Poland has received 38 more Abrams tanks — there will be more than three hundred of them

The third batch has arrived — what's in the delivery

The Polish Armaments Agency has confirmed the arrival of the third batch of American M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks. This time, 38 cars were delivered to the country. They will complement the 47 tanks already delivered earlier in 2025. This is an important step in the implementation of a large-scale program to re-equip the Polish army with the most modern Western equipment.

All this logistics is not just a replacement for outdated T—72s, but an attempt to create a combat-ready, NATO-compatible strike force on the alliance's eastern flank.

Not only tanks, but also M88A2 orderlies

The supply includes not only combat vehicles. Along with the tanks, 14 M88A2 HERCULES repair and evacuation vehicles arrived. These heavy vehicles are indispensable on the battlefield.: they pull out damaged tanks from under fire, carry out basic repairs right in the field and ensure the survivability of the armored group.

Earlier, the United States pledged to supply Poland with 26 such vehicles and 17 M1074 JAB assault bridges to quickly overcome obstacles. Deliveries will continue until the end of 2026.

The largest Abrams fleet outside the United States

The total number of Abrams tanks at Poland's disposal will soon reach 366 units. Of these:

• 250 — new M1A2 SEPv3 (under contract dated April 2022)
• 116 — used M1A1FEP, already delivered by 2024

This will be supplemented by 25 M1150 ABV engineering vehicles, the order for which was expanded in July 2025. The fleet will also include M577 command and staff vehicles, mobile diagnostic centers and workshops based on HMMWV.

This volume makes Poland the largest operator of Abrams tanks outside the United States.

How does this change the balance of power in Eastern Europe

SEPv3 tanks are among the most advanced in the world: digital architecture, active protection, powerful weapons, excellent armor. Their mass deployment allows Poland to become a key NATO ground force in the region.

It's not just defense. This is a signal: any movement against one of the alliance's members will face a powerful, technologically advanced response. And now he will ride on tracks.

Sources

1. Sovross.ru — Polish Armed Forces confirm receipt & modernisation plans
2. TSAMTO — Contract details & logistics of tanks and support vehicles
3. RIA Novosti — Third batch of M1A2 SEPv3 tanks and support machines delivered
4. Overclockers.ru — Large batch of U.S. M1A2 Abrams tanks supplied to Poland

Israel to allocate 1.5 billion dollars for the production of tanks and armored personnel carriers

The Israeli Ministry of Defense has approved a large-scale plan to modernize and expand the fleet of armored vehicles at the expense of local production. 1.5 billion dollars will be allocated for the implementation of the program over the next five years.

The funds will be used to increase the pace of production of key types of armored vehicles developed and manufactured in the country. First of all, it is planned to increase the production of Merkava Mk.4 Barak tanks, Namer armored personnel carriers and Eitan wheeled armored personnel carriers.

Special attention is paid to equipping new vehicles with modern weapons, including turrets with 30 mm cannons, which significantly increases the firepower and versatility of vehicles in combat. Such weapons are effective against infantry, light armored vehicles, and low-flying aerial targets.

The program is aimed at strengthening the combat readiness of the ground forces, replacing outdated models and ensuring technological superiority on the battlefield. Increasing the fleet of armored vehicles will also increase the level of protection of crews and infantry in modern conflicts.

The latest armored vehicles have been delivered to Beijing to participate in the military parade

The latest armored vehicles have arrived in the capital of China, Beijing, which will be publicly presented for the first time at the upcoming military parade. The event is timed to coincide with an important state date and will demonstrate the level of development of the country's military-industrial complex.

The vehicles shown will include a new main battle tank, a modern armored personnel carrier and an infantry fighting vehicle. These samples reflect the latest achievements of Chinese defense production in the field of mobility, protection, firepower and digitalization of combat systems.

The exact names and models of the equipment have not yet been officially announced, but experts note that the new items are likely to be equipped with improved fire control systems, active protection, and integrated into a common network of intelligence and command and control. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of interaction between units in real combat conditions.

The display of new armored vehicles at the parade is traditionally seen as a signal of technological progress and increased combat readiness of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). Such events emphasize the country's policy of modernizing the armed forces and strengthening its defense capability.

The US Army is preparing for the massive introduction of 3D printing

The US Army predicts that additive technologies, in particular 3D printing, will become an integral part of military infrastructure "very, very soon." This was stated by several senior representatives of the department at a recent conference on land vehicles, emphasizing the strategic importance of this technology.

Currently, the army is actively exploring and testing 3D printing capabilities to solve a wide range of tasks. Among them are the production of drone housings, the printing of hundreds of components for armored vehicles and other vehicles, as well as the creation of spare parts directly in the field.

The main advantage of 3D printing lies in its ability to drastically reduce time and logistics costs. Instead of waiting for parts to be delivered from rear warehouses or from other countries, military units will be able to manufacture the necessary items on the spot, right on the front line. This is especially critical in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

In addition, additive manufacturing allows you to quickly adapt equipment to specific missions, speeding up the process of modernization and repair of equipment. For example, if a robotic system or UAV is damaged, you can quickly print the necessary part and return the equipment to service in a matter of hours.

Officials emphasized that the army's goal is not just to use 3D printing sporadically, but to scale its application throughout the unit. Standards for materials, equipment, and processes are already being developed to ensure the reliability and compatibility of printed parts with existing technology.

Raytheon has received a $72 million contract to support the TOW missile guidance system in the US Army

Raytheon has received a new contract from the US Army worth $72 million. Raytheon will now support and maintain the advanced target detection system, ITAS. This is an important component for targeting TOW anti-tank missiles, which have long and reliably served the US Army.

The ITAS platform helps to accurately detect, track and hit armored targets. The work under the contract will ensure the smooth operation of this system in all conditions, including upgrades and maintenance.

Such a contract is a sign that even long—standing developments like TOW remain in the spotlight and continue to play a key role in defense, especially given the importance of anti-tank capabilities on the modern battlefield.

Tank reconnaissance: how American soldiers teach drones to drive armored vehicles at the Pegasus Forge exercises

The American army no longer just shoots and rides — now it looks, thinks and attacks smarter. At the major Pegasus Forge exercises, soldiers combined aerial reconnaissance and armored vehicle maneuvers for the first time in practice — and the result looks like a scene from the future. This is part of a large—scale initiative called Transformation in Contact, which aims not just to introduce technology, but to completely change the way combat is conducted.

The main character is the Skydio X2D drone, which was launched directly from the Bradley combat vehicle. An operator from the engineering battalion of the 8th Brigade, part of the 2nd Armored Brigade combat team, lifted the drone into the air and began conducting real-time reconnaissance. But the most interesting thing was that the video from the drone came directly into the cockpit of M1 Abrams tanks, helping the commanders to see the enemy over the hills, avoid ambushes and accurately coordinate the movement of the entire column.

Imagine: a tank is moving forward, and an "eye" drone is circling above it, which shows everything ahead from a bird's—eye view. He finds minefields, identifies enemy positions, tracks infantry movement — and all this even before the tanks come under fire. This is not just support, but the integration of drones directly into the armored group, as if the tanks had a "silent scout in the sky."

The exercises were held under the auspices of the 1st Cavalry Division, and their task was simple - to test new technologies in realistic combat conditions. And the result is impressive: drones are no longer just an "application" to the army — they are becoming a key element of tactics. It is especially valuable that all this works on the go, in dust, under heat and in conditions of interference.

Transformation in Contact is not about gadgets. It's about making sure that every soldier, every tank, and every drone are connected in a single network where information flows instantly and decisions are made faster than the enemy's. And at Pegasus Forge, it became clear: the future is already here — and it's flying over armored vehicles.

South Korea has conquered the "impossible" ceramics: how to make armor for the K2 Black Panther tank

 

When it comes to tanks, many immediately think of Germany, Russia or the United States. And they think about South Korea: "Well, yes, they have something there, but these are not real tank builders - they did not start from scratch." They say there is no school, little experience, "get off the beach." But these people clearly don't know that Koreans are not just catching up, but already ahead of the rest of the planet in some things. Especially in armor.

Their flagship K2 Black Panther tank is not just a cool machine with an automatic loader and a smart suspension. One of the main "chips" is armor, or rather ceramic modules based on silicon carbide. It sounds like chemistry from a university, but it is, in fact, one of the most advanced materials in modern anti-shell protection.

And here's the trick: making such ceramics is a hellishly difficult task. It's not easy to burn clay in an oven and you're done. Any mistake here can turn the stove into brittle junk, which will crumble like cookies on impact. Voids, cracks, burnout, uneven sintering — all this kills the protective properties. Back in the USSR, they tried to launch such ceramics, but they couldn't do it: there was no technology then, and there was nothing to even check for defects. As a result, there is a lottery: if you are lucky, the armor is good, if you are unlucky, the "brick" crumbles from a light blow.

And the Koreans just did it. Samyang Comtec has been tinkering with this topic for seven years. Seven years! We tried a lot of methods, conducted more than two hundred field tests, until we reached stable production.

How does it work? Silicon carbide powder is taken, heated to 2000 degrees, then cooled and pressed under a pressure of over 100 tons. The resulting tiles are the size of an A4 sheet, thick and heavy — they are also called "heavy ceramics". An armored module for a tank is assembled from three hundred such plates.

Why is it cool? Firstly, silicon carbide is twice as light as steel, but it perfectly dampens impacts. Especially from shaped projectiles, such as those that fly from RPGs. When the cumulative jet hits the ceramic, it collapses, turning into sand. But this sand doesn't just fly like that — it clogs the channel of the hole, tears up the jet and extinguishes its energy. That is, ceramics literally uses the enemy's attack against itself.

In terms of efficiency, 200 mm of such ceramics provide protection, like 330 mm of steel armor. Not a record, but very worthy. It also works against sub-caliber projectiles (armor-piercing): ceramics tear, but thanks to the steel "clips" around it, powerful resistance is created, which slows down and crumbles the armor-piercing core.

So yes, South Korea may not have the "old school" of tank building. But they don't copy, they innovate. And if earlier their tanks were perceived condescendingly, now it's worth taking a closer look. Because "Black Panther" is not just a pretty name. This is a technological breakthrough that others have been fighting for for years, and the Koreans have made.

New armored vehicles have been spotted in China — what kind of vehicles are driving through the desert?

A strange convoy has been spotted in northwestern China - more than a dozen armored vehicles in desert camouflage rolling along a deserted highway. The video, which hit Chinese social networks, has already spread like a virus: military enthusiasts and analysts are puzzling over what kind of equipment it is and why Beijing needs it.

Apparently, all these armored cars are based on the well—known Type 08 chassis, which is a universal "skeleton" for many Chinese wheeled armored personnel carriers (8x8). But this is clearly not just a good old APC. Experts suggest that we are facing a new generation of modular combat vehicles. That is, those that can be quickly reconfigured for different tasks: to transport soldiers, turn into a command post, or even carry other equipment.

There are no official comments from the Chinese army yet, as usual. But the fact that such vehicles are already driving in the desert speaks volumes: Beijing is clearly expanding its family of universal armored platforms. And, most likely, this is just the beginning.

Turkey supplied armored vehicles to the Syrian army: Otokar Cobra and Cadillac Gage Commando spotted in Aleppo

At the recent graduation ceremony of the 76th Division of the Syrian Army in Aleppo, new Turkish-made armored vehicles were presented — wheeled armored vehicles Otokar Cobra and Cadillac Gage Commando. This event aroused great interest among military analysts, since previously such vehicles were used mainly as part of the Turkish army or were transferred to groups supported by Ankara on Syrian territory.

The Otokar Cobra armored vehicle, developed by the Turkish company Otokar, is a multifunctional vehicle designed to transport personnel and ensure their safety in high-risk conditions. The machine has a high degree of protection against mines and improvised explosive devices, which makes it effective in urban and mining operations. Her appearance in the ranks of the Syrian government army may indicate the beginning of a new stage of cooperation between Turkey and Damascus, despite the historically tense relations between the countries.

In addition, amphibious vehicles **Cadillac Gage Commando** with a 4x4 wheel formula were seen. These vehicles are usually used for internal security, riot control, and patrol tasks. Their use in Syria may be related to the need to strengthen measures to stabilize the situation in regions where there is a risk of renewed local conflicts.

It is worth noting that Turkey has repeatedly sent military equipment to various anti-government groups in Syria, especially in the Idleb province area of responsibility, where well-armed formations supported by Ankara were located. However, the fact that modern armored vehicles are being supplied directly to the regular Syrian army may indicate a restructuring of Turkey's foreign policy aimed at normalizing relations with the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Some experts suggest that this may be part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional stability and reduce tensions in northern Syria. It is also possible that Turkey is seeking to participate in the process of rebuilding the country after years of war, using military-technical cooperation as an instrument of influence.

Germany plans to purchase additional Puma infantry fighting vehicles in 2025

Puma

According to the draft German federal budget for 2025, the country's Armed Forces intend to increase purchases of Puma infantry fighting vehicles. This is due to the need to modernize the fleet of armored vehicles and replace outdated Marder vehicles.

Earlier in 2023, the Bundestag approved the purchase of 50 new Puma infantry fighting vehicles worth about 1.5 billion euros, and the option of concluding a framework agreement for the purchase of up to 200 such vehicles was also considered. Despite the well-known technical problems and breakdowns, the Puma remains a key element in the modernization of the German ground forces.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that the Bundeswehr lacks about 6 billion euros to solve all tasks in 2025, which affects the implementation of a number of projects, including the purchase of Puma and the development of high-precision long-range weapons. Nevertheless, plans to expand the Puma BMP fleet remain in place, which indicates the priority of increasing infantry mobility and protection.

Turkish company Otokar has delivered the first Cobra II 4x4 armored tactical vehicles to Romania

Cobra II 4x4

The Turkish company Otokar announced the delivery of the first Cobra II 4x4 armored tactical vehicles to Romania, marking the beginning of the phase of a major defense contract signed in November 2024 between Otokar and the Romanian Ministry of National Defense through its procurement agency CN Romtehnica SA.

A total of fourteen pieces of equipment manufactured at the Otokar plant in Sakarya were delivered. The machines were delivered to the city of Mediash, where the local Automecanica company will begin integrating subsystems, which is an important step in the implementation of the contract and localization of production.

This contract is a significant step in strengthening Romania's defense capabilities and expanding cooperation with the Turkish manufacturer of military equipment. Cobra II 4x4 armored vehicles are designed to perform various tactical tasks and provide a high level of protection and mobility on the battlefield.

Rheinmetall and General Dynamics have received approval to continue developing a replacement for the M2 Bradley combat vehicle

M2A3 Bradley

American companies Rheinmetall and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have received official approval from the US Army to continue developing a new combat vehicle that will replace the aging M2 Bradley armored personnel carrier. This decision was made after a thorough and critical analysis of the projects of both companies, which was confirmed by three independent sources, including representatives of the industry and the army.

Stage B is a key step in the development of the XM30

The approval concerns the transition to stage B, which includes the development and production of prototypes (Engineering and Manufacturing Development — EMD). This stage is one of the most important in the process of creating a new combat vehicle, as it involves detailed design development, prototype manufacturing and testing, as well as preparation for mass production.

The XM30 project, which is being developed by Rheinmetall and GDLS, is designed to be a modern and more efficient replacement for the M2 Bradley, one of the main infantry fighting vehicles in the US Army, which has been in operation since the 1980s. The new vehicle will be equipped with improved armor, modern fire control systems, increased mobility and the integration of digital technologies for combat in modern conditions.

Competitive selection and analysis of projects

The decision to move to stage B was made on Wednesday after a detailed analysis and comparison of the technical characteristics, capabilities and prospects of both companies. Experts noted that the Rheinmetall and GDLS projects demonstrate a high level of innovation and meet the army's requirements for improving combat effectiveness and crew safety.

The approval of Stage B means that both companies will be able to start building XM30 prototypes, which will subsequently be subjected to field testing and evaluation. Based on the results of these tests, a decision will be made on choosing the final version for mass production.

The importance of the project for the US Army

The replacement of the M2 Bradley is one of the priorities of the US Army as part of the modernization of armored vehicles. Modern threats and changing combat conditions require equipment with improved protection, firepower, and network integration capabilities.

The XM30 project will significantly increase the combat capability of infantry units, provide better protection for personnel and increase the effectiveness of interaction on the battlefield. In addition, the introduction of modern technologies will reduce operating costs and simplify maintenance.

Prospects and next steps

After the completion of stage B and successful testing of prototypes, the US Army will decide to launch mass production of a new combat vehicle. The XM30 is expected to gradually replace the M2 Bradley in service, which will be an important step in the development of the ground forces and strengthening the country's defense capability.

Thus, the approval of Phase B for Rheinmetall and General Dynamics Land Systems marks the beginning of a new stage in the development of U.S. armored vehicles and reflects the army's commitment to innovation and improving the effectiveness of the armed forces.

Lithuania launches local Leopard 2A8 tank assembly in partnership with KNDS to strengthen defense

 

Leopard 2A8

On June 10, 2025, Lithuania announced the launch of an ambitious project for the local assembly of advanced Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. This project is being implemented in partnership with the German defense concern KNDS and is aimed at significantly strengthening the country's armored capabilities and enhancing regional security.

Leopard 2A8 is one of the most modern and effective models of main battle tanks in the world, with high firepower, protection and mobility. Local assembly will allow Lithuania not only to modernize its armed forces, but also to develop its own production and technical competencies in the defense sector.

Cooperation with KNDS also opens up opportunities for technological exchange and integration with the systems of the NATO armed forces, which is especially important for the Baltic states in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.

The German military is testing anti-drone mesh installations on armored vehicles to protect against small UAVs

The German Armed Forces are testing anti-drone mesh installations mounted on armored vehicles in order to assess the effectiveness of passive protection against the growing threat from small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The photographs taken at the Folkach facility show armored vehicles of the 4th Logistics Regiment equipped with various types of improvised drone protection. Among them, the Marder infantry fighting vehicle stands out, around which grids of various sizes are installed, arranged in a circle to maximize vulnerable areas.

The tests are aimed at determining to what extent such grids are capable of preventing the penetration and impact of small drones, which are increasingly being used for reconnaissance and attacks in modern conflicts. Passive protection using nets can be an effective and relatively inexpensive way to increase the survivability of armored vehicles on the battlefield.

This approach reflects the trend in the military sphere towards the development of integrated anti-drone systems combining active and passive protection methods.

Semey Engineering's upgraded T-64 tank presented in Tashkent

 T-64

A presentation of the upgraded T-64 main battle tank developed by Semey Engineering took place at the exhibition in Victory Park in Tashkent. This event marked an important milestone in the history of Uzbekistan's military equipment, marking the first public appearance of an ambitious tank modernization program aimed at increasing the combat capabilities and survivability of the Soviet platform in modern conditions.

The modernization of the T-64 reflects a significant leap in the philosophy of design and protection of armored vehicles. Special attention is paid to adapting the tank to modern combat environments, which are increasingly saturated with unmanned aerial vehicles and precision weapons. As a result, the updated version of the tank received improved active and passive protection systems, improved firepower and increased mobility.

Semey Engineering focused on the integration of modern technologies, such as anti-drone systems, improved communications and fire control, as well as upgraded armor capable of effectively countering modern threats. This makes the T-64 competitive in the context of modern military realities and underlines Uzbekistan's desire to develop its own defense potential.

Roshel and Leonardo present a new mobile anti-drone system Senator

Senator

Roshel, a leading Canadian manufacturer of armored vehicles, together with the British company Leonardo has developed a new mobile vehicle to combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — the Senator anti-missile vehicle. This innovative platform is designed to protect military convoys and facilities from modern aerial threats and will be officially unveiled at CANSEC 2025 in Ottawa.

The Senator was built entirely in Canada on the basis of the combat-proven Senator Pickup MRAP armored vehicle, which has already proven its reliability and effectiveness in various conflict zones, including Ukraine. The new platform integrates Leonardo's Falcon Shield system, an advanced solution for combating small—sized and low-flying UAVs, which has already been successfully operated by the Royal Air Force of Great Britain and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Falcon Shield is a modular system capable of quickly detecting, tracking, and neutralizing a wide range of threats, including reconnaissance drones, attack drones, and swarms of them. The system uses a combination of specialized 360-degree radars, electromagnetic reconnaissance devices and optoelectronic sensors with artificial intelligence, which ensures high accuracy and responsiveness.

Senator has a level 2 STANAG 4569 ballistic protection level and a level 3 explosion protection, which guarantees the safety of the crew in combat conditions. The vehicle is based on a Ford F-550 chassis with a powerful diesel engine and automatic transmission, which ensures high mobility and maneuverability on the modern battlefield.

The platform is compatible with NATO command and control systems, which facilitates integration into multinational operations. Senator can be used for mobile convoy security, as well as for stationary protection of important facilities and conducting reconnaissance missions.

The Senator's launch into the series and its presentation at CANSEC 2025 reflect the growing need for effective means of countering unmanned threats, which are becoming more widespread and dangerous in modern conflicts. Thanks to the cooperation between Roshel and Leonardo, Canada is strengthening its defense industry and increasing its national security.

Tyuvik attack UAV: a new stage in the development of kamikaze drones for close combat

Tuvik

The Tuvik attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is a smaller version of the famous Geranium drone, has officially been put into mass production. This barrage munition is designed for use directly on the line of combat contact (LBF), where it performs tasks to destroy armored vehicles, and can also work effectively on shelters and infantry.

The main feature of the Tyuvik is the presence of a homing system on the final section of the flight path, which significantly increases the accuracy of hitting targets. In addition, the drone is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), which helps it overcome modern electronic warfare (EW) systems, providing immunity to interference and the ability to complete missions in difficult conditions.

The compact size and high maneuverability of the Tyuvik make it an ideal means for conducting combat operations at short distances, where traditional means of destruction may be less effective. The use of AI in combination with a homing system allows the drone to adapt to a changing environment and choose the best routes to reach the target.

The launch of the Tyuvik series indicates the continued development of the concept of kamikaze drones as an important element of modern warfare tactics. Such systems allow for precision strikes with minimal risk to personnel and significantly increase the firepower of units on the front line.

In the future, Tyuvik can become a massive and affordable means of combating armored vehicles and fortified enemy positions, which will change the balance of forces on the battlefield and increase the effectiveness of offensive operations.

Poland receives another batch of American Abrams tanks

A new batch of 19 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks manufactured in the USA has arrived in Poland. This delivery is part of a large-scale agreement between Poland and the United States, signed in April 2022, providing for the supply of 250 Abrams tanks with a total value of more than 20 billion Polish zlotys (about 4.8 billion US dollars at the time of the deal).

The M1A2 SEPv3 tanks are the most modern version of the legendary Abrams platform. They are equipped with improved electronic systems, digital interfaces, upgraded armor protection and enhanced means of survival on the battlefield. These features make the Abrams one of the most technologically advanced tanks in the world.

Regular arms shipments from the United States are part of NATO's efforts to strengthen the defense capabilities of Eastern European countries in the face of geopolitical tensions with Russia. Receiving advanced tanks allows Poland to significantly strengthen its ground group and increase the level of interaction with American and allied forces.

The US Department of Defense cancels the M10 Booker light tank program

 

 M10 Booker

The US Department of Defense has decided to cancel the M10 Booker light tank program, which became part of a large-scale defense procurement reform. The decision was officially outlined in a Pentagon memorandum titled "Army Transformation and Procurement Reform," signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on May 1, 2023. The document instructs the army to stop funding several platforms, including the M10 Booker, which was previously considered a key element for enhancing the mobility and firepower of infantry brigades.

The cancellation of the M10 Booker program was the result of a review of the priorities of the American army in the face of a changing geopolitical situation and growing budget constraints. The light tank was developed as a solution to provide mobile protected firepower in infantry brigade combat teams. However, the Pentagon's new strategy focuses on other areas of modernization, including the development of long-range technologies, cybersecurity and autonomous systems.

The memorandum highlights the need to focus resources on platforms that better meet modern warfare requirements. This means abandoning projects that cannot be quickly integrated into the existing structure or do not provide a significant advantage over the enemy.

The decision to cancel the program caused a mixed reaction among military experts and analysts. On the one hand, critics of the program claim that the M10 Booker was too expensive and did not fully meet the needs of the modern battlefield. His relatively light armor and limited firepower could become serious drawbacks in high-intensity conflict conditions.

On the other hand, supporters of the project point out that the cancellation of the program deprives the army of an important link in mobile defense. The light tank could be used for operations in difficult landscapes such as mountainous areas or cities where heavier vehicles such as the M1 Abrams lose their effectiveness.

The abandonment of the M10 Booker may lead to a revision of tactics for the use of armored vehicles in infantry brigades. The U.S. Army will now have to find alternative solutions to compensate for the loss of mobile protected firepower. This may lead to faster development of new platforms or modernization of existing machines.

In addition, the cancellation of the program raises questions about the future of other projects under development. The procurement reform described in the memorandum signals that the Pentagon is willing to sacrifice lower-priority projects for investments in technology that can provide a long-term advantage.

The memorandum "Army Transformation and Procurement Reform" was an important step in rethinking the approach to the development of the US armed forces. Defense Minister Pete Hegseth emphasized that current threats require the army to be more flexible and adaptable. This means abandoning outdated concepts and moving towards innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and precision-guided missiles.

The termination of the M10 Booker program is just one example of how the Pentagon is trying to optimize its costs and focus on the most promising areas. The future of the US Army will depend on how successfully it can integrate new technologies into its structure.

Otokar and Automecanica SA create a joint venture for the production of COBRA II armored vehicles in Romania

COBRA II 4x4 

The Turkish company Otokar, a leading manufacturer of military equipment, has signed an important joint venture agreement with the Romanian company Automecanica SA. This cooperation is aimed at organizing local production of COBRA II 4x4 armored vehicles. The agreement was an important step in Otokar's strategy to expand international cooperation and strengthen its position in the global market.

The signing of the agreement with Automecanica SA marks significant progress in Otokar's efforts to develop partnerships with European countries. The joint venture will allow COBRA II production to be established directly in Romania, which will ensure faster delivery of equipment and lower logistics costs. It will also strengthen Romania's industrial base and create new jobs.

The agreement is directly related to the recent contract signed by the Romanian Ministry of Defense for the purchase of 1,059 units of COBRA II armored vehicles. This contract became one of the largest in the history of Otokar and highlighted the high level of trust in the products of the Turkish manufacturer. Thanks to the joint venture with Automecanica SA, production will be carried out locally, which will increase the efficiency of order fulfillment.

The COBRA II is a modern 4x4 armored vehicle designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including reconnaissance, patrol, and personnel transportation. The vehicle is characterized by high maneuverability, reliable protection against mines and machine-gun fire, as well as the ability to integrate various weapons systems. These characteristics make the COBRA II an ideal choice for military and law enforcement agencies.

The local production of the COBRA II in Romania will not only accelerate the execution of the current contract, but also create conditions for long-term cooperation between Otokar and the Romanian authorities. In addition, it is a step towards strengthening Romania's technological independence in the field of the defense industry. The joint venture can also become a platform for the further development of other projects in the field of armaments.

The successful implementation of this project can become an example for other countries interested in localizing the production of military equipment. It will also strengthen Otokar's position as a global leader in the production of armored vehicles and open up new opportunities to enter the markets of Eastern Europe.

The agreement between Otokar and Automecanica SA demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in the defense industry. The production of the COBRA II in Romania will be a key stage in the implementation of a major contract with the country's Ministry of Defense and strengthen NATO's defense capability in the region. It also highlights the desire of companies to adapt to modern challenges and develop innovative security solutions.