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For an insight into each of the countries, click on the country name for a detailed report listing the 10 recent news items for that specific country.
- International Defence Conference (IDC) 2025 Feb 2, 2025The International Defence Conference (IDC) 2025, held on February 16, will bring together global defense leaders to discuss supply chain resilience, disinformation warfare, and the militarization of space. Under the theme “Defence Reimagined: Innovation, Integration and Resilience,” the conference will explore cutting-edge technologies and strategic collaborations essential for addressing modern security threats.
- Controp: Defining Clarity with End-to-End EO/IR Solutions Feb 2, 2025
Founded in the late 1980s, Controp has evolved from a boutique electro-optical house to a global provider of integrated EO/IR solutions. Leveraging advanced optics, sophisticated stabilization, and AI-driven analytics, the company’s “Defining Clarity” ethos shapes a new era of defense capabilities, offering enhanced situational awareness for air, land, and maritime operations. - An Overview of Vietnam Defence 2024 Feb 2, 2025
Vietnam Defence 2024 showcased the country’s military modernization, defense industry growth, and shift from Russian arms dependency. With key exhibitors from the U.S., Israel, Europe, and Asia, the event highlighted naval defense, air force upgrades, UAVs, and cyber warfare. Israel featured SPYDER air defense and Heron UAVs, while Russia, China, and Iran promoted missile and drone technologies. The exhibition reinforced Vietnam’s commitment to self-reliance, strategic autonomy, and regional security, positioning it as a rising defense player in Southeast Asia. - UK Military Tests Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon System for Anti-Drone Defense Dec 23, 2024
The British Armed Forces have successfully tested a revolutionary Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) capable of neutralizing drone swarms at a fraction of conventional defense costs. The system, developed by a UK-based consortium led by Thales, can disable multiple unmanned aerial systems for as little as 10 pence per engagement. - Slovakia Acquires Israeli BARAK MX Air Defense Systems for €560 million Dec 23, 2024
Representatives of the Israeli and Slovakian Defense ministries have Signed a 560 million Euro Agreement to deliver the Barak MX Integrated Air Defense System Produced by IAI. Barak MX and Barak 8 air defense systems are currently operational with several nations. The Slovakian acquisition is important in integrating the BARAK MX system into the NATO air defense network, which could pave the system’s entry into other Alliance members. - XTEND Defense Secures $8.8M Contract for AI-Driven Tactical Loitering Munitions Dec 22, 2024
XTEND, an AI-driven drone technology expert, has been awarded an $8.8 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to supply VR-operated Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor (PSIO) small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), a first DoD-approved loitering munition platform for both indoor and outdoor operations. With cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), these tactical drones deliver real-time, high-precision strikes, redefining smart munitions in modern warfare. - The PLA’s Global Power Play: A Deep Dive Into China’s Military Strategy and Ambitions Dec 18, 2024
The US Department of Defense’s annual report on Chinese military and security developments was presented to Congress today. In this post and podcast, we dissect the report, which isn’t just another geopolitical overview. It’s a deep dive into the PRC’s strategic ambitions as viewed by the West, a review of China’s military modernization efforts and implications for the international order. Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player… We’ll start by exploring the core tenets of the PRC’s national strategy, focusing on its long-term goal of achieving “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049. We’ll then analyze how this overarching strategy influences the country’s foreign, economic, and defense policies, including its view of the international system and its relationship with the United States. Then, we’ll shift our attention to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), examining its modernization goals, current capabilities, and future aspirations. We’ll discuss the PLA’s aims to become a “world-class” military and the key milestones along this path—specifically the 2027, 2035, and 2049 objectives. This will include an assessment of the PLA’s progress in areas like: Hypersonic missiles and Ballistic Missiles Naval expansion and its transition to “open seas protection” Air Force modernization AI integration into warfare Cyber warfare and cognitive domain operations Space and counter-space capabilities Nuclear force modernization, including developing a sea-based nuclear deterrent and an increasing nuclear stockpile. We’ll also address China’s growing global presence through overseas military activities, including its counterterrorism strategy, expanding military logistics, and basing infrastructure. We’ll examine the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its sub-efforts and consider how the PRC uses its economic policies and foreign influence to advance its strategic goals. We’ll discuss the PRC’s efforts to shape international perceptions through influence operations, including disinformation and cognitive warfare. Finally, we will address the critical issue of military-to-military communication between the United States and the PRC and the challenges to maintaining ... - Greece’s Land Forces to Get Switchblade Loitering Weapons and Advanced Rocket Launchers Dec 18, 2024
Greece is actively modernizing its military capabilities with two significant procurements. Firstly, the Government Council for Foreign and Defense Affairs, known as KYSEA, has approved the purchase of approximately 590 U.S.-made Switchblade loitering munitions, commonly called “kamikaze drones.” These include the Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 models, designed for precision strikes against personnel, light vehicles, and armored targets. This acquisition costs around €75.2 million, with Greece contributing €25 million and the remainder financed through U.S. foreign military funding. In addition to the drone procurement, Greece is in advanced discussions to acquire 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel. The PULS, or Precise and Universal Launching System, developed by Elbit Systems, is a versatile rocket artillery platform capable of launching various rockets with ranges up to 300 kilometers. This deal, estimated between €600 and €700 million, also includes provisions for constructing components within Greece, fostering local industry collaboration. These acquisitions align with Greece’s broader strategy to modernize its armed forces and enhance its defense posture amid regional tensions. After transferring older Soviet-era equipment to Ukraine, Greece will also replenish and upgrade its military inventory. Greece has provided Ukraine with various military aid, including BMP-1A1 infantry fighting vehicles, RPG-18 grenade launchers, Kalashnikov rifles, and 122mm rocket artillery rounds. This support is part of international efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing conflicts. With these acquisitions, Greece ensures its military remains robust and capable by replacing outdated systems with advanced technology like the Switchblade drones and PULS artillery systems. Simultaneously, transferring older equipment to Ukraine underscores Greece’s commitment to supporting allies and contributing to regional stability. Loading the Elevenlabs Text to Speech AudioNative Player… In summary, Greece’s strategic acquisitions and equipment transfers reflect a dual approach: strengthening its defense capabilities while supporting international partners in need. This balanced strategy enhances Greece’s military readiness and reinforces its role ... - Weekly News Summary – Week Ended 15 December 2024 Dec 16, 2024Preparing to continue our weekly review, we are utilizing AI systems to organize, process, and present a weekly news summary covering defense tech. There is still a long way to go; we’d like some topics to delve deeper, others placed in different order, but overall, we were impressed. Even at this early stage, we feel that the results are incredible. So ,we decided to upload the discussion and let you decide. Is it worth 22 minutes of your time? I certainly enjoyed listening. Send your comments to: Have a comment? send us an email!
- Deep Dive – Oreshnik IRBM Nov 23, 2024
Multiple sources reported today on Russia’s use of a new medium-range ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, based on the existing RS-26 Rubezh. The Oreshnik, described as experimental and hypersonic, was used in a strike on Dnipro, Ukraine. Controversy exists regarding Russia’s notification of the launch to the U.S., with differing statements from Russian and U.S. officials. The RS-26, originally an ICBM, has a history shrouded in secrecy, with development starting before the INF treaty’s collapse and its later purported cancellation. The missile’s capabilities, including its payload and range, remain partially unclear. This three-part podcast covers this alarming and unexpected development in detail. This episode utilizes AI-generated audio based on Defense-Update research and analysis of the recent Russian missile attack using six Oreshnik Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM) using 36 warheads on Dnipro, Ukraine. Using a conventionally armed IRBM is likely a Russian response to recent US and its allies (France and UK) recent decisions. It delivered a clear message all over Europe.
