Yearly Archives: 2025

Bundeswehr Modernizes Infantry with €3 Billion Rheinmetall Soldier System Contract

German Military places €3.1 billion order with Rheinmetall for modernization of Infantry Soldier:  In a landmark move signaling a significant commitment to the future of digital warfare, the German Bundeswehr has awarded Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH its largest ever framework contract for soldier systems. The agreement, valued at a staggering €3.1 billion, will equip and modernize infantry forces with the cutting-edge “Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System” (IdZ-ES), securing the nation’s military readiness through 2030.

Rheinmetall Delivers Skyranger 30 Verification Model to German Bundeswehr, Paving Way for Mobile Air Defence Modernization

Rheinmetall Delivers Skyranger 30 Air Defence to German Military: UNTERLÜSS, Germany – Rheinmetall has reached a key milestone in the development of the Bundeswehr’s next-generation mobile air defense system, delivering the first Boxer Skyranger 30 cannon-based air defense vehicle at the end of January 2025. This delivery marks the scheduled handover of the verification model, which will undergo rigorous testing and evaluation by the Bundeswehr to secure the necessary approvals for serial production.

Israel’s Elbit Systems to Highlight Advanced Air Defence Systems at Aero India 2025

Elbit Systems at Aero India 2025: HAIFA, Israel – Elbit Systems Ltd. has announced its participation in Aero India 2025, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, India, from February 10th to 14th. The company will showcase a range of its latest technological developments at its booth in Hall A, Stands A5.3e and A5.4, as well as in collaboration with its partners at their respective booths.

Rheinmetall Secures Multi-Billion Euro Contract for Bundeswehr’s Digitalization Overhaul

Bundeswehr’s Wins Multi-Billion Euro Contract for Bundeswehr’s Digitalization Overhaul: DÜSSELDORF, Germany – In a significant step toward modernizing the German armed forces, Rheinmetall has been awarded a multi-billion euro framework contract to develop and implement the Bundeswehr’s next-generation tactical communications network. Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH will serve as the prime contractor for the “Tactical Wide Area Network for Land Based Operations” (TaWAN LBO), a deployable, platform-based communication and directional radio management system.

Navantia UK Invests in Harland & Wolff, Bolstering UK Shipbuilding and Clean Energy

Navantia UK Announces Investment Plan for Harland & Wolff: Northern Ireland – A new era has dawned for the iconic Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast as Navantia UK announced a significant investment plan following its recent acquisition of the company. The move promises to revitalize the historic shipyard, strengthen Britain’s defense, maritime, and clean energy industrial capabilities, and support jobs and economic growth across the United Kingdom.

India’s ISRO scores historic century with 100th satellite launch

ISRO’s 100th successful satellite launch: Sriharikota, India – In a momentous achievement for the Indian space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today successfully launched its 100th satellite mission. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) carrying the NVS-02 navigation satellite lifted off flawlessly from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Navantia UK Finalizes Acquisition of Harland & Wolff, Securing Over 1,000 Jobs

Navantia UK Acquires Harland & Wolff: LONDON – Navantia UK announced on January 27, 2025, the completion of its acquisition of Harland & Wolff’s facilities. The acquisition encompasses sites in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish, and is expected to safeguard more than 1,000 jobs. The move aims to bolster the UK’s capabilities in the defense, maritime, and clean energy sectors.  

Kongsberg Secures Major JSM Contract Expansion with US Air Force

Kongsberg’s JSM Missile for US Air Force F-35 Fighter Jet: Oslo, Norway – January 27, 2025 – Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has received a significant boost to its Joint Strike Missile (JSM) program with a $70 million contract modification from the U.S. Department of Defense. This award brings the total contract value for JSM deliveries to the U.S. Air Force to $208 million, solidifying the missile’s position as a key component of the U.S. defense arsenal.

IdeaForge’s SWITCH MINI UAV Certified for Military Use

IdeaForge’ SWITCH MINI UAV Certified for Military Use: Mumbai, India – January 23, 2025 – ideaForge Technology Limited, a global leader in drone technology, today announced that its SWITCH MINI UAV has successfully obtained the prestigious “Fit for Indian Military Use” certification. This significant milestone, granted by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) following rigorous evaluations, solidifies the SWITCH MINI as the first small UAV to meet the Indian military’s stringent quality and performance standards.

HENSOLDT Completes Modernization of Mission Support System for Bundeswehr Helicopters

HENSOLDT completes EUA NT testing for Bundeswehr Helicopters: Ulm, Germany – [Date] – HENSOLDT has successfully concluded the modernization project “Einsatzunterstützungsanlage Neue Technologien” (EUA NT) for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The project, commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in 2022, aimed to upgrade the existing Mission Support System (EUA) for the next 15 years of operation.

Austria’s Schiebel Secures Third EMSA Contract for CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS

Schiebel Secures Third EMSA Contract for CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS: Vienna, Austria – January 23, 2025 – Schiebel has been awarded another multi-year service contract by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) for the deployment of its CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS). This marks the third consecutive contract between Schiebel and EMSA, underscoring the continued success of the S-100 in supporting European maritime operations.

Israel Will Never Allow Hamas to Massacre Israelis Again: Reuven Azar

New Delhi – In a significant address, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, outlined the recent ceasefire agreement with Hamas as the initial phase of a broader strategy to ensure Israel’s long-term security.In a video address, Ambassador Azar emphasized that the ceasefire is not an end in itself, but rather a crucial step towards preventing future Hamas attacks and securing the release of Israeli hostages.

Israel’s Steadicopter, India’s Lotus Team Up to Manufacture Drones in India

India’s Lotus Advance Technologies-Israel’s Steadicopter to manufacture RUVAs in India: New Delhi, January 18, 2025 – India’s Lotus Advance Technologies has joined forces with Israel’s Steadicopter to manufacture Tactical Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAVs) domestically. This partnership, announced yesterday, aims to bolster India’s defense capabilities by producing advanced drones tailored to the needs of the Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces.

Indian Navy inducts INS Vaghsheer, INS Nilgiri, INS Surat

Indian Navy inducts INS Vagsheer, INS Nilgiri, INS Surat: Mumbai, January 15, 2025 – In a historic event that underscores India’s growing naval prowess and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, the Indian Navy today commissioned three frontline combatants: INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project.

Adani-Manufactured Drishti 10 Starliner Drone Crashes During Indian Navy Trials

Adani’s Drishti 10 Starliner Drone Crash: Porbandar, Gujarat – A significant setback occurred in India’s burgeoning drone program on January 14th, 2025, with the crash of a Drishti 10 Starliner drone manufactured by Adani Defence & Aerospace under licence from Israel’s Elbit Systems. The incident took place off the coast of Porbandar during pre-acceptance trials…

Indian Navy Set to Commission Three Frontline Fleet Assets in Historic Milestone

Indian Navy to induct three weapons platforms: Mumbai, January 15, 2025 – In a historic event that underscores India’s growing naval prowess and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to commission three frontline combatants later today: INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project.

Lockheed Martin’s SPY-7 Radar for Spain’s F-110 Frigate Successfully Tracks Airborne Objects

Lockheed Martin’s SPY-7 Radar for Spain’s F-110 Frigate: Moorestown, New Jersey – January 14, 2025 – In a significant milestone for the Spanish F-110 frigate program, Lockheed Martin, in partnership with Navantia, Spain’s national defense and shipbuilding company, has successfully demonstrated the first live track for the ship’s AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar.

Rheinmetall Acquires Majority Stake in blackned in Digitisation Push

Rheinmetall acquires blackned in Digitisation Push: Bremen, Germany – [January 10, 2025] – Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH has significantly increased its stake in the Bavarian software developer blackned GmbH, acquiring an additional 11% of the company’s shares. This move brings Rheinmetall’s ownership to a controlling 51%, solidifying its position as the majority shareholder.

Lithuanian Artillery Plant Moves Forward with Rheinmetall Partnership

Rheinmetall Lithuanian Artillery Plant: Baisogala, Lithuania – The development of the German-Lithuanian artillery plant in Baisogala has taken a significant step forward with the signing of a partnership agreement. On December 20, 2024, representatives from German defense technology giant Rheinmetall, the Lithuanian energy transmission and exchange group EPSO-G, its subsidiary EPSO-G Invest, and the Lithuanian company Giraitės ginkluotės gamykla finalized the agreement. This crucial step establishes the framework for Rheinmetall Defence Lietuva, the joint venture responsible for building the 155-mm artillery shell manufacturing facility.

Israel Ministry of Defense Signs Major Defence Deals with Elbit Systems

Israel’s IMOD-Elbit Systems sign major defence contract: -Tel Aviv, Israel – The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) announced the signing of two significant defense agreements with Elbit Systems, totaling approximately NIS 1 billion (USD 274 million – approx). These agreements, signed by IMOD Director General Eyal Zamir and Elbit Systems President & CEO Bezhalel Machlis, are aimed at enhancing the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) operational capabilities and bolstering national security.

India’s DRDO Celebrates 67 Years of Innovation and Self-Reliance in Defence

DRDO 67th Foundation Day: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is celebrating its 67th foundation day on January 2, 2025. Established in 1958, DRDO has grown from a small organisation with 10 laboratories to a network of around 52 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) across the country. These laboratories and establishments are dedicated to developing defence technologies covering a wide range of disciplines, including aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing and simulation, special materials, naval systems, life sciences, training, information systems, and agriculture.  

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Takes Command of IAF’s Western Air Command

Indian Air Force Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra: New Delhi, January 01, 2025: Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command in a ceremony held today.  Air Marshal Mishra, a fighter pilot commissioned in 1986, is an alumnus of prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy (Pune), Air Force Test Pilots School (Bangalore), Air Command and Staff College (USA), and Royal College of Defence Studies (UK).