Europe

Following first deployments at sea on Type 23 frigates, MBDA’s Sea Ceptor matures to become highly effective and efficient all-weather air defense weapon system. A key capability of the system is the use of a soft launch mechanism that maximizes missile performance and kinematics, and imposes minimal loads on the launchers and structure.

Rheinmetall has tested a new laser weapon station that can carry laser weapons up to 100 kW power level and be integrated on combat vehicles. In recent tests, the system successfully engaged drones and mortar rounds at operationally relevant ranges. Equally suitable for ground, air and naval operations, the assemblies are modular and scalable in design, to meet different applications.

Germany plans to equip one tank company with Rafael Trophy Active Protection Systems (APS) to better protect a rapid reaction force it plans to deploy as part NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). German officials confirmed the news at the International Armored Vehicles forum (#IAVevent) in London this week. The unit is...

The Australian Defence Force has asked Rheinmetall Defence to evaluate Israel's Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) developed by Elbit Systems' IMI. Brigadier Greg McGlone, Australian Army Director General, Armored Fighting Vehicles, broke the news at the International Armoured vehicles 2019 conference (#IAVevent) in London today. According to Brig. McGlone the evaluation will include only the Iron...

The Raytheon Company and Swedish aerospace and defense firm Saab are developing a guided munition for the Carl-Gustaf man-portable, shoulder-launched weapon system under a U.S. Army contract. The munition answers a U.S. Special Operations Command requirement to increase the capability of the multirole Carl-Gustaf weapon system. It is intended to enable ground troops to engage multiple targets precisely at distances up to 2,000 meters, including moving targets.

Utilizing innovative spacecraft design, the Space Drone will 'top up' satellites in orbit with propulsion power to extend their mission in space, just before they run out of fuel, thus extending their service far beyond their designated lifespan. U.K. based Effective Space company has signed up its launch customer to service two satellites in orbit by 2020 and has options to serve more satellites.

Israel's RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is expanding its Spike guided missile family with the introduction of Spike ER2, an extended-range tactical missile the company positions to equip attack helicopters, combat vehicles, and mall boats.

The United Kingdom has ordered six Drone Dome from Israel's RAFAEL company under an Urgent Capability Requirement (UCR) program, providing quick reaction counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) capability. The first phase of the deal is worth US$20 million and will be delivered this year.

The Italian MOD has ordered the first ten Centauro II wheeled tanks from Iveco-Oto Melara consortium (CIO). This award, worth 159 million Euro, that includes the procurement of vehicles, equipment, and logistics, is the first tranche of a planned procurement of 136 vehicles.

UK Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson unveiled today a concept model of a brand new next-generation combat aircraft being developed exclusively in the UK. The Tempest, as the futuristic fighter plane is called, could be ready for operations with the Royal Air Force in less than two decades, as the first Typhoons begin to be phased out of service.

IAI’s combat-proven Conformal Airborne Early Warning and Control (CAEW) aircraft have a proven record performing missions better than the bigger legacy airborne warning and control (AWACS) such as the E-3, for longer durations, at a much lower cost.

Two leading manufacturers of remotely piloted aircraft systems are nearing the goal of certifying unmanned aerial systems (UAV) for operation in the same airspace with manned aircraft, thus removing a major barrier to entry for drones that restricted the operation of large drones over the populated areas in Europe, Canada, and the USA. Elbit Systems of Israel and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. are the two forerunners in this field, followed by IAI and Northrop Grumman.

Finland has selected Israel's Advanced Naval Attack Missile to replace its current MTO85M system, a derivative of Swedish RBS15 that will reach the end of its life cycle in the 2020s. The new missile will be installed on existing Hamina-class missile boats and the new Squadron 2020 vessels, the first will be launched in 2019. According to the Finnish MOD, the missile will also be usable from vehicular platforms on land and against land targets.

In a fire demonstration that took place on the Suippes firing range in Northern France last week CMI Defence displayed an impressive lineup of combat vehicles weaponized with the company’s latest versions of Cockerill turrets. The first Cockerill Firepower Symposium included a dynamic live firing demonstration, in front of dozens of military officers, official delegations and media representatives from...