Sweden joining UK-Japan-Italy fighter effort seen as unlikely by industry partners

Sweden joining UK-Japan-Italy fighter effort seen as unlikely by industry partners
Sweden joining UK-Japan-Italy fighter effort seen as unlikely by industry partners

According to Andrew Howard, Leonardo UK’s Director for Future combat Air/GCAP UK, Sweden is “not seen as an integral part of the partnership at this time.”

New UK-Japan-Italy fighter takes shape, with electronics details emerging

New UK-Japan-Italy fighter takes shape, with electronics details emerging
New UK-Japan-Italy fighter takes shape, with electronics details emerging

“More than half the things this aircraft can do is because of its sensors,” said Masahiko Arai, Senior General Manager, Defense Systems Division, Mitsubishi Electric.

Greece counts down to $1.6 billion corvette competition decision

Greece counts down to $1.6 billion corvette competition decision
Greece counts down to $1.6 billion corvette competition decision

Greece plans on acquiring three ships while retaining an option for a fourth, with industry competitors committing to supporting local shipbuilding as part of their bids.

Raytheon to deliver JPALS assisted landing software for Japanese ship Izumo

Raytheon to deliver JPALS assisted landing software for Japanese ship Izumo
Raytheon to deliver JPALS assisted landing software for Japanese ship Izumo

A US Navy official noted the “urgency” for Japan to get the software currently used by the US, UK and Italian navies.

UK, Japan and Italy launch Global Combat Air Programme to deliver next generation fighter

UK, Japan and Italy launch Global Combat Air Programme to deliver next generation fighter
UK, Japan and Italy launch Global Combat Air Programme to deliver next generation fighter

“Considering Japan’s enormous economy and unambiguous [fighter] requirement because of its proximity to China and all that that implies, the [GCAP] agreement is one of the only practical ways – given the status of UK, German and French relations – to get toward more viable levels of funding,” said Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute.

US increasing troop presence in Europe, while new NATO strategy eyes China

US increasing troop presence in Europe, while new NATO strategy eyes China
US increasing troop presence in Europe, while new NATO strategy eyes China

“We’re going to step up. We’re stepping up,” US President Joe Biden said. “We’re proving that NATO is more needed now than it ever has been and it’s as important as it has ever been.”

Seven European nations have increased defense budgets in one month. Who will be next?

Seven European nations have increased defense budgets in one month. Who will be next?
Seven European nations have increased defense budgets in one month. Who will be next?

Germany, Belgium, Romania, Italy, Poland, Norway and Sweden have all pledged to increase defense spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Italy’s Army modernization finally seeing movement after years of delays

Italy’s Army modernization finally seeing movement after years of delays
Italy’s Army modernization finally seeing movement after years of delays

Italy’s budget has been in flux for years, with Army modernization being delayed. A trio of vehicles may be ready to turn that tide.

Across Europe, Billions Being Funneled Into New Armored Vehicle Programs

Across Europe, Billions Being Funneled Into New Armored Vehicle Programs
Across Europe, Billions Being Funneled Into New Armored Vehicle Programs

The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain could ultimately involve buying in excess of 3,200 new heavy armored platforms, with a price tag of over $11.5 billion over the next 15 years.

Report Sheds Light On Changes To Navy’s Constellation Class

Report Sheds Light On Changes To Navy’s Constellation Class
Report Sheds Light On Changes To Navy’s Constellation Class

The report provides specific details about the design changes Fincantieri made to the parent design they proposed for the FFG(X) competition.

Biden Freezes German Pullout Plans; ‘Cradle to Grave’ Review Underway

Biden Freezes German Pullout Plans; ‘Cradle to Grave’ Review Underway
Biden Freezes German Pullout Plans; ‘Cradle to Grave’ Review Underway

SecDef Lloyd Austin “is at this moment in the process of conducting a very very thorough review” of planning to move 12,000 troops out of Germany, EUCOM chief Gen. Wolters says.

Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal

Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal
Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal

Defense Secretary Mark Esper portrayed the plan as a strategic shift. President Trump said, “we’re reducing the force because [Germany is] not paying their bills.” Criticism from both sides of the aisle was swift.

‘Major Milestone’ As Allies Join SPACECOM’s War Plan

‘Major Milestone’ As Allies Join SPACECOM’s War Plan
‘Major Milestone’ As Allies Join SPACECOM’s War Plan

“The hesitation to include allies in Olympic Defender was on our end as well,” says Secure World Foundation’s Brian Weeden. “National security space is sort of the last bastion of America’s ‘crown jewels’.”

China, COVID-19 and 5G; Golden Opportunity For The West

China, COVID-19 and 5G; Golden Opportunity For The West
China, COVID-19 and 5G; Golden Opportunity For The West

Wars and pandemics, great destroyers of the status quo, often generate enormous societal change. An outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease in the early 20th century, for example, gave the internal combustion engine a permanent lead over steam-powered automobiles. The First World War saw more improvements in aeronautical engineering and airplane manufacturing than the previous decade.  The…