Monthly Archives: July, 2024

India’s DRDO tests second phase of anti-ballistic missile system

DRDO tests Phase 2 of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence System: New Delhi, July 24: In a significant boost to its national security against long range ballistic missiles, India Wednesday successfully conducted the Phase II test of its indigenously developed Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) defence system. The trial, conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Odisha’s Chandipur, marks a crucial milestone in India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

Global Combat Air Programme: Italy, UK and Japan unveil new fighter jet concept

Global Combat Air Programme: Italy, UK and Japan, the partner nations of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), Monday unveiled new fighter jet concept at Farnborough International Airshow. This marks the first time the three nations have exhibited together, showcasing the substantial progress made towards delivering this cutting-edge fighter jet. The new concept model, on display at Farnborough International Airshow, represents a significant evolution from previous designs. Featuring a notably larger wingspan, the aircraft is optimized for improved aerodynamics, a crucial factor in modern aerial combat.

Farnborough Air Show: Leonardo unveils improved M-346 trainer aircraft

Leonardo M-346 trainer aircraft: Aerospace and defense giant Leonardo has announced a significant upgrade to its M-346 integrated training system, designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. The announcement, made at the Farnborough International Air Show, outlines a comprehensive package of enhancements to the aircraft’s avionics, navigation, mission equipment, and ground training capabilities.

Israeli-German Robot REX MK-II Wins Top Prize at European Land Robot Trial

IAI’s REX MK-II Robot in European Land Robot Trial: Berlin, Germany – A joint venture between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Germany’s FFG has secured the top prize for the best scientific solution at the European Land Robot Trial (ELROB). The companies’ REX MK II unmanned land vehicle impressed judges with its off-road autonomous capabilities in challenging environments.

Italy’s Leonardo gets RINA’s anti-corruption certification

Leonardo RINA’s anti-corruption certification: Rome, Italy (July 19, 2024) – Leonardo, a global player in aerospace, defense and security technologies, has solidified its position as a leader in the fight against corruption. The company successfully renewed its Anti-Corruption System Certification, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to preventing bribery and upholding the highest ethical standards.

Circular Economy: Fincantieri, Hera Group join hands for sustainable shipbuilding

Fincantieri-Hera Group partnership for sustainable shipbuilding: Monfalcone, Italy (July 19, 2024) – Shipbuilding giant Fincantieri and Italian environmental leader Hera Group have announced a partnership to tackle waste management and promote sustainability in Fincantieri’s shipyards across Italy. This collaboration will see the creation of a new joint venture company specifically designed to handle the nearly 100,000 tons of industrial waste produced annually by Fincantieri. The key objective? Reduce waste generation and maximize recovery through the principles of a circular economy.

Pratt & Whitney Expands India Presence with New Customer Service Center in Bengaluru

Pratt & Whitney Service Center Bengaluru: Bengaluru, India – July 17, 2024 – Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies Corporation (RTX), announced the opening of a new Customer Service Center in Bengaluru, India. The center will be part of Pratt & Whitney’s existing India Capability Center and will focus on providing customer service and operational support for Pratt & Whitney Canada’s 68,000 engines worldwide.

India’s Zen Technologies launches 4 AI based defense systems

Zen Technologies 4 AI based defence solutions: Pune, India – July 15, 2024 Zen Technologies Limited, a leading Indian defense contractor, witnessed a significant surge in its stock price today following the unveiling of four innovative defense products. The company’s share price reached the upper circuit, a maximum permissible increase in a single trading day, reflecting investor confidence in Zen Technologies’ future prospects.

IAF contingent arrives in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2024

Indian Air Force Exercise Pitch Black 2024: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed a contingent to Darwin, Australia, to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024, the largest iteration of the multinational drill in its 43-year history. The biennial exercise, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), will be held from July 12 to August 2 and will see the participation of 20 countries, over 140 aircraft, and 4,400 military personnel.

DRDO awards multiple contracts to Indian defence startups

DRDO awards 7 new projects to Indian startups: India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new defence projects to private Indian companies, with a particular focus on nurturing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. These projects have been awarded to Indian defence startups spread across the country, from Delhi-NCR to Maharashtra to southern state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These startups are active in defence engineering and innovation and the seven projects have been awarded by the DRDO under the Defence Ministry’s Technology Development Fund (TDF).

Saudi Arabia orders 4 more Airbus A330 MRTT Aircraft

Saudi Arabia Airbus 1330 MRTT: Getafe, Spain – July 11, 2024-  The Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force (RSAF) has significantly bolstered its aerial refueling and transport capabilities by ordering four additional Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. This marks the third contract between Airbus and Saudi Arabia for the A330 MRTT, solidifying the RSAF’s position as a leading operator of this versatile aircraft globally.

Hanwha bags $1 billion Romania order for K9 SPH

Hanwha Aerospace Romania K9-self-propelled howitzers: Hanwha Aerospace, a South Korean defense contractor, has secured a $1 billion contract to provide Romania with K9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply vehicles. The deal, signed on July 9th, also includes ammunition and various support vehicles. This agreement marks Romania as the 10th member of the K9 user club, solidifying the K9’s position as a dominant force in the global self-propelled howitzer market with over 50% market share.

Diehl Defence bags largest ammunition order in company history

Diehl Defence BAAINBw Ammunition Order: Coblenz, Germany – July 11, 2024: Diehl Defence, a leading German defence contractor, has secured a landmark agreement with the German Armed Forces for the production and delivery of 155mm artillery projectiles. This marks the largest ever ammunition order for Diehl Defence, solidifying their position as a key supplier for the German military and its allies.

Leonardo, Rheinmetall will codevelop Italian Army’s MBTs, infantry fighting vehicles

Rheinmetall-Leonardo Battle Tank Cooperation: Rome/Düsseldorf, July 3, 2024 – In a move that significantly bolsters European defense capabilities, Italian defense giant Leonardo and German counterpart Rheinmetall Wednesday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a 50-50 joint venture. This venture will spearhead the development of cutting-edge land defense systems, with a focus on the Italian Army’s needs and ambitions for international export.

Dassault Aviation to Build MRO Facility near Delhi

Dassault Avisation SA MRO facility India: French aviation giant Dassault Aviation is setting up a foothold in India with plans for a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility near Jewar International Airport near national capital Delhi. This move paves the way for potential local manufacturing of the latest Rafale fighter jets, fulfilling India’s long-standing requirement for new warplanes.

German Military Orders 6,500 Trucks from Rheinmetall in Record Deal

Rheinmetall wins record order for military trucks: German defense company Rheinmetall signed a landmark contract with the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) for the delivery of up to 6,500 military trucks, valued at €3.5 billion (including VAT). This marks the largest order in Rheinmetall’s history for logistic vehicles. The agreement comes after the German Parliament approved funding in June 2024. The initial call-off includes over 610 vehicles worth €312 million, with 250 scheduled for delivery this year. Financing for this initial portion comes primarily from the Bundeswehr’s special funds.