Defence Industry Europe

Lockheed Martin has secured a new contract from the US Army to boost its annual production capacity of Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancements (MSEs) to 650 units. The contract is intended to meet the increasing global demand for the highly advanced missile system, renowned for its cutting-edge defensive capabilities. “Demand for PAC-3 MSE’s combat-proven deterrence capabilities continues to grow at a rapid pace,” said Brian Kubik, vice president of PAC-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. He noted that Lockheed Martin had proactively begun expanding production capacity over a year ago with internal investments, enhancing both factory output and supply chain efficiency. In the last eight months, Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 team has significantly increased production, setting new records for output. This year alone, production has risen by over 30%, with an additional 20% increase targeted for 2024, reflecting the escalating demand from both domestic and international defence sectors. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dv2bbtYF #airdefence #missiledefence #PAC3 #interceptor #missile #PATRIOT #LockheedMartin #defence #industry #military #technology #armedforces

Saab has entered into a contract with the Commonwealth of Australia to provide comprehensive in-country support for the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system. The agreement, initially set for four years with options to extend for two additional two-year periods, covers maintenance, repair, and provision of spare parts, as well as training for operators and maintenance personnel within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Under the Short Range Anti-Armour Weapon System (SRAAW) support contract, Saab will deliver agile, responsive support services to ensure the readiness of the Carl-Gustaf M4. This includes a strategic framework for future upgrades and acquisitions, enabling the ADF to maintain and enhance its operational capabilities. Saab’s Carl-Gustaf M4 is a highly versatile, man-portable recoilless rifle that has proven reliable across diverse battlefield scenarios. It has long been a trusted asset for Australian troops and is used by more than 40 countries worldwide, allowing dismounted soldiers to respond effectively to multiple combat challenges. Saab Australia’s Managing Director Andy Keough CSC highlighted the system’s battlefield-tested performance, stating, “Demonstrated to deliver results on the battlefield, the Carl-Gustaf system, is a combat-proven capability that ensures the effectiveness our soldiers need.” Find out more: https://lnkd.in/d9wfXNXg #Saab #Sweden #CarlGustaf #weapon #infantry #antitank #defence #industry #military #technology #Australia

The Lithuanian government on Wednesday approved the direct purchase of 155mm artillery shells for the country’s Armed Forces. These shells, compatible with Lithuania's German-made PzH 2000 and French-made Caesar self-propelled howitzers, will be supplied by German defence firm Rheinmetall without the need for public procurement procedures. The Lithuanian cabinet endorsed this decision as Rheinmetall advances plans to establish a 155mm artillery ammunition factory in Lithuania. This move aligns with Lithuania’s strategic aim to secure a reliable source of ammunition from a local manufacturer, minimizing potential supply risks tied to foreign markets. Rheinmetall is set to invest over €180 million in the construction of the ammunition plant, which will be located in the Radviliškis district in northern Lithuania. This development is expected to create at least 150 new jobs, marking a substantial boost to the local economy while strengthening Lithuania’s defence manufacturing base. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dTXumxGW Photo: Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces). #Lithuania #Europe #NATO #defence #industry #military #technology #artillery #ammunition #155mm #Rheinmetall

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has issued its first Request for Proposal (RfP) for the Modular Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) project. The RfP is part of NATO’s ongoing efforts to advance air defence systems, aiming to explore innovative system architectures and develop solutions that align with key user requirements. The NSPA is leading the Modular GBAD Concept Stage on behalf of participating NATO nations. Working closely with industry partners, the agency will evaluate state-of-the-art technologies to meet the challenges of interoperability between future and existing GBAD modules. This initial study, known as Concept Study 1, focuses on identifying potential architectures for a modular air defence system. To encourage innovation, contractors will be selected based on a “best value” approach, with proposals due by 10 January 2025. Following the initial evaluation, up to five qualified contractors will be chosen to submit detailed proposals. A second evaluation phase will then narrow down the selection to two contractors who will further refine their architectures, providing technical services and support for the Modular GBAD Concept Stage. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dCwuAmuP Photo: Saab (*photo for illustration purposes only). #NATO #NSPA #GBAD #airdefence #modular #defence #industry #military #technology #armedforces

The Latvian Ministry of Defence has announced the start of contract negotiations with Spanish company GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas for the potential purchase of ASCOD infantry fighting vehicles. This acquisition aims to enhance Latvia’s land defence capabilities, increasing mobility and firepower for the Latvian Land Forces. Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds emphasised that experts from the Ministry of Defence and the National Armed Forces conducted a thorough analysis to select the most suitable combat vehicles. “Our experts have carefully assessed options to select combat vehicles that will increase mobility and firepower capabilities,” said Minister Sprūds. The decision follows comprehensive functional testing of various platforms in autumn 2023, with criteria including performance, cost, delivery timelines, and local industry involvement. The ministry expects negotiations with GDELS Santa Bárbara Sistemas to conclude by the end of this year or early next year. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dUnSpiJ3 #Latvia #Europe #NATO #easternflank #GDELS #SBS #defence #industry #military #technology #landforces

The European Commission has announced a record-breaking 298 proposals for the 2024 European Defence Fund (EDF) funding round, marking the highest level of interest since the Fund’s creation in 2021. This year’s call for proposals represents a 25% increase from 2023, with €1.1 billion available to support pioneering defence projects across the European Union. The surge in applications highlights the growing commitment within the EU defence industry to collaborate on advanced research and development, with a notable 28% increase in proposals from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research organisations. Submissions cover all EDF thematic priorities, targeting critical areas such as next-generation armoured vehicles, hypersonic missile countermeasures, and unmanned air and ground systems. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dwuBAQhs #EUdefence #Europe #EU #EDF #defence #industry #military #technology

Brazil has announced its intention to expand its fleet of Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets, marking a significant extension of its existing defence contract with Sweden. Sweden’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the plan after the signing of a new letter of intent by Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Brazil’s Minister of Defence José Múcio on 9 November. The initial agreement for 36 JAS-39 Gripen jets, signed in 2014 with Swedish aerospace company Saab, has so far delivered eight aircraft to Brazil. Brazilian company Embraer has also collaborated with Saab on joint production of the Gripen jets in Brazil, supporting both countries’ objectives in defence manufacturing. Brazil’s proposed contract extension involves a 25% increase in the original Gripen order, signalling a strengthened reliance on this versatile fighter jet for its air defence. Simultaneously, the Swedish government has taken the initial steps to acquire Brazil’s Embraer C-390, a military transport aircraft, to enhance its own aerial capabilities. With the signing of the letter of intent, Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV - Försvarets materielverk) and theSwedish Armed Forces will be authorised to begin formal negotiations for the acquisition. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dkK-pXg6 #Sweden #Brazil #Saab #Gripen #JAS39 #fighter #jet #airforce #defence #industry #military #technology

Armed Forces of Ukraine is set to receive new air defence missiles from Estonian defence company Frankenburg Technologies, as part of an upcoming testing programme. The first batch of these missiles is expected to arrive in Ukraine within the next few months. This development was announced following a recent meeting in Kyiv between Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Anatolii Klochko, and representatives of Frankenburg Technologies. The missiles are primarily designed to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 2 kilometres. Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defence efforts. “Our goal is to help Ukraine win this war. To achieve that, we are offering a prototype of a new, affordable missile for downing airborne targets, particularly UAVs,” Salm stated. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/dvVD9Yj5 #Estonia #Ukraine #airdefence #CUAS #antidrone #defence #industry #military #missile #technology

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has initiated a comprehensive study to evaluate a new, advanced version of the NH90 helicopter, designated HSPN, for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities. This research, led by Defence Minister Margarita Robles, represents a EUR 10 million investment and will be managed through the General Directorate of Armament and Material (DGAM). A significant aspect of the study includes determining the compatibility of the HSPN variant with Spain’s future C-295 maritime patrol vessels and the F-100 and F-110 frigates. Key integration evaluations will focus on incorporating advanced systems such as Data Link 16, Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL), SAES acoustic systems, and electronic warfare countermeasures, including self-protection technology from Indra. Further technical analysis will investigate the feasibility of equipping the NH90 HSPN with the NSM-AL missile, a specialised variant of the Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace missile system, designed for deployment from helicopters and drones. Spain has recently acquired this missile to enhance the capabilities of its F-110 frigates, with plans to extend its deployment to other naval platforms, including the upgraded F-100 frigates and S-80 submarines. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dMiFs33D Photo: Airbus. #Spain #NH90 #helicopter #navy #NSM #NSMAL #missile #antiship #defence #industry #military #technology #armedforces #Europe

MilDef has announced a new contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV - Försvarets materielverk) to provide IT equipment and integration services in Command and Control (C2) Systems for the Swedish Armed Forces. The contract, valued at SEK 63 million, will see deliveries commence immediately, further supporting Sweden’s defence modernisation efforts. Daniel Ljunggren, President and CEO of MilDef, highlighted the company’s commitment to digitalising defence operations across maritime, land, and air platforms. He noted that this latest order reflects a growing demand for enhanced defence capabilities from Sweden and other Nordic customers, indicating an acceleration in volume orders within the region. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dT7B7kMi #Sweden #MilDef #C2 #IT #defence #industry #military #technology #armedforces #Sweden #Europe