The Srilankan Air Force (SLAF) is planning to replace its obsolete Kfir and MiG-27 fighters with eight used aircraft. Last year the SLAF had only one operational Kfir – the remaining six aircrafts are grounded. “We have seven MiG aircrafts and eight other aircrafts but none of them can be used.” Cabinet Spokesman and Parliamentary Reforms and Media Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka said. The Cabinet of Ministers in Colombo approved a procurement plan for fighter planes but the offers received so far did not provide financing for the acquisition. Offers for new built aircraft were received both from Pakistan and India. Pakistan proposed the JF-17 Thunder, produced by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex/Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (PAC/CAC). India offered the Tejas light combat aircraft produced by Hindustan Aerospace Ltd. Lacking financial arrangements for the procurement, SLAF is considering the refurbishment and modernization of five of the remaining Kfirs to bring those fighters back into service. Between 1995 and 2005 Sri Lanka acquired a total of 16 Kfir fighter jets from Israel, but seven were lost due to accidents or ground attacks on airbases during the Sri Lankan Civil War.
DefenseTech Brief – May 12, 2025
In this edition of the DefenseTech Brief, we examine Europe's accelerated armored vehicle modernization efforts, contrasting them with the U.S. Army's scaling back of legacy programs. The report highlights key procurement initiatives in Greece, Romania, and the Netherlands, showcasing a strategic shift towards domestic industrial participation and advanced mechanized capabilities. This divergence underscores differing defense priorities and threat perceptions between the U.S. and its European allies.
European Armies Accelerate Armor Modernization as US Scales Back Legacy Programs
As the U.S. Army scales back its armored vehicle programs, European nations are accelerating major modernization efforts, acquiring thousands of new armored fighting vehicles across multiple platforms. This article examines key programs in Greece, Romania, and the Netherlands, highlighting recent, local industrial involvement, competing international bids, and the broader implications of diverging transatlantic defense priorities.
Rheinmetall Showcase Enhanced SSW40 Grenade Rifle at DEFEA 2025
Rheinmetall showcased its enhanced SSW40 grenade rifle at DEFEA 2025, a magazine-fed, semi-automatic 40mm launcher with advanced fire control and planned support for programmable airburst munitions. Designed for both low- and medium-velocity grenades, the SSW40 significantly expands the precision and range of squad-level firepower.
DefenseTech Financial Brief – May 5, 2025
The defense technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with this week's developments highlighting several interconnected trends that present significant investment opportunities across multiple domains. The fundamental shift toward low-cost, mass-produced autonomous systems represents perhaps the most disruptive market dynamic, creating opportunities for both established defense primes and specialized technology providers.
U.S. Army 2025 Restructuring: Strategic Realignment and Industrial Impact
The U.S. Army’s 2025 restructuring marks a decisive pivot—from legacy platforms to precision fires, autonomy, and rapid mobility. While this transformation opens new opportunities in missiles, drones, and sustainment tech, it also puts pressure on traditional players. We break down the winners, the exposed, and what this means for investors and defense suppliers.
DefenseTech Weekly Brief – April 28 – May 3, 2025
The defense landscape continues evolving rapidly, with emerging technologies reshaping battlefield dynamics across domains. This week's developments highlight cost-effective drone proliferation, increased artillery autonomy, extended-range strike capabilities, enhanced vehicle protection systems, and significant procurement...
Navy Advances Sea-Based Hypersonic Missile Program with Successful Cold-Gas Launch
Last week, the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) reached a significant milestone in the development of its sea-based hypersonic capability with a successful end-to-end flight test of the 'Dark Eagle' conventional hypersonic missile...
