France mulls fallback tank for delayed MGCS program in defense update
The delay for the MGCS project is due to Germany deciding to start a program for new Leopard 3 tanks, according to Vautrin.
Europe
Polish firm teams with Northrop, ST Engineering to tap Poland’s massive ammo spending
Global defense firms are flocking to eastern and central Europe in hopes of capturing a multibillion-dollar market for equipping local ground forces.
Ukraine missile maker targets ‘game changer’ air defense system by 2027
Fire Point, maker of Ukraine’s Flamingo cruise missile, is in talks with European companies to launch a new air defense system by next year.
France orders its fifth and final FDI frigate from Naval Group, completing fleet plan
The first frigate in the class, the Amiral Ronarc’h, was delivered in October, and is currently on a long-term deployment.
Bipartisan group of senators vow to keep US in NATO despite Trump threats
The senators reaffirmed America's commitment to NATO just one day after Trump threatened to abandon the transatlantic alliance.
Money starts flowing for new GCAP fighter, as Britain sorts out finances
A source on the program told Defense News the new contract is a “bridge” allowing work to continue until the end of June.
Swedish arms maker to set up major ammunition plant in Estonia
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said the company had been promised confidentiality until contracts are signed, local broadcaster ERR reported.
Ukraine claims near-90% air-defense success in March as attacks increase
“The frequency of attacks is increasing but air defense performance is improving,” the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said.
Poland holds tight to its Patriot batteries amid reported US call for Middle East transfer
“Our allies know well and understand how important are our tasks here,” the country's deputy prime minister and defense minister wrote on social media.
‘Ukrainian housewives’ and Skyranger delays – German defense poster child Rheinmetall is in hot water
In October, company CEO Armin Papperger had already called into question the importance of drones in the war in Ukraine.
Italy turns away Middle East-bound US military aircraft from Sicily stopover
Use of the Sigonella air base for the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran falls outside of the scope of agreements, requiring parliamentary approval in Rome.
Missile-wielding Airbus interceptor engages one-way attack drone in test
The drone-missile combination makes large-scale interception economically viable, the manufacturers claim.
Ukraine’s drone masters eye Iran war to kickstart export ambitions
Ukraine’s war has forced the country to become a trailblazer in drone interception.
Europe must reinvent warfare for ‘era of shocks,’ NATO’s Vandier says
“We need to make Russia wake up each morning, thinking to themselves: 'Not today,'" the alliance's top officer for force transformation said.
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy agrees to defense cooperation with UAE, Qatar
Qatar said on Saturday that Doha and Kyiv have signed a defense cooperation agreement that includes sharing counter-missile and UAS expertise.
Role reversal: Ukraine moves training home and exports the lessons abroad
For 12 years, the West trained Ukraine. Now Ukraine is training the West.
Donbas-for-peace offer raises fears of more war, nuclear spread
With Washington tying guarantees to territorial withdrawal, critics warn the deal could reward aggression and make nuclear proliferation more likely.
