Sweden asks Saab to study ‘future fighter concepts’
As Stockholm plots its way forward, Saab CEO Micael Johansson had called for such a study in a previous interview with Breaking Defense.
US greenlights $2.2B deal with Bahrain for Abrams tanks
"The proposed sale will improve Bahrain’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that can deter adversaries and provide the capability to participate in regional operations with the United States and other U.S. partner nations," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.
France’s Naval Group picked to build 4 Barracuda-class subs for Dutch military
A precise cost for the submarines was not provided, but the Ministry of Defense told parliamentarians in a letter that the "investment budget" is €5.6 billion ($6.1 billion).
NATO lauds ‘unprecedented’ jump in defense spending, new members and public popularity
Poland, in particular, led the way in defense expenditure in 2023, using nearly 4 percent of its GDP on an arms spending spree, according to the alliance's annual report.
Israel’s 3 biggest defense companies take stock after 5 months of war
With thousands of their employees called up to the reserves, the companies moved to 24/7 shifts to supply the IDF, while continuing sales abroad, executives at each told Breaking Defense.
Poland signs $2.5B air defense battle system deal, plans new fleet of light recon vehicles
Warsaw continues its defense spending spree in back-to-back signings.
France’s Thales and Spain’s Indra announce new collaboration agreement
The companies said they aim to work together on cyber defenses and other “critical [defense] systems” to strengthen Europe’s defense industrial base.
Israel’s Elbit to supply systems for Australia’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles
The $600 million contract calls for "advanced protection, fighting capabilities and a sensors suit."
As Israel aims for more ‘focused’ operations in Gaza, key questions remain for endgame
“I think there is a danger this could end up being just another big round” of fighting, Chuck Freilich, a former Israeli deputy national security advisor, told Breaking Defense.
The homeland is not a sanctuary: The case for more integrated air defenses
Three former senior NORAD officials argue in this op-ed that the homeland defense must be treated like theater defense, prepared for multi-tiered attack.
US greenlights $1.2 billion aerostat and radar deal with Poland
The State Department approval comes as Poland makes a push for greater regional air domain awareness and is willing to spend big on its defense.
France details more high-dollar procurements in $21.9B 2023 spending review
For the army, the DGA procurement agency said it has signed a contract worth some €350 million ($378 million) with Nexter for 109 new generation Caesar (Mk II) truck-mounted guns.
US approves $4 billion deal to sell India 31 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones
The Biden administration reportedly pushed New Delhi to approve the deal on its end ahead of a state visit by Indian leader Narendra Modi in June.
As Baltics see spike in GPS jamming, NATO must respond
Dana Goward, president of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation, argues in this op-ed that Russia could be putting civilians at risk with suspected jamming in Eastern Europe.
Czech Republic joins F-35 ranks, inks ‘most important’ deal with US for 24 aircraft
The Czech government suggested the timing and location of the signing in Prague was affected by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent health issues.