Sponsored by Bertin Exensor
www.exensor.com
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
30 Jan 25. Germany approves weapons worth about $2.6bn, Bloomberg News reports. German lawmakers have approved weapons and equipment orders worth about 2.5bn euros ($2.6bn) for the armed forces in the last parliamentary session before the snap election, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday. The purchase includes part of a new communication system worth 1.8bn euros ($1.87bn) for the Bundeswehr, infantry supplies worth 417m euros and anti-tank arms and weapon stations for 100m euros, the report added, citing people familiar with the matter. ($1 = 0.9602 euros) (Source: Google/Reuters)
29 Jan 25. Serbia: Domestic unrest risks are unlikely to decrease despite resignation of prime minister. On 28 January, Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević resigned following months of steadily expanding anti-government protests in the capital Belgrade and other major cities. With the resignation of Vučević, which will be subject to the parliament’s confirmation over the coming days, the mandate for the whole government is now temporarily halted. The parliamentary majority remains stable and the parliament will have 30 days to appoint a new government. President Aleksandar Vučić stated that snap elections this spring are possible. We assess that snap elections are unlikely in the short term; in such a scenario, the opposition will likely refuse to participate unless elections are organised by a temporary expert government. Meanwhile, student-led demonstrations will continue, exacerbating domestic unrest risks. While the overall risk of violent clashes is low, physical security risks for protesters and bystanders will persist. Mobility disruption is highly likely in Belgrade, Novi Sad (Vojvodina province) and possibly also in other major cities over the coming days and weeks. (Source: Sibylline)
28 Jan 25. The Armada initiates the first deployment of the Aeronaval-Amphibious Task Group “Dédalo” next Thursday 30.
This first month-and-a-half deployment, will be conducted in different areas of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Armada will deploy the Aeronaval-Amphibious Task Group, “Dédalo 25-1”, starting next Thursday January 30, from Rota Naval Base. The deployment will include activities in the central Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, and will last until mid-March.
The Task Group, directed by the Commander of the Fleet’s Amphibious and Force Projection Group, will be articulated around the LHD “Juan Carlos I”, accompanied by the amphibious assault ship LPD “Castilla”, the frigates “Blas de Lezo” and “Victoria”, an airborne unit made up by AV8B+ “Harrier” aircraft and SH-60F and SH-60B helicopters, a Marine Corps Reinforced Landing Battalion from the “Tercio de Armada”, Operational Security Teams, a Diving Unit and LCME-1 type landing craft from the “Beach Naval Group”.
In addition, the frigate “Álvaro de Bazán” and the AOR “Patiño” will join the “Dédalo 25-1” from the very beginning until their integration into one of NATO’s Standing Maritime Groups in the Mediterranean to participate in exercise “Steadfast Dart 25”.
This deployment is a further demonstration of Spain’s firm commitment to the Alliance’s Deterrence and Defense Policy. It will also serve to demonstrate the Armada’s capability to lead and project an expeditionary force at sea and from the sea, and will further strengthen the image of the Spanish Armed Forces in the international context.
27 Jan 25. Denmark said on Monday it would spend 14.6bn Danish crowns ($2.05bn) boosting its military presence in the Arctic, following renewed, interest by U.S. President Donald Trump in controlling Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
This month, Trump said Greenland is vital to U.S. security and Denmark must give up control of the strategically important Arctic island. Following more than a decade of drastic cuts in defence spending, last year Denmark allocated 190bn Danish crowns ($26bn) for its military over a 10-year span, part of which has now been allocated to the Arctic. Denmark, while responsible for Greenland’s security and defence, has limited military capabilities on the vast island, widely regarded as a security black hole. (Source: Google/Reuters)
27 Jan 25. Navy chiefs rename HMS Agincourt submarine to appease French. Former ministers condemn ‘woke nonsense’ after decision to remove name recalling one of England’s greatest military victories. Royal Navy chiefs have come under fire for dropping plans to name a new attack submarine after the Battle of Agincourt, in which England defeated France. The seventh and final Astute-class submarine was to be called HMS Agincourt, but it will now be named HMS Achilles instead.
Grant Shapps, the former defence secretary, said the name change was “nothing short of sacrilege” amid speculation it may have been undertaken because of a fear of offending the French government.
Sir Gavin Williamson, the then defence secretary, announced in 2018 that the Ministry of Defence had signed a £1.5 bn contract to build a seventh Astute-class hunter-killer submarine called HMS Agincourt.
That would have made it the sixth Royal Navy vessel to have been named after the battle in October 1415, when the English, led by Henry V, defeated a larger French force.
It is recognised as one of England’s greatest military victories and provided the backdrop to William Shakespeare’s Henry V in which the monarch famously declares “once more unto the breach”.
Mr Shapps and Sir Gavin both criticised the name change.
Sir Gavin said: “It is so pathetic that the Government is so ashamed of our history that they are literally renaming it. Next, they will probably want to rename HMS Queen Elizabeth for fear the Spaniards might be upset about the Armada.”
Mr Shapps tweeted: “Renaming the HMS Agincourt is nothing short of sacrilege. This submarine carries a name that honours a defining moment in British history.
“Under Labour, woke nonsense is being put ahead of tradition and our Armed Forces’ proud heritage.”
‘Ideology gone mad’
Rear-Adml Chris Parry, a retired Royal Navy officer, said the decision was a case of “craven political correctness and ideology gone mad”.
He told Times Radio: “This is just craven and contemptible surrender to, I’m afraid, the ideology being pushed by our Government. It seeks to erase our history and anything we need to be proud of.”
He suggested the name change may have been a favour to the French government after it was excluded from the Aukus submarine deal between Australia, the UK and the US.
‘Pathetic grasp of foreign policy’
Sir Ben Wallace, a former defence secretary, told Times Radio that the French would not have been offended by the name.
He said: “We’re very close to the French. The French are one of our strongest allies. They don’t get put off by names like that. I mean, that shows a very pathetic grasp of foreign policy and relationships.”
He added that the French “celebrate their successes” but “also know in their history they didn’t have all the successes”.
“So, if that is the actual reason it’s been renamed, then I would be concerned that it shows we’re focusing on superficial nonsense rather than rebuilding our defence,” he said.
Six Royal Navy ships in the past have been named after Achilles, the great warrior from Greek mythology. One of those vessels received battle honours during the Second World War at both the River Plate and Okinawa.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We are proud of our nation’s rich military history and the many famous battles fought.
“The seventh boat in the Astute class is to be called Achilles – a name which is particularly appropriate this year as we mark the VE and VJ Day 80th anniversaries. Achilles received battle honours during the Second World War.
“The name was proposed by the Royal Navy Ships’ Names and Badging Committee and approved by His Majesty the King.”
The Ships’ Names and Badges Committee suggests names to the Navy Board which then presents its selection to the Defence Secretary for sign off. The names are then submitted to the monarch for royal approval.
(Source: Daily Telegraph)
26 Jan 25. Lithuania and Estonia have responded to “good and constructive pressure” from US President Donald Trump to become the first Nato countries to promise to spend more than 5 % of GDP. (Source: FT.com)
23 Jan 25. Shadow Defence Secretary urges more defence spending. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge MP has expressed strong support for the Government’s stance on Russian maritime activity while calling for urgent measures to address growing threats to national security. Responding to Defence Secretary John Healey’s statement in the House of Commons, Mr. Cartlidge emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Russia remains a critical threat to the United Kingdom.”
Mr. Cartlidge welcomed the Government’s increased transparency on Russian aggression, particularly regarding its “grey zone” activities, which include espionage and disruption of critical infrastructure. He noted, “It is critical for our war readiness as a nation that… we tell the British public the truth about the serious nature of the Russian threat.”
He praised the Defence Secretary’s decision to change the Royal Navy’s rules of engagement, calling it a “powerful signal to Putin that we will not be intimidated.” Mr. Cartlidge assured the Government of His Majesty’s Opposition’s unwavering support, declaring, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government on Ukraine and… on deterring the wider Russian threat.”
Mr. Cartlidge urged the Government to strengthen international collaboration, particularly in protecting critical undersea infrastructure in the North Sea and Baltic. He asked whether the Defence Secretary planned to “widen the number of international partners proactively involved” and emphasised the importance of a NATO-led coordinated response.
The Shadow Defence Secretary also called for prioritising cutting-edge underwater technologies, highlighting opportunities through AUKUS and partnerships with European allies. He stressed the need for “research and development investment into capabilities to protect critical infrastructure.”
While noting the Defence Secretary’s description of Russia as “dangerous but fundamentally weak,” Mr. Cartlidge cautioned against underestimating its military capacity. He argued, “Russia’s willingness to tolerate such enormous losses on the battlefield… underlines that, in conventional military terms, it remains a formidable foe.”
Mr. Cartlidge called for a robust Strategic Defence Review (SDR) to address these threats, urging the Government to prioritise homeland defence and allocate appropriate resources. He stated, “The SDR needs to be fundamentally threat-driven, prioritising homeland defence and putting the necessary resource in place.”
Highlighting the need for immediate action, he pressed for a swift timeline, saying, “I urge [the Secretary of State] to ensure that [the SDR reports] in March, at the very earliest opportunity.” He also reiterated the Opposition’s demand for increased defence spending, highlighting the need to reach “at least 2.5% spending on defence this Parliament.”
In closing, Mr. Cartlidge commended the armed forces for their efforts in tracking Russian activity and underscored the scale of work required to protect the UK. “The involvement of the RFA, the Royal Navy, submarines, helicopters, P-8 aircraft and other assets… shows the full extent of the work needed to defend our island and deter our adversaries,” he said.
The Shadow Defence Secretary’s remarks reinforced a bipartisan consensus on the need to address the Russian threat while urging the Government to act decisively and invest significantly in the nation’s defence.
(Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
23 Jan 25. UK focus on Arctic amid Russian threat. In a robust exchange in the House of Commons, Defence Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing evolving threats from Russia, particularly in the high north, as part of the ongoing Strategic Defence Review (SDR).
Graeme Downie MP (Labour – Dunfermline and Dollar) praised the Defence Secretary for his decisive stance against Russian aggression, stating, “This aggression will not be tolerated.”
He pointed to specific areas of concern, including quick reaction alert, subsea cables, and the defence of the high north, and asked how the SDR would account for these evolving challenges.
In response, the Defence Secretary highlighted the growing strategic importance of the high north, a region increasingly contested due to climate change and the opening of new shipping routes. “The high north will become strategically much more essential. Degrees of conflict and contest are likely to grow there,” Mr. Healey stated.
He assured the House that these concerns are central to the SDR, adding, “If [Mr. Downie] looks at the terms of reference of the strategic defence review, and the work of the review and challenge groups… he will see that the concerns that he raises are central to the SDR’s work.”
Mr. Healey spoke on the importance of learning from recent conflicts and incidents, such as the war in Ukraine and the damage to a Finnish ship in the Baltic Sea, to inform the UK’s strategic priorities.
He assured MPs that the SDR would reflect the lessons of these events, stating, “When it is published, I am sure that [Mr. Downie] will find evidence that the caution he gives to the House is taken very seriously by the Government.” (Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
23 Jan 25. British forces ‘must retain armoured formations.’ At the International Armoured Vehicles Conference 2025 (IAV), held in Farnborough, General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, delivered a keynote speech outlining the critical role of armoured vehicles for the UK’s defence, economy, and NATO commitments. The remarks underscored the transformative potential of next-generation armoured systems while addressing the necessity of retaining strong armoured formations for modern military challenges.
General Walker highlighted the economic impact of the UK’s armoured vehicle programs, including Ajax, Boxer, and Challenger 3, which he said would sustain over 6,000 jobs nationwide. “This is also bringing jobs to UK workers, boosting growth and economic return on investment as well as, importantly from our perspective, sovereign strategic resilience,” he stated. Stressing the economic benefits, he added, “Taking only Ajax, Boxer and Challenger 3 combined—will sustain more than 6,000 jobs nationally. And that’s before we get into any opportunities for export.”
The General spoke on the importance of technological advancements and adaptability in modern armoured systems, which contribute to the development of a highly capable fifth-generation Army. “The coming generation of the UK’s armoured vehicles already provide superior survivability, firepower, mobility and networked capabilities,” Walker said.
However, he noted that integrating new technologies would unlock even greater potential. “By integrating advanced technologies and prioritising adaptability, it is our belief that we will be able to make much more of what these offer and, from them, draw a much harder-edged fighting power.”
He underscored the significance of these advancements for the nation, NATO, and soldiers on the ground. “All of that is what underpins the fifth-generation Army that the nation needs, that NATO wants, and that, frankly, our soldiers deserve.”
General Walker reiterated NATO’s explicit requirement for the British Army-led Allied Rapid Reaction Corps to restore territory in times of conflict, demonstrating the enduring need for armoured formations. “NATO plans are explicit in assigning a task to the British Army-led Allied Rapid Reaction Corps: that it must be able to restore territory. For that reason alone, we must retain armoured formations,” he explained.
He acknowledged, however, that the nature of these formations has evolved. “Though, perhaps, not as once they were conceived. There are now many more assets to combine in battle, such as uncrewed, electronic warfare, and information systems,” Walker added, pointing to the modernisation of military operations. (Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
24 Jan 25. Slovakia: Government collapse is increasingly possible amid mounting political, protest pressure. Later on 24 January, protests in over 20 cities will take place against Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government. Fico has blamed the protest on foreign interference and has mentioned the possibility of a coup reminiscent of ‘Maidan’ (a reference to the 2014 Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine). This claim is based on the alleged findings of a classified document by the domestic security apparatus. The government reportedly plans to introduce unspecified security measures to prevent protracted protests aimed at overthrowing the government. If such measures are implemented, it will represent a deterioration in governance standards in Slovakia. The opposition has rejected the alleged claims in the report. The protests are in opposition to the Russia-friendly and EU-sceptic approach of the government; Fico’s Smer party recently raised the prospect of leaving the EU (though this is highly unlikely). While the government recently averted a no-confidence vote in parliament, it faces mounting pressure from protests and internal coalition divisions. We assess that protests will likely continue in the coming weeks; it is also possible the government will collapse. (Source: Sibylline)
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Founded in 1987, Exensor Technology is a world leading supplier of Networked Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS) Systems providing tailored sensor solutions to customers all over the world. From our Headquarters in Lund Sweden, our centre of expertise in Network Communications at Communications Research Lab in Kalmar Sweden and our Production site outside of Basingstoke UK, we design, develop and produce latest state of the art rugged UGS solutions at the highest quality to meet the most stringent demands of our customers. Our systems are in operation and used in a wide number of Military as well as Homeland Security applications worldwide. The modular nature of the system ensures any external sensor can be integrated, providing the user with a fully meshed “silent” network capable of self-healing. Exensor Technology will continue to lead the field in UGS technology, provide our customers with excellent customer service and a bespoke package able to meet every need.
A CNIM Group Company
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————