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EUROPE
24 Apr 26. Chess Dynamics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CHSnor, establishing a framework for collaboration that strengthens in-country support in Norway and reinforces the company’s long-term investment in the Nordic region. The MOU focuses on training, maintenance support and lifecycle capability development, supporting operational availability and sustained readiness for Norwegian customers.
This collaboration reflects Norway’s industrial cooperation principles, under which international suppliers contribute to national capability and industrial development. Through this MOU, Chess Dynamics will invest in knowledge transfer, structured training and in-country sustainment expertise, strengthening sovereign maintenance capability and supporting continuous operational readiness.
Andy Smith, Managing Director at Chess Dynamics said, ‘This agreement reflects our role as a long-term capability partner in the Nordic region. Our focus is on operational availability and sustained performance in demanding environments. By investing in local training, technical expertise and in-country support with CHSnor, we are strengthening our ability to keep equipment operational and mission ready, while building enduring regional relationships that support future growth’
Chess systems are engineered for long service lives in demanding operational environments, where availability is mission critical. Ensuring that equipment remains operational and combat ready throughout its lifecycle is central to the company’s approach.
Through collaboration with CHSnor, maintenance and support activities can increasingly be conducted within Norway, reducing turnaround times, improving responsiveness and supporting sustained operational readiness. CHSnor will also be positioned to hold appropriate spares locally, enabling faster in-service support and greater resilience.
Morten Eggen, CEO of CHSnor said, ‘This Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement. It demonstrates close cooperation between Norway and the United Kingdom in delivering sustainable defence capability. By working in partnership with Chess Dynamics, we can build local maintenance and support expertise in Norway, ensuring rapid response, high availability and long-term value for Norwegian operators.’
Training and knowledge transfer form a core part of Chess’ customer support model. The company routinely delivers structured operator and maintainer training packages alongside system delivery, ensuring customers can maximise performance, reliability and longevity from their equipment. Under the MOU, the companies will explore opportunities to extend this approach, building technical expertise within Norway and supporting long-term sustainment capability across the region.
The framework establishes a structured framework for collaboration and mutual assessment. The parties will work together to calibrate CHSnor’s market access capabilities and explore potential future cooperation in support of Nordic defence programmes, subject to appropriate governance and commercial processes.
29 Apr 26. Otokar Strengthens Its Commitment to Romania, Signs Acquisition Agreement. Otokar, Türkiye’s leading land systems exporter and a key supplier to NATO and the United Nations, announced the signature of the acquisition agreement of Automecanica S.A. and its manufacturing facility in Mediaș, Romania. The acquisition process is expected to be completed following the local regularity approvals. This investment will mark a defining step in Otokar’s European industrial strategy and reinforce the company’s long-term commitment to building sovereign defense manufacturing capabilities in Romania, in line with its obligations under the COBRA II ATBTU Program.
A Strategic Investment in Romania’s Defense Industry
Following the process initiated in January, the share purchase agreement for the acquisition of shares representing 96.77% of the capital of Automecanica S.A. was signed on April 29, 2026 for an approximate of 85 million EUR. Through this investment, Otokar becomes a defense manufacturer with production operations inside the European Union -a strategic milestone that positions the company to play a more active role in European military procurement processes. With the established production infrastructure, licensed facilities, and experienced industrial workforce, Otokar will not only deliver its contractual commitments but also make a lasting contribution to Romania’s defense industrial base.
“This investment is a concrete expression of Otokar’s long-term commitment to Romania,” said Mr. Aykut Özüner, Otokar CEO. “With this agreement, we are not simply fulfilling a contract -we are contributing to Romania’s industrial sovereignty and its capacity to support allied defense on NATO’s Eastern flank.”
COBRA II Production in Romania: Program on Track
The acquisition process has not slowed the pace of the program. Vehicles produced in Türkiye under the COBRA II ATBTU Program had already been manufactured, delivered to Romania, and are now deployed with the Romanian Armed Forces. In parallel, all production preparations at the Mediaș facility have been completed, and the initial phases of production are underway. Full assembly operations are scheduled to begin in June 2026.
NATO-Standard Production Infrastructure in Mediaș
Otokar is providing Romania with a modern, NATO-standard production infrastructure for armored vehicles -an asset that serves not only the current program but also the country’s broader defense industrial ambitions. The production scope at Mediaș covers the full manufacturing cycle -from metal cutting and welding through painting, assembly, and quality testing. To ensure local teams meet Otokar’s global standards, the company has implemented dedicated on-the-job training and knowledge-transfer programs for Romanian technical staff.
The Mediaș manufacturing site spans approximately 140,000 square meters landsize and currently employs more than 250 workers and technical staff. The facility is fully equipped with NATO-standard infrastructure and licenses required for serial armored vehicle production.
An Investment with Long-Term Impact
This investment represents Otokar’s commitment to Romania as a long-term industrial partner. The project brings advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities directly into Romania. Every stage of the COBRA II production cycle will be carried out on Romanian soil, by Romanian teams trained to international standards. This is not a transfer of finished products; it is a transfer of know-how, industrial process, and technical competence.
In a defense landscape where countries increasingly seek to develop sovereign production capabilities rather than depend on imported equipment, this model positions Romania as an active manufacturing nation within NATO’s industrial ecosystem. It also opens new export opportunities: vehicles produced in Mediaș can serve as a platform for Romania’s integration into European and NATO supply chains, generating lasting economic and strategic value well beyond the scope of the current contract.
About the COBRA II ATBTU Programme
In November 2024, Otokar signed a contract with C.N. Romtehnica S.A. for the delivery of 1,059 COBRA II 4×4 Tactical Wheeled Light Armored Vehicles to the Romanian Ministry of National Defense. The contract, valued at approximately 4.26 billion RON (around EUR 857 million, excluding VAT), is one of the most significant military vehicle procurement programs in Europe in recent years.
Under the program, a significant share of vehicles is to be produced locally, within a comprehensive industrial cooperation framework designed to support the development of Romania’s defense sector and strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense posture on the Alliance’s Eastern flank.
Otokar’s European and Global Presence
Otokar is a supplier to NATO and the United Nations, with more than 33,000 military vehicles actively serving in nearly 50 countries and in the inventories of over 80 end-users worldwide. The company’s armored vehicles are proven in diverse climates and high-risk operational environments, and are currently exported to nine European countries. This acquisition will mark the next step in a global growth strategy built on local partnerships, co-development, and in-country production — a model Otokar is committed to advancing across its allied and partner nations.
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30 Apr 26.The Department of the Air Force and the Netherlands Ministry of Defence have formalized a partnership to acquire prototype Collaborative Combat Aircraft, advancing a shared strategy to bring greater affordable mass to deter, and if necessary, defeat adversaries.
The agreement solidifies the Netherlands as a key international partner in the CCA program, a crucial step in the DAF strategy to strengthen alliances and enhance interoperability. The collaboration will focus on shared development of platform-agnostic, open architecture based, autonomous capabilities enabling seamless data sharing and interoperability in combined operations. The DAF is accelerating collaboration with international partners on multiple areas of CCA capabilities development.
“The future fight will be fought with allies and partners,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “By aligning our approaches early, we ensure interoperability and shared advantage in the era of human-machine teaming.”
The prototype CCA aircraft will be part of the Netherlands contribution to the CCA program in which the Netherlands will learn alongside the U.S. at the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU), headquartered at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The EOU serves as the engine for developing concepts of operations for CCA, creating a tight feedback loop between the warfighter and developer. This experimental approach allows for continuous refinement of mission autonomy in realistic scenarios demonstrating safe and effective human-machine teaming.
“CCA will fundamentally change how we project airpower. Working with trusted allies allows us to field these capabilities more effectively,” said Col. Timothy Helfrich, portfolio acquisition executive for fighters and advanced aircraft. “The collaboration on open architecture based autonomous platforms is critical to ensuring our forces are interoperable and ready for combined operations.”
This landmark agreement underscores a mutual commitment to a future where CCA expand combat mass, increase survivability, and deliver a decisive advantage for the Joint and Coalition Force.
(Source: CLARION
30 Apr 26. Belgium is looking for a new industrial partner to help create a new, comprehensive counter-UAS (C-UAS) system-of-systems solution to protect its infrastructure and troops.
To discover the appropriate partner, Belgium’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched a competition on 21 April, inviting interested companies to submit their requests to participate by 11 May.
Spanning a 10-year period, the successful partner will be required to deliver, install, maintain, and iterate the C-UAS system, which will feature a broad range of C-UASs, from active and passive sensors to effectors.
What is the requirement?
The operational requirement is driven by the rapid proliferation of uncrewed systems, which now pose a persistent threat to frontline units, infrastructure, and assets.
To address this, Belgium is demanding a multi-tiered C-UAS solution capable of shielding forces in any state – whether at fixed sites, semi-permanent bases, or for highly mobile deployments, the MoD said.
At the heart of this system-of-systems will be a C-UAS command-and-control architecture. It is “the vital component”, ensuring that “all subsystems are integrated and remain integrated within one overarching operational capability.”
The chosen partner must act as the integrator, ensuring all the technologies cooperate effectively.
Additional systems will be procured as the technology and threat evolves, so the C-UAS solution must be highly modular, the MoD said.
Despite not attributing any financial value to the competition, the requirement for a multi-tiered solution that can protect a range of different forces and sites over a 10-year period will require significant investment.
Belgium has been a defence spending laggard. However, following in the footsteps of its allies, Belgium increased defence spending from 1.3% to 2% of GDP last year.
It also unveiled a EUR33.8 billion defence spending programme to significantly enhance its military capabilities in July. The plan details the MoD’s spending priorities for 2026 through 2034. (Source: CLARION
REST OF THE WORLD
24 Apr 26 DSA 2026: Artillery duel awaits resolution in Malaysia
The Malaysian Army currently has a tender out for two regiments’ worth of 105mm towed howitzers to replace ageing OTO Melara Mod 56 guns. Several contenders showed their respective solutions at DSA 2026, held in Kuala Lumpur from 20-23 April.
KNDS of France could be considered the incumbent, since it – when still known as Nexter – supplied 18 LG1 Mk III 105mm artillery pieces to Malaysia via a 2018 contract. These were duly allocated to the 1st Regiment, Royal Artillery (Para).
KNDS is competing for this latest requirement too, which constitutes 36 artillery pieces. At its booth at DSA, the company exhibited one of the 1,650kg LG1 howitzers supplied to Malaysia.
KNDS has partnered again with Malaysian firm Advanced Defence Systems (ADS) for this tender. The two signed a memorandum of understanding at DSA 2026 covering cooperation regarding the LG1 and CAESAR. The MoU aims to increase the competency of ADS in assembling, integrating and testing the LG1 gun.
Asked whether having the LG1 already in service gives an advantage, Amaury de Poncins, Director of Global Export Business Development at KNDS, told Asian Military Review: “For sure in terms of compatibility, in particular with the existing [Thales] fire control system called AS4000, which is already deployed in the first regiment and currently installed on all systems such as the G5 from Denel.”
KNDS/Nexter supplied 18 LG1 Mk III 105mm towed howitzers to the Malaysian Army via a 2018 contract, and it is hoping for repeat success. (Gordon Arthur)
De Poncins also highlighted how KNDS has developed local capabilities related to maintenance and servicing through ADS. “It will only facilitate the partnership and the serviceability of the system in the future,” he shared.
Another strong contender is MKE of Turkey, which brought a Boran 105mm artillery piece to DSA 2026. This 1,775kg weapon system entered Turkish service in 2021, and it has also been delivered to Bangladesh and North Macedonia.
Regarding Malaysia’s requirement, Tolga Çelic, Deputy General Manager at MKE, told AMR, “We’re in that tender, and we’re shortlisted with Boran. We’d like to deliver Boran to Malaysia, and we’re ready to have strategic cooperation with Malaysia as well.” This includes maintenance and even extends to local assembly.
The Boran conducted a live-fire demonstration alongside other competitors in Malaysia in May 2025, where it fired twelve rounds in just 46 seconds. The air-transportable Boran can be ready to fire within one minute. MKE is also promoting the Boran to the Philippines.
Also of relevance to Malaysia, Hyundai WIA from South Korea displayed a scale model of its KH178 105mm towed gun at the same DSA exhibition.
Although a company representative declined to discuss Hyundai WIA’s interest in the Malaysian tender, it is notable that the company showcased an actual example of its mobile 105mm light self-propelled howitzer (SPH).
This is the 105mm self-propelled howitzer from Hyundai WIA, which comprises a KH178 mounted on a Kia KLTV 4×4 vehicle. (Gordon Arthur)
This 7-tonne weapon comprises a digitised KH178 105mm howitzer mounted on a Kia Motors KLTV K351 4×4 tactical vehicle. Such a solution offers superior mobility to a towed howitzer, and it can be transported under-slung from a Chinook helicopter.
This Malaysian tender for 36 105mm towed howitzers was issued in late 2025, and the selection of a winner is awaited.
Staying with artillery, Malaysia also issued a tender for a truck-mounted 155mm SPH and this closed in late 2025. Six systems were tested, and media reports indicate that KNDS’s CAESAR 6×6 and the Konstrukta Defence Eva M2 from Slovakia are the two most likely options.
The CASEAR has attracted 14 customers to date. Nearby, the Indonesian Army possesses three battalions of CAESARs, plus Thailand is also an operator of the French SPH.
Despite expectations, no SPH contract was announced at DSA 2026.
source ADJ
23 Apr 26. UK–Indonesia Launch Flagship Maritime Partnership Programme. Together with the British Embassy Jakarta, British Chamber of Commerce and Indonesian partners we’ve formally launched the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP), a flagship agreement to deepen UK–Indonesia cooperation across maritime defence, fisheries, industrial capability and skills development.
The event, held in Jakarta, was attended by Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, UK Minister for Aviation, Maritime, and Decarbonisation Keir Mather, Babcock Chief Executive David Lockwood OBE, British Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey CVO OBE, businesses, senior government officials, academia and others.
We signed four landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading universities, industry partners and key programme stakeholders. The MOUs span workforce development, education, scholarships, and industrial capability – supporting Indonesia’s maritime goals and the delivery of the MPP, and include:
- Chevening Scholarships: We’ll fund 30 UK Government Chevening Scholarships for Indonesian students over three years, supporting future maritime and industrial leaders.
- University Consortium: We’ve partnered with six UK and Indonesian universities to build maritime education and skills capacity aligned to MPP capability priorities, enabling education, research and innovation opportunities. The consortium comprises Newcastle University, the University of Strathclyde, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, Universitas Indonesia, and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember.
- Naval and Maritime Technology: We’ll collaborate with PT Len Industri on naval and maritime technology development, including the potential use of DEFEND ID facilities.
- Shipbuilding Collaboration: An MOU has been signed with PT Citra Shipyard to explore shipbuilding, skills, technology transfer and supply chain cooperation.
The MOUs reflect a deliberate strategy to invest across the full spectrum of Indonesia’s maritime development launch and build on the £4bn UK-Indonesia maritime deal signed in November 2025, reinforcing commitments under the UK-Indonesia Strategic Partnership launched by President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London on 20 January 2026.
Our Chief Executive, David Lockwood OBE, said: “Indonesia is a key strategic partner for Babcock, and these milestone agreements underscore the depth of our global experience and world-class capabilities. We’re here for the long haul – investing in Indonesian people, Indonesian industry and Indonesia’s future as a leading maritime nation. These partnerships will help bring that commitment to life and we look forward to continuing our strong and enduring relationship.”
British Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey CVO OBE, said: “The Maritime Partnership Programme is the Strategic Partnership in action, an example of how our strong international relationships are delivering real benefit for people at home in jobs, opportunity and growth. It highlights the UK and Indonesia’s shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order.
“Together we are strengthening maritime resilience, supporting industry, and expanding opportunities for the next generation of Indonesian leaders. This is a partnership built on shared ambition, one that will deliver lasting benefits for Indonesia and the UK. Diplomasi, Kolaborasi dan Prestasi!”
Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia, Ian Betts, said: “The British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia warmly welcomes the launch of the UK-Indonesia Maritime Partnership Programme, which marks a significant step forward in deepening our bilateral economic and industrial ties. Babcock’s investment, including its role in advancing Indonesia’s frigate capability through the Arrowhead 140 programme, demonstrates the strength of UK maritime expertise and its long-term commitment to Indonesia’s maritime ambitions. This partnership goes beyond defence, supporting local industry development, skill transfer, and broader maritime ecosystem growth across Indonesia. In doing so, it reflects a shared vision for resilient, sustainable, and secure maritime infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific. Britcham looks forward to supporting the continued collaboration between UK and Indonesian partners as this programme progresses.”
The post UK–Indonesia Launch Flagship Maritime Partnership Programme appeared first on Babcock International Group.
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Since 1946, Industrial Electronic Engineers, IEE, has specialized in the design, test, support and fielding of display products for use in demanding military and aerospace applications throughout the world. IEE has developed an extensive product portfolio that today includes enhanced flat panel displays, smart displays and handheld devices.
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