Turkey has rolled out a new "scorpion" cannon: AKREP II with Cockerill turret at IDEF 2025

AKREP II with Cockerill turret

At the IDEF 2025 international arms exhibition, the Turkish company OTOKAR once again showed that it can make serious machines. The focus is on the updated AKREP II armored combat vehicle, but now with one important "feature": the CSE 90LP combat turret from the Belgian giant John Cockerill was installed on it.

What does it mean? In simple words, a small armored car has received tremendous firepower. The CSE 90LP turret is equipped with a 90 mm cannon, which is capable of piercing not only light armor, but also serious fortifications, and in the future, even outdated tanks. At the same time, the tower is lightweight, automated and ideal for platforms like AKREP II, which are valued for their mobility and fast delivery.

The AKREP II itself is already a proven vehicle: wheeled, fast, with good protection, it is used both for patrolling and in combat conditions. And now, with the new tower, he is turning into a real "hunter of technology" — especially in the context of local conflicts or urban battles.

Such cooperation between a Turkish manufacturer and a European gunsmith is not just a beautiful stand at the exhibition. This is a signal to the market: Turkey is seriously focused on exports, combining its reliable platform with advanced European weapons. And if you need a compact, but at the same time firing "heavyweight", the AKREP II with a Cockerill cannon can be an excellent choice.

The British Ministry of Defense supports the export of Typhoons due to the lack of new orders

Despite the fact that the UK has no plans to purchase new Eurofighter Typhoon fighters for its own Air Force, the country's Ministry of Defense actively supports export deals involving these aircraft. This is due to the fact that the aircraft manufacturing plant in Wharton, where the Typhoons are assembled, must remain busy, and the production lines must work without stopping.

BAE Systems, the British partner of the European consortium Eurofighter GmbH, has been promoting Typhoons on international markets for a long time. However, there have been no recent new orders from the British military themselves. Instead, all attention is focused on finding foreign buyers in order to preserve not only production, but also the jobs associated with this project.

The Typhoon is one of the most famous fourth—generation fighters created by the joint efforts of Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain. It combines the capabilities of both an air combat fighter and a carrier for striking ground targets. However, with a shrinking budget and growing interest in the more expensive and technologically advanced F-35, the Typhoon now needs external demand to remain relevant in the military aviation market.

Several countries are currently showing interest in a possible purchase, including:

- Indonesia — in 2023 , it signed a preliminary agreement for the supply of 42 aircraft .  

- Saudi Arabia and Qatar — both countries are already operating Typhoons and may expand the fleet.  

- Negotiations are also possible with Greece, which has recently renovated its fleet, but does not exclude further purchases.

The British authorities emphasize that the export of Typhoons is not just the sale of weapons, but part of a broader strategy: keeping the defense sector in working order, supporting the country's export potential and strengthening ties with allies.  

In addition, the Ministry of Defense sees this as an economic interest: saving jobs, developing a technological base and stimulating the defense sector, especially in regions where the aviation industry is one of the key employers.

If new contracts can be concluded, production at Wharton can continue until the 2030s, which will make it possible to safely plan the transition to new projects, including the upcoming sixth-generation Tempest fighter, which is under development.

Thus, the Typhoon remains an important part of the British aviation industry, even if the UK itself no longer buys them for itself. An active export policy allows not only to support business, but also to strengthen military cooperation with partners around the world.

India seeks to strengthen air defense shield with Russian S-500 Prometheus missile system after S-400 triumph

 

S-500 Prometheus

India is considered as one of the first potential foreign buyers of the Russian S-500 Prometheus fifth-generation anti-aircraft missile system after the Russian army is fully equipped with these systems. India has previously successfully acquired and operated S-400 systems, which have shown high efficiency, which reinforces its interest in the more modern S-500 complex.

The S-500 Prometheus is a universal long-range and high-altitude anti-aircraft missile system capable of hitting ballistic missiles, aerodynamic targets, including aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. The complex is equipped with advanced radar systems, such as the Yenisei radar, which is capable of detecting targets at altitudes over 100 km and at ranges over 600 km. This significantly expands the capabilities of missile defense and air defense.

The delivery of the S-500 to India will be a logical step in the development of military-technical cooperation between the two countries, given the long-standing partnerships and joint projects in the field of armaments. However, deliveries will begin only after the Russian troops are fully equipped, which, according to official statements, will not happen in the coming years.

Thus, after the impressive success with the S-400, India is seeking to strengthen its air defense system by including the latest Russian S-500 Prometheus complex, which will significantly enhance its defense potential in the face of growing regional threats.

South Korea's KAI has received a second contract for the production of 20 KF-21 Boramae fighters worth 2.39 trillion won

Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI) has announced the signing of a second major contract with the Office of the South Korean Defense Procurement Program (DAPA) for the production of 20 additional KF-21 Boramae fighters of its own production. The value of the agreement is about 2.39 trillion won (1.76 billion US dollars).

The main details of the contract

- The contract includes not only aircraft production, but also logistical support — technical manuals and training programs for pilots and technicians.

- Delivery of the first 20 fighters under the first contract is scheduled for the second half of 2026.

- According to the plan, a total of 40 KF-21 aircraft will be delivered by 2028.

- The overall goal is to produce 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.

The KF-21 is a 4.5 generation multi—role fighter developed by South Korea in collaboration with Indonesia. The aircraft is designed to replace the outdated F-4, F-5, KF-16 and F-15K models in the South Korean Air Force. It is equipped with two General Electric F414 engines, is capable of speeds up to Mach 1.8 and carries a wide range of weapons, including guided missiles and bombs.

The KF-21 program symbolizes the significant progress of the South Korean aerospace industry and the country's desire for technological independence in the field of defense. The fighter combines modern avionics, sensors and multi-purpose capabilities, while remaining more affordable than its fifth-generation counterparts.

The KF-21 has already attracted interest from several countries, including Poland, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates, which view it as an alternative to more expensive Western fifth-generation fighters.

Azerbaijan signs largest deal worth 4.2 billion dollars for the supply of 40 JF-17 Block III fighter jets from Pakistan and China

 JF-17 Thunder Block III

Azerbaijan has significantly increased its order for the JF-17 Thunder Block III light multirole fighters, developed jointly by the Pakistan Aviation Complex (PAC) and the Chinese Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). The total value of the deal is estimated at $4.2 billion, making it Pakistan's largest export purchase in the field of fighter aircraft.

Initially, Azerbaijan received 16 JF-17 Block III fighters in 2023, but in 2025 the order was expanded to 40 aircraft. This move turns Azerbaijan into the largest importer of this series of fighter jets, surpassing previous contracts with Nigeria and Myanmar.

The JF-17 Block III belongs to the 4.5 generation and is equipped with modern technologies, including the KLJ-7A radar with a target detection range of up to 170 km and PL-15E air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 180 km. The fighter has a range of about 1,200 km and is able to effectively control the airspace of the region.

For Azerbaijan, this deal means a significant strengthening of the air force, reducing dependence on the Russian MiG-29 and Su-25, as well as expanding capabilities through integration with Turkish weapons systems. At the same time, the partnership with Pakistan and China makes it possible to circumvent the political restrictions of Western countries.

The deal includes not only the supply of aircraft, but also ammunition, pilot training, technical support and infrastructure elements, which demonstrates a comprehensive approach to the modernization of the Azerbaijani Air Force.

Thus, the acquisition of the JF-17 Block III becomes an important strategic step for Azerbaijan, strengthening its defense potential and influencing the balance of power in the South Caucasus.

Rafael announced the first successful combat use of the Iron Ray laser system

 

 Iron Ray

The Israeli defense company Rafael has announced the world's first successful combat use of a high-energy laser. Presumably, we are talking about the Iron Ray missile defense system, designed to intercept and destroy ultra-short-range missiles. Directed energy weapons were first used in real conditions during the Middle East conflict in 2024.

The history of the use of lasers in military operations began in the 1960s - during the Vietnam War, lasers were used as target designators and rangefinders. In the Falklands War of 1982, they were used to temporarily disorient the enemy. However, laser weapons were not used to disable objects in real combat. So far, the case has been limited to field trials.

However, this was bound to happen sooner or later, and the current military conflicts provide defense companies with an excellent opportunity to show the effectiveness of their developments in practice. Yesterday, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on the X network that the company's laser system has been tested by combat, demonstrating high accuracy and effectiveness of intercepting targets at various distances: "For the first time in history, high-energy laser systems have been used to intercept aerial targets in combat. This unprecedented breakthrough occurred during 'The Iron Sword Wars.'"

The company does not say where or when this happened. However, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the incident occurred in 2024. Then the laser systems managed to intercept dozens of UAVs and missiles launched by members of the Shiite organization Hezbollah. The development of these systems was carried out under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense with the involvement of specialists from the Rafael concern.

We are talking about prototypes of the Rafael laser system, on the basis of which a more powerful "Iron Beam" was created, a missile defense system that should strengthen the "Iron Dome" over Israel. Its power is 100 kW and its range is 10 km. It is capable of operating in all weather conditions and integrates with existing air defense systems. This makes it a universal tool for protecting both military installations and civilian infrastructure.

Rafael plans to further improve the Iron Ray, increasing its power and expanding the range of intercepted targets. In parallel, negotiations are underway to supply the complex to other states.

India has recently become one of the countries with laser weapons. In April, energy weapons developed by Indian engineers at domestic enterprises were tested.

Germany vetoes export of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey

Germany has again vetoed the export of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey. This decision was made against the background of political differences between the two countries. If Berlin continues to withhold Typhoon supplies to Turkey, Ankara's efforts to diversify its air force, especially its fighter fleet, could run into serious problems.

 Details of the veto

-Reason for the veto: Germany blocked the sale of fighter jets in response to the Turkish government's arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March.

- Political context: The decision was made by the German coalition government headed by Acting Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

- Impact on Turkey: Turkey, which is seeking to modernize its Air Force, may face difficulties in implementing its plans to purchase new fighter jets.

Turkish defense giant Aselsan has signed an export contract worth $ 158.6 million

On Wednesday, the Turkish company Aselsan, one of the largest manufacturers of defense products in the world, announced the conclusion of an export contract worth $ 158.6 million. According to the company's announcement on the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), the contract was signed with a client from the Middle East and Africa region.

The contract includes direct deliveries of military communications systems. This confirms Aselsan's growing export activity in the region and demonstrates the company's ability to provide advanced technology solutions to foreign customers. In 2024, Aselsan has already signed export contracts worth over $1 billion, which is a record in the company's history.