MISSILE, ARTILLERY, HYPERSONICS, BALLISTICS AND SOLDIER SYSTEMS UPDATE

Sponsored by Galvion

www.galvion.com

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16 Feb 25. Galvion announces the receipt of Middle Eastern orders for 35,000 helmets, at IDEX 2025. Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative head systems, power and data management solutions, and integrated soldier systems, announced the receipt of several recent orders from the Middle Eastern region for a total of 35,000 Baltskin® helmet systems. This announcement coincides with the IDEX exhibition taking place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 17-21 February 2025. At the event, Galvion will be exhibiting at booth 14-C31. The 35,000 head systems ordered are split between two of Galvion’s Batlskin® helmet platforms: the Baltskin VIPER® and Baltskin PDxT™ variants. Galvion’s PDxT geometry was recently introduced to their commercial helmet portfolio under the name Batlskin Hellbender™. Galvion is unable to disclose specific details related to all orders received, however a trusted regional partner of Galvion’s is amongst the most recent customers that has placed orders for over 100,000 helmets in the last 10 years for use by Armed Forces and security services in the region. Galvion’s Batlskin VIPER® A1 Special Edition is a high-cut ACH shaped aramid helmet. The Special Edition system was specifically developed for a regional customer in coyote brown, with a custom camo helmet cover and a bespoke helmet bag. Elsewhere in the region, further orders were received for Galvion’s Batlskin PDxT™ helmet. The PDxT platform is battle-proven, with multiple variants in service across international helmet programs. The unique geometry features an ACH-front with smooth ear transition and a ridged back, offering structural rigidity, increased rear ballistic protection and improved impact protection. Both helmet systems on order feature Galvion’s customizable, comfort-fit Modular Suspension System (MSS). The MSS retention system is designed to maximize comfort, stability, air circulation, and protection during long periods of wear.

Alex Hooper, Vice President Strategic Markets at Galvion, said: “Galvion has a long history of supporting our Middle East customers, and we have developed a series of trusted partnerships in the region over many years. These most recent orders are a testament to our successful relationships in the area, and further evidence of Galvion’s global position as the head system provider of choice.” Hooper added: “We’re excited to be able to make this announcement at IDEX, where we are exhibiting the full breadth of our capabilities. This includes our portfolio of head systems, as well as our expanded Nerv Centr® power and data management solutions, which are ideally suited to remote and austere environments with low power availability. We see a significant opportunity for military clients in the region to benefit from our advanced, integrated soldier systems, and we look forward to further supporting our allied Armed Forces across the Middle East.”

13 Feb 25. NATO launched two new multinational High-Visibility initiatives to further enhance the protection of its airspace and strengthen its deterrence and defence. At a signing ceremony held at NATO Headquarters, 15 Allies committed to developing more efficient solutions to lower-level air threats – that is, threats flying below 500 feet/150 meters, which is less than half the height of the Eiffel Tower. NATO launches two new multinational High-Visibility initiatives to further enhance the protection of its airspace and strengthen its deterrence and defence. In addition, the same 15 Allies (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Türkiye and the United Kingdom), plus Czechia, launched a multinational initiative on passive air surveillance, such as noise detection, which is essential to identify incoming threats undetectable by active air surveillance capabilities such as radars and satellites. The war in Ukraine has shown how effective and dangerous technologies such as small drones can play in conflict. Increasing NATO’s ability to detect, identify, track and respond to these new threats while exploiting technological advances for enhanced deterrence and defence is essential to the Alliance Through the lower-level air threat and passive air surveillance projects, participating Allies will seek to develop and acquire new capabilities together, but also increase interoperability between national capabilities at reduced costs and higher operational benefits. At the ceremony, Allies also welcomed new members to existing projects. Romania joined Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom in the Modular Solution for Ground Based Air Defence Capabilities (Modular GBAD). Launched in 2023, the project aims at developing a modular solution to counter air threats at very short, short and medium range. Portugal and Türkiye joined the Multinational Ammunition Warehousing Initiative (MAWI), which seeks to reinforce and streamline the prepositioning and management of ammunition stockpiles. Established in 2021, the initiative now counts participation from 26 Allies (Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the United Kingdom), and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The United Kingdom became the twenty-first member of the Cross-Border Airspace initiative. Launched in October 2023, the initiative aims to increase coordination between Allied civil and military authorities on the use of airspace for NATO training and exercises, and other air activities in several regions of Europe. Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Türkiye also participate in this project. (Source: Google/ASD Network)

13 Feb 25. India expects $200m missile deal with Philippines this year, sources say.

Summary
Companies
Philippines interested in buying India’s Akash missiles
Order likely to be placed in fiscal year starting April
Manila building up military as tension grows with China
Deal will be 2nd major defence export contract with Manila

India expects to sell short-range missiles to the Philippines this year in a deal worth more than $200m, Indian sources told Reuters, for New Delhi’s second major defence export contract with Manila as tension grows with China. The Akash missile system developed by India’s defence research body has drawn interest from the Philippines, which has told New Delhi it would make an order in the fiscal year that begins in April, said three sources. All the sources spoke on condition of anonymity as the matter is a sensitive one. The surface-to-air missile system with a range of up to 25 km (16 miles) was exported to Armenia last year in a $230m deal, the sources said, adding that the Philippine sale is expected to be bigger than the Armenian deal. However, they did not reveal the number of missiles and accompanying systems, including radars, involved. (Source: Reuters)

14 Feb 25. Aero India 2025: DRDO develops extended-range PGM. India’s state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Launched Missile – Extended Range (ULM-ER) munition for unmanned aerial applications. Adani Defence and Aerospace showcased a model of the ULM-ER at the Aero India 2025 show held in Bangalore from 10 to 14 February. Speaking to Janes, Adani officials said the company is one of the manufacturing partners of ULM-ER and is currently preparing for initial trials, which are likely to be scheduled for mid-2025. The ULM-ER, an extended-range variant of DRDO’s UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM) air-to-surface missile, features passive homing with an imaging infrared (IR) seeker for both day and night operations. The 12.5 kg fire-and-forget missile is powered by a small dual-thrust solid propulsion unit, enabling it to achieve a maximum range of 4 km during the day and 2.5 km at night. Communication is facilitated via a two-way datalink. With multiple warhead options, the munition is designed to engage various static and moving targets. Adani and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are key manufacturing partners for the ULPGM project, while the DRDO is responsible for the development and testing of the munitions. There are three known ULPGM variants: ULPGM V1 (baseline), ULPGM V2 (production variant, also known as ULPGM), and ULPGM V3 (extended-range variant, also referred to as ULM-ER). The primary differences between V1, V2, and V3 lie in enhancements to guidance systems, performance, and range. Adani and DRDO officials declined to provide specific details on the modifications and production timelines. (Source: Janes)

12 Feb 25. Aero India 2025: BEL signs partnership with Safran to produce Hammer. Safran Electronics & Defense (Safran) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have initiated a partnership to manufacture the Armement Air‐Sol Modulaire (AASM) Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (Hammer) smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India. The Hammer is built around three modular sections: a guidance unit (with several options), the warhead and fuze section, and the tail kit (housing the folding fins and rocket motor). According to a joint statement from Safran and BEL, the partnership will create a joint venture (JV) to manufacture, customise, sell, and maintain the Hammer. The statement was issued on 11 February during the Aero India 2025 show held in Bangalore. A Safran source told Janes on 12 February that the JV will be ready in the middle of 2025. “Thereafter, it depends on BEL to determine how quickly it can set up a production line to manufacture the weapon,” the source said. BEL had not commented on the matter at the time of publication. However, BEL chairman and managing director (CMD) Manoj Jain said in a statement that the JV will “localise” production of the Hammer, while “enabling the development of future variants”. Janes understands that BEL will be able to sell the Hammer to external customers. The Hammer comes in four variants – the AASM 125, AASM 250, AASM 500, and AASM 1000 – depending on the weight of the munition. The variants also have varying ranges. However, Safran declined to specify the variants that BEL will produce. (Source: Janes)

12 Feb 25. British innovation and Soviet-designed missiles help Ukraine take the fight to Russia. A new British-built surface-to-air missile system is being supplied to Ukraine which it’s hoped could be a solution to one of Kyiv’s biggest problems – a lack of air defence. Gravehawk has been developed from scratch in just 18 months and will be used to combat Russian aircraft, missiles and drones. It’s highly innovative, relatively cheap – and deadly.

Defence Secretary John Healey, who was visiting Nato headquarters in Brussels, said the system was proof of Britain’s long-term commitment to Ukraine in its war with Russia.

The system is housed inside an ordinary ISO shipping container, meaning it can be quickly deployed on the back of a lorry, known as a Drops vehicle. Once on the ground, the roof of the container can be rolled back to reveal the missile system inside, which is made up of two weapons rails taken from Soviet-era fighter jets such as the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. And that part of the design is key because it allows the system to fire Cold War-designed Vympel R-73 missiles, known to Nato as the AA-11 Archer. These missiles, which are able to reach speeds of Mach 2.5 and have a range of 20 miles, are short-range weapons that are usually used for air-to-air combat. And Ukraine has huge stocks of them – a legacy of its Soviet past. What British engineers have done is adapt these R-73s so they can be fired from a ground-based system instead. On top of the container is a camera system that uses passive IR to locate a target. Gravehawk is designed to shoot down large drones such as the Iranian-supplied Shahed, as well as Russian aircraft and missiles. The use of IR also means the system itself doesn’t emit a radar signal so it’s less vulnerable to being detected. Gravehawk took less than a year-and-a-half to develop at a cost of £6m. It was developed by a small team at the MOD called Taskforce Kindred, which oversees the supply of UK weapons and equipment to Ukraine. A number of UK defence firms were involved, but who they were is classified. So far two systems are in use with the Ukrainian military – and the MOD says they’ve already been used successfully on the frontline. A further 15 of these are due to be delivered to Kyiv this financial year. Each Gravehawk system costs around £1m, with Denmark paying half the cost. The R-73 has proved its worth to Ukraine in other ways too – this was the same missile that the Ukrainians attached to a marine drone in December and used to shoot down a Russian helicopter over the Black Sea. The Ukrainians initially didn’t want Gravehawk, instead they wanted more air-to-air missiles and F-16 Fighting Falcons. But having seen it in action they are now apparently sold on it – and want lots more. (Source: forces.net)

12 Feb 25. Olin Corporation (NYSE: OLN) announced that its Winchester division, in collaboration with the U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC), celebrated the groundbreaking of the new 6.8mm Ammunition Facility at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP). This facility is part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program and represents a significant step in the Army’s modernization efforts.

Ken Lane, Olin President & CEO, noted during his remarks at the event, “Olin Winchester has a rich history in ammunition manufacturing excellence and support of the U.S. Military. We are proud to build on this American legacy through this opportunity to partner with the U.S. Army to construct this transformational facility and bring new capabilities to the Warfighter.”

The ceremony featured remarks from Ken Lane, Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, and Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester. Liz Miranda, U.S. Army Material Command’s (AMC) Executive Deputy to the Commanding General, Brigadier General Ronnie Anderson, Commander of the Joint Munitions Command (JMC), Staff from Congressman Sam Graves and Senator Eric Schmitt’s office, and other federal, state, and local representatives were among the more than 100 special guests in attendance.

“This facility will represent a significant step forward in equipping our Soldiers with the advanced munitions they need to maintain overmatch on the battlefield,” noted Maj. Gen. John T. Reim. “With 90% of the work supported by industries in the Kansas City region and nearly 50 local businesses involved in the construction, this project will strengthen the defense industrial base, create well-paying jobs, and drive economic growth in the local community. Lake City has been central to our nation’s ammunition production since 1941, and this facility builds on that proud and historic legacy.”

The 450,000 square foot advanced ammunition production facility will be capable of manufacturing all components of 6.8mm ammunition as well as finished rounds for the U.S. military, reinforcing the iconic legacy of LCAAP and its vital role in national defense.Olin Corporation (NYSE: OLN) announced that its Winchester division, in collaboration with the U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC), celebrated the groundbreaking of the new 6.8mm Ammunition Facility at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP). This facility is part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program and represents a significant step in the Army’s modernization efforts.

12 Feb 25. IWI – Israel Weapon Industries, a member of the SK Group founded by Mr. Samy Katsav, and a global leader in combat-proven small arms production for military, police, law enforcement agencies, and governmental entities worldwide, unveils the next-generation computerized small arms system – ARBEL. This advanced iteration builds upon the groundbreaking 2024 design, introducing critical enhancements for modern combat scenarios: precision-guided suppression fire for light machine guns and rifle-based counter-drone capabilities.

The upgraded ARBEL system maintains its core ability to increase operator lethality, accuracy, and survivability by up to three times compared to unassisted firing. It compensates for declining physical and mental abilities due to exertion, fatigue, and stress, particularly in scenarios where enemies appear briefly, typically for about 3 seconds.

For the IWI NEGEV Light Machine Gun (LMG), the ARBEL-NEGEV, an Enhanced Trigger System configuration adds only 900g via grip replacement, preserving full-auto functionality while introducing an ARBEL-assisted burst mode. This enhancement addresses the critical need for ammunition conservation in prolonged engagements. The ARBEL-ARAD version, with a simple replacement of the lower receiver, significantly enhances precision and increases hit probability. Maintaining all standard weapon controls, it empowers the operator with a breakthrough capability to effectively engage aerial threats using their standard rifle. The ARBEL-ARAD allows operators to simply aim, press the trigger, and fire, using the same weapon and optics they are already trained on, ensuring minimal training time. The ARBEL system supports engagement distances of up to approximately 450 meters, depending on the selected operational mode. No additional equipment is required for effective drone interception; shooters can stabilize their weapon using bipods or any available support. It is compatible with IWI ARAD and any AR-15 platform chambered in 5.56mm.

“The enhanced ARBEL system not only improves the frontline soldier’s ability to neutralize aerial threats using their personal weapon, but also significantly enhances the precision and lethality of our NEGEV Light Machine Gun,” said Ronen Hamudot, Executive VP of Marketing & Sales at IWI. “The ARBEL-ARAD system delivers groundbreaking capability in counter-drone warfare, enabling real-time engagement with aerial threats with exceptional precision. Undergoing rigorous operational evaluation and field testing, the system is proving its impact across diverse combat scenarios. These advancements redefine infantry combat, reinforcing ARBEL’s core strengths of increased lethality, accuracy, and survivability.”

Designed for seamless integration, ARBEL maintains full firearm functionality even if the battery is depleted. The system offers up to 50 hours of continuous operation with the safety on. It is optic-agnostic and supports multiple mission configurations. It meets the highest military standards, including MIL-STD-810 for harsh environmental conditions, ensuring reliability in demanding combat situations. At IDEX and Enforce-Tac, IWI will showcase various ARAD models in 5.56mm and 7.62mm calibers, alongside a new lightweight NEGEV variant, the NEGEV-7 ULMG – Ultra Light Machine Gun, in addition to other IWI platforms. For more information, please visit: https://iwi.net/arbel/

11 Feb 25. German rocket artillery pick tests the waters on US arms dependence. Germany’s adoption of the Israeli-designed PULS rocket artillery weapon is set to emerge as a test case for European nations diversifying their arms suppliers away from American contractors that have dominated the market for decades. Leaders in Berlin formalized the decision in favor of the Precise and Universal Launching System, or PULS, made by Elbit, last week, as the contractor announced a $57 m contract. German lawmakers had approved the funds late last year, with an initial five systems to be procured. For Germany, a key PULS feature is that it can fire rockets of various calibers, ranging from 122mm to 370mm, produced by different manufacturers. On its website, Elbit claims the system “can fire a variety of ammunition types to various ranges from the same position, to ranges of up to 300 [kilometers].” Germany’s preference for the weapon as a candidate for replacing its existing multiple-rocket launch system, or MLRS, arsenal, sold by Lockheed Martin and named MARS II here, has irked the U.S. defense giant, who fears losing out market share for rockets, in particular. Experts said the market dynamics in artillery resemble those of desktop printers and ink cartridges in the world of office supplies: Once a government opts for launcher, its armed forces are locked into the vendors lineup of missiles. In particular, the standard, single-warhead, guided munition for the Lockheed lineup, known as GMLRS Unitary, can typically be fired only from the company’s launchers, which are mounted on tracked or wheeled vehicles. The wheeled variant, known as HIMARS, has famously proven successful in beating back invading Russian forces in Ukraine. Kyiv’s Western backers have donated launchers and GMLRS missiles in considerable numbers since the war began almost three years ago. There is an exception in the way Germany and a small group of European countries have been able to use their Lockheed MRLS launchers, and specifically, what kinds of missiles the system’s fire control system will accept. In the context of the European Fire Control System, Berlin has long had U.S. government approval to fire non-U.S. munitions, namely a type of rocket for scattering AT2 antitank mines, which Germany has also donated to Ukraine. Last year, as Germany had signaled an interest in PULS, Washington updated the scope of the agreement for using interface documents specific to the U.S. M-270 fire control system, Defense News has learned. The change, sources said, effectively meant Berlin would not have permission to launch Lockheed’s missiles out of PULS. German defense officials declined to comment on the change or describe it in detail, referring only to a “political” holdup — versus a technical incompatibility — that would now rest with the Trump administration for resolution. A Ministry of Defense spokesman told Defense News that Elbit had “confirmed the technical feasibility of firing the GMLRS Unitary rockets.”

Lockheed turned up the heat last summer in marketing its competing offer for Germany’s rocket artillery upgrade, which the company calls GMARS. If Germany wanted to use its stock of GMLRS rockets, no product other than GMARS would do, executives said. In essence, the entire family of Lockheed missiles would be off the table for the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, they argued. It’s unclear how many GMLRS missiles Germany has in its inventory. In 2020, the Bundeswehr ordered 1,818 new unitary missiles of this type for a total of €278m ($289m). Germany has since donated a number of the rockets to Ukraine, though the Ministry of Defence has not included figures in its running list of military aid.

Meanwhile, there appears to be little urgency in Berlin to resolve the PULS-Lockheed incompatibility. For one, the Bundeswehr still has between 35 and 40 MARS launchers for firing whatever GMLRS inventory is left. In addition, there is an expectation that future orders for the missile would lead the U.S. government to soften its restrictive stance on mandatory launchers.

“Demand can create interoperability,” quipped one defense official.

There is also the calculus of leaning on German and European companies to build missiles in the variants and ranges that Lockheed is offering. Such a move would also eliminate unpredictability that comes with the U.S. Army, as Lockheed’s primary customer, dictating the missile production cadence for international customers, the thinking in Berlin goes. (Source: Defense News)

11 Feb 25. Aero India 2025: DRDO unveils 155 mm ramjet projectile. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed a new 155 mm ramjet projectile for Bharat Forge Limited’s (BFL’s) 155 mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) at the Aero India 2025 show in Bangalore. A DRDO spokesperson told Janes on 10 February that it is currently “establishing the technology” that sits behind the munition. He said the projectile is intended to extend the range of the ATAGS by up to 80 km compared with its existing range of 45 km. India’s Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi announced in January in a press conference that a contract to procure ATAGS is expected to be finalised by March 2025. The DRDO spokesperson told Janes that the Indian Army will receive 307 ATAGS units under this deal. ATAGS was jointly developed during the 2010s by DRDO in collaboration with industry partners, including BFL and its subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) as well as Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence, ATAGS weighs 12 tonnes. It can fire six rounds in 30 seconds and five successive rounds in a short duration. (Source: Janes)

10 Feb 25. France in advanced talks to buy Indian rocket launcher system, Indian official says.

Summary
India aims to boost local arms production and exports
Pinaka system demonstrated to French delegation, found satisfactory
Modi and Macron to hold bilateral talks in Paris

France is in advanced talks with India to buy a multi-barrel rocket launcher system, a top Indian official said on Monday, a potential deal that would be the first time India’s second-largest arms supplier buys weapons from New Delhi. India is the world’s biggest arms importer, but has been trying to boost local production to meet its defence requirements and has been steadily raising its defence exports. The domestically made Pinaka rocket system with a range of up to 90 km (56 miles) was demonstrated to a French delegation in India around three months ago and was found to be satisfactory, a second official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “France is in active talks for Pinaka,” Ummalaneni Raja Babu, the director general of missiles and strategic systems at India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, said on the sidelines of the Aero India aerospace exhibition in the southern city of Bengaluru. (Source: Google/Reuters)

11 Feb 25. Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will provide a first supply of Laser Beam Riding MANPAD (LBRM) Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) Missiles and launchers to the Indian Ministry of Defence. This is a major success, following on from the signing of the Partnership Agreement in 2021 between Thales and BDL to work on the LBRM, with the support of the Indian and UK Governments.

This agreement will improve India’s Air Defence capabilities to enable them to enhance their national security with a highly accurate and countermeasure-resistant up-to-date technology.
LBRM, manufactured up to 60% in India, are short-range, man-portable, air-defence systems and optimised to provide defence against air threats, including fixed-wing Fighter Ground Attack aircraft and late unmasking Attack Helicopters, as well as drones.

Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are proud to announce the signing of an initial supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM) in response to a requirement set out by the Indian Government to support India’s air defence capabilities.

This initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers will be delivered this year and represents the first time that India has received this latest VSHORAD capability. This step confirms the foundation of a long-term collaboration and manufacturing partnership between Thales and BDL. In the spirit of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, this partnership will serve the current and future requirements of the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Thales, together with BDL, is committed to the transfer of technology (ToT) of battle proven capabilities to India to equip the Indian Armed Forces.

This contract represents the first major agreement since the establishment of the United Kingdom’s Defence Partnership-India, a bespoke programme office breaking down barriers to trade and offering government-to-government contracting, where appropriate, further solidifying the defence and security relationship between the two nations. This contract also reflects Thales’ long-term partnership of 70+ years with India, serving as a testimony to its continued growth.

A production partnership with India will also increase UK production at the Thales Belfast site, where LBRM is designed.

Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, said: “This exciting collaboration is just one of the ways that we are growing our defence relationship and partnership with India. While supporting India’s air defence capability and global security, this agreement also demonstrates defence as an engine for growth and delivers on the government’s Plan for Change.”

“This is a momentous occasion for all the stakeholders involved in the development of LBRM Air Defence solutions. It signifies the beginning of an exciting chapter in our collaboration with BDL, contributing to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The UK-India strategic partnership finds renewed strength through this contract, which is poised to make a significant impact in the domain of air defence in India.” declared Pascale Sourisse, President & CEO, Thales International.

10 Feb 25. Patria delivered advanced acoustic minesweeping systems to the Royal Norwegian Navy. Patria has completed the delivery of new acoustic minesweeping systems to the Royal Norwegian Navy, which has been using the Patria SONAC ACS minesweeping systems since spring 2024. The Royal Norwegian Navy has now the most advanced acoustic minesweeping capability, as endorsed by the squadron commander, Commander Bengt Berdal: “We are excited to operate Patria SONAC ACS as part of our MCM influence mine sweeping system following the recent retirement of our high-end ELMA-AGATE sweep. SONAC ACS has so far offered excellent handling and very promising performance, operation and reliability. The Norwegian Navy considers this new influence minesweeping capability as one of the most sophisticated influence minesweeping in service today.” Patria SONAC ACS is an essential asset for efficiently clearing influence minefields. It outsmarts advanced mine algorithms with its superior acoustics, capable of generating high sound pressure across a broad frequency range with excellent sound quality. Patria SONAC ACS can effectively simulate any ship’s sound and is suitable for Mine Setting Mode (MSM) and Target Simulation Mode (TSM). Patria developed the system using its unique expertise in vessel signature measurement, influence mine technologies, and minesweeping. The remote operation of the acoustic sweeping gear is easy and simple in real-time. During the mission, the operator selects the desired acoustic signal from a signature library and initiates the acoustic sweeping with it. Alternatively, operator can design a custom signal for acoustic sweeping when needed. During the sweeping, smooth operation is enabled by user-friendly interface that provides controls and settings for the sweep as well as views to monitor status of the system. Patria SONAC ACS is a compact and light-weighted acoustic sweep system that is easy to integrate, handle and operate in modern USV based minesweeping operations.

10 Feb 25. Thales has delivered the first drone system for mine countermeasures to the French Navy, as part of the MMCM (Maritime Mine Counter Measures) programme.

World first: this is the first autonomous surface drone system in service with a navy.
Thales achieves a technological breakthrough with autonomous, cyber-secure drone systems that include Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Group is involved in redefining the operational concept for mine warfare.

Thales delivered the first serial production system of mine countermeasure drones to the French Navy in December 2024. This is a world first, as part of the Franco-British MMCM program, led by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) and under the aegis of OCCAR1. A real technological breakthrough in the conduct of mine countermeasure missions, this system helps reduce sailors’ exposure to danger and contributes to the security of the maritime domain, which is the backbone of the global economy.

The first system delivered to the French Navy includes a surface drone (USV – Unmanned Surface Vehicle) equipped with the towed sonar TSAM for the detection and classification of naval mines. Its operations can be controlled from land, from a mother ship, or from an opportunistic vessel, thereby enabling mine countermeasure missions to be carried out while reducing crew exposure to danger. Thales, the systems provider and integrator for the MMCM program, is at the forefront of drone systems for naval mine countermeasures, with innovative solutions such as the SAMDIS multi-view sonar, the portable e-POC operations centre, the M-Cube mission management system, and the Mi-Map data analysis application, recognized for its exceptional performance and low false alarm rate, particularly due to the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The compact 12-metre naval surface drone is designed to be air transportable, allowing for deployment within 48 hours aboard an A400M and can be embarked on the future Mine Warfare Vessel (BGDM).

Thales and its partners are proud to have met the challenges associated with their role as pioneers. Within the SLAMF1 program, France will receive 6 USV in 2025: 3 system-of-systems, each comprising 2 USVs, will be delivered to the French Navy, in addition to the prototype system already delivered and updated. The British Royal Navy will also receive 4 system-of-systems, each consisting of one USV, during 2025.

“The United Kingdom and France have set an ambitious goal: to transform their mine countermeasure capabilities by adopting new disruptive operational concepts. Thales is proud to be at the heart of this transformation, which positions both nations as pioneers in autonomous naval systems. Our Group, a world leader in mine countermeasures, reaffirms its position as an innovative and reliable partner that navies can count on to develop their strategic capabilities.” said Philippe Duhamel, Executive Vice-President, Defence Mission Systems, Thales.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialising in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space and Cyber & Digital.

It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4bn a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G. Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 bn.

1OCCAR: Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation

2SLAMF – Système de Lutte Anti-mines Marines Futur (future naval mine countermeasures system) is an advanced naval mine countermeasures system being developed primarily by the French Navy. This system aims to enhance the ability to detect, classify, and neutralize underwater mines, which pose a significant threat to naval operations and maritime security.

07 Feb 25. Israeli Navy conducts operational test launch of Gabriel 5 missile. Soldiers of the Israeli Navy’s Missile Ship Flotilla, the Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) in the Israel Ministry of Defense, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) successfully completed an operational test launch to maintain and enhance the firing capabilities of the “Gabriel 5” sea-to-sea missile. As part of the test, a missile was launched toward a vessel simulating an enemy ship.

During the test, the system successfully carried out detection and firing processes, simulating real scenarios. This capability is a significant component of the Israeli Navy’s offensive array, ensuring Israel’s maritime superiority. The success of this test strengthens the Israeli Navy’s combat capabilities and enhances its readiness to face operational challenges.

Head of the Research and Development Unit at the IMOD’s DDR&D, BG Yehuda Elmakias: “The operational test launch was a remarkable success and provides the Israeli Navy with greater operational freedom. It strengthens Israel’s maritime offensive capabilities, which will continue the development of its abilities and the maintenance of maritime superiority, of its assets, of its infrastructure, and, most importantly – the security of its citizens.”

Head of the Weapons Department in the Israeli Navy, Capt. A.: “The success of this test marks a significant advancement in the Israeli Navy’s offensive capabilities, allowing us to optimally address threats in the maritime domain. Israeli Navy soldiers operated with great professionalism and precision, and the capabilities we tested and proved in this test are already being applied in combat across all arenas, providing our forces with a substantial operational advantage. The Israeli Navy will continue to develop and enhance its offensive and defensive capabilities to maintain maritime superiority and ensure the security of Israel’s citizens.”

“The Israel Aerospace Industries is proud to be a partner in the achievements led by the Directorate of Defence Research & Development and the Israeli Navy in developing the “Gabriel 5”, the most advanced naval strike system of its kind in the world. The “Gabriel 5” missile, developed by IAI, was launched precisely as required, followed its expected trajectory, and successfully hit the target exactly where and when we intended. We continuously work to enhance the capabilities of the Israeli Navy, bringing to life our longstanding legacy of developing the world’s most advanced combat systems.” CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Boaz Levy

About Gabriel 5 anti-ship missile

Gabriel 5 is an advanced long-range sea-launched missile system capable of flying hundreds of kilometers in varying sea and air conditions. The missile’s effectiveness enables it to thwart and destroy a wide range of targets and threats.

The Israeli Navy test-fired the missile for the first time in September 2022 from a Sa’ar 6 corvette. After the Finnish Ministry of Defence inked a deal with IAI on Gabriel V procurement, the Finnish Navy (Merivoimat) unveiled some details about its future anti-ship missile.

The official information released by the Finnish Navy in December 2019 provides the following technical specifications:

Range: over 200 km
Seeker: Active radar seeker with advanced anti-jam features, all-weather capability, wide search range, and good discrimination resolution
Warhead: Penetrating warhead
Engine: Jet engine
Navigation: GPS / INS, multiple waypoints
Length: 5.5 m
Weight: 1250 kg
Speed: Subsonic
Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, IAI

(Source: Google/https://www.navalnews.com/)

07 Feb 25. India to procure Pinaka rockets. India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded contracts to local companies to supply rockets for the Indian Army’s Pinaka Multi‐Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL). The MoD said on 6 February that it would procure the Pinaka Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type 1 and the Pinaka Pre-Fragmented High‐Explosive (PFHE) Mk-1 Enhanced rockets from Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) respectively. The contract is valued at INR101.4 bn (USD1 bn). However, the MoD did not specify the number of rockets that will be procured. According to the MoD, the procurements will enhance the Indian Army’s firepower by “enabling precise and long-range strikes”. The MoD added, “ADM Type-1 … has a specialised warhead to deliver a quantum of submunitions over a larger area targeting mechanised forces, vehicles, and personnel, thereby, denying specific areas to the enemy.

“[PFHE] Mk-1 rockets are [an] advanced version of in-service [PFHE] rockets, which have enhanced range to strike deep into enemy territory with precision and lethality.”

Janes reported in January 2024 that the Indian Army had approved the procurement of the ADM Type 1 rocket – also known as dual-purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM) – after it passed a series of user trials. Janes also reported that user trials of the Pinaka Mk-1 Enhanced rocket had also been completed. According to Janes Weapons: Ammunition, the PFHE Pinaka Mk-1 Enhanced rocket weighs 277 kg. Its warhead weighs 100 kg and incorporates 20,500 units of 6 mm diameter tungsten balls that can create a lethal damage area of 12,000 m 2. The Pinaka Mk-1 uses solid propellant and has a range of 42 km. (Source: Janes)

10 Feb 25. Theon Receives New Orders Totaling EUR53m, With Embedded New Options of an Additional EUR95.5M and Participates in the German Future Soldier Program.

THEON is included in the German Future Soldier Program (IdZ), offering its newly launched Heads-Up Display system to the German Armed Forces
New order intake of EUR53 m from various countries added to the soft backlog, including the IdZ order
New options of an additional EUR95.5 m added to the existing options

Theon International Plc (THEON) announces new order intake totalling €53 m so far in 2025, coming from 12 countries in total. These orders further add to THEON’s already increased soft backlog of c. €650 m as of 31 December 2024. The main part of these new orders (including the sizeable option) comes from the German Future Soldier Program (IdZ), further strengthening THEON presence in one of its core markets, Germany. Importantly, these new orders were for THEON’S newly launched Heads-Up Display system, part of its new A.R.M.E.D. products offering, demonstrating good commercial traction and underscoring the potential for material new sales in this area. On 29 January 2025, the German Parliament passed procurement of IdZ, with Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH being the prime contractor. Subsequently, BAAINBw and Rheinmetall have signed the contract on 6 February 2025. Theon Sensors S.A., subsidiary of Theon International Plc is the largest supplier of the program. This program is anticipated to serve as a prime reference for similar programs being organized in various countries worldwide. At the same time, THEON is currently making positive progress, engaged in additional tenders with its new products, and anticipates making further announcements soon, thereby enhancing the sales mix in the coming years. THEON expects options to be fully exercised once first deliveries start occurring primarily in 2026. (Source: ASD Network)

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About Galvion:

Galvion designs, develops, and delivers mission critical head, face, and torso protective solutions as well as intelligent power and data management systems for the world’s most demanding military and tactical teams. Founded in 2002 as Revision Military, a foundational belief in calculated investment and capability expansion led to a strategic refocus, resulting in the divestiture of the protective eyewear business, along with the Revision name, in 2019. Rebranded as Galvion, the company’s products and technology continue to evolve beyond purely passive protection, focusing instead on active systems that enhance performance and survivability, with an eye to the ever-changing demands of the modern battlefield. Through advanced design, keen end-user insight and intelligent integration, Galvion engineers uniquely customized solutions that go beyond what was once thought possible.

Privately owned with ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the US, Montreal in Canada and Bristol in the UK, Galvion’s team of 400+ employees work proactively to solve the problems left unsolved by others.

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