The British Army will receive the latest Jackal 3 vehicles from the first batch

The British Army is completing the delivery of the first batch of Jackal 3 light reconnaissance vehicles. In the near future, troops will receive the last two vehicles, which will be an important step in the modernization program for ground equipment.

Despite the relatively small scale of the purchase, the delivery of Jackal 3 is perceived as a significant step in updating the fleet of mobile reconnaissance and strike platforms. These high-speed vehicles are designed to operate in difficult conditions, including operations in desert and rough terrain, and are actively used by special forces and intelligence units.

The Jackal 3 model features improved protection, increased cross-country capability, and the ability to install various weapons, including heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. The vehicle retains high mobility and is capable of quickly transferring to perform reconnaissance, convoy escort, or pinpoint strikes.

Although the program so far covers a limited number of pieces of equipment, it demonstrates the course of the British armed forces to strengthen rapid reaction capabilities and increase the combat effectiveness of light mobile units.

The US Army is testing a "smart" autonomous truck in Georgia

ULTRA

The US Army has begun field trials of a fully autonomous tactical vehicle as part of the large-scale Agile Spirit 25 exercises in Georgia (Sakartvelo). The developer of this robotic machine is Overland AI, based in Seattle. The vehicle, known as the ULTRA, is being tested in real—world conditions to assess how well it copes with one of the most dangerous tasks on the battlefield - delivering goods over rough and potentially hostile terrain.

The main feature of ULTRA is its ability to move towards a goal completely without direct human control. Unlike remote-controlled robots, this truck uses complex algorithms and sensors to make its own decisions: avoid obstacles, choose a route and avoid threats. This is crucial to reduce the risks for soldiers, who usually have to risk their lives when delivering ammunition and supplies to "hot spots".

The tests in Georgia are an important step towards creating a future where autonomous columns can accompany infantry, providing continuous support even when communications are disrupted or the situation becomes too dangerous for humans.

A new batch of ten K2 Black Panther tanks from South Korea has arrived in Poland

K2 Black Panther tanks

A new batch of ten modern K2 Black Panther tanks has arrived in Poland from South Korea. These combat vehicles were assigned to the 15th Gizhitsky Mechanized Brigade of the Polish Army.

The tanks were delivered by one cargo ship and unloaded at the port of Svinoujscie. The delivery is part of a larger modernization program for the Polish armed forces using advanced South Korean technologies.

Israel and Germany begin implementation of the largest defense deal with the Arrow 3 air defense system

 

Israel and Germany have begun preparations for the transfer of the modern Arrow 3 missile defense system to the German armed forces. Deliveries of the first battery of this advanced system, developed in partnership with the United States to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, are scheduled to begin in the coming months.

The first coordination meeting with representatives of the German Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has already taken place. During the negotiations, the details of the integration of the Arrow 3 system into the defense infrastructure of Germany and Europe as a whole were discussed.

The Arrow 3 system is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere using the hit-to-kill method at a range of up to 2,400 kilometers. It was adopted by the Israeli army in 2017 and has proven effective in repelling missile attacks, including those of Iranian origin.

Germany signed a contract for the purchase of three Arrow 3 batteries at the end of 2023, and the first batch should be deployed by the end of 2025 at Holzdorf Air Base. The Israeli side is also supporting the integration of the complex into the unified European missile defense system.

This deal is the largest in the history of defense cooperation between Israel and Germany and reflects the growing importance of multi-layered missile defense in the face of modern threats.

China completes sale of Shenyang J-35A stealth fighter to Pakistan Air Force

Shenyang J-35A

China has officially completed the sale of the new fifth-generation Shenyang J-35A fighter jet to the Pakistan Air Force, marking an important milestone in strengthening Islamabad's defense capabilities. The deal includes the delivery of 40 fighter jets ordered in December 2024, with China speeding up delivery dates to deliver the first batch of aircraft as early as the first quarter of 2026, ahead of the original schedule by about six months.

The Shenyang J-35A is a modern Chinese stealth fighter aircraft, originally designed for ship—based use, but adapted to perform a wide range of tasks, including gaining air superiority and attacking ground targets. The aircraft is equipped with advanced stealth technologies, an active phased array radar (AFAR), modern avionics and weapons located in internal compartments, which significantly increases its combat capabilities and survival on the battlefield.

The delivery of the J-35A will give the Pakistani Air Force a qualitative advantage, which, according to experts, will remain for 12-14 years, since this fighter is significantly superior in performance to fourth-generation platforms such as the JF-17 and F-16, which now form the basis of the Pakistani air fleet. This will also create a challenge for the Indian Air Force, which continues to modernize its forces, but does not yet have a similar fifth-generation fighter in mass production.

The German Air Force is close to completing the renovation of the A400M transport aircraft fleet

Airbus A400M

As part of a large-scale program to strengthen and modernize transport capabilities, the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) is nearing completion of the formation of a fleet of 53 new Airbus A400M transport aircraft. The 49th aircraft, manufactured by the Airbus Defense and Space aerospace consortium, was recently delivered.

The A400M aircraft are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from transporting troops and equipment to humanitarian missions and aerial refueling. They combine the carrying capacity of a strategic transporter with the capabilities of tactical aviation, making them an important element of modern logistics and operational mobility of the Luftwaffe.

The renewal of the fleet will allow Germany to significantly increase the operational readiness and flexibility of its armed forces, as well as strengthen cooperation with NATO allies in joint operations and exercises.

Airbus Defense and Space continues to work on the supply of the remaining aircraft, planning to complete the program in the coming years, which will be an important step in the development of German defense aviation.

Turkey completes purchase of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the UK

C-130J Super Hercules 

Turkey has completed the acquisition of a number of C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft, which were previously operated by the United Kingdom and were withdrawn from its armed forces after almost 25 years of service. The first planes are expected to arrive in Turkey in early 2026.

The purchase of the C-130J will allow the Turkish army to upgrade its fleet of military transport aircraft, increase mobility and efficiency in performing various tasks, from transporting troops and cargo to conducting humanitarian missions and evacuations. Super Hercules is known for its reliability, versatility and ability to fly in difficult conditions.

The decommissioning of C-130J aircraft in the UK is associated with the modernization of their air force and the transition to new models. For Turkey, the acquisition of these time—tested machines is an opportunity to quickly and efficiently strengthen its air capabilities without the long development and production time of new platforms.

The delivery of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft will strengthen Turkey's defense capability and expand its capabilities to ensure strategic mobility and support military 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.

Hanwha Aerospace and Huta Stalowa Wola SA have signed a contract to supply components for Krab howitzers

AHS Krab

Hanwha Aerospace and Polish arms manufacturer Huta Stalowa Wola SA (HSW) have signed a contract for the supply of K9 Thunder chassis components and power units for 87 additional 155 mm Krab self-propelled howitzers. The agreement, worth about $280 million, provides for the supply of these components between 2026 and 2028.

This contract is based on a collaboration between the two companies that began in 2014 and has since included several agreements related to the production of the Krab howitzer. Krab is a key artillery system used by the Polish armed forces and manufactured in Poland by HSW in technical cooperation with Hanwha Aerospace.

The Krab is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer developed based on the K9 Thunder chassis. It has high mobility and the ability to fire quickly. The Krab can fire at a range of up to 40 km using standard projectiles and up to 50 km using rocket projectiles.

The signing of this contract confirms the successful cooperation between Hanwha Aerospace and HSW in the field of artillery systems production. It also highlights the importance of the Krab howitzer to the Polish armed forces and Hanwha Aerospace's ability to provide high-tech components for this system.

The Royal Navy uses drones for supply in the Indo-Pacific region

 For the first time, the Royal Navy will deploy a fleet of drones to carry out vital ship-to-ship resupply missions during the upcoming deployment of the British Aircraft Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the Indo-Pacific region.

According to updated Royal Navy news, nine Malloy T-150 octover helicopters will join the HMS Prince of Wales Air group later this month and will carry out missions alongside F-35B aircraft and naval helicopters to transport food, mail and engineering parts throughout the task force.

The goal is to, to free the helicopters from the routine work of supply, freeing them for their main combat and defensive tasks. Drone operations will be conducted by a 12-person team from 700X Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Culdrose.

Saab has received an order for the supply of the RBS 70 NG anti-aircraft system for Latvia in the amount of 2.1 billion Swedish kronor

 

Short-range anti-aircraft system RBS 70 NG

The Swedish company Saab has signed a framework agreement with the Latvian Ministry of Defense for the supply of the RBS 70 NG short-range anti-aircraft system. As part of this agreement, a specific order has already been received in the amount of 2.1 billion Swedish kronor (about 190 million euros). Deliveries will be carried out in the period from 2026 to 2030.

The order includes RBS 70 NG launchers, missiles, as well as training complexes for personnel training. The RBS 70 NG system is equipped with an automatic target finder and a built-in night sight, which allows it to effectively hit aerial targets, including airplanes, drones and missiles, at ranges up to 9 kilometers.

This acquisition is part of Latvia's broader efforts to strengthen its military power in the face of increasing regional threats. Joining NATO and the geopolitical situation in the Baltic region are forcing the country to modernize its armed forces, especially in the field of air defense.

Görgen Johansson, Head of Dynamics at Saab, stressed that the delivery of the RBS 70 NG system will significantly enhance the ability of the Latvian armed forces to detect and defeat aerial threats. The RBS 70 NG system is already used in the armed forces of more than 19 countries around the world, which confirms its high efficiency and reliability.

Rheinmetall to Supply Ukraine with 155-mm Artillery Shells and Powder Charges

Düsseldorf, Germany – German defense giant Rheinmetall has secured a significant contract to produce and supply 155-mm artillery ammunition to an unnamed international customer, with strong indications that the recipient is Ukraine. This development underscores Rheinmetall's expanding role in the global defense market and its commitment to supporting key allies.

According to sources, Rheinmetall will begin supplying five-digit shipments of 155-mm M107 artillery ammunition starting in December 2024. This order is part of a broader agreement that includes not only the artillery shells but also powder charges, essential for the effective operation of artillery systems.

The contract, signed between Rheinmetall and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, specifies that the delivery of artillery shells will commence in the first half of 2025. In addition to the shells, Rheinmetall has agreed to supply 155-mm powder charges, with the total contract value estimated at approximately 9 million euros.

The ammunition will be manufactured at Rheinmetall's Expal Munitions plant in Spain, highlighting the company's extensive production capabilities and international footprint. The choice of the Spanish facility ensures high-quality production standards and timely delivery to meet Ukraine's defense needs.

This agreement is particularly significant given the current geopolitical climate and Ukraine's ongoing efforts to bolster its military capabilities. The supply of advanced artillery ammunition and powder charges will enhance Ukraine's defensive posture and readiness, providing critical support in maintaining regional stability.

Rheinmetall's involvement in this contract reflects the company's strategic focus on supporting allies and contributing to global security. The production and supply of high-quality artillery ammunition are crucial for modern military operations, and Rheinmetall's expertise in this area makes it a reliable partner for defense ministries worldwide.