confirmed that simulator production is “progressing to plan” and that “construction of the first two Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) aircraft has commenced in Philadelphia,” with the first delivery expected in 2027. Additionally, training of UK aircrew instructors in the United States is scheduled to begin in August 2025, preparing crews ahead of aircraft arrival and frontline integration. The upgraded Chinooks will feature advanced avionics, extended fuel range, and improved survivability, and are intended to replace the oldest aircraft in the current fleet, ensuring continued operational effectiveness well into the 2040s. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/ ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)01 May 25.
EUROPE
08 May 25. Belgium opts for European rather than US assembly for future F-35A buy. Belgium is to have any additional Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft built in Europe rather than the United States, Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken said on 7 May. Announced following a meeting between the minister and the international president of Lockheed Martin, Michael Williamson, the decision will see any follow-on buy of F-35As for the Belgian Air Component (BAC) built at the Leonardo-Lockheed Martin final assembly and checkout (FACO) facility in Cameri, Italy, rather than at the same primary Fort Worth production facility in Texas that is now turning out Belgium’s initial 34 aircraft. Francken shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, “The F-35 programme is a strong and effective multinational partnership. We agreed to have production of Belgian F-35 fighter jets in Europe, at the production facility in Italy. Let’s do this!” With Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland having previously committed to have their entire or a portion of their fleets built at Cameri, the US government recently decided to open up the European facility to other continental customers that might wish to use it. (Source: Janes)
07 May 25. Türkiye’s KAAN Stealth Fighter to Receive New Design and Enter Expanded Testing Phase. On May 7, 2025, during Teknofest 2025, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) announced a new phase for its indigenous stealth fighter program, KAAN. CEO of TAI, Mehmet Demiroğlu, revealed that the second prototype is currently under construction and will feature notable changes to its airframe, including reshaped air intakes and structural enhancements. The prototype is expected to be completed before the end of the year, marking a significant step in Türkiye’s ambition to independently field a fifth-generation combat aircraft. While the updated design remains undisclosed to avoid premature interpretations, TAI confirmed its intention to refine the aircraft’s profile for greater efficiency and reduced radar visibility. These developments reaffirm Türkiye’s determination to maintain momentum on the KAAN program following its removal from the F-35 project, positioning the fighter as both a national symbol and a practical solution for next-generation air dominance. KAAN, a twin-engine stealth multirole aircraft, is designed for a wide spectrum of missions including air superiority, precision strike, and integration within network-centric warfare environments. It currently utilizes two General Electric F110-GE-129 engines, which have successfully undergone ground-based afterburner testing. Future prototypes will continue using this configuration, but Türkiye has set a long-term goal to transition to a domestically produced powerplant, the TEI-developed engine, by 2032. This shift aims to enhance performance while reinforcing national control over critical technologies. Speaking to Aviation Week, Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TAI, elaborated on the upcoming test phase. He explained that the first prototype, known as P0, served mainly to prove the aircraft could be built and flown. In contrast, the next three units, P1, P2, and P3, will undergo an intensive flight test schedule designed to push operational boundaries in terms of altitude, duration, and frequency. These iterations will play a pivotal role in verifying aerodynamic behavior and system reliability under dynamic conditions. Further down the line, prototypes P4 through P6 will bring the platform closer to its intended production configuration, incorporating avionics integration and refinements in both weight and airflow efficiency. An essential part of the avionics testing process has been delegated to a flying testbed based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet. This airborne laboratory is being used to evaluate KAAN’s advanced AESA radar suite, the MURAD 600-A. This sensor, previously designated as BÜRFİS, is set to surpass the capabilities of the MURAD 100-A currently used in the F-16 and Akıncı UCAV. Designed for multifunctionality, the radar will support air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting as well as electronic warfare tasks. The use of a dedicated aircraft for testing allows engineers to collect detailed performance data under realistic flight conditions, an approach also used by the U.S. in the F-35 development process. Complementary efforts are also underway to ensure KAAN’s integration into a broader ecosystem of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T). Laboratory work continues on the OKU system, TUSAŞ’s framework for enabling collaborative missions between KAAN and a suite of unmanned platforms. These include the Anka-III for strike missions, the Süper Şimşek as a compact support UAV, and Baykar’s Kızılelma for air-to-air operations.
Demiroğlu noted that despite KAAN’s stealth profile, it is not intended to be exposed to the most dangerous mission profiles directly. Instead, autonomous systems will often be tasked with high-risk operations, preserving KAAN’s survivability and allowing it to function as a mission coordinator from relative safety. This operational philosophy mirrors the approach adopted by the United States for its sixth-generation fighter initiatives, particularly under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which envisions manned platforms coordinating a suite of unmanned systems to perform critical tasks in contested environments. By integrating manned-unmanned teaming from the outset, the KAAN program aligns with emerging doctrines in future air combat that prioritize distributed lethality and survivable command nodes. The KAAN program was launched following Türkiye’s strategic pivot in the 2010s, particularly after its exclusion from the F-35 program due to the acquisition of the Russian S-400 system. Since its maiden flight in February 2024 and a subsequent sortie in May 2024, the aircraft has entered a phase of iterative development focused on refining key technologies. According to TAI, the validation of its flight control systems, propulsion configuration, and structural integrity is paving the way for sustained prototype testing. In terms of market prospects, the KAAN has attracted attention from countries such as Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and possibly Saudi Arabia. While no formal agreements have been signed, the program’s strategic and industrial significance is considerable. With an estimated budget of $10–12bn, KAAN stands as one of the most ambitious defense projects in Turkish history, competing with comparable efforts like South Korea’s KF-21 and India’s AMCA. However, Türkiye’s focus remains on operational readiness and defense autonomy rather than direct commercial rivalry. TAI’s announcement at Teknofest 2025 signals an evolution in the KAAN program, with concrete steps toward system maturity and a clear vision for long-term independence in aerospace technology. As additional prototypes take shape, avionics are refined, and cooperative combat capabilities are integrated, KAAN continues to represent not only Türkiye’s future fighter but a broader redefinition of its role in regional and global airpower dynamics. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
29 Apr 25. Final call for C-UAS tech for INTERPOL’s law enforcement exercise. INTERPOL has issued the final call for counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology providers for its drone countermeasures exercise. The event takes place in two locations, Sevilla in Spain in May and San Diego in the United States in September. Interested parties may participate in either or both. The exercise will involve red/blue teaming and is designed specifically for law enforcement C-UAS operators and decision makers. The red team of skilled drone operators will simulate various threats, from surveillance and smuggling to more complex challenges like swarm attacks and electronic warfare tactics. The blue team will deploy drone detection, identification, and neutralisation technologies to protect critical infrastructure, public safety, and law enforcement operations. The event will offer a hands-on opportunity to test and refine capabilities in real urban settings that will continue their day to day operation throughout. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
05 May 25. Vendor vows to hasten Turkey’s fifth-generation ‘Kaan’ fighter plane. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is working to expand flight testing and accelerate prototype production of the Kaan aircraft. The company says it now aims to deliver the first aircraft to the Turkish Air Force by the end of 2028. Speaking on the sidelines of the Teknofest aerospace and technology festival in an interview with Turkey’s public broadcaster TRT, TUSAŞ CEO Mustafa Demiroğlu provided an update on the project’s progress. According to Demiroğlu, assembly of the second and third prototypes is underway, with four aircraft planned in total for the test campaign – three to be used for flight trials and one for ground testing.
“The second prototype will be completed early next year and begin flight testing,” Demiroğlu said. “We’ve now ignited the afterburner on the first aircraft. We are awaiting its third flight – perhaps in August or before October. But it’s still too early to confirm.”
The prototypes of Kaan and the first batch of low initial production will be powered by a General Electric F110, an afterburning turbofan jet engine. The aim is to replace this engine with a Turkish one by 2032. Demiroğlu noted that the second prototype will incorporate design revisions based on lessons learned from the first aircraft, including external shaping and internal structural improvements.
“The second prototype will look slightly different from the outside – particularly around the air inlets – but the overall size remains the same,” Demiroğlu explained. “Internally, we’ve made weight and balance optimizations.”
Known initially as TF-X, the Kaan program is Turkey’s most ambitious aerospace project. Designed to replace the Turkish Air Force’s aging fleet of F-4E Phantoms and eventually its F-16s, Kaan is intended to match the performance and survivability of other fifth-generation platforms. Key features of the fighter plane include low radar cross-section shaping, internal weapons bays, supercruise capability, and a domestically developed avionics suite. The aircraft’s first prototype completed its maiden flight in February 2024. Currently, Kaan is the only fighter project in Europe boasting a fifth-generation label with a flying prototype. Demiroğlu emphasized that the Kaan will eventually be produced at scale to meet the operational needs of the Turkish Air Force.
“We aim to begin deliveries by the end of 2028,” he said. “Kaan is a national project that we are developing with Turkish engineers and technicians, for the future security and independence of our country.” (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
05 May 25. Romania to sign €2.5bn contract in 2025 to equip up to 15 battalions with modern infantry fighting vehicles. As reported by Defence Industry Europe on May 4, 2025, the Romanian Ministry of National Defence (MApN) is expected to sign a contract in 2025 for the acquisition of 246 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The agreement is part of a two-phase program aimed at procuring nearly 300 IFVs in total. The first phase, which includes training simulators and initial logistical support, is estimated to cost over €2.5bn, while the complete procurement of 298 vehicles could approach €3bn. The new IFVs are intended for the Romanian Land Forces and are expected to be delivered over an eight-year period. The Ministry has categorized this program as a priority, specifically designed to enhance the mobility, firepower, and battlefield protection of mechanized infantry units. Romania currently operates approximately 142 tracked IFVs, most of which are MLI-84s and MLI-84M “Jderul” variants. The MLI-84 was developed during the 1980s based on a Soviet BMP-1 chassis, while the MLI-84M upgrade program was launched in the mid-1990s to bring the platform closer to NATO standards. Despite these upgrades, the platforms are now considered technologically outdated, and the Ministry has assessed that their replacement is necessary to meet current operational requirements and NATO interoperability standards.
The objective of the program is to increase the number of tracked IFVs in service by approximately 50%, with the final figure projected at nearly 300 units. The initial procurement of 246 vehicles is the first stage of a phased approach. The replacement of the MLI-84 and MLI-84M platforms is considered necessary due to their aging design, declining maintainability, and limited protection and systems integration capacity. Romania intends to use this procurement to establish local industrial capabilities in tracked vehicle production, maintenance, and overhaul. The Ministry stated that this will be pursued through technology transfer, localized production, and the creation of a domestic MRO base. The offset component of the procurement is currently being discussed by national institutions and will need to be approved by the Supreme Council of National Defence. Only after this approval will the bidding process formally begin. According to DefenseRomania, discussions are underway to define the scope of domestic industrial involvement and offset obligations. At least four major international defense companies have expressed interest in the Romanian IFV program. During the BSDA 2024 exhibition held in Bucharest, Rheinmetall (KF41 Lynx), BAE Systems (CV90), Hanwha Aerospace (Redback), and General Dynamics European Land Systems (ASCOD 2) displayed their proposals. Other companies have also shown interest, including Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) with the Borsuk IFV and Türkiye’s Otokar with the Tulpar vehicle. These companies have existing or previous defense cooperation with Romania. PGZ confirmed its interest in the program during the MSPO 2024 exhibition in Kielce, Poland. Otokar also indicated interest, although the specific technical configurations proposed have not yet been disclosed.
Rheinmetall participated in BSDA 2024 under the brand Rheinmetall Automecanica, shortly after acquiring a majority shareholding in two companies from the Automecanica Mediaș group in Romania. Hanwha Aerospace is currently producing 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers under a 2024 contract signed with Romania. The K9 platform, marketed domestically as K9 “Tunetul”, is being assembled in Romania and shares key components—such as the chassis, engine, and transmission—with the Redback IFV. GDELS manufactures the PIRANHA 5 armored personnel carrier in Romania, while BAE Systems was involved in the delivery and modernization of the naval vessels Regele Ferdinand and Regina Maria. All companies have worked with Romanian authorities on other defense programs, which may be relevant when evaluating integration and logistics capabilities. The Romanian Armed Forces plan to use the new IFVs as the primary maneuver asset within their future mechanized infantry brigades. Analysts have indicated that, together with newly acquired tanks, the tracked IFVs will form the operational nucleus of Romania’s Land Forces. If fully implemented, the program is expected to equip 10 to 15 mechanized infantry battalions with modern combat vehicles. These formations would operate under NATO doctrine and be capable of interoperability with allied forces in regional or multinational missions.
The MLI-84 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) was developed by Romania following the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia, which Romania did not support. This event led the Romanian leadership to prioritize domestic military production. In 1982, Romania obtained a license from the Soviet Union to produce 178 BMP-1 vehicles with modifications tailored to local industrial capabilities. This license was provided free of charge for vehicles intended for Romanian use and also permitted design changes. The resulting vehicle, designated MLI-84, featured a domestically developed 8V-1240-DT-S engine rated at 360 hp, designed by the National Institute for Thermal Engines in Brașov with AVL (Austria). The longer and wider hull accommodated the larger engine and increased internal fuel capacity to 600 liters. Production took place between 1984 and 1991 at Uzina Mecanică Mârșa, resulting in 178 units.
In 1995, a modernization decision was made to align the IFV with NATO standards. The upgrade program began in 1996, involving Romanian entities including ACTTM, MFA Mizil, Romarm subsidiaries, Pro Optica, and others, along with foreign companies such as Rafael, Caterpillar, Rheinmetall, General Dynamics, and EADS. The upgraded vehicle was designated MLI-84M “Jderul”. The program aimed to enhance firepower, mobility, protection (including laser/radar warning, smoke launchers, fire suppression, and air conditioning), and command and control systems. The Romanian Land Forces ordered 99 vehicles to equip three mechanized infantry battalions. The first MLI-84M units entered service with the 282nd Mechanized Brigade in 2005. As of 2009, 26 MLI-84s remained operational, and in 2008, 81 were recorded in UN reports. The modernization program is still ongoing.
The MLI-84M weighs 17.6 tonnes, has a length of 7.320 meters, a width of 3.3 meters, and a height of 2.942 meters. It has a crew of three (commander, driver, and gunner) and carries eight soldiers. The vehicle is powered by a 400 hp Caterpillar C9 turbocharged diesel engine, liquid-cooled and electronically controlled, delivering a specific power of 23.4 hp/ton. It has a maximum road speed of 65 km/h and an operational range of 550–600 km. The suspension system includes torsion bars and hydraulic shock absorbers on the first, second, and sixth road wheels. Ground clearance is 400 mm. Armor provides protection against 12.7 mm heavy machine gun fire. The MLI-84M is armed with a 25 mm Oerlikon KBA-07 rifled autocannon mounted in an OWS-25R overhead turret, a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, and either a Maljutka-2T or Israeli Spike anti-tank guided missile system. The autocannon is stabilized on two axes (vertical and horizontal) and has a firing rate of 600 rounds per minute, with an effective range of 4,000 meters. Additional systems include thermal smoke generators, 81 mm smoke grenade launchers, and laser/radar warning sensors. Due to increased weight and size, the vehicle’s amphibious capability requires special preparation and is more limited compared to the original BMP-1. Unlike the BMP-1’s four roof hatches, the MLI-84 has three, with a 12.7 mm DShK machine gun installed near the left rear door, operated by a soldier seated next to the door. This configuration prevents simultaneous infantry dismounting and machine gun operation on that side.
The original MLI-84 was followed by several derivative versions. The MLI-84M “Jderul” introduced the OWS-25R turret, thermal and smoke countermeasures, and ATGM launchers for either Maljutka-2T or Spike missiles. Another variant replaced the turret with a high superstructure, forming the MLI-84M Punct de Comandă Batalion, equipped as a mobile battalion command post. The MLI-84M TEHEVAC is a recovery version with an external hydraulic crane, rear-mounted winch, and additional storage boxes. The MLI-84M MEDEVAC has a similar superstructure and is adapted for medical evacuation and first aid. Based on the same chassis, Romania developed the Model 89 self-propelled howitzer by integrating a 122 mm gun and turret from the Soviet 2S1 Gvozdika onto a modified MLI-84 hull. A total of 42 units were assembled using turrets delivered via Bulgaria, and the guns were manufactured by Arsenal Reșița. These systems were designated OAP 122 and withdrawn to storage in 2005. Another variant, the Tun Antitanc Autopropulsat Model 1985, was intended as a tank destroyer to replace the SU-76 but did not enter production. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
04 May 25. UK reiterates support for Turkish Typhoon sale. The UK Government has confirmed its continued support for the prospective sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, while acknowledging ongoing discussions with Germany and other partner nations involved in the programme, according to a written parliamentary response published on 30 April 2025. Responding to a question from Graeme Downie MP (Labour – Dunfermline and Dollar), Defence Minister Maria Eagle stated: “We hold regular discussions with Germany on a range of issues related to equipment and joint programmes.”
She added: “The UK is supportive of the prospective sale of Eurofighter Typhoon to Turkey, as its next fighter platform.”
The Eurofighter Typhoon programme is a joint venture between the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Any sale to a third country requires the consensus of all partner nations. Germany has previously expressed reservations over the sale of advanced military equipment to Turkey due to political and regional concerns. Despite this, Eagle confirmed that “we continue to discuss our ongoing bid for Turkey to procure Typhoon with the other Eurofighter Partner Nations, including Germany.” The potential deal would mark a significant boost for the UK defence industry and the Eurofighter consortium, as Turkey seeks to modernise its air force following its removal from the U.S.-led F-35 programme. (Source: Defense News Early Bird//https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
05 May 25. France could officially order Europe’s largest nuclear aircraft carrier by the end of 2025. In its recently published 2024 annual report, French shipbuilder Naval Group reaffirmed that France could place an order for the PA-NG (Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération, or “New Generation Aircraft Carrier”) aircraft carrier by the end of 2025. The PA-NG, a program designed to deliver the largest warship ever built in Europe by 2038, is intended to replace the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, currently the sole carrier in the French Navy, which has been in service since 2001. The detailed preliminary design studies (études d’avant-projet détaillé or APD), notified in April 2023, are ongoing and will provide the technical data necessary to build the production launch offer. On 26 April 2024, Naval Group and TechnicAtome received notification from the Direction générale de l’Armement (DGA) and the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique (CEA) for the award of the first pre-decision-to-launch contract (pré-DLR), focusing on long-lead procurement for the nuclear boiler rooms. This contract initiates the first steps of actual construction work on the K22 nuclear reactors that will power the ship, with production activity scheduled between 2024 and 2029. The PA-NG will be a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier designed to maintain France’s ability to conduct rapid missions involving deterrence, coercion, or intervention. With a displacement of 78,000 tonnes, a length of 310 meters, and a beam of 85 meters, the vessel will be larger and more capable than its predecessor. It will be equipped with two K22 nuclear reactors generating 220 MW each, enabling an all-electric propulsion system that feeds power to the ship’s propulsion and onboard systems. The propulsion design includes three electric shafts powered by turbines via alternators, integrated in a reinforced nuclear section approximately 100 meters long. The PA-NG is designed for a top speed of 27 knots and a propulsion system offering unlimited range. The two boiler rooms will operate independently and supply steam to turbines that will, in turn, generate electricity for the ship’s motors and systems, including three Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) and three Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) systems.
These launch and recovery systems, manufactured by the American company General Atomics, are being delivered under a $41.6 m Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract, funded entirely by the French government. The contract covers EMALS and AAG design for French specifications and will run through January 2026. Production is located mainly in San Diego, with some elements handled in Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Tupelo, Mississippi. These systems will replace the steam-powered catapults and hydraulic arresting gear used aboard Charles de Gaulle. Compared to older systems, EMALS provides smoother acceleration, higher sortie rates, and the flexibility to launch aircraft of different masses, from heavy NGF (Next Generation Fighter) jets to lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). AAG similarly reduces mechanical strain on aircraft and simplifies maintenance. Onboard renderings show two EMALS catapults forward and one on the angled flight deck, offering the ability to perform simultaneous takeoffs and landings, a capability lacking on Charles de Gaulle. Although the Ministry of Armed Forces has not yet finalized the decision on whether to install two or three EMALS systems, the ship’s power system is dimensioned to support three. The inclusion of a third catapult would significantly increase launch capacity and provide redundancy in case of system failure.
The PA-NG’s aviation facilities are designed to support a carrier air wing of over 40 aircraft, the same capacity as the Charles de Gaulle. This will include the Rafale M until around 2040–2050, followed by the NGF developed under the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS/SCAF) program. The NGF is expected to weigh over 35 tonnes, significantly more than the Rafale, and will feature internal weapons bays, V-tail configuration, and stealth characteristics. Additional aircraft will include three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning planes, NH90 Caïman Marine and Airbus H160M “Guépard” helicopters, AS365F Dauphin “Pedro” for rescue missions, and various drones, including surveillance UAVs and UCAVs (unmanned combat air vehicles) likely to emerge under FCAS. Aviation systems will be supported by two deck-edge lifts capable of handling two Rafales simultaneously, and a 17,000 m² flight deck (5,000 more than its predecessor) with a two-deck-high hangar stretching over two-thirds the length of the vessel.
The onboard combat systems will include sensors, radars, and defensive weaponry. The PA-NG’s redesigned island, now shifted further aft compared to Charles de Gaulle, will host Thales’ Sea Fire active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with four fixed panels. Synthetic imagery reveals updated onboard defensive weaponry, including three vertical launch system (VLS) modules housing 24 MBDA Aster missiles, an evolution from the two double launchers on Charles de Gaulle. Also visible are four 40 mm guns, now shown in the form of Bofors turrets instead of the initially considered Thales/Nexter RAPIDFire systems. For short-range air defense, the ship will be equipped with Simbad-RC launchers firing Mistral 3 missiles. Additional capacity and power are expected to support the integration of directed energy weapons in the future. The final design may still evolve before construction begins.
From an industrial perspective, the PA-NG will be constructed in Saint-Nazaire by MO Porte-Avions, the joint venture of Naval Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique. TechnicAtome is responsible for reactor development, under the supervision of the DGA and CEA. Despite the scale of this warship, Saint-Nazaire is the only French shipyard with a dry dock large enough for the task. The shipyard, however, is already heavily committed to building cruise liners with contracts worth over €1.5bn each, limiting flexibility in the production calendar. Naval Group’s Nantes-Indret unit will manufacture and integrate the K22 reactors. Construction of the hull is scheduled to begin around 2031–2032, after which the ship will travel under temporary diesel power to Toulon in 2035 for reactor fueling and sea trials starting in 2036.
The PA-NG’s flight deck will cover 17,000 square meters, 5,000 more than its predecessor, and will support up to 40 aircraft, including fighters, airborne early warning aircraft, helicopters, and a variety of drones.
Budget estimates for the PA-NG project vary but are expected to exceed €10bn. While initial government planning considered the possibility of two aircraft carriers to ensure naval air wing permanence, fiscal constraints make a second unit unlikely in the near term. Nonetheless, the strategic value of operating two carriers has long been acknowledged, especially given Charles de Gaulle’s periodic unavailability during extended maintenance (ATM) periods. Between 2027 and 2028, the Charles de Gaulle will undergo its third and final ATM, during which its sensors will be upgraded, including the replacement of the rotating DRBV-26D, DRBV-15C, and Arabel radars with the Sea Fire. The SMART-S radar will remain for redundancy. Aster 15 EC missiles, with a doubled range of 60 km, will also be integrated. This upgrade is designed to maintain operational relevance until 2038.
A study is currently underway to evaluate the condition of Charles de Gaulle’s K15 reactors, which were first activated in 1998. The goal is to determine whether reactor aging and vessel conditions would allow a safe extension beyond 2038. If deemed feasible, this would provide margin in case of PA-NG program delays, or potentially support a dual-carrier configuration. Extending Charles de Gaulle’s service would, however, require a fourth ATM, including nuclear core reloading, component overhauls, and modernization of obsolete systems, an extremely costly undertaking. The reactors would otherwise provide a ten-year operational window, making fuel preservation between 2028 and 2038 essential to avoid premature exhaustion. Historically, France has sought a second carrier since the retirement of the Foch and the limited availability imposed by Charles de Gaulle’s maintenance schedule. The earlier PA2 program, based on the British Queen Elizabeth class and pursued between 2003 and 2009, was abandoned in 2013. The current PA-NG program was formally launched by President Emmanuel Macron in December 2020, with nuclear propulsion chosen over conventional systems. The PA-NG’s broader mission profile, including nuclear deterrence via the Force Aéronavale Nucléaire (FANu), aligns with strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean. France’s integration of next-generation command and control, EMALS, drones, and NGF aircraft will position the PA-NG carrier as a central node in a future multi-domain battle network, comparable to the U.S. Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative. (Source: News Now/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/)
USA
08 May 25. Boeing proposes 2027 delivery date for new Air Force One jets, official says. Boeing (BA.N) has proposed delivering its delayed new version of Air Force One in 2027, a U.S. Air Force official said on Wednesday. President Donald Trump negotiated with Boeing for a pair of new 747-8 aircraft during his 2017-2021 first administration. They were initially expected to be delivered in 2024.
“We are looking at the requirements that are being potentially traded off to get to that date, and so I would not necessarily guarantee that date, but they’re proposing to bring it into ’27,” Darlene Costello, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force, told the House Armed Services Committee.
Costello said the Air Force is working with the White House on “what’s acceptable” from a capability standpoint for Air Force One. The government has temporarily lifted some security requirements for the production facility, Costello said. This, she said, has allowed Boeing to be more “efficient and productive” in assembling the aircraft. She said there are a few remaining issues that need to be resolved but once they are, it will give a better estimate on the schedule of delivery. Boeing deferred questions to the Air Force. (Source: Reuters)
06 May 25. From Lightning to Super Lightning: Lockheed Martin chief hints at evolution pathways. Boeing’s evolution of the venerable F/A-18 Hornet into the Super Hornet sought to breathe fresh life into a legacy platform. Now it appears that the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II family is set for its own reimagining, but what that looks like is still up for debate. Beginning life in the mid‑1990s’ Joint Strike Fighter competition, which sought a single, affordable platform to replace a host of legacy fighters. Lockheed Martin’s X‑35 prototype first took to the skies on 24 October 2000, with the conventional take-off of F‑35A following on 15 December 2006. Three variants emerged, the F‑35A for land‑based operations, the short take‑off and vertical landing F‑35B and the carrier‑capable F‑35C, each sharing a common stealthy airframe, advanced sensors and network‑centric systems. Full‑rate production began in 2021, cementing the F‑35 as the backbone of multiple allied air forces. The first operational F‑35B joined the US Marine Corps in July 2015, just ahead of the F‑35A’s entry to the US Air Force in August 2016 and the Navy’s F‑35C in February 2019. International partners queued to receive their jets: the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands and Australia, among them. Australia’s foray began on 10 December 2018, when the RAAF welcomed its first two F‑35A Lightning IIs at Williamtown, NSW. By December 2024, the RAAF had completed delivery of all 72 aircraft, making it the second nation after South Korea to fulfil its initial F‑35 contract. Within the RAAF, the F‑35A now operates across three squadrons, including No. 3 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron, alongside the EA‑18G Growler and F/A‑18F Super Hornet. Together, these platforms form Australia’s premier air defence and strike capability, underpinned by stealth, sensor fusion and allied interoperability. The Lightning II’s advanced electronic‑warfare suite and secure datalinks allow Australian pilots to achieve unprecedented situational awareness and rapidly share information in joint operations. Looking ahead, the F‑35 fleet will undergo the Block 4 modernisation, incorporating Technical Refresh-3 (TR‑3) and a suite of hardware and software enhancements. Meanwhile the proposed Block 4 upgrades promises over 17 new weapons, upgraded sensors, expanded datalinks and improved cockpit systems designed to transform the jet into an even more lethal, networked combat aircraft. Although TR‑3 testing has slipped several months, completion is slated for the mid‑2020s, ensuring Australia’s Lightnings remain cutting‑edge. Beyond Block 4, future evolution may leverage adaptive engines for greater range and efficiency, as well as integration with unmanned “loyal wingman” drones under programs like AIR 6500. From its inception as a next‑generation strike fighter to its central role in the RAAF and its ongoing upgrades, the F‑35 family exemplifies a platform built for continuous evolution. As Australia faces an increasingly complex Indo‑Pacific security environment, the Lightning II will remain a cornerstone of deterrence and allied interoperability for decades to come.
Evolution plans already in the works
But the evolution of Lightning II as a platform doesn’t stop there, with the potential for it to undergo a similar treatment to the evolution of Boeing’s classic F/A-18 A–D series of Hornet fighter aircraft, which ultimately would result in the F/A-18 E–F family of Super Hornets and, of course, the specialised E/A-18G Growler platform. Hinting at this, Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet recently elaborated on early-stage plans to integrate sixth-generation technologies developed by the company for its failed bid for the multibillion-dollar US Air Force Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, with an eye on future development. Taiclet detailed the company’s plans, telling listeners on the company’s latest earnings call, “Our next-generation air dominance efforts advance many classified technologies that were aligned to this strategy and we plan on applying those technologies to our current systems, making our already proven products even more relevant to the future as well as enhancing the capabilities we provide in ongoing and future development.
“For example, the knowledge and technology development gained from our investments in the NGAD competition strengthened our conviction to enhance the F-35 to a fifth generation plus capability … I challenged the team to deliver 80 per cent of sixth-gen capability at 50 per cent of the cost. In support of this vision, we’re also committing to drive disruptive innovation and building upon our recent established internal capabilities in AI, autonomy, crewed-uncrewed teaming and command and control systems across the whole company.
He added, “We’ve aligned these technology investments with our customer priorities and demonstrating meaningful increases in capabilities at relatively low cost. We’ve already shown the networking and teaming ability of the F-35 and the F-22 to control uncrewed vehicle systems like drone wingmen through onboard deployments of our autonomy solutions on real aircraft.”
Beyond this is a suite of technologies developed to support the company’s NGAD bid, including advances in low observable materials (stealth coatings), related geometries, countermeasures, propulsion systems and a host of other technologies whose development was paid for by the US government as part of the NGAD program. But what else could we expect to see in the development of a Super Lightning II in the vein of the evolution program that transformed the Classic Hornet into the lethal, leading edge 4.5 generation fighter aircraft slated to remain in Australian and American service until at least the mid-2040s?
Towards ’Super Lightning II’
In a transformative step echoing the evolution of the Classic Hornet into the Super Hornet, the proposed “Super Lightning II” program represents a comprehensive modernisation of the F-35 fighter family. With Australia already heavily invested in the F-35A platform, the program offers a compelling pathway to future-proofing air combat capability in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific. At the heart of the program is a structural redesign, the Super Lightning II would feature an enlarged fuselage, extended wingspan and increased internal volume to carry more fuel and weapons, translating directly into greater range and payload. While retaining the stealth shaping and low observability of the original aircraft, the updated design subtly reworks the airframe for improved internal cooling, access for maintainers and aerodynamic efficiency. Propulsion would also receive a generational leap through the integration of adaptive cycle engines, such as the General Electric XA100 or the Pratt & Whitney XA101 from the US Adaptive Engine Transition Program. These power plants promise up to 30 per cent greater range, 20 per cent faster acceleration and vastly increased power generation and thermal capacity – essential for directed energy weapons and advanced sensors. This would be particularly impactful for the F-35B+ variant, whose vertical lift fan system would be refined to handle heavier loads without compromising the short take-off and vertical landing flexibility, although I personally am partial to providing the F-35B+ with the landing gear and folding wings of the evolved F-35C to facilitate catapult assisted take-off, vertical landing for operation off modified large deck amphibious warfare ships. Mission systems would be overhauled under a new open architecture framework, enabling rapid plug-and-play upgrades across avionics, electronic warfare and sensor fusion. Australia would benefit from this through quicker integration of sovereign or allied technology and a smoother transition to collaborative systems, including Loyal Wingman-type unmanned assets.
The Super Lightning II is envisioned as a key node in the broader Joint All-Domain Command and Control network, capable of fusing air, maritime, cyber and space data into a single operating picture for both Australian and allied command and control requirements.
Armament enhancements are also central, the increasing proliferation of advanced air defence systems, coupled with the enlarged weapons bays, would accommodate longer-range missiles like the AIM-260 JATM and small diameter bombs such as the GBU-53/B. Additional external hardpoints allow for increased non-stealth payload carriage in permissive environments, while future compatibility with hypersonic glide vehicles and advanced cruise missiles is anticipated. The B+ variant introduces even more flexibility for naval and expeditionary air forces, with the aforementioned structural and engine advances providing greater thrust and structural durability. It would offer expanded options for operations from Canberra Class LHDs or forward austere airstrips – a valuable consideration in the Pacific’s island geography. For Australia, participation in a Super Lightning II program could serve as strategic hedge against emerging threats such as China’s J-20, the recently unveiled J-36 “sixth-generation” fighter and long-range missile systems. By aligning with US upgrade timelines and feeding into the Block 4 and beyond roadmap, the RAAF ensures its fifth-generation fleet doesn’t stagnate while sixth-generation platforms remain years away. In sum, the Super Lightning II is less a replacement and more a reinvention, expanding the F-35’s strategic utility into the 2030s and beyond, building on the pedigree of Lockheed Martin’s cutting-edge innovation and an established precedent of platform evolution developed through the Hornet-to-Super Hornet development pipeline. But it is important to understand that all of this remains hypothetical and well and truly in the ether, but it is fruit for thought. (Source: Defence Connect)
06 May 25. DIU, NORTHCOM, JCO Announce Solicitation for Joint Low-Collateral Defeat Capabilities. The Defense Innovation Unit and the Joint Counter-small UAS Office, announced a new solicitation for low-collateral defeat (LCD) options in support of Replicator 2 that can scale across the joint force and integrate into existing Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) programs of record. As part of the Replicator initiative, the call for novel capabilities builds on multiple efforts to deliver strategic capability and to build new innovative muscle for the Department of Defense. As drones rapidly evolve from slow, easily identifiable commercial systems operating on known frequencies-to faster, custom-built systems, the call for LCD capabilities is a key effort geared toward supporting warfighters with the most effective defeat options. These systems help to minimize risk to friendly forces, civilians, and infrastructure in the homeland and abroad.
“DIU continues to work with partners across DoD to accelerate efforts to address UAS threats in both combat environments and highly populated areas,” said DIU Director, Doug Beck. “In addition to providing a critical capability to our forces around the world and helping protect the nation here at home; we are focused on working with industry’s most agile commercial companies to meet the evolving challenges in countering UAS and on scaling those solutions to the level required by the evolving threat.”
By leveraging DIU’s commercial solutions opening (CSO), a process that emphasizes speed, flexibility, scalability, and execution, this effort aims to add urgency to defense innovation and clear systemic roadblocks related to LCD acquisitions.
“North America faces a variety of non-traditional threats, and key among these is the use of small uncrewed aircraft systems operating near installations and critical infrastructure – addressing these threats is a top priority and essential task,” said Commander, U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, Gen. Gregory M. Guillot. “Partnering with DIU to employ low-collateral defeat capabilities is one example of how we are developing the forward-looking capabilities and policies necessary to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated defensive enterprise.”
The solicitation is open for industry submissions until May 16, 2025. Solution providers should expect to participate in shared testing events with other vendors, operators and government developers from each service and be prepared to rapidly scale and integrate into service Program of Record C-sUAS systems. This solicitation aligns with E.O. 14269 – Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Industrial Base, which focuses on streamlining acquisitions to accelerate defense procurement, ensures the Armed Forces have decisive advantages now and into the future. As part of the Replicator initiative, this call for novel capabilities also builds on multiple efforts underway elsewhere in the Department of Defense, to include the Military Services, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), the Office of the Under Secretary of Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD A&S), and collaborative work with the United Kingdom.
“This project is a key step in our joint solutions approach to address the growing threats and challenges of all-domain drone warfare,” said Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office Director, Maj. Gen. David Stewart. “We are focused on accelerating capability development, while introducing novel operating concepts.” (Source: UAS VISION)
04 May 25. U.S. President Trump Announces Replacement of A-10 Attack Aircraft with F-15EX Fighters for Michigan’s 127th Wing. On April 29, 2025, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced a decisive mission reassignment for the 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The unit will transition from operating the legacy A-10C Thunderbolt II to the cutting-edge Boeing F-15EX Eagle II, marking a substantial evolution in the unit’s air combat role and capabilities. This strategic move underlines the U.S. Department of Defense’s continued modernization of its tactical airpower to address high-threat, near-peer adversaries. The 127th Wing of the Michigan Air National Guard, headquartered at Selfridge, is a premier unit with a proud legacy of service dating back to World War I. Comprising the 107th Fighter Squadron and the 171st Air Refueling Squadron, the wing is a composite unit equipped for diverse missions, including close air support, air-to-air combat, and aerial refueling. Over the years, the 127th Wing has operated a variety of aircraft—from F-84 Thunderjets and F-100 Super Sabres to the A-7 Corsair II and the A-10C Thunderbolt II—demonstrating its adaptability and operational excellence. The wing routinely participates in domestic operations, homeland defense, and overseas deployments, reflecting its strategic importance to both state and national security objectives. Its transition to the F-15EX Eagle II will further elevate its capabilities, ensuring the unit remains a vital component of the Air National Guard’s contribution to national defense. For decades, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has stood as an icon of American close air support (CAS). Nicknamed the “Warthog,” the A-10 was purpose-built around its massive GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm rotary cannon, capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute to destroy tanks, armored vehicles, and fortifications. Designed with survivability in mind, it features titanium armor (“bathtub” cockpit protection), redundant flight systems, and can fly with one engine, half a tail, or one wing damaged. With a top speed of around 420 knots and a combat radius of over 250 nautical miles, the A-10 excels in low and slow combat missions, providing persistent overwatch to troops on the ground. However, despite its effectiveness in asymmetric warfare, the A-10’s operational limits are increasingly evident in modern, contested environments. The platform lacks stealth, advanced sensors, and survivability against high-end threats such as mobile surface-to-air missile systems and advanced fighter aircraft. As the U.S. shifts its defense priorities to counter threats posed by adversaries like China and Russia, the emphasis has moved to multi-role aircraft capable of operating in denied airspace with speed, sensor fusion, and adaptability. Enter the F-15EX Eagle II—America’s most advanced fourth-generation fighter, enhanced with fifth-generation systems. Based on the battle-proven F-15 airframe but incorporating revolutionary avionics, mission systems, and weapon integration, the F-15EX is designed for speed, payload, and open-systems adaptability. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, the aircraft can reach Mach 2.5 and features a service ceiling above 65,000 feet. It can carry over 29,000 pounds of ordnance, including air-to-air missiles like AIM-120 AMRAAMs and AIM-9X Sidewinders, as well as long-range air-to-ground standoff weapons such as the AGM-158 JASSM. The Eagle II’s backbone is its digital architecture. The inclusion of the AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar offers unprecedented detection, tracking, and targeting capabilities. Combined with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), the aircraft can detect, identify, and jam enemy radar and missiles, increasing survivability in contested airspace. Its large weapon capacity and high sortie rate make it ideal not only for air superiority but also as a stand-off strike platform, potentially capable of deploying hypersonic missiles like the AGM-183 ARRW in the future.
President Trump’s decision to base the F-15EX at Selfridge reflects a renewed commitment to ensuring that Air National Guard units are fully integrated into the U.S. Air Force’s front-line force structure. The transition also signals confidence in the 127th Wing’s readiness to absorb such a sophisticated platform, thanks to its highly trained personnel and proven record of operational excellence. The scheduled delivery of 21 F-15EXs to the Michigan National Guard beginning in fiscal year 2028 will be accompanied by comprehensive infrastructure upgrades and retraining programs for both pilots and ground crews. The 127th Wing’s future operational role is expected to expand beyond close air support to include air superiority, offensive counter-air, and deep interdiction missions. This announcement also ensures Selfridge Air National Guard Base’s continued relevance in the 21st-century battlespace. The base, which contributes approximately $850 m annually to the Michigan economy, will benefit from expanded logistics and training investments tied to the Eagle II program. Furthermore, the planned deployment of KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft at Selfridge will reinforce its strategic position as a multi-role, force-projection hub. Ultimately, the transition from the A-10 to the F-15EX at Selfridge represents more than just a platform upgrade—it embodies a doctrinal shift. It underscores the Air Force’s pivot from legacy aircraft suited to irregular warfare toward versatile, high-end warfighting systems capable of dominating in peer-level conflict. With this transformation, the 127th Wing will not only maintain its operational relevance but emerge as a cutting-edge component of U.S. air superiority well into the 2040s and beyond. (Source: Google/bulgarianmilitary.com/)
02 May 25. DAF Begins Ground Testing for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Selects Beale AFB As the Preferred Location for Aircraft Readiness Unit. The Department of the Air Force has begun ground testing for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, marking a major milestone in its effort to integrate autonomous systems into the future force. This ground test phase includes rigorous evaluations of the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A production representative test vehicles — developed by General Atomics and Anduril, respectively—focusing on propulsion systems, avionics, autonomy integration and ground control interfaces. These assessments will validate performance, inform future design decisions and prepare the systems for flight testing later this year.
“Starting ground tests is a key milestone for the CCA Increment 1 program,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin. “This phase bridges the gap between design and flight, reducing integration risks, boosting confidence and laying the groundwork for a successful first flight and eventual fielding to the warfighter.”
The CCA program is vital to the Air Force’s broader shift towards scalable force packages and human-machine teaming. Designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft, CCA will extend operational reach, enhance survivability and increase lethality in contested environments. As force multipliers, they will support rapid deployment and affordable mass — delivering combat power at a fraction of the cost of traditional fighters.
“We’re moving fast because the warfighter needs this capability,” Allvin said. “CCA is about delivering decisive advantage in highly contested environments. The program is accelerating fielding through innovative design and acquisition strategies — and both vendors are meeting or exceeding key milestones. These aircraft will help us turn readiness into operational dominance.”
Demonstrating further progress toward operationalizing CCA capabilities, the DAF has selected Beale Air Force Base, California, as the preferred location to host a CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit. The mission of the ARU is to provide combat aircraft ready to deploy worldwide at a moment’s notice. CCA are semi-autonomous in nature so the ARU will not have to fly a significant number of daily sorties to maintain readiness. The aircraft will be maintained in a fly-ready status and flown minimally so the number of airmen required to support the fleet will be substantially lower than other weapons systems. The CCA program prioritizes speed, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging open architectures and commercial technologies, it allows for rapid integration, iterative upgrades and scalable production. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in fiscal year 2026, with development for Increment 2 beginning that same year to expand mission applications and integrate emerging technologies.
“The pace of innovation must outmatch the pace of the threat,” Allvin said. “CCA is how we do that.” (Source: ASD Network)
02 May 25. Pentagon seeks drone-killing technology that’s safe for civilians. The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit plans to issue a solicitation for low-collateral counter-drone technology next week, part of the second iteration of its Replicator rapid-fielding effort that’s focused on helping the Pentagon protect its installations from small-drone attacks. DIU Director Doug Beck told House lawmakers Thursday his organization is particularly interested in technologies that can take out drone threats in highly populated areas without major impacts on the environment and, critically, civilians.
“It’s really about those low-collateral interceptors and getting after those solutions — whether it’s through electronic means, kinetic or ballistic means or other forms of bringing those drones down,” Beck told the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittee in a hearing.
Replicator’s goal is to create a new pathway for the Pentagon to buy and scale high-need capabilities on faster timelines. Replicator 1, which is ongoing, set out to deliver thousands of low-cost drones by August of this year. Last September, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the next phase of the effort, dubbed Replicator 2, would center on the small UAS challenge. DIU is leading Replicator 2 and is partnered closely with the Army-led Joint Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Office, JCO, and the Counter Uncrewed Systems Warfighter Senior Integration Group. Speaking last week at the Apex Conference, DIU’s chief of Policy Sunmin Kim said that along with its emphasis on low-collateral defeat systems, Replicator 2 is also focused on identifying more affordable systems that are available either commercially or from traditional defense contractors with mature technology.
“We’re interested in low-cost sensing options, so things like passive [radio frequency] radars versus actually using active sensors that we typically do for aircraft,” she said.
Defending against adversarial drones is a significant challenge for the U.S. military and its allies — from attacks in the Red Sea to reports of drone swarms flying over domestic bases. The Pentagon has launched a number of efforts and organizations over the last few years to address these threats, including the JCO and the Counter Uncrewed Systems Warfighter Senior Integration Group. Last year, the department designated the commanders of U.S. Northern Command and Indo-Pacific Command as “lead synchronizers” for counter-UAS operations. And in December, DOD completed a classified counter-UAS strategy meant to provide a “singular” focus on the most urgent challenges. Military leaders said Thursday that while the Defense Department is making progress identifying technical solutions and working through complex policies and authorizations, it’s not moving fast enough.
“We’re happy, but we’re not satisfied,” Lt. Gen. Eric Austin, deputy commandant of the Marine Corps for capabilities, development and integration, said during the hearing. “We’re fielding equipment that has the ability and the built-in open architecture to adapt and improve from a software and a hardware perspective, but we’ve got a ways to go to keep up with the threat and exceed that threat.”
Austin highlighted the Marine Air Defense System, or MADIS, which can integrate with the service’s command and control systems and detect and take down small uncrewed aircraft. The Marine Corps also plans to field a prototype this fiscal year of a counter-UAS capability specifically designed to protect dismounted Marines.
“This initiative will put man-portable solutions into Marines’ hands at the tactical edge,” Austin said. “We are feverishly working in belief this will be a model for fielding and iterative improvement.”
Maj. Gen. David Stewart, director of the JCO, and Beck both noted that while DOD has made strides toward identifying and developing counter-UAS technologies, it isn’t buying and fielding those systems in sufficient quantities.
“I believe and assess the capability is there,” Stewart said. “We have a bit of a capacity problem across each of the services.”
Beck noted that for the services to fill those capacity gaps, they need more resources, authorities and funding flexibility from Congress.
“We need to be doing much, much more,” he said. “We must put capability in place now. We must dramatically improve our capacity and speed to update unmanned and counter-unmanned technologies. We must build the muscle to do so at greater and greater scale.” (Source: Defense News)
REST OF THE WORLD
05 May 25. New Zealand confirms plan to replace Super Seasprites. The New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF’s) fleet of Kaman Super Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters will be replaced with a new platform, the country’s Minister of Defence Judith Collins has said. According to Collins, a new rotary-wing capability will supersede the “ageing” Super Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters currently in service to “increase the defensive and offensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates”. “The replacement of the Seasprite helicopters will also extend the navy’s ability to support non-combat tasks such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” Collins added in a statement on 4 May. “Together with a NZD957m (USD573m) investment in NZDF activities, personnel, and estate, the NZD2bn plus budgeted to replace the helicopters represents the first tranche of the government’s NZD12 bn of planned commitments to upgrade the defence force over the next four years,” Collins said. The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF’s) operational fleet of Super Seasprites was reduced from eight aircraft to five in mid-2023 to provide three helicopters for operational use at any one time. Collins said that the acquisition of new helicopters has been prompted by a rise in global tensions. “There is no economic security without national security,” she said. “Defence personnel need the right equipment and conditions to do their jobs.” While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has not commented on which new platforms are being considered for procurement, the new rotary-wing capability that will be acquired will be “able to go further and carry larger loads, including weapons, personnel, and equipment”, according to Collins. (Source: Janes)
05 May 25. South Korea pitches Canada on $20bn-plus plan for subs, armoured vehicles. Country is making co-ordinated push to work with Canada amid uneasy U.S. relations. A trio of South Korean companies have made a significant, multibn-dollar pitch to Canada, promising to quickly replace the navy’s aging submarines, deliver more firepower to the army and help revitalize the country’s defence industrial base. A detailed overview of the unsolicited proposals, which were delivered to the federal government in early March, was given to CBC News. The companies have the full backing of the South Korean government, which is eager to expand the defence and security partnership it signed with former prime minister Justin Trudeau two years ago in Seoul. CBC News was given unprecedented, exclusive access to senior Korean defence and security officials as well as two defence plants and shipyards, which have set aside their competitive differences in order to bid on Canada’s submarine replacement program. Hanwha Ocean and Hyundai Heavy Industries submitted a detailed, joint presentation worth $20bn to $24bn, promising to deliver the first four submarines by 2035, the current Royal Canadian Navy deadline to receive just one new boat. It has also pitched building maintenance facilities in this country which would employ Canadians. Hanwha Aerospace, a sister company to the shipyard, has separately put down two detailed proposals to re-equip the army with big, mobile howitzers and rocket-propelled artillery, similar to the U.S.-made HIMAR system. It has also proposed a bigger package of armoured vehicles to fill the gaps the army has in tracked fighting vehicles and defence. Those pitches are worth more than $1bn, depending on what the Canadian government chooses and come with rapid delivery times and the possibility of setting up maintenance — and potentially manufacturing — centres, South Korean defence officials said.
South Korea wants to be Canada’s new military supplier
As Ottawa rethinks U.S. weapons contracts, South Korean arms manufacturers want to resupply Canada’s depleted military with everything from howitzers to submarines. CBC’s Murray Brewster got exclusive access to one company angling to become Canada’s new high tech arsenal. The proposals represent an unprecedented diplomatic and corporate push to get Canada to buy its military equipment elsewhere than the United States and Europe. We do not think of this as a single, one-time deal between two countries. It’s not a transaction for us, Deputy Defence Minister Hyunki Cho told CBC News in a recent translated interview. If we do succeed in making the sale, then we are going to try and give our effort toward strengthening the capabilities of Canada’s defence industry, as well as furthering defence co-operation.
Canada looking at procurement options
The bids were presented at a time when many Canadians — facing the Trump administration’s trade war and threats of annexation — have demanded the federal government cancel major military purchases from the United States, including the F-35 fighter program (new window). The Liberal government of Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered a review of the plan and hinted that Canada may take delivery of the aircraft it has already paid for and look elsewhere to fill the rest of the order. In total, Canada has said it requires 88 advanced fighters. While it did not submit a full unsolicited proposal, Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has expressed interest in selling Canada its F-50 fighter aircraft as a training jet that could be quickly converted into a combat aircraft. South Korea has also begun manufacturing its own stealth fighter in partnership with Indonesia. However, KAI officials have not yet offered it to Canada. Despite the enthusiasm, there’s deep skepticism among South Korean defence and foreign policy officials and observers that Canada is serious about breaking its dependency on the defence-industrial complex of the United States. During the recently concluded federal election campaign, Carney repeatedly made clear the relationship with the U.S. had changed irrevocably. The old relationship we had with the United States based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military co-operation is over, Carney said on March 27 in Ottawa. The Liberal acknowledged just as the election campaign got underway that it was deep into negotiations to join the European Union’s ReArm defence plan — a partnership that would make Canada eligible for joint procurement with allies on the continent. South Korean defence experts point out that Europe is still figuring out how to re-arm with many defence industries needing to retool and reopen production lines shuttered since the end of the Cold War. The supply chain is weak in Europe, Kayla Mijung Kim, of the Korean Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade, told CBC News in Seoul.
Germany and France, for example, want to make their own weapons systems, but they’re constrained. They cannot procure all the defence components they need from European countries. I think they need some time.
Production bottlenecks — an aspect that starkly presented itself as countries rushed to arm Ukraine — have driven some NATO allies to look elsewhere.
Poland is the most dramatic example.
Since 2022, Warsaw has signed between $16bn and $22bn US worth of contracts with South Korean firms. Many of those deals for K2 Black Panther tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers have been broken down into tranches. Since then, other deals have followed with Norway, New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines, Romania and the United Kingdom. More recently, Australia jumped on board with a $6.19bn program to build 129 infantry fighting vehicles, many of them constructed in the Commonwealth country. South Korea’s minister of defence acquisition program administration, Seok Jong-Gun, said the agreement with Poland was the breakthrough in convincing Western allies to consider a source other than traditional armsmakers. Prior to the large contract signed with Poland, Korea’s reputation as a defence exporter was not that large, he told CBC News in a translated interview. However, with the signing of a massive contract with Poland and throughout the process of implementing these contracts, many countries have found that Korea is able to supply quality products in a timely manner. The offers to help set up manufacturing and maintenance facilities have been key in clinching the agreements, Seok said. Former president Yoon Suk Yeol had made increasing the country’s share of defence exports a priority, to the point where South Korea appears on track to be the world’s fourth-largest arms manufacturer by 2027.
We have seen a large and dramatic increase in our export volume in the defence sector in the last few years, Seok said.
As it stands, the Canadian Army is facing a number of challenges — both overseas and domestically. It has struggled to field equipment to its force in Latvia, including modern anti-tank weapons, air-defence systems and counter-drone technology. It also lacks mobile artillery and rocket-based artillery, which have been features of the war between Ukraine and Russia. The army currently has 47 capital projects on the go, Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright, the country’s top soldier, told CBC News in February (new window). The army we have now is not the army that we need for the future, Wright said when asked if he was satisfied with the equipping of the troops on the NATO mission in Latvia. A defence expert said there’s not a lot of time to replace key systems.
What Canadian military equipment needs replacing?
Dave Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs institute, outlines some of the major pieces of equipment that Canada’s military needs to replace, upgrade or add. We got here by multiple decades of governments kicking the can down the road, and I think we’re at the point now where we have run out of road, said Dave Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Our equipment is — in some cases — literally rusting out.
He said the proposal from Seoul, regardless of whether it’s unsolicited, deserves serious consideration because it can fill some important gaps quickly, an important consideration since we don’t know what a defence-industrial partnership with Europe will look like.
South Korea is where some of our other allies have looked to quickly fill capability delivery needs in a big hurry. Poland is getting its army rebuilt in large part with South Korean support, Perry said. They’ve got a track record already at being able to provide huge amounts of equipment in very short order. The Canadian Armed Forces is at the point where we have really serious operational readiness deficiencies. We do need to look for options that can fulfil at least some of our acquisition needs quickly. (Source: Google/https://ici.radio-canada.ca/)
28 Apr 25. Indian Army looking to equip BMP-2 vehicles with C-UAS for border defence. The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology for the BMP-2/2K infantry fighting vehicle. The Army intends to acquire 100 units per year to address the increasing threat from drones along India’s borders with Pakistan and China. The systems, which the Indian Army notes in the RFI would ideally be in line with the national “Made in India” manufacturing and supply initiative, or at least 50% locally produced, should be capable of real-time detecting, classification and tracking of drones. Radar, EO/IR sensors and RF detectors would be beneficial when operating at high altitude and in difficult environments. The Army is interested in both kinetic and non-kinetic methods with minimal collateral damage. The C-UAS systems must integrate with the BMP-2/2K vehicle’s fire control systems, including BMP-2M upgrades (night-fighting and automatic target tracking). (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
03 May 25. Japan taps India for next-gen fighter to rival China’s J-36. Japan has extended an invitation to India to join a high-stakes international effort to develop a next-generation fighter jet, a move that could reshape military dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. The proposal, revealed by a Japanese government source on April 30, 2025, seeks to bring India into the Global Combat Air Programme [GCAP], a collaborative project led by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy to build a sixth-generation combat aircraft by 2035. The initiative aims to distribute the project’s massive financial burden while deepening security cooperation with India, a key player in South Asia. The outreach underscores Japan’s strategic push to counter China’s growing influence, but India’s complex ties with Russia and ongoing tensions with Pakistan raise questions about the partnership’s viability. The GCAP, formally launched in December 2022, is an ambitious endeavor to create a cutting-edge fighter jet that will replace aging aircraft like Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2, the UK’s Eurofighter Typhoon, and Italy’s Eurofighter fleet. The program unites leading defense contractors—Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems, and Leonardo—in a quest to develop an aircraft with advanced stealth, artificial intelligence, and networked warfare capabilities. With an estimated cost exceeding $40bn by 2035, the project’s financial demands have prompted the three nations to explore expanding their partnership. Japan’s approach to India, first discussed during a government delegation’s visit to New Delhi in February 2025, reflects both economic and strategic imperatives, as Tokyo seeks to bolster ties with a nation critical to regional stability. India’s potential role in GCAP is significant given its growing aerospace capabilities and strategic position. The country has developed the HAL Tejas, a lightweight multirole fighter designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Tejas, powered by a General Electric F404 engine, has a maximum speed of Mach 1.6, a combat range of approximately 340 miles, and can carry a payload of 8,800 pounds, including air-to-air missiles like the Astra and precision-guided munitions. Its versatility has made it a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force, with over 40 units in service and plans for an advanced Mk2 variant. India also has experience in advanced fighter programs through its collaboration with Russia on the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft [FGFA], based on the Sukhoi Su-57. The Su-57, a stealth fighter with a top speed of Mach 2 and a range of 2,200 miles, features thrust-vectoring engines and an advanced avionics suite. Although India withdrew from the FGFA project in 2018 due to concerns over technology transfer and costs, its involvement demonstrated New Delhi’s ambition to compete in high-tech aviation. The GCAP fighter, still in the conceptual design phase, is poised to set new benchmarks in military aviation. Unlike fifth-generation jets like the U.S. F-35 Lightning II, which has a unit cost of about $110 m and is designed for multirole missions, the GCAP aircraft is envisioned as a highly specialized platform for air dominance in contested environments. It will likely feature a low-observable airframe to minimize radar detection, advanced sensor fusion for real-time battlefield awareness, and a modular design to accommodate future upgrades. The jet is expected to carry twice the internal payload of the F-35A, potentially up to 10,000 pounds, including advanced air-to-air missiles and directed-energy weapons. Artificial intelligence will enable autonomous decision-making and coordination with unmanned drones, known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft, enhancing its effectiveness in networked warfare. The aircraft’s propulsion system, under development by Rolls-Royce, IHI Corporation, and Avio Aero, aims to deliver superior speed and efficiency, with a target cruising speed exceeding Mach 1.5. By comparison, China’s J-20, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, has a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 but lacks the networked capabilities and AI integration planned for GCAP. Japan’s outreach to India comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the Indo-Pacific. The region has become a focal point for global powers, with China’s expanding military presence in the South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control with India prompting concern among neighboring nations. Japan, a key U.S. ally and member of the Quad security dialogue alongside the United States, Australia, and India, views India as a critical partner in countering Beijing’s influence.
The two countries have deepened their defense ties in recent years, conducting joint military exercises like the Dharma Guardian army drill and the Malabar naval exercise, which includes the U.S. and Australia. In 2024, Japan and India held their first joint fighter jet exercise, involving Indian Su-30MKI jets and Japanese F-15s, signaling a growing alignment in air combat capabilities. India’s participation in GCAP could accelerate its aerospace ambitions, providing access to Western technologies and reducing its dependence on Russian arms, which account for nearly 60% of its defense imports. The Indian Air Force operates over 250 Russian-designed Su-30MKI fighters and has acquired S-400 air defense systems from Moscow, reflecting deep ties forged during the Cold War. However, New Delhi has sought to diversify its defense partnerships, procuring Rafale jets from France and exploring U.S. platforms like the F-21, a proposed variant of the F-16. Joining GCAP could align with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which prioritizes domestic manufacturing and technology transfer, potentially enabling local production of the GCAP fighter or its components. Despite the strategic allure, India’s potential involvement faces significant hurdles. Japan has expressed concerns about the security of sensitive GCAP technologies, given India’s military ties with Russia. A senior Japanese defense official, speaking to the Indian outlet IDRW, warned that technologies related to stealth, propulsion, and avionics could be at risk of unintended transfer to Moscow, citing India’s operation of Russian platforms like the Su-30MKI. These concerns echo Japan’s earlier apprehension about Saudi Arabia’s interest in joining GCAP, highlighting Tokyo’s cautious approach to expanding the program.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a January 2025 statement, supported Saudi Arabia’s inclusion, noting that additional partners could reduce costs, but Japan’s reservations underscore the delicate balance of trust in multinational defense projects. India’s regional dynamics further complicate the decision. The country remains locked in a decades-long territorial dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir, with frequent military skirmishes along the Line of Control. Pakistan operates a fleet of U.S.-supplied F-16s and Chinese-designed JF-17 Thunder jets, the latter a lightweight multirole fighter with a top speed of Mach 1.6 and a combat radius of 840 miles. Any move by India to join GCAP could be perceived as a threat in Islamabad, potentially escalating tensions or prompting Pakistan to deepen its own defense ties with China, which is developing the J-36, a tailless sixth-generation fighter concept unveiled in April 2025. China’s growing aerospace capabilities, including the J-20 and emerging J-36, add pressure on India to modernize its air force to maintain regional parity. The GCAP itself is not without challenges. In April 2025, Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto accused the UK of withholding critical technologies, raising concerns about the program’s collaborative spirit. “Britain is not fully sharing technologies with Italy and Japan,” Crosetto told Reuters, urging London to dismantle “barriers of selfishness.” The British Ministry of Defence responded by emphasizing GCAP’s role as a model of multinational collaboration, stating, “The technologies we are developing and the capabilities we are building together are at the cutting edge of science and engineering.” Despite these tensions, the program has progressed, with the establishment of the GCAP International Government Organisation [GIGO] to oversee development and a joint company formed by BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. to manage industrial efforts. Historically, multinational fighter jet programs have faced significant obstacles. The Eurofighter Typhoon, developed by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, encountered delays and cost overruns but ultimately produced a capable fourth-generation jet with a top speed of Mach 2 and a combat range of 1,150 miles.
The F-35 program, led by the U.S. with nine partner nations, has delivered over 1,000 aircraft but faced criticism for its $428bn lifecycle cost and technical issues. GCAP’s emphasis on equal partnership and technological sovereignty—allowing each nation to modify the aircraft independently—aims to avoid the pitfalls of past projects like the F-35, where partners had limited control over upgrades. India’s aerospace ambitions extend beyond GCAP. At Aero India 2025, held in Bengaluru from February 10 to 14, India unveiled a full-scale model of its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency. The AMCA, with a projected weight of 25 tons and a top speed of Mach 2.15, is intended to rival platforms like the F-35 and J-20, featuring AI-driven systems and manned-unmanned teaming capabilities. The program, expected to produce a prototype by 2028, reflects India’s determination to achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing. However, the AMCA’s development timeline and $15bn estimated cost could strain India’s resources, making GCAP an attractive option for accessing advanced technologies sooner. The broader implications of India’s potential involvement in GCAP extend to the Indo-Pacific’s security architecture. The Quad has emerged as a cornerstone of efforts to counter China’s assertiveness, with joint exercises and intelligence-sharing enhancing interoperability among its members. A successful GCAP partnership could strengthen the Quad’s military cohesion, enabling India to field a fighter compatible with Japanese and Western platforms. Conversely, it could prompt responses from China and Russia, potentially accelerating their own sixth-generation programs or deepening their support for Pakistan. The global defense market could also be affected, with GCAP’s projected 350 aircraft orders by 2035 creating opportunities for exports to nations like Vietnam or the Philippines, which face maritime disputes with China. From a U.S. perspective, India’s alignment with GCAP could reinforce Washington’s strategy of fostering partnerships to counter China, though it may complicate India’s participation in U.S.-led programs like the Next Generation Air Dominance [NGAD]. The NGAD, which includes the F-47 stealth fighter, has a projected cost of $5.72bn by 2029 and aims to integrate autonomous drones, much like GCAP. The U.S. has expressed interest in GCAP, with a Trump administration envoy advocating for American involvement in February 2025, but Japan’s focus on technological sovereignty may limit U.S. influence. The invitation to India marks a pivotal moment in the Indo-Pacific’s evolving security landscape. Japan’s outreach reflects a recognition of India’s growing military and economic clout, as well as the need for collective efforts to address regional challenges. Yet the path forward is fraught with complexities, from technological security concerns to geopolitical rivalries. India’s decision will hinge on its ability to balance domestic priorities, regional tensions, and global ambitions. As the GCAP moves toward full-scale development in 2025, with a prototype expected by 2027, the world will watch closely to see whether India embraces this opportunity to shape the future of air combat. The outcome could redefine alliances and influence the balance of power for decades to come, but will India’s strategic calculus align with Japan’s vision, or will caution prevail in New Delhi? (Source: Google/bulgarianmilitary.com/)
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