Hanwha Systems and Northrop Grumman sign memorandum of cooperation on integrated air defense and missile defense systems

Hanwha Systems (CEO Song Jae-il) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Northrop Grumman, a leading American defense contractor, in early 2025. The agreement is aimed at cooperation in the field of integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) technologies.

Main areas of cooperation:

- Development and exchange of technologies for integrated management and control of air defense systems.

- Research of new business opportunities in the South Korean market.

- Joint work on innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of defense systems.

This partnership opens up prospects for strengthening the defense potential of both companies and expanding their influence in the field of modern air defense and missile defense systems.

Canadian high-tech companies continue to cooperate with DARPA despite tensions

 Canadian high-tech companies continue to cooperate with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), despite trade and political tensions between the two countries. The Washington-based Center for Security Research and Development recently selected four Canadian companies for major programs that give the agency an early look at the hardware they are developing. The founders of these firms say that cooperation with DARPA can open up significant financial and trade opportunities and does not jeopardize their ability to remain Canadians. At the same time, they urge Canadian governments to offer similar support to ensure that the country retains strategic technology. Four Canadian high-tech companies have joined programs designed to provide the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency with an opportunity to familiarize itself with the powerful computing systems of the future.

The founders of the firms say that recent tensions between the United States and Canada have not affected their work with the American agency. But they want Ottawa to step up support for critical technologies. Four Canadian firms struck deals with the agency after November's presidential election, which upended Washington's approach to critical technologies.

13 countries have joined the Russian-Chinese lunar station project

The initiative of Russia and China to create an International Scientific Lunar Station (ISS) is being actively implemented, said Dmitry Bakanov, CEO of Roscosmos. According to him, 13 countries have joined the project, including those from BRICS.

Bakanov raised this issue at a meeting of the heads of space agencies of the BRICS countries, TASS reports. He listed the countries with which cooperation is underway on the project: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bolivia, Venezuela, Djibouti, Egypt, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Senegal, Serbia, Thailand, Ethiopia, South Africa.

In June 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a law on ratification of the agreement with the Chinese government on cooperation in the creation of the MNLS. An agreement on the creation and operation of a station for the exploration and use of the Moon was signed between Moscow and Beijing in November 2022.

Earlier, Roscosmos reported that Russia, together with China, is going to send a nuclear power plant to the lunar station, and its development is underway. It is assumed that the installation will first be tested on Earth, and its sending to the Moon is planned after 2036. In addition, preliminary plans for the station include the construction of a nuclear power plant on the surface of the moon.

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.

Possible cooperation between Israeli and Syrian forces in southern Syria: new signs and context

 

Recent events in southern Syria have once again raised the question of possible cooperation between Israeli and Syrian security forces. On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced an operation in the area of the Tasil dam in the rural area of Daraa in southwestern Syria. The purpose of the operation was to confiscate weapons and destroy the terrorist infrastructure in the region. However, the discovery of an IDF jeep in the area has raised speculation about more active cooperation between Israeli and Syrian government forces or Shin Bet forces.

One of the key local leaders leading the dissent in the area is Ahmed al-Odeh, a radical Islamist who has been involved in clashes with the forces of the new Syrian administration. This indicates that tensions between loyal and disloyal groups continue in the region, and Israeli forces may be involved in these processes.

Historically, Israel and Syria have had opposing interests in the region for a long time. However, the situation has changed in recent years. In the past, there have been cases of cooperation between Israeli security agencies and some armed groups in Syria. For example, earlier it was reported about contacts between the Israeli special services and the Jabhat al-Nusra group, the former offshoot of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) of the Al-Sharaa group. This indicates that Israeli forces may be working with certain groups in Syria to achieve their strategic goals.

Possible cooperation between Israeli and Syrian forces in the Daraa region may be driven by common interests in fighting terrorist groups and ensuring stability on the border. However, such assumptions are causing concern on the part of the international community, as they could exacerbate tensions in the region and disrupt the fragile truce.

Overall, the situation in southern Syria remains complex and ambiguous. The actions of the Israeli and Syrian forces in the region require careful analysis and monitoring to prevent an escalation of the conflict and ensure the safety of all parties.

BAE Systems is in talks with Japanese companies about cooperation in the field of fighter drones

 

Recently, BAE Systems, a British aerospace and defense company, has been negotiating with Japanese partners on possible cooperation in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use in fighter aircraft. This collaboration could be part of a broader project to develop the next generation of fighter jets.

The main goal of such negotiations is the integration of unmanned technologies into the next generation of aviation systems. Smaller unmanned aircraft can be used as “faithful satellites” for fighter jets, providing suppression of enemy air defenses and reconnaissance before warplanes enter dangerous areas. This will reduce the risks for manned aircraft and enhance their combat capabilities.

BAE Systems already has experience in developing unmanned systems and integrating them into aircraft systems. For example, the company is developing the concept of “combined” drones capable of being produced on board aircraft using 3D printing. In addition, BAE plans to use its developments in international projects such as the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), which includes the joint development of the sixth generation of fighter aircraft with the participation of Japan, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The introduction of unmanned technologies into aviation systems can significantly change military strategies. UAVs can perform tasks of suppressing enemy air defenses, providing reconnaissance and delivering pinpoint strikes. This is especially true in modern conflicts, where the use of small and medium-sized drones has already demonstrated its effectiveness.

Israeli and American Air Forces Strengthen Cooperation: Joint Air Exercises

On Thursday, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force conducted joint aerial exercises aimed at strengthening and maintaining the long-standing cooperation between the two countries. These exercises were an important step in expanding collaboration and creating integrated capabilities for different scenarios.

The main purpose of the exercises was to strengthen the long-standing cooperation between the Israeli Air Force and the United States. In a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, such exercises play a key role in maintaining a high level of readiness and compatibility between the armed forces of the two countries.

The exercises included various scenarios aimed at improving coordination and interaction between Israeli and American pilots. This allows you to create integrated capabilities that can be used in real combat conditions.

During the exercises, modern technologies and weapons were tested, which allows both sides to exchange experience and knowledge. This is especially important in an environment where technological superiority plays a crucial role in modern military conflicts.

The joint exercises of the Israeli and US Air Forces emphasize the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Strengthening cooperation and expanding cooperation allows both sides to be prepared for any challenges and threats. These exercises were another step towards strengthening security and stability in the region.

---

Cooperation between Israel and the United States continues to be a key element in ensuring security and stability in the Middle East. The joint exercises of the Air Forces of the two countries demonstrate readiness for joint action and emphasize the importance of strategic partnership in the face of modern challenges.