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10 Apr 25. France plans to test homemade HIMARS alternative by mid-2026. France plans to test a domestically-developed rocket artillery system by mid-2026 as an alternative to the U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, a move that could open up options for allies seeking a European capability. The French Directorate General for Armament is looking to identify the technical solutions that will enable a demonstration firing in a year’s time, the defense-procurement agency told Defense News in a written reply to questions. The DGA is working with a consortium of Safran and MBDA and another of Thales and ArianeGroup to develop a tactical strike capability in the 150 kilometer (93 mile) range. Time is running out for France to replace its Lance-Roquettes Unitaire, a modified version of the M270 multiple launch rocket system, with the Army’s nine remaining systems set to reach the end of their service life in 2027. Lawmakers and military brass have been pushing to develop a domestic option rather than buy abroad, in line with French policy for autonomy in defense matters.
“Service withdrawal of the LRU is approaching, and retention of the capability will be an issue at that point,”said Léo Péria-Peigné, a researcher at the Paris-based Institut Français des Relations Internationales specializing in armament capacity.
“The urgency is relative – we have hardly ever used this capacity in the past 30 years.”
Safran and MBDA are on track for the “ambitious” DGA schedule, confirming their target for a test firing in mid-2026, they said in a joint statement to Defense News. Thales and ArianeGroup didn’t comment on timing, with Thales saying the companies have been working as an integrated team for several months to offer a “pertinent solution” for the armed forces.
France’s 2024-2030 defense spending plan has budgeted €600m ($663m) for the rocket-artillery program, called Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre or FLP-T for short, with a goal of buying at least 13 systems by 2030 and 26 systems to equip a battalion by 2035. The schedule to replace the LRU “is proceeding nominally” and within the timetable set by the defense spending law, according to the DGA. Meanwhile, there’s still the option of a foreign purchase if things end up taking to long. That decision is on the calendar for next year, the directorate said. The long-range tactical strike capability is “essential” and a niche that needs to be filled, French Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pierre Schill told lawmakers in an October hearing, noting that many other European countries have a rocket artillery capability. Europe lacks a home-made HIMARS equivalent, and European armies shopping for rocket artillery in recent years either picked the U.S. option, the PULS launcher by Israel’s Elbit Systems, or Hanwha Aerospace’s Chunmoo. Elbit is working with KNDS on a Europeanized version of PULS, while Germany’s Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin in 2023 joined forces to develop the GMARS system. Other than France, European countries still in the market for rocket artillery include Sweden and Norway. The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Spain already picked PULS, Poland acquired Chunmoo and HIMARS, while the Baltic countries, Romania and Italy are HIMARS customers. Meanwhile, the U.K. is considering expanding its fleet of M270 multiple launch rocket systems. That leaves a narrow commercial window for French-developed rocket artillery, though a push by the European Union’s executive arm for member states to spend more of their defense budgets within the 27-nation bloc may provide a tailwind for a European solution.
Safran and MBDA said their rocket-artillery system, dubbed Thundart, is based on “mature and mastered subsystems,” and an initial operational capability could be produced before 2030.
In the already saturated marketplace, “there will be no export market for a French system that will not be ready before 2030,” said Péria-Peigné.
The DGA signed innovation partnerships with the two consortiums in November, providing a first round of financing for the FLP-T program. The partnership contract allows the procurement office to buy the system at the end of the development phase without a new competitive tender, provided the armament meets performance requirements.
The innovation partnership includes a “significant degree of self-financing” by industry, Safran Electronics & Defense CEO Franck Saudo said in a parliamentary hearing in November. Each consortium will carry out a firing of its demonstrator, after which the French government will make a choice, the DGA said. At the end of the current 18-month contracts, the consortiums will submit a proposal that will allow the government to choose between various solutions, including off-the-shelf equipment, according to the directorate.
DGA head Emmanuel Chiva had told the Sénat foreign affairs committee in November that if the industrial partners would “work well,” the first orders might be placed in late 2025 or early 2026. That now appears to have been pushed back by several months.
Safran and MBDA said the geopolitical context and changing artillery requirements reinforce the interest of a sovereign solution for France in particular, but also for other European countries, with Thundart the only rocket artillery system designed and built in Europe, free of U.S. arms-trade restrictions, and with independent manufacturing that provides control over the production pace.
The companies started working together on designing the new system at the end of 2023, and presented a mock-up of their Thundart 227 mm long-range guided-artillery rocket at the Eurosatory defense show in June 2024, as a first step in the FLP-T program. The rocket has 150-kilometer accuracy, according to Matthieu Krouri, MBDA’s head of land combat systems. MBDA has production capacity adapted to the size of the tactical munitions required in France’s Centre-Val de Loire region, where final assembly will take place, the companies said. For its part, Safran has “strongly” increased production of AASM Hammer guided bombs, which have a guidance kit “very similar” to that of the Thundart munition, according to the consortium.
“Safran and MBDA are convinced of the relevance of this solution and have already invested heavily in this project,” the companies said. “The collaboration between Safran and MBDA on Thundart is a long-term project, which is already well advanced.”
Meanwhile, Thales and ArianeGroup teams are “fully mobilized” to propose a sovereign fire-support system that can deal with high-value targets, either surface or point targets, Thales said, without providing further details. The new system will replace nine M270s on a Bradley tracked chassis, one of the rare pieces of U.S.-origin combat equipment still serving with the French Army, whose force is built around French-developed and manufactured tanks, armored vehicles and tube artillery. Replacing the decades-old LRU is a priority for the army, according to the 2025 defense budget, with a sovereign solution preferred as long as it can be achieved rapidly and with controlled costs. Army engineers may be able extend the lifespan of the LRU by another two to three years, but not much longer, according to Péria-Peigné at IFRI. The goal of a sovereign solution had “not been abandoned,” French Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Thierry Burkhard told a National Assembly hearing in October. Chiva said in November the LRU replacement “must be sovereign, and we are working towards this,” with the project taking some time due to the need to define Army requirements and “a certain confusion” in the requests. The urgency of the capacity requirement may dictate having to turn to a foreign system after all, National Assembly special budget rapporteur Christophe Plassard said in October. At the same time, HIMARS may not be a solution, as stress on production lines means delivery of the U.S system might not be possibly starting in 2027, the National Assembly’s defense committee wrote in an evaluation of the 2025 defense budget published in October.
“There is internal tension between supporters of the off-the-shelf solution and those in favor of national development,” Péria-Peigné said.
The military planning law calls for a system that could have a longer range than the LRU, in particular by allowing integration of hypersonic missiles with a range of several hundreds of kilometers. The DGA has asked both consortiums to study the cost and feasibility of including a future operational capability for strikes at ranges of 500 kilometers and 1,000 kilometers. The rocket-artillery project is separate from the European Long-range Strike Approach, which concerns strikes at a distance of several thousands of kilometers, Burkhard said in November. Still, the envisaged future development of the FLP-T project has “strong adherence” with ELSA, according to the DGA. Development of a long-range land-based strike capability beyond 1,000 kilometers is less urgent, with systems not expected until the 2030-2035 time frame, according a supplement to the 2025 defense budget discussing preparation for the future. Studies on strategic long-range strike were ongoing based on solutions proposed by ArianeGroup and MBDA, according to the October report. MBDA has proposed its Land Cruise Missile, a land-based version of its company’s Missile de Croisière Naval, as a short-term solution for ELSA. (Source: Defense News)
10 Apr 25. Britain awards £100m for new minehunting command centres. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed a £100m contract award to Thales UK Limited for the integration and supply of up to eight Remote Command Centres (RCCs) as part of its expanding Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme. According to the published Voluntary Transparency Notice (VTN), the award is made under the negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice, justified on the grounds that “there is a strict technical impracticality for a supplier other than Thales to achieve the Authority’s technical requirements as it is necessary to use specific knowledge, tools or means which only Thales currently has at its disposal.” The new RCCs are designed to serve as integrated command hubs for Royal Navy mine countermeasure operations. The MoD states the contract covers “the requirement to integrate the currently disparate and separately controlled range of key MHC platforms and autonomous capabilities into the Thales MMCM RCC to deliver a single, unified RCC.” This will allow for “integrated command, control and operation of the full range of MHC platforms, systems and sub-systems.” The contract also includes “the provision of associated software, training and SME technical advice in support of the integration activities and wider MHC capability delivery,” and has renewal options for three additional 12-month periods. Crucially, the document outlines that Thales’ RCC forms the core of the existing Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme and is uniquely positioned to meet the MOD’s requirements. The notice notes:
“This is because the Thales RCC has been developed as part of the international collaborative MMCM programme and makes extensive use of Thales’ background technical information and know-how… This pre-existing RCC will form the basis for the new combined RCC, into which other hardware and software elements will be integrated.” (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
09 Apr 25. Anduril Industries Successfully Test Fires Hypersonic Solid Rocket Motor for the US Navy. Anduril Industries achieved a significant milestone last month with two successful live-fire tests of its 21-inch hypersonic rocket motor for the U.S. Navy’s STANDARD Missile Program. This rapid and iterative design phase, which was completed in close collaboration with the Navy, positions Anduril to quickly transition to full scale production of this vital capability. To help meet demand for critical defense technologies, Anduril has invested more than $75m in expanding and modernizing its solid rocket motor (SRM) factory in Mississippi. With the facility upgrade on schedule for completion in July of this year, Anduril is poised to rapidly scale production to help deliver capability to the fleet. Anduril is bringing solid rocket motor production forward by leveraging single-piece flow, automation, and advanced data analytics to accelerate throughput, improve quality and drive down cost. This successful test validates the manufacturing technologies that Anduril aims to bring to the nation’s industrial base. Whereas traditional SRM manufacturers rely on batch processing, a rigid approach which results in underutilization and is subject to disruption, Anduril’s single-piece flow production paradigm eliminates inefficiencies by allowing multiple stages of production to run simultaneously. Each station is specialized, always operating, and fully tooled, enabling a continuous, consistent output of SRMs to help meet growing demand. An independent merchant supplier, Anduril Rocket Motor Systems is at the forefront of advancing hypersonic propulsion, proving advanced capabilities can be delivered faster and at a lower cost than traditional processes without compromising performance. This successful test firing demonstrates that innovation and efficiency can go hand in hand, simultaneously expanding the industrial base and increasing agility in production. As global competition intensifies, Anduril remains committed to ensuring that the United States and its allies stay ahead, equipped with the solutions needed to maintain superiority. (Source: ASD Network)
08 Apr 25. GA-EMS signs MoU with Rafael to manufacture Bullseye missile. The new long-range missile aims to offer multi-platform launch capabilities across air, ground, and sea units. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to produce Bullseye precision-guided missile for US defence customers. The long-range missile is designed to align with the operational requirements of the US armed forces and will adhere to the relevant standards set by the military to ensure compatibility and reliability. Featuring very low observable and built-in autonomous flight capabilities, Bullseye is engineered to be deployed from multi-platform launch capabilities across air, ground, and sea units. It is intended to provide a cost-effective solution for mass strike operations. Production and integration of the missile will take place at GA-EMS’ advanced manufacturing facility located in Tupelo, Mississippi.
GA-EMS president Scott Forney said: “We are excited to work with Rafael to introduce Bullseye, a highly effective deep-strike missile. Bullseye will be built in the US for delivery to US military customers to support a variety of critical Department of Defense and coalition partners’ precision-fires missions.
“By leveraging Rafael’s extensive investment in the design, maturation and testing of a unique, modular missile, we can reduce risk and development costs and provide production-scale delivery of a highly capable, high-performance precision-guided missile at significant per-unit cost-savings.”
Currently, the Bullseye missile has reached Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL 8). It is designed to compatible with jet fighters, light attack aircraft, helicopters, small maritime vessels, and ground vehicles. Rafael has successfully completed tests on the missile’s aerodynamics, engine, seeker, and launch integration. Rafael Air & C 4ISR Systems Division head and executive vice-president Yuval Miller said: “As a company that has spent decades pushing the boundaries of precision-strike technology, we are proud to partner with GA-EMS on the Bullseye programme.
“By combining Rafael’s Combat-proven innovative 5th Generation missile technologies with GA-EMS’s advanced manufacturing, assembly, integration and test expertise, Bullseye will deliver unprecedented accuracy, flexibility and affordability, giving warfighters a state-of-the-art missile system that hits its mark and adapts to evolving mission needs.”
Further tests are planned for flight qualification and to demonstrate operational readiness of the new missile. The first batch of missiles is expected to be delivered starting from late 2025. In March 2025, the Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and Rafael successfully completed interception tests for the Iron Dome defence system. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
09 Apr 25. Strategic partnership between Patria and Rheinmetall for the Hungarian ZRINYI programme. Patria has signed a supply agreement with Rheinmetall’s subsidiaries Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and Rheinmetall Hungary for the delivery of Patria NEMO mortar systems. The mortar systems are intended for integration into a new Lynx variant to be delivered as part of Hungary’s ZRINYI programme.
At least 24 mortar systems will be procured and delivered. The supply agreement highlights the commitment of Patria and Rheinmetall to provide state-of-the-art solutions for the Hungarian programme, ensuring the continued enhancement of the armoured vehicle fleet’s capabilities.
The Patria NEMO is a turreted, 120 mm mortar system featuring fully automated fire control capabilities. It is light and uncrewed and designed for integration onto various platforms. The system is capable of delivering both direct and indirect fire support with high accuracy and rapid engagement times. One of its key features is its semi-automatic loading mechanism, which enhances firing efficiency and responsiveness in combat situations. Its combination of automation, protection and mobility makes it a highly capable solution for modern military operations, ensuring fast and accurate fire support in a variety of combat environments. Rheinmetall successfully conducted a trial integration of Patria NEMO into the Lynx KF41 vehicles in September 2024. Tests focused on evaluating technical compatibility and validating the system’s integration into the vehicle. The results confirmed that the system can be seamlessly incorporated into the platform, expanding Lynx’s operational capabilities. The integration of the Patria NEMO turret into the Lynx KF41 platform is a significant step in meeting requirements of the Hungarian programme.
08 Apr 25. New sniper system for SA Army. The Infantry Formation of the SA Army now owns a new “cutting edge sniper rifle system” delivered through Project Tedu. Acquisition of the system was done by Armscor, which called the mid-March handover at Infantry School in Oudtshoorn “a significant milestone” enhancing precision firepower and operational effectiveness. In its first Inside Out newsletter of 2025, the State-owned defence and security acquisition and project management company has it, Project Tedu is “a critical initiative aimed at modernising the SANDF’s (SA National Defence Force’s) landward defence capabilities”. The newsletter reports Brigadier-General Hendrik Baird, Director Army Acquisition, speaking on behalf of Acting Chief Director of Defence Matèriel, Kopano Lebelo, as informing guests at the 19 March handing over event: “Project Tedu’s urgent operational requirement addresses the replacement of the R1 sniper capability and, in so doing, forms part of the rejuvenation of the landward capability”. He acknowledged challenges posed by financial constraints and increasing operational demands expressing confidence the new system will provide “a much-needed competitive advantage”.
“This capability is a force multiplier and will provide the SANDF with a competitive advantage during the execution of operations.”
The newsletter has it further Armscor overcame obstacles, including supplier disruptions and budget pressure, to ensure “timely delivery” of the new sniper system.
“We successfully achieved the main objectives as a project team and fully delivered on these capabilities within a reasonable budget, without compromising on quality,” Armscor Senior Manager: Weapons and Special Projects Zinziswa Ntuli said at the handover. She emphasised the importance of localisation in sustaining South Africa’s defence industry pointing out 75% of Tedu was local – “from this project, we have learnt it is best to localise as much as possible.”
“As the SANDF continues to navigate financial and logistical challenges, this achievement demonstrates that through innovation, collaboration and strategic foresight, the future of South Africa’s defence remains strong,” Inside Out reports, adding “with rigorous training and integration into existing defence frameworks, the new sniper system is poised to serve as a critical asset in modern warfare scenarios”.
“Armscor, the SA Army and the broader defence community remain committed to ensuring that the men and women entrusted with this cutting-edge equipment have the necessary skills, resources and support to safeguard the nation effectively.”
General Officer Commanding South Africa Army Infantry Formation, Major General VZ Ngcobo, on behalf of Chief of South Africa Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, is reported as telling those that the handover as a culmination of strict testing, analysis and training that that is seeing to equip soldiers with the necessary knowledge and tools to carry out different missions effectively. The handover reaffirms “dedication to the safety and well-being of those defended”.
defenceWeb understands that Project Tedu covers 12.7 mm, 7.62 mm, and .338 calibre weapons. Photos published by the SANDF and Armscor appear to show Truvelo CMS (Counter Measure Sniper) models of various calibres.
This publication has asked Armscor for technical details of the new sniper system as well as the number to be supplied and over what timeframe. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
08 Apr 25. The 4th K9 User Club Kicks Off in Poland.
- Military representatives from 9 nations have gathered in Krakow, Poland, to get the best practice of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer’s operation, training, and maintenance
- The user group is to share their knowledge, experience and know-how on the K9 artillery system for enhanced interoperability and operational effectiveness
- The international K9 user community continues to expand, with around 1,800 units in service and hundreds more vehicles set to be deployed in coming years
07 Apr 25. Indian Army, DRDO score direct hits in four MRSAM flight-tests. During the trials, the MRSAM system achieved direct hits against the aerial targets, effectively destroying them. The demonstration highlighted the missile’s precision and reliability in operational scenarios. Credit: Ministry of Defence/Press Information Bureau/Government of India. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army have executed four successful test launches for the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM). The flight-tests, which were conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha, saw the missiles engage high-speed targets in the air, achieving direct hits and confirming their destruction. The trials aimed to validate the missile’s effectiveness at various distances and altitudes, demonstrating its readiness for operational use. These tests were conducted using fully operational weapon systems and their performance was meticulously recorded by an array of range instruments including radars and electro-optical tracking systems managed by Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. High-ranking officials from both DRDO and the Indian Army were present to witness these trials. The execution of these trials was led by the Indian Army units from Eastern and Southern Commands with guidance provided by DRDO experts. The success of these tests marks a significant step towards incorporating this missile system into two Army Regiments, enhancing their defensive capabilities, the Indian Ministry of Defence noted. The MRSAM is a collaborative effort between DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries designed specifically for the Indian Army. It includes a sophisticated multi-function radar, command post, mobile launchers, and support vehicles within its system architecture. Following these successful flight-tests, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that these successful launches reaffirm the weapon system’s ability to engage targets effectively at pivotal ranges. DRDO chairman Dr Samir Kamat praised all teams involved in this achievement. He described these successful trials as critical milestones in advancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army. Earlier in January 2025, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and IAI announced the formation of a joint venture company, BEL IAI AeroSystems, based in Delhi. This entity will serve as the single point of contact for long-term product support for the MRSAM systems used by India’s Defence Forces. In 2022, DRDO conducted two flight tests of the MRSAM system at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. (Source: army-technology.com)
04 Apr 25. Tech company Insta eyes land mine production once Finland quits treaty.
- Summary
- Companies
- Finland, Poland and Baltic states to exit Ottawa Treaty due to Russian threat
- Insta was developing alternative to land mines
- UN condemns exit plans, citing humanitarian concerns
Finnish technology conglomerate Insta said on Friday it is interested in producing anti-personnel land mines in Finland once the Finnish government leaves the international mine ban treaty. NATO member Finland said on Tuesday the Nordic country plans to quit the Ottawa Treaty, a global convention banning anti-personnel land mines, citing a long-term danger from neighbouring Russia to all of Europe. Insta is one of the first companies to signal interest in producing land mines that have been broadly banned by the treaty. (Source: Reuters)
04 Apr 25. US seeks ideas for Golden Dome’s missile interceptors in space.
- Summary
- Companies
- Pentagon seeks info on space-based interceptors for missile defense
- Industry engagement to discuss space-based interceptors starts April 30
- Russia condemns US missile defense shield as threat to nuclear balance
The U.S. is asking defense contractors for information on space-based interceptors to knock out incoming missile threats, as the Pentagon explores President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense shield.
The idea of strapping rocket launchers, or lasers, to satellites so they can shoot down enemy intercontinental ballistic missiles as they lift off is not new – it was part of the Star Wars initiative devised during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. But it represents a huge and expensive technological leap from current capabilities. (Source: Reuters)
04 Apr 25. New ADF Pistol Unveiled. With the new F9 sidearm weapon system (F9 SWS) in hand, personnel have begun pulling the trigger on a new chapter in close combat. The system is based on the SIG Sauer 9mm P320 X-Carry Pro, featuring a red-dot sight, torch and holster. It replaces the legacy 9mm Browning Mk3 pistol and is also supported by non-lethal training kit and Defence’s Weapon Training Simulation System (WTSS).
Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Mark Biviano, of the Combined Arms Training Centre, said it was more than just a pistol. “The first thing you notice is that you are employing a system as opposed to simply a weapon,” WO2 Biviano said. You receive all of the components of the system, and then you use all the components throughout your lessons.”
Rollout of the F9 began last year and will continue through to 2026 under Project Land 300. For Army, rollout started this year at 7th Brigade and will continue throughout 2025.
“It’s not just a weapon upgrade – it’s a complete shift in how we build deployable capability,” WO2 Biviano said.
The system is provided by Queensland-based NIOA Group, supported by Victorian suppliers Aquaterro and Platatac. The F9 is part of equipment being acquired under Land 300, which includes fighting knives, new sniper rifles and sniper surveillance system. F9 training includes web-based ADELE lessons, hands-on drills, WTSS and train the battle shot live fire – integrating combat mindset, shooting techniques and qualifications on all equipment in one course. Students must demonstrate accuracy and weapon handling across multiple distances, replacing the outdated “10 rounds and done” approach. In early March, a week-long train-the-trainer course was held at Amberley, where participants learned to qualify others on the F9 SWS.
One of those was Air Force Warrant Officer Brett Moy, Combat Support Group lead for the F9 rollout and training to RAAF, who said it was hands-on, practical and empowering.
“You don’t just fire 10 rounds and tick a box anymore – you’ve got to display through application you can apply the skills required to achieve the grouping and alignment standards,” Warrant Officer Moy said.
The WTSS is now a key part of the training, allowing participants to progress through theory, drills and simulation before live-fire.
“There is a lot of application and reinforcement before you actually go on to the range,” Warrant Officer Moy said. (Source: ASD Network)
04 Apr 25. L3Harris Delivers 1st Missionized Skyraider II Aircraft to Support Special Operations. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) and Air Tractor have delivered the first missionized OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft to support U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. The Skyraider II will help ensure special operations personnel can meet the needs of the National Defense Strategy and the joint force. Special Operations Forces (SOF) will fly Skyraider II in various missions and will deliver close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The aircraft’s flexibility will allow SOF to counter adversaries across the spectrum of armed conflict. The Skyraider II’s design also enables it to operate from rugged and remote airfields.
“The Skyraider II reflects L3Harris’ commitment to delivering cost-effective, adaptable solutions that meet the evolving needs of the warfighter,” said Jon Rambeau, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “By leveraging our team’s innovation and expertise, we are providing special operations personnel with a versatile, mission-ready capability that supports operational requirements today and into the future.”
“Air Tractor is thrilled to be a part of this program,” said Jim Hirsch, President, Air Tractor, Inc. “We stand ready to meet the future needs and to ensure this airframe aligns with the expectations of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command.”
L3Harris is on track to deliver more follow-on aircraft. The Skyraider II is based on L3Harris’ multi-mission OA-1 Sky Warden aircraft, which is tailorable to meet a variety of mission requirements for U.S. and allied operators. (Source: ASD Network)
04 Apr 25. Hanwha to support production of Indian Army howitzers. The aim is to enhance local production from more than 50% to 60%, leveraging expanded industrial cooperation. Hanwha Aerospace has secured a $253m contract to supply components to assemble an additional 100 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers for the Indian Army. The deal was formalised at the Korean Embassy in New Delhi and signed with Larsen & Toubro (L&T). It is the second K9 Vajra-T contract from India for Hanwha Aerospace and builds on the delivery of the first 100 units of the howitzer. The aim of this second contract is to enhance local production from more than 50% to 60%, leveraging expanded industrial cooperation. The K9 Vajra-T is a 155mm, 52-calibre tracked artillery system based on the South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer. It is co-developed by L&T and Hanwha Aerospace. It is specifically tailored to meet the Indian Army’s operational needs across diverse terrains, including deserts, plains, and high-altitude regions. Additionally, it is designed to deliver precision fire at extended ranges and maintain a high rate of fire for both burst and sustained operations. In December 2024, the Indian Ministry of Defence engaged L&T in a contract to supply the Indian Army with K9 Vajra-T SPHs. This follows the 2017 award when L&T was contracted for the initial batch of 100 K9 Vajra-T platforms following a competitive bidding process and field evaluations. The company said the units were delivered ahead of schedule. In the same year, L&T signed a contract with Hanwha which was then known as Hanwha Techwin for self-propelled gun systems for the Indian Army. In recent times, the defence relationship between South Korea and India has grown, covering land systems, aerospace, and maritime technologies, noted Hanwha.
Hanwha Aerospace CEO and President Jae-il Son said: “This follow-up order reflects the deepening defence partnership between Korea and India. We will continue to be a trusted, reliable partner for India’s defence capabilities in the years ahead, supporting India’s vision for defence manufacturing self-reliance.”
India has been investing heavily in modernising its military forces primarily driven by territorial disputes with China and Pakistan. (Source: army-technology.com)
04 Apr 25. Norway to nearly double its K9 howitzer fleet for around $534m. Norway plans to nearly double its fleet of self-propelled artillery, proposing to buy an additional 24 K9 Thunder howitzers from Hanwha Aerospace for a budget of 5.65bn Norwegian kroner, or $534m. The 155 mm howitzers will equip a new artillery battalion within the planned Finnmark brigade being set up to bolster Norway’s defenses in the high north, according to a government proposal published on Friday. The purchase plan is part of 17 bn kroner in proposed spending that also includes more sea mine-clearing capability, new military trucks and spending on facilities. Norway already has 28 tracked K9 howitzers as well as 14 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, and will exercise an option in its contract with Hanwha for the additional purchase, the government said. The spending plan still needs to be approved by the Norwegian parliament, the Storting.
“We are in a serious security policy situation,” Minister of Defence Tore Sandvik said. “Therefore, we will now ask the Storting to approve significant investments in various parts of the Armed Forces to strengthen Norway’s defense capability, in line with the ambitions of the long-term plan presented last year.”
The Norwegian government in October last year proposed to raise the country’s 2025 defense budget by 19.2bn kroner to 110.1bn kroner. The budget for the additional howitzers includes the guns as well as spare parts, according to the spending proposal. The acquisition of additional artillery pieces “will contribute to significantly strengthening the Army’s firepower,” the government said. The extra howitzers increase the total budget for the Norwegian 155 mm artillery project to 11.1bn kroner, according to the government proposal. Other K9 operators in the Baltic region are Poland, Finland and Estonia. The government also plans to spend an additional 3.9bn kroner on maritime mine countermeasures, increasing the total budget for that project to 8.74bn kroner. The plan for the Norwegian Navy’s future mine-clearing capability, first approved in 2023, will include unmanned and autonomous systems. The previously approved mine countermeasures capability was assessed as too small in relation to the operational needs of a new security situation, according to the government. Expanding the scope of the project will ensure sufficient resources to safeguard “freedom of movement in Norwegian waters even in a crisis or war,” the government said.
“This will help to ensure that our own vessels and allies can sail safely and freely in Norwegian waters,” Sandvik said. “In addition, it can help to secure critical underwater infrastructure.” (Source: Defense News)
04 Apr 25. Estonia Plans €1bn Investment in Long-Range Defense Missile Systems to Counter Russian Threats. Estonia plans to acquire long-range air defense missile systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles—a direct response to increasing security threats from its neighboring country, Russia. According to information published by Estonia’s national public broadcaster ERR on April 3, 2025, the Estonian government is evaluating options that could see over one bn euros invested into a robust ballistic missile defense system designed to shield its territory from high-speed missile attacks such as those posed by the Russian Iskander-M. The Iskander-M ballistic missile system, operated by Russia, presents a formidable challenge to any air defense network. This short-range ballistic missile can lift its warhead to an altitude of up to 50 kilometers, transitioning through the upper atmosphere before descending at hypersonic speeds—up to 8,000 kilometers per hour. During the final phase of its trajectory, the missile is capable of performing abrupt and unpredictable maneuvers, or “zigzags,” to evade interception. With a 500-kilogram warhead and the ability to reach strategic Estonian locations like the Emari Air Base in as little as four minutes from launch sites such as Luga, the Iskander-M represents a severe and time-critical threat. Its capability to carry either conventional or nuclear warheads makes it a central element of Russia’s tactical missile arsenal and a key reason behind Estonia’s urgent move toward an advanced missile shield. To counter such threats, Estonia is closely examining three cutting-edge missile defense systems: the European SAMP/T, the American Patriot, and the Israeli David’s Sling. Each system offers unique capabilities and has proven effective against various missile threats, including those with ballistic trajectories similar to the Iskander-M. The SAMP/T air defense missile system, developed by the Franco-Italian consortium Eurosam (a joint venture between MBDA and Thales), features the Aster 30 missile—a highly agile interceptor capable of engaging a wide spectrum of airborne threats including tactical ballistic missiles. The Aster 30 employs an active radar seeker and a unique “PIF-PAF” system (Pilotage en Force – Pilotage en Accélération Fournie), enabling exceptional maneuverability and accuracy. The system offers 360-degree coverage and can engage targets at ranges up to 120 km, with ballistic missile defense capability officially rated at approximately 600 km in range and targets up to 3,000 km in class. Its integration within NATO’s air defense architecture and ability to operate autonomously or networked makes it a highly flexible and scalable solution for Estonia. The American-made Patriot missile system, developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, is perhaps the most battle-tested of the three. Deployed in numerous conflict zones, it has demonstrated significant success against a variety of missile threats. The latest configuration, known as PAC-3 MSE (Missile Segment Enhancement), offers improved speed, agility, and range—capable of intercepting incoming tactical ballistic missiles at ranges up to 60 km and altitudes of up to 20 km. The system uses hit-to-kill technology, where the interceptor destroys the incoming threat by direct impact. The Patriot’s radar, the AN/MPQ-65, provides high-resolution tracking and targeting capabilities, while its modular architecture allows easy integration with NATO and allied command networks, making it an appealing option for a country like Estonia, deeply embedded within NATO’s defense framework.
David’s Sling, jointly developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the American company Raytheon, is designed specifically to intercept medium- to long-range rockets and missiles, including maneuvering ballistic threats. The core of David’s Sling is the Stunner interceptor missile, which uses a dual seeker system—combining electro-optical and radar guidance—for high-precision interception even against complex, evasive targets. It has a range of up to 300 km and is designed to fill the gap between the Iron Dome (short-range) and Arrow (long-range exo-atmospheric interceptors). Its advanced guidance and high agility make it well-suited to intercepting missiles like the Iskander-M, especially in the terminal phase. Additionally, David’s Sling has demonstrated successful interoperability with NATO systems, enhancing its value as part of a multilayered regional missile defense strategy. In choosing between these systems, Estonia is not only weighing the technical capabilities and costs but also considering strategic alignment, integration with NATO’s defense infrastructure, and long-term sustainability. Given the persistent and sophisticated missile threat posed by Russia—especially with systems like the Iskander-M that challenge conventional defenses through speed, altitude, and unpredictability—Estonia’s decision marks a critical step toward securing its sovereignty and ensuring the protection of its civilian and military infrastructure. By investing in one of these high-end air defense systems, Estonia aims to establish a credible and resilient deterrent, reinforcing both national and regional security amid the evolving dynamics of European defense. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
04 Apr 25. UK and Australia Launch New Partnership in Weapons Development. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group Australia have announced a ground-breaking partnership. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group Australia have announced a ground-breaking partnership to develop next-generation sub-systems for low-cost weapons systems, bringing together cutting-edge technologies from both nations. The partnership will combine the UK’s Modular Weapons Testbed and Australia’s SHARKTOOTH programme, which features innovative ‘plug-and-launch’ modular technology, aimed at accelerating the employment of advanced, yet affordable weapons technologies. This integration represents a significant advancement in complex weapons development and will help accelerate and de-risk industry’s development of guided weapon sub-systems.
Under this collaboration both nations will develop new approaches and new technologies enhancing future weapon systems capability, including low-cost seekers (sensors which are responsible for detecting and tracking targets), additively manufactured engines (created by 3D printing or similar), modular warheads and fuses, algorithms to improve guidance, navigation and control and other novel weapons technologies.
The partnership will deliver several key advantages:
- reduced development costs and risks through shared expertise
- accelerated deployment of new capabilities
- enhanced interoperability between UK and Australian forces
- develop and demonstrate innovation ideas from both nations, helping to invest in sovereign defence ecosystems
- flexible, modular design allowing rapid adaptation to emerging threats.
The collaboration enables both nations to access a wider pool of innovative ideas, co-operate on technology development and deliver faster against a broader range of operational use cases. For both the UK and Australia this will strengthen defence primes, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and academia in support of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the UK Ministry of Defence’s Complex Weapons Pipeline and Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.
Each nation is developing a concept demonstrator equivalent to a concept car to enable us to prove future technologies before they go into sovereign industrial and military capabilities.
SHARKTOOTH is Australia’s developmental weapon system, a small missile which will enable rapid integration of various components including sensors, warheads, guidance systems and propulsion units.
A spokesperson for Dstl said: “This collaboration represents a step-change in how we develop and deploy complex weapons systems. By combining Australia’s modular approach with the UK’s missiles know-how, we’re creating more versatile and capable systems for our armed forces.” (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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