Airbus mulls boosting tanker production on ‘very high’ demand
“With the signals we’re getting from the customers, we are studying a rate increase of the MRTT,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus.
Europe
Unmanned Leonardo jet trainers could take GCAP drone role, CEO says
The program’s focus for the next five years lies primarily on the main aircraft, but partner nations are free to explore unmanned companions on their own.
Opinion
Corruption in China’s military is no excuse for American complacency
American policymakers should not bet on corruption to hamstring PLA modernization.
South Korean official touts fledgling drone command as global model
Seoul centralized military drone activities under a single command last year, following an embarrassing intrusion by North Korean aircraft in 2022.
UK moves to boost warship protections against ballistic missiles
MBDA received contracts worth $515 million to upgrade missile-defense systems so they are effective against a greater range of threats.
Romanian government readies fighting vehicle, howitzer deals in 2024
Officials in Bucharest are considering a substantial one-off increase of the defense budget to pay for new weapons.
Turkish navy receives unmanned surface vessel, three crewed ships
TCG Derya is now the second-largest ship in the Turkish navy after the amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu.
Estonia kicks off work on semi-autonomous vessel for European navies
Those involved plan to develop and test a physical prototype by the end of 2027.
In first, UK downs aerial drone with test shot from DragonFire laser
The trial with the direct-energy weapon is considered a significant milestone toward the deployment of the system, possibly within five years.
Germany spends $1.3 billion on missile-based short-range air defenses
Berlin's forces will get a multi-level shield against drones, missiles and low-flying aircraft, starting with the development of an IRIS-T derivative.
Baltic states to bolster border security with Russia, Belarus
Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are planning a network of bunkers, support points and distribution lines.
