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03 May 24. UK will have Integrated Procurement Model in “full flow by next year.”
With the DE&S Gateway already up and running in April 2024, the rest of the operating model will reach minimal viable product by autumn 2024.
Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the UK’s procurement arm, have embarked on an ambitious programme called the Integrated Procurement Model’ (IPM) through which it will accelerate the delivery of kit across the Armed Forces.
Unveiled in February 2024, the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, acknowledged that “we need to procure as we fight, integrated across domains and interoperable with our allies.”
He contended: “a clear focus on pace and consistent, timely delivery needs to be our new normal.”
On 1 May 2024, at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), one of the UK’s foremost defence and security think tanks, the CEO of DE&S, Andy Start, gave an update on the progress of the IPM.
Following the launch of the ‘Gateway’ in March, Start revealed that the rest of the operating model will reach minimal viable product by autumn, with the whole programme “in full flow by next year.”
Gateway provides a consistent, single-entry point into DE&S for all new capability needs. The tool will allow DE&S to make earlier decisions about solutions to military requirements.
Checks and balances will be in place right from the start by challenging assumptions through a holistic approach – bringing together views from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Armed Forces, and organisations such as Dstl – and ensuring better, expert-informed, decision making at the start of programmes, with a particular focus on integration.
“So you can to make sure that we [will] work collectively with our allies, with frontline commands with industry from the get go, setting our projects up for success,” assured Start in his RUSI address.
What does the IPM prioritise?
The IPM is centred around five key features:
- A joined up approach – with a Defence-wide portfolio to break down organisational stovepipes and prioritise requirements at the departmental level to ensure DE&S achieves greater effect from the available budget.
- New checks and balances – to challenge assumptions and ensure better, expert informed, decision making at the start of programmes, with a particular focus on integration.
- Prioritising exportability – upfront consideration of the potential for exports, to drive British industrial resilience.
- Empowering industrial innovation – through a new alliance with industry that is underpinned by greater transparency and incentives aligned around a common endeavour to protect the nation and help it prosper.
- Spiral development by default to drive pace. If DE&S waits for a 100% exquisite capability solution it will likely be too late.
How does this compare with the previous structure?
GlobalData Defence Analyst, Wilson Jones, observed that there had been widespread disillusionment with the UK’s defence procurement process in recent years.
“I know the force behind these [IPM] reforms is the perception of defence procurement policy as broken, that systems are taking far too long and are costing far too much. MoD officials and MPs have called existing policies broken, deficient, leading to waste, etc.
“Another major issue were efforts to design and buy products that were highly specified, which means that while they may excel in certain tasks, they cost far more, they are not useful for wider applications and are not desired in the international export market.”
In his address, Start relayed his confidence in the new initiative on the basis that “it is actually designed by the practitioners who do the work. By the people who are frustrated with our current system and want it to be better, and their energy and enthusiasm for it is palpable.”
Success so far
DE&S claims that the new structure has already proven successful following the acquisition of 14 Archer howitzer systems to begin replacing the Army’s 32 AS90 Braveheart systems in just two months of receiving the requirement from the British Army.
Following the granting-in-kind of 32 AS90 self-propelled guns to Ukraine, Archer was procured from the Swedish Government as an interim solution for the gap created in the British Army’s 155-millimetre Close Support capability. Credit: British Army.
In October 2023, the first of Britain’s Archer systems arrived in the UK just six months after the government signed the contract for the systems.
The Archer FH77 BW L52 is a 6×6, 155-millimetre self-propelled howitzer manufactured by BAE Systems Bofors in Karlskoga, Sweden. It is fully autonomous and can be used in traditional warfare fire support, as well as modern international peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions.
(Source: army-technology.com)
06 May 24. Lithuanian Defence Minister coaxes US defence investment.
During a visit to the the US, the Lithuanian Minister of National Defence called for US defence industries to consider the Baltic nation as a future reliable partner.
During his visit to the US, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, the Lithuanian Minister of National Defence (MoND), encouraged US defence industries to consider co-operating with his country’s fledgling, albeit promising defence industry.
According to GlobalData intelligence, Lithuania’s defence budget is forecast to grow to $2.8bn in 2029, from $2.1bn in 2024. This follows ongoing historical growth, with their defence budget registering a positive compound annual growth rate of 16.2% between 2020 and 2024.
“We can see immense potential in Lithuania-US co-operation in [the] defence industry,” Kasčiūnas suggested during a meeting with the US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, William LaPlante.
“Therefore, we look forward to a signal [from] business that Lithuania is a reliable partner.”
During his encounter with LaPlante, Kasčiūnas reiterated Lithuania’s position as the largest US weaponry customer in the Baltic region, with the country having spent $1.3bn (€1.2bn) over an average period. This is only 20% of the planned defence acquisition currently happening, the MoND suggested.
Not only that, but “equipment servicing and maintenance over its full life cycle doubles the amount,” the minister added.
Within this vast acquisition plan, Lithuania has ordered four UH-60M Black Hawk medium helicopters, with an option for two more down the line. The nation has also ordered HIMARS artillery systems, Javelin anti-tank systems, AMRAAM missiles, Switchblade uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and 500 units of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, among other things.
Institutional reform empowering defence
Kasčiūnas also managed to visit several US defence suppliers including the UAS manufacturer AEVEX Aerospace, defence giant Lockheed Martin (with whom the country has numerous orders for platforms and equipment), as well as the industry prime Northrop Grumman, the largest manufacturer of medium calibre live and dummy ammunition and defence systems in the world.
The legislative branch of the Lithuanian Government is currently in the process of instituting regulations that place greater importance on defence production, which will open more opportunities for local suppliers and cultivate co-operation with foreign defence industries.
This legislation is expected to come into effect by 1 July 2024.
Ahead of that, the country has already struck an agreement with the German arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall, to establish a new 155-millimetre ammunition factory in Lithuania.
This is due to be one of the largest investments made by Lithuania in the whole of the Baltic region – a fact the minister was quick to point out to LaPlante.
Support for Ukraine
Following news that the US has turned the money tap back on for Ukraine – after several months of political manoeuvring in Washington, which experts have suggested will have a negative impact on Ukraine’s Armed Forces in the near-term – Kasčiūnas was also eager to reinforce Ukraine’s case for continued support.
The minister discussed the need to agree on “comprehensive, longer-term measures” during a discussion with the Hudson Institute, a US think tank that espouses American leadership on the world stage.
Laurynas Kasčiūnas (right), the Lithuanian MoND, calls for more sustainable military support for Ukraine. Credit: Laurynas Kasčiūnas’ X account.
The $60bn in US military assistance will contribute to replenishing Ukraine’s ammunition stores into the next year when some analysts believe Ukraine may have another opportunity to launch another counteroffensive.
In a GlobalData Analyst Briefing on the recent funds to Ukraine, Fox Walker observed:
“While this aid is impressive, it will not amount to a Ukrainian victory without strategic clarity and fewer restrictions on the way military aid is used.
“The Biden administration was repeatedly hesitant to grant the Ukrainians access to various technologies that would have helped them to counter the Russians at earlier points in the war. To maintain the moral high ground the Ukrainians should largely avoid attacking civilian populations in Russia, but Biden shouldn’t discourage attacks on Russian critical infrastructure.” (Source: army-technology.com)
06 May 24. Finland has successfully tested its ability to run a war economy and has begun storing military equipment outside its national borders as the Nordic country renowned for its high level of preparedness deals with an increasingly aggressive Russia. Lieutenant General Mikko Heiskanen, deputy chief of staff for armaments and logistics in the Finnish defence forces, told the Financial Times that Finland had recently checked on more than 1,000 agreements it has with private companies to produce equipment or provide services for times of war. “We need to be prepared for a long-term crisis . . . We have activated some of those, we have checked all of the agreements, we have tested procurement not just for ammunition but for other material. We are testing our strategic partners’ plans and readiness,” said Heiskanen, whose job title in Finnish translates as head of the war economy. Finland, which has the longest border with Russia of any Nato or EU country, is well known for its decades of focus on a possible attack from its eastern neighbour, leading to a level of preparedness perhaps unequalled in the western world. Finland has fought many conflicts with Russia, most infamously the Winter War of 1939-40 in which the Nordic country inflicted hundreds of thousands of casualties on the invading Soviet army. It has stockpiles of at least six months’ consumption of major fuels and grains, and enough air shelters for its entire population. Almost a third of its adult population are reservists, giving the country of just 5.6mn people one of the largest militaries in Europe and its joint largest amount of artillery. “It’s in our DNA. Russia respects power. Power consists both of the will and the capacity. The will is in place. The people’s will to defend the country is probably the highest in the world.
The capacity — the material — is at a credible level. It takes years to build up this capacity. You cannot do it in a year or two,” Heiskanen added. He declined to go into specifics but said by way of example that a textile company could be ordered at short notice to produce bulletproof vests or other items to protect troops in battle. Russia has moved in recent months to a war economy following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago, spending about 6-7 per cent of GDP to produce 4mn artillery shells a year, levels well above Finland’s or even western Europe’s. Heiskanen said of Finland: “We are not in a war economy.” He noted that the Nordic country was only at step three out of nine on its escalation ladder and that although it had increased production of ammunition it was still not working factories 24 hours a day. “We were not in a bad state, and right now we are pretty confident,” he added. (Source: FT.com)
03 May 24. Denmark increases defense spending in view of Russian long-term war. Denmark will raise its defense spending by an additional $5.1bn over the next four years in order to speed up investments in military capabilities, as the government has warned that Russia is readying for a long-term war.
With the war in Ukraine reaching its 800th day, and the battle showing little sign of resolution in the foreseeable future, European countries are doubling down on efforts to inject more funds into their military posture.
The Danish government announced this week that it would again increase the country’s defense expenditure from 2024-2028. Last year, the Scandinavian country had already committed to investing $21 bn in defense over the next decade.
Denmark’s defense spending for 2023 was $8.1bn, a 39% increase over the previous year, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
“The security situation in Europe has worsened since we decided on the Danish Defense Agreement last summer. Russia is preparing for a long-term war and could pose a potential threat to NATO allies within a few years,” the Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said.
The additional funds will go to reinforcing the Army’s 1st heavy brigade, which is Denmark’s fore package assigned to the NATO Response Force, acquiring more land-based air defense systems and bolstering the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The unit in question will have to be deployable on short notice, based on NATO standards, and it receive new tanks and infantry fighting vehicles.
Denmark borders the Baltic and North seas along its 8,750 kilometers of shoreline, which could be vulnerable in the event of NATO-Russia tensions in the region.
Following Copenhagen’s submarine divestiture in 2004, lawmakers have been going back and forth about the possibility of acquiring and even leasing new undersea platforms. (Source: Defense News)
03 May 24. Nato warns of increased Russian hybrid warfare against European nations.
Nato has expressed concern over hybrid activity by Russia, consisting a security threat against European allies.
Nato expresses deep concern over hybrid activity from Russia on Nato allied territory, stating that it constitutes a threat to Allied security.
In a statement on 2 May 2024, Nato cited activities that had led to investigations into hostile state activity that affected Czechia, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the United Kingdom, resulting in multiple individuals being charged.
The description put forward by Nato of hybrid activities in these countries includes “sabotage, acts of violence, cyber and electronic interference, disinformation campaigns, and other hybrid operations.”
While there is no universally recognised definition for activities within hybrid warfare, it is broadly considered to be the use of unconventional techniques for subversion, below there threshold of warfare, in an ambiguous manner that denies rightful attribution – although not all actions are disavowed.
Examining the behaviour of Russia in the past, it is also reasonable to extend the definition to the Russian military reportedly offering bounties to Taliban-linked militias for targeting coalition forces in Afghanistan, and even the clandestine annexation of Crimea in 2014 by unbadged Russian forces.
The employment of the Wagner private mercenary group to achieve Russian strategic aims under the guise of private activity represents another facet of Russian hybrid activity that has given reach to ambitions in Moscow for the influence overseas internal political activity – all at an arm’s length.
In the statement from Nato describing “an intensifying campaign of activities which Russia continues to carry out across the Euro-Atlantic area,” Nato affirmed that it will stand in solidarity with affected Allies and that is will continue to coordinate closely with these countries. Member nations will act individually and collectively to achieve these goals.
A June 2022 report from the Russia & Eurasia Studies Centre and the Henry Jackson Society goes into some detail describing the nature of Hybrid warfare from Russia as it is conducted against the UK, in the context of providing appropriate countermeasures.
Recommendations from the report, included the creation an agency to coordinate defence from information warfare, and to strengthen media ownership oversight.
It also identified the trade in passports as a weakness that should be addressed by the security services with additional funding and autonomy. Recognising the influence of malign actors working from UK territory, the ropers highlighted the large size and multiple properties enjoyed by the Russian Embassy in London, and recommended this be reduced,
(Source: army-technology.com)
03 May 24. Hungary defence spending to be increased if Ukraine war drags into 2025 -PM Orban. Hungary will need to boost defence spending further next year if the war in neighbouring Ukraine drags into 2025, reducing the amount of funds available for other expenditure, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told public radio on Friday.
Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has triggered a surge in defence spending on NATO’s eastern flank led by Poland, which has doubled defence expenditure to 3.9% of economic output by 2023 from 2014 levels based on NATO figures.
While strongly opposing Western military and financial support to Ukraine over concerns of the conflict spilling over into Europe, Hungary has also ramped up its defence spending sharply, to 2.43% of GDP last year, above a 2% NATO guideline.
“If the war drags on into 2025, then the 2023-2024 defence spending levels will not be sufficient and will have to be increased,” Orban said in an interview, adding that the move would leave less funding for other purposes.
In power since 2010, Orban has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic to control Hungary’s budget deficit, with the shortfall averaging nearly 7% of gross domestic product over the past four years, well above EU average levels.
His government announced last month it would postpone about 1% of GDP worth of investments to cut this year’s shortfall to a recently-increased 4.5% of GDP target.
S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Gabriel Forss told Reuters on Tuesday that was a step in the right direction, but more will be needed, likely after European Parliament and local elections in June. (Source: Reuters)
02 May 24. US Army announces Europe deployment for infantry brigade combat team. An Army brigade combat team will deploy to U.S. European Command over the summer, service officials announced on Wednesday.
The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division will replace the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division as part of a “regular rotation of forces” in support of NATO allies, according to the service. The unit will deploy “later this summer,” Lt. Col. Sarah Ray, a 10th Mountain Division spokesperson, told Military Times in an email.
“They will continue to assure our NATO partners and allies, deterring further Russian aggression and reinforcing the NATO flank in eastern Europe,” Ray added.
The unit is based out of Fort Johnson, Louisiana.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa announced in a statement on Tuesday that some 1,600 soldiers arrived in Norway to begin a nearly 559-mile march to Finland. The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division is currently taking part in a multinational training between the United States, NATO and new member Finland. The exercises will occur through May 31, involving more than 10,400 U.S. service members.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration announced an influx of troops to shore up NATO’s eastern flank — and spurred two Nordic neighbors to join the alliance. Sweden joined NATO in March. Meanwhile, Finland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia, joined the alliance on April 4.
The unit will make history as the first light brigade combat team to deploy to a Nordic country, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
The Pentagon has deployed more than 20,000 additional forces to Europe, bringing the total number of American service members operating in Europe to more than 100,000. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Military.com)
02 May 24. The Norwegian center-left government said Thursday that it wants to add 7bn kroner ($630m) to the Scandinavian country’s armed forces over the next 12 years amid increased tensions in the region.
The announcement came on top of plans announced last month of a “historic increase” of 600bn kroner ($54bn) in the oil-rich country’s defense budget over the same period.
“We must increase the operational capability of the Armed Forces,” Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, citing heightened tensions in the region as the reason for the boost.
Gahr Støre said Thursday that the combined budget increase meant that Norway would be able to reach NATO’s goal of military spending of 2% of each member country’s GDP this year. In 2024, the Scandinavian country’s defense budget is expected to increase to 104 billion kroner ($9.4bn).
Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum called it “a strong growth” and said it was “a necessary investment to strengthen our freedom.”
Gahr Støre heads a coalition that includes his own social democratic Labor party and the left-leaning Center Party. He is expected to win support for the proposal in the 169-seat Storting assembly. No date for a vote was set. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/AP)
02 May 24. Polish president submits law to step up defence preparation. Polish President Andrzej Duda has submitted to parliament a draft bill aimed at increasing defence readiness, citing new forms of threat from Russia, the National Security Bureau (BBN) said on Thursday.
Under the proposal, the general and operational military commands would be combined into a joint body in the NATO and European Union member state.
The draft also envisages new permanent defence plans ensuring the army’s ability to respond to sudden threats immediately, and aims to boost the flow of information and coordination between Poland’s civilian and military authorities.
“The proposal provides for introducing changes in the military and non-military areas, strengthening the capabilities to counteract hybrid threats, subliminal threats and direct armed aggression,” BBN said in a statement.
It said the proposals were “a response to changes in the security environment, including new forms of threats from the Russian Federation directed against Poland and other European Union and NATO countries.”
The Russian embassy in Poland said it was unable to comment on the BBN statement
“…because we are not aware of what both ‘new’ and ‘old’ forms of alleged ‘threats from the Russian Federation directed against Poland and other EU and NATO countries’ it refers to,” it wrote in an emailed statement to Reuters.
Poland has increased its defence spending to over 4% of gross domestic product – more than the NATO guideline – in response to what authorities in Warsaw see as rising threats following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. (Source: Reuters)
30 Apr 24. Donald Trump has warned Nato members they will be on their “own” unless they increase their defence spending if he wins a second term. The former US president and 2024 candidate said his message to the military alliance was: “If you’re not going to pay, then you’re on your own”.
Mr Trump, who has long complained that the US shoulders an undue financial burden within Nato, has previously questioned Article Five of the treaty, the alliance’s principle of collective defence.
Earlier this year, he went further in suggesting Russia could “do whatever the hell they want” to Nato allies who did not spend enough on collective defence.
In a wide-ranging interview with Time magazine, published on Tuesday, Mr Trump said he stood by the remarks.
The 77-year-old said that if he regained the White House in November’s election, continued US aid to Ukraine would be contingent on Europe matching the contributions.
Washington has so far sent more than $100bn to Ukraine, backed by Joe Biden and bipartisan support in Congress.
‘We have an ocean, they don’t’
Mr Trump did not say whether he would end all US funding, but said: “I wouldn’t give unless Europe starts equalising”.
“If Europe is not going to pay, why should we pay? They’re much more greatly affected. We have an ocean in between us. They don’t,” he said.
Nato allies agreed this month to secure a long-term package for Ukraine, which some of the alliance’s diplomats believe could be done via “Trump-proof” $100 bn five-year fund.
Mr Trump also signalled he would reconsider America’s long-standing military support for a number of allies if he wins a second term in office.
He suggested that he could withdraw US troops stationed in South Korea to serve as a deterrence against Kim Jong-Un’s regime.
Mr Trump said the current setup “doesn’t make any sense”. “Why would we defend somebody? And we’re talking about a very wealthy country,” he told Time.
When it comes to the Middle East, Mr Trump said he would defend Israel if the country was attacked by Iran.
But he criticised Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to its war against Hamas, and the Israeli Prime Minister’s failure to prevent the terror group’s Oct 7 attack. “It happened on his watch,” Mr Trump said.
He declined to rule out withholding US military aid to Israel to force an end to the conflict, but suggested he does not support the pursuit of a Palestinian state.
“There was a time when I thought two-state could work,” he said. “Now I think two-state is going to be very, very tough.” (Source: Daily Telegraph)
30 Apr 24. Lithuania eases red tape for defense firms looking to set up shop. The Lithuanian government has approved new procedures designed to lower administrative hurdles for foreign defense looking to open production facilities in the Baltic state.
The moves ride on a wave of demand in Europe for anything from artillery shells to drones that shows no sign of ebbing amid support for Ukraine and nations’ eagerness to replenish their own stockpiles.
Officials in Vilnius earlier this month ratified a series of amendments that seek to short-circuit established procedures and reviews in the interest of time. The new language introduces “a new category of investment projects” that counts large-scale manufacturing projects in the defense sector as addressing “pressing national security needs,” Agnė Raščiūtė, head of communications at Invest Lithuania, an organization of the country’s Ministry of Economy, told Defense News.
Under the latest policies, these projects will benefit from certain managerial exemptions that will allow companies to shorten the setup time of their facilities from two years to six months.
For example, the package includes a provision whereby European defense producers could begin the construction of their plants in Lithuania without a permit, needing to obtain one only before the build completion.
Ramping up the production capacity of Europe’s defense industry has been at the forefront of priorities for the European Union and its member states since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
While companies have begun building new manufacturing plants, it will take years for them to pump out the amount of equipment that military leaders say is needed. Industry lobbyists have seized on what they consider bottlenecks in construction permitting or environmental reviews, for example, that limit a more comprehensive ramp-up of the bloc’s defense manufacturing.
“Administrative and regulatory hurdles often hinder European defense industry from rapidly increasing its production — red tape can severely impact the EU’s ability to respond promptly to crises and changing geopolitical dynamics,” a spokesman at the Aerospace and Defense Industries Association of Europe told Defense News.
According to some officials, greasing the wheels of bureaucracy is easier for smaller European countries where fewer people are involved in such processes, such as Estonia.
“We have a very quick political decision-making process where once the government has allocated to us the funds, we are efficient at putting this money on the markets right away,” Tuuli Duneton, Estonia’s undersecretary for defense policy, told Defense News in an interview last year.
“[Whereas] with some much bigger countries, we can see that it takes a lot of time and is quite bureaucratic, with complicated procedures,” she added.
In Germany, the defense-industry association BDSV has floated the idea of using the fast-tracked process for the construction of liquid natural gas infrastructure, hastily constructed at Germany’s North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts after shutting off Russian gas imports, as a blueprint for the defense industry.
A new legislative package enacted specifically for LNG projects skirted certain environmental impact assessments and shortened the time period for public feedback based on the urgency argument in supplementing Germany’s energy mix. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
09 Apr 24. EDA and SESAR Deployment Manager renew strategic partnership. The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the SESAR Deployment Manager (SDM) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to renew their strategic partnership. The MoU will further enhance the efficiency and collaboration between civil and military stakeholders in the European airspace, ensuring the necessary interoperability between civil and military actors. Today’s signing confirms the shared commitment of both organisations to coordinate efforts where civil and military interests converge. The MoU was signed by EDA’s Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý, and SDM’s Executive Director, Mariagrazia La Piscopia, at Belgian Air Force Airbase Melsbroek.
Enhancing civil-military collaboration in European airspace
The EDA-SDM MoU sets the framework to further enhance and streamline the joint work between military and civil stakeholders, enhancing their efficiency and collaboration in the European airspace. Addressing concerns and constraints of the military in the journey to modernise air traffic management (ATM) systems, stands as a key priority in the agreement. Supporting military understanding of common projects’ regulations and supporting their access to the existing financial instruments for timely implementation is also of utmost importance.
The MoU allows SDM to coordinate with the military through EDA and calls for using the Agency as the Military facilitator for SESAR deployment, fostering efficient coordination at European level. Furthermore, encouraging complementarity among different EU financing programmes is emphasised to optimise resources and expertise while mitigating duplication. The MoU underscores the shared commitment of EDA and SDM to coordinate efforts where civil and military interests converge.
EDA’s Chief Executive, Jiří Šedivý, said; “this year marks the 10th anniversary since the first cooperation between SDM and EDA. During this time, European armed forces have greatly benefitted from our joint work, also via EU funds that several national air forces have received. Civil-military collaboration is at the heart of the Memorandum of Understanding. The military have specific needs, requirements and constrains in their procurement cycles and within the current security and geopolitical context. In that respect, the MoU reflects the unique challenges, environment and airspace use required for European armed forces.”
SDM’s Executive Director, Mariagrazia La Piscopia, said, “Cooperation between civil and military entities is essential to continue building a more integrated, sustainable and efficient airspace in Europe. This will facilitate the growth of the civil aviation industry while also ensuring that European military operations can be accommodated optimally, taking into consideration their needs. The support of EDA is crucial to ensure the engagement of all relevant military authorities. After ten years of successful joint work, I am pleased to renew our partnership today and look forward to continuing our work on air traffic management modernisation as one cohesive team”.
Unique setting, unique partnership
The signing ceremony took place in the Belgian Air Force Airbase Melsbroek, which shares all civil airport infrastructures of the Brussels International Airport, representing European excellence and collaboration in the defence domain in pursuit of shared objectives. The signing ceremony was made possible by cooperation with the Belgian 15th Transport Wing and the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union.
About European Defence Agency
EDA supports all EU Member States in improving their defence capabilities through European cooperation. Acting as an enabler and facilitator for Ministries of Defence willing to engage in collaborative capability projects, the Agency has become the hub for European defence cooperation with expertise and networks spanning the whole spectrum of defence capabilities.
Member States use EDA as an intergovernmental expert platform where their collaborative projects are supported, facilitated, and implemented.
More information at: eda.europa.eu
About SESAR Deployment Manager
The Single European Sky’s ATM Research project, “SESAR”, is one of the most ambitious modernisation projects launched by the European Union, contributing to the implementation of the Digital Single European Sky. SESAR’s goal is to define, develop and deploy the technological solutions needed to increase the performance and digitalisation of Europe’s ATM system in the most cost-, flight-efficient and environmentally friendly conditions.
The SESAR Deployment Manager is responsible for the Management Level of the SESAR deployment governance, in particular for the coordination of the implementation of the EU’s Common Projects, based on SESAR Solutions to be deployed in a synchronised and timely manner across Europe according to the SESAR Deployment Programme.
Today, almost 10 years after the beginning of this deployment phase in 2014, the modernisation of the European ATM systems and infrastructure is an operational reality, with already 293 projects in operation and 55 ongoing (March 2024). More importantly, it is delivering its expected performance benefits to the aviation community, its stakeholders and in turn to European passengers, citizens, economy and environment benefitting the #EUGreenDeal. (Source: EDA)
24 Apr 24. Green fingers: EU defence energy community ends phase with new proposals. The Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS), has marked the end of its third phase, running from 2019 to 2024, playing its part in the European Union’s Green Deal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
With initiatives to improve energy efficiency in the military, as well as pilot projects to optimise energy use in buildings and efforts to electrify transport within defence facilities, Phase III generated over 30 project ideas and 15 research studies. Initiatives also included integrating hydrogen fuel technology in military vehicles and promote military behavioural change among military personnel.
The European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) organised the CF SEDSS III Dissemination Conference on 25 April 2024 under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and hosted by the Ministry of Defence of Belgium.
The CF SEDSS is a Commission-funded initiative managed by the EDA. It is Europe’s largest defence energy community, reinforcing the defence sector’s involvement in the energy transition. It will now move to Phase IV, running until 2028. The forum focuses on four interrelated areas: energy efficiency and buildings performance; renewable energy sources; protection of defence-related critical energy infrastructure; and policy, research and technology, and funding for defence energy-related projects.
“It is more crucial than ever to fully embrace a spirit of sustainability in our defence policies. Climate change also highlights the need to diversify our energy sources,” Belgium’s Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder told the conference. “The Member States of the European Union, through the Green Deal, have committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Defence can play a crucial role by integrating the fight against climate change into its operations and by developing skills to meet the new environmental challenges.”
EDA Deputy Chief Executive André Denk said that the next phase of the Consultation Forum would be crucial. “The EU’s goal to become climate neutral by 2050 cannot be achieved without the engagement of the defence sector – defence may be responsible for up to 5.5% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. More energy sustainability in defence means also less costs, less reliance on fossil fuels, and increased resilience.”
Paloma Aba Garrote, Director, European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), said that: “Europe’s defence and security sector is crucial to achieving the EU Green Deal targets of energy efficiency, renewables deployment and decarbonisation of the economy.”
In total, seven plenary conferences were organised during Phase III, including two onsite exhibitions, as well as workshops and ad-hoc meetings. EDA organised the first CF SEDSS table-top exercise to assess and mitigate vulnerabilities in critical energy infrastructure related to defence in the face of hybrid threats.
These efforts have collectively supported EU goals in energy and climate, highlighted by the development of the Symbiosis project, which will identify and address barriers for offshore renewable energy developments in areas used or reserved for present and future military activities and purposes.
The Forum’s contributions are acknowledged in high-level EU documents such as the Progress Report of the EU Climate Change and Defence Roadmap, the Action Plan on Military Mobility and the EU Joint Communication on Climate Change.
24 Apr 24. Filling gaps in EU defences – EDA publishes its 2023 Annual Report. High intensity, state-to-state war in Ukraine is forcing the European Union to reenergise its defence industrial base on a large scale to defend Western democratic values. At the same time, the EU is preparing for future challenges, developing the most innovative, high-end capabilities. The EU and the European Defence Agency (EDA) are accelerating efforts in support of Ukraine and for the defence of Europe.
In the Agency’s annual report for 2023, we provide an overview of EDA’s milestones reached and achievements over the year. Our highlights include:
- Denmark joining as EDA’s 27th member
- Deepening ties with the United States Department of Defense through an Administrative Arrangement
- Agreeing the 2023 Capability Development Priorities across the five military domains
- Stepping up in 2023 with EDA’s two-year fast-track procedure for the joint procurement of 155mm artillery rounds, with a project arrangement signed by all EU Member States and Norway
- Transferring EDA’s long-running helicopter programme to a new centre in Portugal
- Achieving Initial Operational Capability for the multinational fleet of Airbus A330 tanker and transport aircraft, a project established by EDA
Overall, in 2023, the Agency managed around 94 cooperative ad-hoc projects and programmes in capability development, training, and joint procurement, as well as Research and Technology (R&T) and innovation, with a total estimated value in the range of €664m.
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the European Defence Agency. Over two decades, we have helped our armed forces to cooperate and invest better together. We continue to anticipate tomorrow’s defence needs. The EDA’s added value for EU defence is sharply increasing.
Download the full 2023 Annual Report here: https://eda.europa.eu/publications-and-data/latest-publications/annual-report-2023 (Source: EDA)
21 Mar 24. Supporting nations of Test and Evaluation hold plenary talks in Italy. From its inception in 2004, the European Defence Agency has helped connect Member States’ Test and Evaluation Centres. The Defence Test and Evaluation Base (DTEB) has led to a European network of defence technology centres. Its database is a major part of the network.
As EDA seeks to anticipate future defence trends, EDA’s DTEB meeting in Italy on 13-14 March 2024 focused on the role and interface of test centres with the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI), the challenge of testing and evaluating autonomous systems and how to further test and evaluate technology and capability development, as well as working with industry.
A harmonised and strengthened network of European Test and Evaluation Centres is a prerequisite for European defence policy development and European projects.
The Italian Army Multifunctional Experimentation Centre (CEPOLISPE) in Montelibretti, Rome hosted the Agency’s Defence Test and Evaluation Base Plenary Group and the Test Centres Network of Excellence for the Land, Maritime, Air and Cyber and Information, over the two days. The meeting was organised by EDA, in coordination with the Italian Secretariat General of Defence and National Armaments Directorate.
Fifty-eight experts from nine EU Member States, and countries with which EDA has signed Administrative Arrangements, as well as EU Institutions, attended the meeting and visited CEPOLISPE testing facilities.
The Plenary Group and Test Centres Network of Excellence meet three times a year at the expert level.
Testing and evaluation are an integral part of engineering to support the lifecycle of weapon systems, from development to production, joint procurement, introduction into service and in-service upgrades.
Reinforcing the Agency’s work on defence test and evaluation could improve coordination of testing activities aimed at ensuring cross-certification of similar equipment across platforms. That would support built-in interoperability and exchangeability. This approach will be addressed in the new ‘Defence Test and Evaluation Base Strategy 2025-2035′ that will be submitted for the approval of the Member States in 2024.
EDA’s wider role
EDA supports its 27 Member States in improving their defence capabilities through European cooperation. Acting as an enabler and facilitator for Ministries of Defence willing to engage in collaborative capability projects, the Agency has become the hub for European defence cooperation with expertise and networks allowing it to the whole spectrum of defence capabilities. Member States use EDA as an intergovernmental expert platform where their collaborative projects are supported, facilitated, and implemented. For more details, please see here. (Source: EDA)
30 Apr 24. France Orders First Long Lead Items For PANG Aircraft Carrier Program. The French ministry of the armed forces has awarded the first contract for the order of long lead items for the PANG (porte-avions de nouvelle génération) new generation aircraft carrier program.
According to a French MoD release, the contract awarded on 26 April by the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA – the defense procurement agency) focuses on the propulsion of the future aircraft carrier: The nuclear reactors, their containment structures and the secondary loop which converts the energy from the nuclear reactor into electricity.
This order which was awarded to three contractors anticipates the manufacturing of these elements, before the launch milestone for the construction of the entire aircraft carrier. The three contractors are:
- Shipbuilder Naval Group, in charge of the industrialization and production of the main components of nuclear reactors
- The Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, in charge of adapting its industrial facilities for the construction phase in Saint-Nazaire;
- TechnicAtome, prime contractor for the nuclear reactors, is in charge of their design
PANG specifications
The latest design of the PANG on Naval Group stand at Euronaval 2022.
The latest technical specification of France’s future aircraft carrier are as follow (preliminary design data):
- Full load displacement: ~ 75,000t
- Overall length: 310m
- Length at waterline: 305m
- Width at water line: 39m
- Flight deck surface area: ~ 17,000m²
- Max draught: 10.8m
- Two or three 90-meter electromagnetic catapults (EMALS) by General Atomics
- Airwing: ~30 New Generation Fighter (NGF) and Rafale M
- Maximum speed: 30 knots (more than Charles de Gaulle)
Two or three emals?
According to the latest information obtained by Naval News from various industry sources (who wished to remain anonymous for confidentiality reasons), it appears that the choice is settled, at last, for three EMALS, as this is the most logical one. This information should be officially announced later this year, possibly during Euronaval 2024.
There is a plan to procure the EMALS and AAG sets for the PANG in a “group buy” with the CVN 78 program in order to benefit from economies of scale. However, Naval News understands that delays with the aircraft carrier program in the US could put this “group buy” in jeopardy. Inquired about this issue, a French navy source was reassuring and explained that even if CVN 80 and CVN 81 suffer a small delay, the French and Americans could still agree on a group buy, with different delivery schedule by General Atomics. Speaking of which, the American contractor is still reviewing a number of potential French companies who could become suppliers of sub-components, not only for the French EMALS and AAG, but also for the American ones. French and US parties involved in the PANG program are set to conduct a major meeting in September to discuss the various topics at hand.
A French Navy Rafale M is set to start a first phase of land-based tests and integration with the EMALS and AAG at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst, New Jersey, next year.
PANG program schedule
Technical and operational studies started in 2018 and ended in 2019. In parallel, the conceptual design started at the end of 2018 and ended in December 2019.
A “risk mitigation & innovation studies” followed, between January 2021 and December 2023. At the same time, “preliminary design studies” started in Q1 2021 and ended in Q1 2023.
The PANG program is currently in the “definition phase”. It is set to end in December 2025 with the “system functional review” milestone.
The decision to launch the development and production phase is due for end of 2025 / early 2026, after which the “development and production” phase will span 10 years (2026 until 2036). Several milestones are set to be achieved in this timeframe:
- Preliminary design review in Q4 2028
- Critical design review in Q4 2029
- First sea trials: End of 2035 / early 2036
- Delivery: End of 2036 / early 2037
- Commissioning: End of 2037 / early 2038
The production & construction phase will start in early 2031 in St Nazaire. The PANG will then transfer to Toulon in mid-2035 to finish outfitting work until the end of 2036.
Regarding the transfer from St Nazaire to Toulon: Since Chantiers de l’Atlantique is not a nuclear shipyard, fueling of the nuclear core and divergence (first power up of the reactor) will take place in Toulon. According to the DGA program manager, the plan is to temporarily fit several diesel generators in the hangar (or on the flight deck) of the aircraft carrier in order to provide the electric propulsion system of the carrier with enough power. In other words, this initial transit (which will not be a sea trial) will be conducted with the vessel’s own power, just not nuclear power. (Source: News Now/https://www.navalnews.com/)
30 Apr 24. Minister for Europe to underline UK support for Moldova amid growing Russian aggression. Nusrat Ghani hosts the third UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue in London.
- Nusrat Ghani to meet with Moldovan Foreign Minister, Mihai Popșoi, in London.
- Will reaffirm UK’s unwavering support to Moldova, who remain on ‘front line’ of Russia’s disinformation war.
- £30m of UK support defending country against cyberattacks and corruption.
The Minister for Europe will reaffirm the UK’s unwavering support for Moldova as the country’s Foreign Minister, Mihai Popșoi, visits London today (30 April).
Minister Nusrat Ghani will emphasise the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder with Moldova as they continue to suffer from the destabilising impact of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
The two Ministers will discuss how to counter subversive Russian meddling as the country faces a barrage of Russian propaganda, disinformation, and fake news.
Total UK support to Moldova now stands at £30m and is helping Moldova to strengthen its defences against cyber-attacks, combat pro-Russian disinformation, reform the armed forces, build a stronger economy and tackle corruption.
Minister for Europe, Nusrat Ghani, is expected to say: “Moldova shows how a country, when true to its values and firm in its resolve, can make a significant impact on the world stage. Recognising the threat Russia poses to the global order, you have been active and steadfast in defending international law. As we continue to address threats to our security, stability and prosperity, the UK will stand with you every step along the way.”
Minister for the Armed Forces, Leo Docherty, will also meet the Moldovan State Secretary for Defence, Valeriu Mija, to reaffirm the UK’s defence and security commitments to Moldova. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
29 Apr 24. Italy and France sign letter of intent to boost European defence industry. Italy and France on Monday signed a letter of intent to create a joint industrial hub for ground defence involving companies from both countries, an Italian defence ministry statement said, looking to boost the European defence industry.
The announcement came after a meeting in the Mediterranean island of Corsica between defence ministers Guido Crosetto and Sebastien Lecornu, who also discussed the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine.
“It is crucial to bring together all the best European technologies and to make ever-stronger hubs, because we will need significant investment to keep up with technological evolution,” Crosetto said.
The statement from his office said the programme would aim to “strengthen industrial cooperation and Europe’s defence capabilities through the joint development of new land platforms.”
The plan will add to other cooperation initiatives involving French and Italian companies.
Italy’s main defence conglomerate Leonardo (LDOF.MI), has already teamed up with France’s Thales (TCFP.PA), through two separate joint ventures, satellite services company Telespazio and space manufacturer Thales Alenia Space.
“The strategic alliance will enable the implementation of collaborative programmes between European nations through the strengthening of industrial bases and the development of the future generation of platforms,” the Italian statement said, mentioning a planned next-generation tank known as the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
(Source: Reuters)
28 Apr 24. Scotland to play ‘growing role in Britain’s defence’ following budget increase, Alister Jack says. Alister Jack has claimed Scotland will play a “growing role in defence” as the industry welcomed this week’s increase in Government spending.
Rishi Sunak has committed to reaching 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, and spending an extra £75bn more on defence over the next six years compared with existing levels.
The pledge has now been welcomed by the Scotland Secretary, who said the investment showed the importance of Scotland to the nation’s defence.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack welcome the increase in defence spending.
Mr Jack told Scotland on Sunday: “Scotland is pivotal to British defence, with thousands of people employed in excellent jobs right across a supply chain worth bns.
“At this time of heightened global tension, and an illegal war in Ukraine sparked by Russia, I am confident Scotland will play a growing role as UK Government spending ramps up.
“Whether it’s warships built on the Clyde and Forth, missiles from Ayrshire, or radars from Edinburgh, Scottish workers are central to British efforts to deter aggression and promote security.”
Downing Street say the plan will cost £4.5 bn in 2028/29, of which £2.9bn would come from savings due to the reduction in the size of the civil service, with £1.6bn coming from the research and development budget.
The investment was also welcomed by ADS, a UK trade association focused on advancing leadership in aerospace, defence, security and space.
ADS Scotland Director Warrick Malcolm also welcomed the investment, describing the sector as “vital” to UK prosperity.
He said: “The unexpected formal commitment of an additional £75 bn for Defence spending by the Prime Minister this week that is welcome (if overdue). As our world gets increasingly more dangerous, this commitment to ensuring our collective security and the livelihoods of many throughout our country is necessary to our collective economic, social and national advantage.
“That said, as we increasingly rush towards General Election season – whenever that may be – it is vital that the importance of our sectors is not taken for granted by politicians on all sides of the house. This follows comments by the Labour team that they, too, would aim to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent, among other commitments to protecting our at-sea deterrent.
“Our sectors are vital contributors to UK prosperity. We are dedicated to supporting industry, civil society and our armed forces to navigate an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment.”
Mr Malcom also praised the impact it would have on the economy, as well as the importance of the sector in Scotland.
ADS members announcing expansions in Scotland include Babcock, which has pledged to create 1,000 jobs in Rosyth, Rolls Royce which wants to create hundreds of nuclear submarine jobs, BAE Systems which is aiming for 300 jobs in Scotland, and Thales, which is creating more than 100 positions at its manufacturing site by the River Clyde in Glasgow.
He said: “In 2022, the ADS sectors directly employed 33,500 people in Scotland, including 1,500 apprentices.
SNP defence spokesperson Martin Docherty-Hughes last week claimed the government’s plans were not costed and would leave funding “black holes” in a host of other areas.
While supporting an increase, the West Dunbartonshire MP argued there was no plan and accused the Prime Minister of blatant “electioneering”.
(Source: Google/The Scotsman)
28 Apr 24. France’s nuclear weapons should be part of European defence debate, Macron says. France’s nuclear weapons should be part of the European defence debate, French President Emmanuel Macron told a group of regional newspapers on Sunday, in comments that drew fire from his political opponents ahead of EU elections in June.
Macron has been more strident on defence issues recently, having called on Thursday for stronger, more integrated European defences as he outlined his vision for a more assertive European Union on the global stage, saying “Europe could die”.
In an interview set up by EBRA, a group of French eastern regional newspapers, he said a “credible European defence” should go beyond the protection already offered by NATO.
“That may mean deploying anti-missile shields, but we need to be sure that they block all missiles and deter the use of nuclear weapons,” he said.
Regarding nuclear weapons, while France’s doctrine has so far been to use them when the country’s vital interests are threatened, Macron said he was open to give a more “European dimension” to these interests.
“I’m in favour of opening this debate, which must therefore include missile defence, long-range weapons and nuclear weapons for those who have them or who have American nuclear weapons on their soil,” he said.
His comments drew criticism from opponents on the right and the left of the political spectrum on Sunday.
“Macron is becoming a national danger!,” far-right European lawmaker Thierry Mariani wrote on social media platform X.
“#We can’t wait for June 9th to give him a clear signal that his policies are over!,” Mariani, a member of France’s Rassemblement National (RN) headed by Marine Le Pen, added in a reference to the approaching EU parliamentary elections.
“These comments are exceptionally serious,” said European lawmaker Francois-Xavier Bellamy, who will lead right-wing party LR into the EU vote.
“We are touching the nerve of French sovereignty”, he added in an interview on Europe 1 radio station.
Those at the other end of the political spectrum were equally angry at Macron’s comments.
“The nuclear deterrent cannot be shared,” said far-left French lawmaker Bastien Lachaud on X. “Under the guise of defending European soil, #Macron wants to liquidate France’s strategic autonomy.” (Source: Reuters)
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