Monthly Archives: March, 2025

Rheinmetall-Lockheed Martin Highlight GMARS Long-Range Precision Fire, Enhanced Interoperability for NATO

Rheinmetall-Lockheed Martin GMARS: In a significant move aimed at bolstering long-range precision fire capabilities for allied nations, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin recently convened an international summit in Europe, showcasing their collaborative Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) program. The event, drawing military leaders, industry experts, and defense professionals from 14 countries, underscored the growing importance of advanced artillery systems in modern warfare.

India Bolsters Air Power with $7.32 Billion Light Combat Helicopter Order

India’s Light Combat Helicopter: New Delhi, India – In a move that significantly strengthens India’s aerial combat capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalized a substantial order for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) “Prachand” from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This procurement, valued at approximately ₹62,700 crore (approximately $7.32 billion USD), marks a major milestone in India’s drive for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Bharat Forge will Supply DRDO-Developed ATAGS to Indian Army

Bharat Forge Bags $806 Million ATAGS Order: Pune, India – In a significant stride towards enhancing India’s indigenous defense capabilities, Bharat Forge Limited has secured a substantial order from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the supply of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This landmark contract marks a pivotal moment in the modernization of the Indian Army’s artillery regiments.

India’s GRSE Wins Additional MPV Order from German Firm

GRSE Bags MPV Contract from Germany’s Carsten Rehder: Kolkata/Hamburg, Germany – Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. has signed a contract with Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler and Reederei GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, on March 24, 2025, for the construction and delivery of the 7th and 8th Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV) of 7,500 DWT. The agreement, signed in Hamburg, Germany, represents a continuation of the “Option Agreement” between the two parties, bringing the total order to eight vessels with an approximate value of US $108 million.

India clears defence procurement worth $6.5 billion

India clears defence purchase worth $6.5 billion (Rs 54,000 crore): New Delhi, March 20, 2025 – In a significant move aimed at enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) to eight capital acquisition proposals totaling over Rs 54,000 crore (approximately $6.5 billion USD). The approvals, announced on March 20, 2025, signal a major push towards modernizing the Indian armed forces and streamlining the procurement process.

Navantia’s S-82 Submarine Achieves Critical Power Milestone, Advances Towards Launch

Navantia’s S-82 Submarine ‘Narciso Monturiol Completes Power Up Milestone: Cartagena, March 11, 2025 – In a significant step forward for Spain’s naval capabilities, Navantia’s second S-80 class submarine, the S-82 ‘Narciso Monturiol,’ has successfully completed its initial critical safety milestone, the “power up” of its onboard equipment. This pivotal achievement marks a major progression in the vessel’s construction and testing phase, paving the way for its anticipated launch next summer.

India Bolsters Tank Fleet with $248 Million Engine Deal with Russia

India signs $248 million Tank Engine Deal with Russia’s Rosoboronexport: New Delhi, March 7, 2025 – In a significant move to enhance its armored capabilities, the Indian Ministry of Defence has finalized a $248 million contract with Rosoboronexport (RoE) of the Russian Federation for the procurement of 1000 horsepower (HP) engines for its T-72 main battle tanks. The agreement, announced today, marks a substantial upgrade for the Indian Army’s mainstay tank fleet, promising improved battlefield mobility and offensive power.

Leonardo and Baykar Form JV for UAVs, Targeting $100 Billion European Market

Leonardo-Baykar Sign MoU, JV Will Target $100 Billion EU Drone Market: Rome, Italy – Leonardo and Baykar Technologies have announced a strategic partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to establish a Joint Venture dedicated to the development and production of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The collaboration signals a significant move in the rapidly evolving landscape of defense technology, with a particular focus on the lucrative European market.

European Defence Agency Selects Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS for Ambitious Logistics Programme

EDA Selects Shiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 for Logistics Programme: Vienna, Austria – In a significant move towards advancing autonomous military capabilities, the European Defence Agency (EDA) has chosen the Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 unmanned air system for its pioneering cross-domain logistics programme. This selection, made under the auspices of the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI), marks a key step in exploring the potential of unmanned systems in modern military operations.

USAF Designates GA-ASI’s New Uncrewed Fighter as YFQ-42A

USAF Names GA-ASI’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) as YFQ-42A: SAN DIEGO – March 3, 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced that the U.S. Air Force has officially designated its new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) as the YFQ-42A. This designation marks a significant milestone in the development of next-generation uncrewed fighter technology.

Sweden’s Saab Bags German Contract for TAURUS KEPD 350 Cruise Missile Upgrade

Saab Wins German Order for Taurus Missile Maintenance and Modernization: Stockholm, Sweden – Saab, a leading defense and security company, has been awarded a substantial contract worth SEK 1.7 billion for the maintenance and modernization of the TAURUS KEPD 350 cruise missile. The contract, spanning from 2025 to 2035, will see Saab undertake significant system upgrades and provide a ten-year life cycle maintenance program for the German Air Force’s TAURUS missiles.

India Eyes Fleet Expansion: Will Procure Additional 10 Airbus C-295 Military Transport Aircraft

India-Airbus Negotiate Procurement of Additional 10 C-295 Transport Aircraft: New Delhi, India – In a significant move to modernize its aging military transport capabilities, India is actively negotiating the acquisition of an additional 10 Airbus C-295 aircraft. This potential purchase would augment the nation’s existing order of 71 C-295s, marking a substantial expansion of its fleet and reinforcing its strategic partnership with Airbus and the Tata Group.