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15 May 25. New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones. The UK and Germany will confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km. The United Kingdom and Germany will today (Thursday 15th May) confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km, as both countries step up on European security and drive economic growth at home. This comes following the signing of the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence Co-operation in October in London – the first-of-its-kind bilateral defence agreement between the UK and Germany. German Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, will host his counterpart Defence Secretary John Healey MP in the first Trinity House Defence Ministerial Council today in Berlin, where they will discuss how the agreement is already delivering real benefits, from deterring threats on NATO’s eastern flank, to creating skilled jobs and driving investment at home. The new 2,000 km precision deep strike capability will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK, to safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting the UK and European defence sectors. Discussions will focus on a joint procurement programme for Sting Ray torpedoes for P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, enhancing the UK and Germany’s ability to counter the latest underwater threats, boosting national security for both nations. A new commitment will also see Germany procure advanced British military bridges, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by supporting jobs in the North-west.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “The UK and Germany have never been closer, and the Trinity House Agreement is already making a positive impact on our security and economy. This partnership is helping us make defence an engine for growth – creating jobs, boosting skills, and driving investment across the UK and Germany. In a more dangerous world, NATO and European allies stand united. Together with Germany, we’re leading the way in supporting Ukraine, defending NATO’s eastern flank, and jointly investing in next-generation capabilities.”
It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty. Since the Trinity House Agreement was signed in October, German crews have joined RAF personnel in two flights on UK P-8 Poseidon aircraft. The UK’s Poseidon fleet play a crucial role tracking Russian vessels near UK waters. The Defence Ministers will meet again tomorrow (Friday 16th May) alongside their Polish, Italian and French counterparts in a meeting of the European Group of Five (E5) Defence ministers in Rome. The UK and Germany will meet again in June alongside more than 50 nations and partners, when they jointly host the next meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Since the UK took the chair, nearly £23bn has been pledged in military support for Ukraine. The Trinity House Agreement is delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by stepping up national security whilst strengthening our industrial base and boosting skilled jobs at home. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
14 May 25. Taiwan conducts first Land Sword II drills. Taiwan has conducted its first live-fire drills with its locally developed Land Sword II surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the island’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has announced. The MND said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on 13 May that the system is capable of “countering diverse aerial threats, and significantly enhances force protection for [the] Republic of China Army (RoCA)”. Land Sword II is likely the ground-launched variant of Taiwan’s Sky Sword II, developed by the island’s state-owned National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST). The baseline Sky Sword II is a medium-range air-to-air missile (AAM) integrated onto Taiwan’s Ching‐Kuo fighter aircraft. 21st and 43rd Artillery Commands of the RoCA test-fired the ground-launched variant of the Sky Sword II for the first time in April 2024. According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence, the land-based Sky Sword II, also known as Lujian II or Land Sword II, is a semi-mobile anti-aircraft SAM system. The missile has a length of 3.59 m and a diameter of 0.19 m, and its maximum range and altitude is 30 km and 20 km respectively. The missile weighs 184 kg. Images published by the MND in its post on X appear to show the missile being launched from a 4×4 launcher vehicle with two rocket containers for four Land Sword II missiles. Taiwan’s MND had not responded to Janes queries at the time of publication. (Source: Janes)
15 May 25. Spain to compete for PAC-3 MSE components production. The agreement was signed during the International Defence and Security Exhibition of Spain (FEINDEF). Lockheed Martin España and the Spanish Ministry of Defense have signed an industrial cooperation agreement that allows local industry to compete for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) components production. The signing took place at the International Defence and Security Exhibition of Spain (FEINDEF) and sets a foundation for continued collaboration on defence projects in Spain. Spanish defence technology companies Sener and Oesía-Tecnobit are named as key partners under the agreement. Sener will be responsible for designing and developing PAC-3 MSE actuators in line with Lockheed Martin’s specifications. Oesía Tecnobit will produce specialised cables and harnesses for the interceptor system. Lockheed Martin España has been collaborating with both the companies since 2023. (Source: army-technology.com)
14 May 25. Dstl’s pivotal role in StormShroud uncrewed aircraft capability. New autonomous platform set to boost UK defence capability, economic growth and job creation. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has played a crucial role in developing StormShroud, a new uncrewed aircraft system recently announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to Leonardo UK’s Luton site. StormShroud is the first of a new family of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) designed to make RAF combat aircraft more survivable and more lethal in contested battlespaces. The system consists of the TEKEVER AR3 uncrewed air platform integrated with Leonardo’s BriteStorm Electronic Warfare payload. It offers increased survivability to RAF jets and crew through disruption and deception of enemy radars.
Dr Paul Hollinshead, Chief Executive of Dstl, said: “This achievement demonstrates how Dstl’s world-class research directly contributes to operational advantage for our Armed Forces.
“StormShroud represents our commitment to delivering mission-winning science and technology at pace, supporting both mission success and economic growth through close collaboration with industry partners.”
StormShroud has been a collaborative effort involving the following:
- Dstl
- RAF’s Rapid Capabilities Office
- Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)
- UK defence industry partners
RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton called the announcement: “This is a seminal moment for the RAF to maintain our advantage in Air Combat and national security. Autonomous Collaborative Platforms will revolutionise how we conduct a range of missions, from intelligence gathering to strike and logistical support.”
Dstl’s contribution
Dstl has delivered significant impact at all levels of the project through:
- world-class research, technical expertise and advice on electronic warfare capabilities
- embedded technical leadership within the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office and Air and Space Warfare Centre
- operational analysis informing RAF requirements
- trials event design, participation and analysis
Creating jobs and boosting the economy
The StormShroud project is creating significant economic benefits across the UK, which include:
- supporting over 300 high-skilled jobs in the British defence technology sector
- creating a supply chain involving more than 45 UK small and medium-sized enterprises
- generating an estimated £175m in economic activity over the next 5 years
- establishing the UK as a global leader in autonomous defence technology, opening export opportunities
- developing transferable skills and technologies with applications in civilian sectors
The announcement reinforces defence’s commitment to integrating autonomous systems in future forces, aligning with the Defence Drone Strategy, RAF Autonomous Collaborative Platforms Strategy, and across the Front Line Commands.
Dstl continues to support StormShroud development and future Air Domain ACP capabilities through various projects that aim to enhance coherence and drive exploitation of technology in this field. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
14 May 25. DOD Demonstrates Reusability of Hypersonic Test Vehicle. The Defense Department conducted a second successful flight of a fully recoverable uncrewed hypersonic test vehicle in March 2025, with the first being in December 2024. This test campaign, led by DOD’s Test Resource Management Center, in partnership with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, marks the nation’s first return to reusable hypersonic flight testing since the X-15 hypersonic research program ended in 1968. In both tests, the Talon-A hypersonic vehicle, powered by a liquid rocket engine and launched from a carrier aircraft, flew over the Pacific Ocean and achieved speeds greater than Mach 5, about 3,836 mph, before landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The landmark tests supported the TRMC’s Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed project. The project accelerates delivery of advanced hypersonic capabilities to the warfighter by providing DOD, other federal agencies, industry and academia with the capability to affordably and rapidly conduct hypersonic experiments and test hypersonic system components, according to a DOD news release published earlier this month.
George Rumford, the director of TRMC, said historically, a hypersonic development program would conduct the first flight test of a new aeroshell material, GPS unit, or other system component in a costly, full-system weapon test. Because of the high cost, a program may perform only one or two full-system weapon tests per year, so if a test fails, it may not be tested again for months.
With such high stakes associated with each flight test, the program would often over-engineer the components and materials being tested to offset the risk of test failure. For instance, Rumford said the aeroshell material would have to be thicker and heavier, sacrificing range and maneuverability. The GPS would require redundancy, which would crowd out other equipment. In contrast, DOD’s MACH-TB project leverages commercial space launch services to test hypersonic system components and materials in-flight prior to a full-system weapon test. This approach allows developers to test components and materials under hypersonic conditions at relatively low cost, iterate and improve based on real data, and rapidly retest to ensure they are proven before being integrated into an “all-up-round” for a full-system weapon test.
Rumford said the December and March flight tests represent another advancement in accelerating the pace of hypersonic experimentation and testing.
“Demonstrating the reuse of fully recoverable hypersonic test vehicles is an important milestone for MACH-TB,” he explained. “Lessons learned from this test campaign will help us reduce vehicle turnaround time from months down to weeks.” (Source: U.S. DoD)
13 May 25. Will the British military ever manage to replace the SA80 rifle? The UK military could end up using the SA80 series longer than it did the bolt-action Lee Enfields. The plan to replace the British military’s SA80-series infantry rifle could be pushed to the right following confirmation from the UK government that Project Grayburn remains in the concept phase, with progress to assessment likely only in 2026. While the latest variant SA80A3 is not due to leave service until 2030, far more of the older SA80A2 models remain in service, according to 2022 figures, at 17,900 and 134,912 respectively. As far back as 2018, the UK government initiated the mid-life upgrade programme of the SA80 from the A2 to the A3 version with initial £5.4m ($7.1m) contract award to Heckler and Koch for 5,000 units, which would see the rifle remain in service “until 2025 and beyond”.
The SA80 rifle: 40 years of service
With the SA80 and its variants reaching 40 years of service, the rifle has long-since outliving its predecessor, the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), the British version of the FN FAL, which was used by the UK for a little over 30 years. Prior to the SLR, the UK’s standard battle rifle was the No 4 Lee Enfield, the latest variant of a weapon operated since the late 19th Century. Providing an update on Project Grayburn, UK Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle on 12 May said the programme remained in the concept phase, during which the “scope and complexity will be assessed and a timeline for delivery will be developed”, before being taken forward to assessment.
“Subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review, Project Grayburn is due to enter the assessment phase in 2026,” Eagle said.
Speaking earlier in January 2025, Eagle did provide a vague timeline for the replacement of the L85/SA80 rifle, which would take place “over the coming decade” through Project Grayburn.
Project Grayburn was thought likely to go on contract in the Q4 2026 – Q1 2027 timeframe, for around 150,000 weapons, deliverable in batches, although a 2026 start date for the assessment phase indicates this could be wide of the mark.
The SA80 replacement is part of a wider replacement of old weaponry used by the British military, including systems such as the legacy L115 and L118 sniper rifles, the L110 A2 Light Machine Gun, and the acquisition of a new Royal Marine Commando battle rifle. However, it appears that while special operations forces, including the Rangers and Commandos, are provided new equipment, regular forces will have to make do with the SA80A2 and A3 rifles for a good while longer.
UK procurement: dial-up in a broadband world
As ever with UK military procurement, the pace of programme delivery, that is, introducing new platforms and systems into service, remain woefully out of step with real world conditions. Take for example, the fact that the UK only a 14-strong fleet of Archer 155mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH) systems in service, having ceased to operate the in-service AS90 in recent months, a story broken by Army Technology. The RCH 155 replacement is not due until 2029 at the earliest. A new King’s Gurkha Artillery unit created will have to share the Archer force with more than a dozen artillery regiments in the British Army. This equates to approximately one Archer 155mm SPH per British Army artillery regiment. The British Army is also still operating hundreds of the 1990s era Warrior infantry fighting vehicles and Challenger 2 main battle tanks, and hundreds of the older Bulldog armoured personnel personnel carriers. Replacement programmes such as the Challenger 3, Ajax IFV, and Boxer MIV are still years away from providing enough numbers to equip the supposed UK contribution to Nato of a full warfighting division. Analogous of this, UK defence procurement is running at 56k modem speeds in a world operating on fibre. This inability to advance through the military capability generations at the pace of relevance leaves the British Army, in this case, an outmoded force, incapable of operating in a modern, contested battlespace. (Source: army-technology.com)
13 May 25. Details of new SA Army sniper system will not be disclosed. Officially Project Tedu, the system is a replacement for the long-serving R1 sniper capability in the landward force. What Armscor called “a ceremony” at Infantry School in Oudtshoorn on 19 March marked the milestone of system delivery, from equipment and accessories through to training. Asked for more information, the defence acquisition and project management company by way of its Senior Manager: Corporate Communication Liziwe Nkonyana, said details of the new system, including specifications as to calibre, accuracy and operational distances cannot be disclosed for “security reasons”. defenceWeb understands that the latest addition to the SA Army arsenal appear to be Truvelo CMS (Counter Measure Sniper) weapons available in 12.7 mm, 7.62 mm, and .338 calibre. What is known, thanks to the latest Armscor newsletter and an SANDF news story, is Project Tedu overcame obstacles, including supplier disruptions and budget pressure to ensure “timely delivery”. In what is standard Armscor operating procedure the successful contractor, appointed after a competitive multi-source bidding process, agreed to enter into a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) meaning detailed information remains unobtainable from the manufacturer. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
13 May 25. Black Arrow cruise missile to extend long-range strike capabilities of US Drones and Light Attack Aircraft. According to Defense One, on May 9, 2025, the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) advanced its cruise missile modernization strategy by expanding the integration of the Black Arrow missile, developed with Leidos, to the MQ-9 Reaper UAV and the OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft. This initiative follows successful tests aboard the AC-130 gunship and aligns with AFSOC’s doctrine of augmenting combat power through cost-effective retrofits rather than new acquisitions. Designed to counter the growing threat from adversarial air defense systems, this new phase reflects the shift in U.S. special operations strategy towards flexible, long-range precision strike capabilities. The program’s relevance is underscored by current demands in CENTCOM and Indo-Pacific theaters, where high-end adversary systems are becoming more accessible to non-state actors. The Black Arrow missile is a compact cruise missile whose technical specifications remain classified but which reportedly resembles Lockheed Martin’s Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT) missile family. Originally designed for integration on the AC-130 gunship, the missile was successfully tested in March 2025, confirming its compatibility with existing Air Force platforms. The current phase envisions deployment on the MQ-9 Reaper drone and the OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft, extending their operational reach by up to 600 miles or 950 kilometers with precision strike capabilities, a leap in tactical flexibility for platforms originally designed for surveillance or close air support. This transition addresses the evolving threat landscape where even irregular forces, such as the Houthis, are gaining access to advanced air defenses, necessitating standoff weaponry for survivability and mission success.
Initiated in 2021, the Black Arrow missile project entered formal development in 2022 under a Research and Development agreement between Leidos and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Leidos remains the lead contractor, holding a development and testing contract valid through the end of 2025. The integration into MQ-9 Reaper platforms is viewed as a logical next step, given the drone’s endurance and loitering capabilities. As explained by AFSOC officials during SOF Week in Tampa, the goal is to provide legacy platforms with fighter jet-like standoff capabilities, without the procurement cost of fifth- or sixth-generation systems. This approach mirrors broader Pentagon trends favoring modular payload upgrades and artificial intelligence-supported systems. Strategically, this effort allows AFSOC to respond more effectively to rising tensions across multiple theaters, from CENTCOM operations in the Middle East to increasing commitments in the Indo-Pacific. Cruise missile capabilities on drones are especially significant for contested environments where traditional manned aircraft face higher risk. While the overall budget for the Black Arrow remains undisclosed, its developmental pathway reflects the emergence of affordable, software-integrated missiles designed to operate within modern networked command systems. Comparatively, Black Arrow fits into the same conceptual niche as Israel’s Delilah or the Turkish SOM-J, though adapted for U.S. platforms and with a strong emphasis on integration and survivability in complex operational environments. No export contracts or foreign adoption have yet been announced. The integration of the Black Arrow missile onto platforms such as the MQ-9 Reaper and OA-1K Skyraider II marks a significant step in the U.S. Special Operations Command’s evolution toward adaptable, affordable, and high-impact strike solutions. By leveraging the existing operational footprint of legacy airframes and aligning with emerging mission demands, AFSOC and Leidos are reshaping battlefield expectations in favor of precision, reach, and survivability. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
20 Feb 25. British Army to get new infantry machine gun and sniper rifle. The UK MoD has issued two PQQ notices seeking industry responses for “assault machine gun” and sniper rifle replacement. The British Army took the decision to withdraw the Minimi LMG from service in the 2010s. Credit: UK MoD/Crown copyright The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has asked industry to provide solutions for new 5.56mm “assault machine gun” and a replacement for the legacy L115 and L118 sniper rifle through its respective Project’s Shamer and Troubler. Each of the Project Shamer and Troubler pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ), published in mid-February 2025, has a maximum contract value of £4m ($5.5m), with industry responses due by 24 March 2025. The proposed contract start dates for each programme is stated to begin on 1 June 2026 and conclude on 2 June 2033. The 5.56mm assault machine gun requirement, intended for use by the “dismounted user” is the replacement effort of the L110 A2 Light Machine Gun (LMG), known as the Minimi in UK service, which was axed in 2018. In the place of the Minimi, infantry sections were tasked to use the L129A1 Sharpshooter and the L7A2 GPMG 7.62mm heavy machine gun. However, it now appears the UK MoD is seeking an alternative infantry machine gun, chambered in 5.56mm, and more easily carried by dismounted troops. Meanwhile, the current variant of the L115 sniper rifle, the A3 version, was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 as part of the Sniper System Improvement Programme (SSIP). Designed to achieve a first-round hit at 600 metres and harassing fire out to 1,100 metres, Accuracy International’s L96 sniper rifle was teamed with with a new x3-x12 x 50 sight and spotting scope. Manufactured by Accuracy International, the L115A3 long range rifle fires an 8.59mm bullet which is heavier than the 7.62mm round of the L96 system. Other elements of the SSIP included night sights, spotting scopes, laser range finders and tripods.
Grayburn, Upham, Hunter, Shamer, and Troubler – increasing lethality
These programmes are running concurrent with a wider effort replace the SA80 battle rifle in British Army service under Project Grayburn. Project Grayburn is thought likely to go on contract in the Q4 2026 – Q1 2027 timeframe, for around 150,000 weapons, deliverable in batches. Similarly, it is anticipated that the British Army will receive a new optical sensor for its current SA80 and future Armalite-style battle rifle under the little-known Project Upham. Solutions will include a need for infrared capability, a significant improvement over the current basic zoom optics. In November 2024 the British Army was announced to be receiving new thermal scopes for SA80A3 and Hunter battle rifles via the TALON thermal imaging sights, with the deal for around 10,000 units.
Other industrial players are known to be looking at optics solutions for the British Army, such as Thales with its EXTRAIM system.
Projects Shamer and Troubler also follow on from the 2023 award under Project Hunter of the L403A1 KS-1 as the Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) for the UK military’s Special Operations Brigade. The programme was thought likely to influence the replacement of the SA80 rifles under Project Grayburn. The selection of the KS-1 battle rifle for the Royal Marines is thought likely to influence the decision for the wider replacement of the legacy SA80 bullpup rifle used by the UK Armed Forces. The UK military has long sought to introduce new personal weapons for use in special operations units as well as regular forces. In mid-2021, a contract notice was issued detailing the planned procurement and support of an Armalite-style rifle platform AIW system. First entering service in the 1980s, the SA80 bullpup assault rifle has gone through a series of upgrades and iterations, with the SA80A2 being created in 2002 following a mid-life upgrade, followed by the SA80A3 in the mid-to-late-2010s. The latest variant, known as the L85A3, has been gradually rolled out across the British Army. Manufactured by Heckler and Koch, the SA80 fires the Nato standard 5.56×44 ammunition. In January 2022 a Parliamentary written response revealed that the UK had a total inventory of 134,912 SA80A2 variants and 17,900 SA80A3 variants, held across defence. (Source: army-technology.com)
28 Apr 25. Army advances Project Grayburn to replace SA80A3 Rifles. The British Army is moving forward with plans to replace its current standard-issue rifle, the L85A3 – more commonly known as the SA80A3 – under the developing Project Grayburn, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Responding to a series of Parliamentary Written Questions from Ben Obese-Jecty MP (Conservative – Huntingdon) on 28 April, Minister of State for Defence Maria Eagle outlined the progress being made toward a new service rifle.
“The British Army’s projected Out of Service Date for the L85A3 (SA80A3) variant of the L85 rifle family is currently 2030,” she said. “The replacement for the L85 rifle will be procured under Project GRAYBURN, which is currently in the concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding the capability requirements.”
As part of the concept work, “various rifle calibres are being considered,” with a range of factors under review, including performance, interoperability with allies, and technological complexity. The Minister added that the Army is taking “measures to mitigate any risk of potential capability vulnerabilities” during the transition process.
Ms Eagle also confirmed that Project Grayburn had recently made progress through “discussions with manufacturers and industry experts to analyse the influence of the Land Industrial Strategy and UK manufacturing on the project.” This suggests a strong interest in supporting domestic industrial capacity as part of the future programme. However, a full cost estimate for the programme has not yet been established. “Due to the current phase of the project, we are unable to provide a formal cost estimation yet,” Ms Eagle explained. “This will be established once the scope, timeline and complexity of the project is confirmed but may be subject to commercial sensitivities.” The L85A3, the latest upgrade of the SA80 series, has served as the British military’s standard-issue rifle for over three decades. Introduced in the 1980s, the rifle has undergone several modifications to address initial reliability and performance issues, with the A3 version featuring significant improvements in weight, durability, and compatibility with modern optics. (Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
12 May 25. UAE M-SAM delivery confirmed. A launcher from the South Korean-made Mid-range Surface-to-Air Missile (M-SAM) system was shown for the first time in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) when Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the Dubai crown prince who serves as defence minister, visited Al-Dhafra Air Base. Videos released by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and WAM news agency on 11 May showed Sheikh Hamdan inspecting various aircraft and air-defence systems at the base, including an M-SAM launcher on the same Kia KM1500 8×8 vehicle used by its South Korean counterpart, which is called the Cheongung. The media coverage did not show the associated radars for the M-SAM and US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Patriot launchers that were also displayed. The MoD announced in November 2021 that it intended to acquire the M-SAM for USD3.5 bn, making it the first export customer for the system. South Korean sources subsequently confirmed the order was for the improved Block II version of the system, which is called the Cheongung in South Korea. South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) appeared to reveal in February 2023 that the first M-SAM II had been delivered to the UAE when it announced that the country’s defence minister had visited a unit operating the system during a trip to Abu Dhabi. The MND said the system had completed its first live-fire test, confirming its performance in a desert environment. (Source: Janes)
12 May 25. Indra Presents the New VALERO Weapon Sistem, a Fully Spanish Multi-purpose Air Vehicle, at FEINDEF.
- VALERO has been designed to contribute to collaborative combat, reducing the risk and increasing the success of the mission through the use of different kinds of payloads that can be configured in keeping with the task entrusted to it
- Thanks to its flexibility and capacity for collaboration, saturation and deception, and the fact that it can be launched from different platforms or the surface, it will make it easier to cope with emerging threats and the new multi-domain scenarios
- The result of a project launched in 2023, VALERO is a fully national system that promotes the strategic autonomy of Spain and Europe and involves the entire value chain, helping position Spanish industry on the international stage
FEINDEF is the setting that has been chosen by Indra to showcase one of the most advanced systems it’s been working on in recent months to meet the needs of the Armed Forces in the complex defence scenarios and operations that are emerging. It’s known as VALERO and it’s a weapon system based on a new multi-purpose air vehicle designed to fly in different modes and carry various kinds of payloads, depending on the mission to be fulfilled, with capabilities that can prove vital in multi-domain confrontations.
Very few countries in the world can boast an operational system of these characteristics, although there is significant interest in securing one, and therefore VALERO will help position Indra and the entire Spanish industry in an area with high potential for growth. In addition to the light Multi-Purpose Air Vehicle (MAV), the VALERO weapon system is complemented by a configurable surface launcher, a planning and control ground segment, and the associated support equipment. Due to its modular nature, the MAV can be configured with different payloads to determine the role of the weapon system, based on the operational scenario and mission. It’s designed to be mission expendable or, optionally, recoverable, and it can be launched from different air and surface platforms. These features, together with its ability to saturate and deceive, the possibility of low-cost mass combat with a high number of MAVs, and its collaborative capabilities for work with other participants in the mission, will enable VALERO to increase combat power during operations. Consequently, it will become a key player when it comes to dealing with the new threats set to emerge in the future multi-domain scenarios, while reducing the degree of risk faced by the crews and valuable platforms. The result of a project initiated in 2023, VALERO is a fully domestic product that meets the current needs of the Armed Forces and promotes the strategic autonomy of Spain and Europe in a key area for the future. It also boosts industrial and technological development with a dual civil and military impact and involves the entire value chain, thus helping position Spanish industry in the international arena.
“The aim of this innovative, ambitious and structural project is to drive the national industrial fabric throughout the country. For this purpose, we’re collaborating with different companies in the sector, attracting talent, endowing ourselves with industrial capabilities, and relying on universities and specialized centers. With VALERO we’ll contribute to reinforcing our industry, creating quality jobs and consolidating industrial corridors that can address the new challenges facing the sector and help us define the future of defence”, declared Manuel Rodríguez Cerezo, director of Weapons & Ammunitions at Indra.
Following the definition of the operational concept, the definition of the architectures and the systems engineering of the system, Indra is working on the solution’s design and demonstrators. (Source: ASD Network)
12 May 25. GDELS unveils new tracked artillery system: NEMESIS. At the International Defence & Security Exhibition FEINDEF in Madrid, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) together with its partner KNDS has today unveiled the latest innovation in self-propelled artillery: The NEMESIS is an ASCOD-based armored artillery system equipped with the fully automated 155 mm / L52 Artillery Gun Module AGM from KNDS. It unites maximum indirect firepower, a high level of crew protection, and tracked mobility for even the roughest of terrains. Along with the NEMESIS, its wheeled counterpart, the 10×10 PIRANHA AAC, launched in 2024, is also shown at FEINDEF tradeshow for the first time. The concept to combine a proven GDELS platform with KNDS’ unmanned AGM has been well proven. 15 years after DONAR, the first unmanned, tracked artillery system demonstrator from both companies has a successor, which guarantees exceptional reliability: NEMESIS. Thanks to the high degree of automatization, NEMESIS can be operated by a crew of two. Due to the ergonomically optimized compartment, the system provides space for an additional crew member and the option of completely unmanned operation. Its ASCOD platform is powered by a 1100 hp diesel engine and can be fitted with steel or composite rubber tracks. The effective azimuth of the AGM is 360° and together with the highly mobile vehicle platform enable the NEMESIS to “Shoot & Scoot” including firing on the move in every direction. MRSI (Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact), a firing range of up to 54/70 km depending on ammunition type, and optional direct targeting further underline the system’s unique artillery capabilities. The NEMESIS is the next step in the cooperation between two leading European system houses, which began with the DONAR and continued with the wheeled PIRANHA AAC. GDELS’ unique offer now includes both tracked and wheeled artillery systems with the highly automated AGM. Developed entirely in Europe, NEMESIS contributes to more strategic autonomy of the continent. As the recent wars and conflicts have dramatically confirmed, self-propelled indirect fire support remains a major element and decisive factor on today`s and tomorrow’s battlefield. The new ASCOD-based howitzer is a potential replacement for older systems such as the M109 currently in service with the Spanish Army and other users.
09 May 25. IAF procures small loitering munitions. Delhi-based Veda Aeronautics has started delivering catapult-launched small loitering munitions to the Indian Air Force (IAF) under a INR3bn (USD35.1m) contract secured in 2023. Janes understands that Veda Aeronautics is supplying 200 jet-powered loitering munitions called Sureshastra Mk1 to the IAF. These loitering munitions can carry warheads and different types of sensors including for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Sureshastra Mk1 has a length of 3.5 m, a wingspan of 3 m, a weight of 90 kg, and a range of more than 150 km. In a video posted in April on X by Veda Aeronautics, Dipesh Gupta, managing director of the company is seen saying, “The IAF had some stringent requirements for loitering munitions. The IAF supported us in improving the platform [Sureshastra Mk1] based on their requirements. Sureshastra Mk1 has been designed to conduct long-range kamikaze attacks.” Gupta declined Janes request for more information about Sureshastra Mk1. Gupta has previously told Janes that Sureshastra Mk1 can be deployed in swarms. A swarm of Sureshastra Mk1 can receive data from the ground control station (GCS), and autonomously co-ordinate within the swarm to achieve target neutralisation. Sureshastra Mk1 can navigate in GPS-denied environments. “[The loitering munition] can be easily adapted for multiple operation scenarios from acting as decoy targets to pure attack missions,” Gupta said. (Source: Janes)
09 May 25. Meteor BVRAAM operational on Italian Eurofighters. The MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) is now operational aboard Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare Italiana: AMI) Eurofighter Typhoon (designated F-2000 in national service) combat aircraft. The service posted imagery of its aircraft fitted with the missile on 8 May, noting that the image of the Meteor-armed Eurofighters of the Task Force Air 51st Wing stationed at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base in Romania was taken in late April. With a speed of more than Mach 4 and a range in excess of 100 km, the Meteor has been described by industry and military officials as providing a step change in air-to-air combat capabilities. Whereas similar-type missiles have a relatively short boost phase after launch, after which they glide to the target while bleeding energy, the Meteorʼs ramjet means it is propelled up to the point of impact. This reduces the adversary aircraft’s chances of escaping the missile and gives the pilot more assurance of success when engaging enemy aircraft. Now in service with the four Eurofighter partner nations of Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, the Meteor was first operationally deployed aboard the aircraft type by the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) in December 2018. The Meteor programme also includes France for the Dassault Rafale and Sweden for the Saab Gripen. It has also been exported to Brazil (Gripen), Egypt (Rafale), Greece (Rafale), India (Rafale), Qatar (Eurofighter), Saudi Arabia (Eurofighter), and South Korea (KAI KF-21). (Source: Janes)
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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.
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