Posts Tagged ‘defence’
Saab receives ground combat orders from Lithuania
Saab has received orders from Lithuania for the AT4 weapon as well as ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf weapon with a combined order value of SEK 1.3 billion. Deliveries are planned 2027-2029.
The orders are placed within a framework agreement initially signed between Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, which enables Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to place orders for Saab’s Carl-Gustaf M4 and ammunition as well as AT4 weapons.
“We look forward to continuing to provide the Lithuanian forces with the reliable, highly effective capabilities of our support weapon AT4 and specialised ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf system. Our solutions give soldiers precision and ease-of-use, enabling them to carry out their missions safely and with confidence, says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
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Originally published on 23 Dec
Read MoreICEYE and Rheinmetall win major contract worth billions for space reconnaissance
Rheinmetall and ICEYE have received a major order from the German Armed Forces for the space sector. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has commissioned Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions to supply the German Armed Forces with space-based reconnaissance data via exclusive access to a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation.
To deliver this capability, Rheinmetall has partnered with ICEYE – the world’s leading manufacturer and operator of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites – to establish Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions. Based in Neuss, the joint venture will provide a high volume of SAR images via its exclusive constellation, offering a comprehensive service solution that includes full operations, ground station management, and AI-driven image evaluation. The satellite constellation remains the property of Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions.
The current contract is valued at approximately €1.7 billion gross. Furthermore, an extension option is part of the contract. The space-based reconnaissance data will be used, primarily, to protect the ‘Lithuania Brigade’ and secure NATO’s eastern flank.
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Originally published on 18 Dec
Read MoreEstonia to Purchase at Least Six South Korean–Made Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launchers
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and representatives of the South Korean defence industry company Hanwha Aerospace have signed a contract for the procurement of six Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. The contract, worth nearly €290 million, covers the launcher systems, three types of missile systems (CGR-080, CTM-MR, CTM-290), as well as operational and training support. In addition, modifications to the platforms will be ordered to ensure they meet Estonian conditions and traffic regulations. Deliveries will begin in the second half of 2027, and the framework agreement allows for the future procurement of additional systems.
“Estonia began developing its deep-strike capability this April with the acquisition of the U.S. HIMARS systems. Since multiple rocket launchers are of invaluable importance from a military capability perspective, I am extremely pleased that, in addition to U.S. HIMARS, we will now also acquire South Korean Chunmoo systems, thereby significantly enhancing both Estonia’s and NATO’s overall deterrence and defence capability,” said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.
As part of the framework agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will also make investments in Estonia’s defence industry in accordance with the volume and conditions set out in the contract. “As part of the agreement, the company will invest one-fifth of the total procurement contract value in Estonian industry. The initial investment should return amount value of €40~60 million to Estonian defence industry companies,” explained Katri Raudsepp, Acting Director General of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI).
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Originally published on 21 Dec
Read MoreInsta & F-35 – Close cooperation far into the future
Starting in 2026, the first Finnish Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II multi-role fighters will arrive in Finland, and the first fighter was presented on 16th December 2026 in Texas.
The F-35 fighters will strengthen Finland’s defense capability and security of supply for decades to come. A total of 64 F-35 fighters will be delivered to Finland.
As a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, Insta supports the building of the Defence Forces’ capabilities throughout the life-cycle of the systems. So far, Insta has been responsible for the maintenance of the avionics systems on the Hornet fighter jets. As a long-term partner, Insta’s cooperation with the Defence Forces will continue for decades into the F-35 era.
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Originally published on 15 Dec
Read MoreLeopard 2 A8 agreements signed by the MoD and international defence industry partners
The Ministry of National Defence and representatives of KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetal Landsysteme and EPSO-G state-owned energy group international partners signed a Memorandum on industrial cooperation concerning constructions of Lithuania-based assembly and maintenance infrastructure for the Leopard 2 A8 main battle tanks. The project will be completed at a more efficient pace thanks to the major investment project statues granted by the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation.
25.1% of stocks of Lithuania Defense Services (LDS) owned by KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetal Landsysteme are planned to be transferred to EPSO-G Invest. Parties prepare for agreement on cooperation terms in detail in 2026.
The Memorandum covers assembly of part of the tanks in Lithuania aiming for the shortest possible delivery terms and offer preconditions for capability development to the Lithuanian defence industry. In the wake of the agreement signature with the MoD, LDS will start building and assembly factory for the latest version of Leopard 2 A8. In its turn, Lithuania commits to contribute in developing the LSD manufacturing base and has signed an additional agreement on tank maintenance in combat-ready condition.
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Originally published on 11 Dec
Read MoreFinnish Defence Forces procure systems support services from Insta
The Finnish Defence Forces procure defence system support services from Insta. The services acquired are in accordance with the strategic partnership agreement between the Defence Forces and strategic partners.
They cover support services for military aviation, maritime defence, intelligence, surveillance and command and control systems. Deliveries will mainly take place between 2026 and 2030.
Insta has been collaborating with the Defence Forces since the 1970s, when Insta began maintaining avionics equipment for the Air Force. Later, the defense business expanded to cover all branches. Insta and the Defence Forces signed a strategic partnership agreement at the end of 2015.
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Originally published on 12 Dec
Read MoreCouncil of Baltic Sea States meeting
Security topped the agenda of a discussion Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski had with the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) foreign ministers. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas also joined the videoconference.
Held on 8 December 2025, the meeting had been arranged on the initiative of Poland as part of its current Presidency of the Council. The discussion focused on key regional security issues, including ongoing talks on putting an end to the fighting in Ukraine, as well as the work now under way in the European Union in regard to a reparations loan and the US National Security Strategy.
Poland’s top diplomat stressed that the countries in Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe must be engaged in all international talks concerning the region. In that context, the CBSS is a useful cooperation format. The participants agreed on further exchange of information and continued cooperation to support Ukraine. A fair peace is the only solution that may stabilise the situation in Europe. There was general consent that a decision on using the frozen Russian assets will be a pivotal issue in the near future.
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Originally published on 8 Dec
Read MoreLanding an orca Poland chooses Saab to build subs
Saab, a Swedish industrial group, has been chosen to deliver three submarines to the Polish navy. The deal will see the first sub delivered as part of the 10 billion zloty (€2.3 billion) Orka programme in 2030.
Even before Moscow’s unprovoked war on Ukraine, in 2022, Poland was one of Europe’s biggest military spenders. Since then, it has expanded investments in its armed forces further, and today its military spending amounts to 4.48% of its gross domestic product, the highest in Nato.
The Orka programme makes up a big chunk of that increase, and, say proponents, the subs are necessary for Poland to protect maritime infrastructure. Currently, Poland has one operational submarine, the ORP Orzeł. Built in the Soviet Union in 1985, it has a reputation of spending more time in repair than at sea.
Saab’s offer was chosen over five other bids, in part, because its model is specifically developed to operate in the Baltic. “The Swedish offer is the only one that met all the expectations of the navy,” Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s defence minister, said. Nothing under the sea apparently comes close either.
Read MoreIn the largest NATO “Digital Backbone Experiment” unmanned systems have been tested
From 27 October to 7 November, NATO’s Largest Digital Backbone Experiment “DiBaX 2025” was taking place at military base “Ādaži” and virtually across several NATO nations. This year, “DiBaX” strategically focused on the use of unmanned vehicles in contested environments and the application of artificial intelligence in detection and decision-making tasks.
‘”DiBaX” is the only military technology experiment of this scale that NATO has been conducting in Latvia for already four years. This demonstrates the advancement of our defence industry in the field of 5G technologies, the National Armed Forces’ contribution to innovation development and Latvia’s defence infrastructure capacity to host such high level experiments,” underlines Andris Spruds, Minister of Defence of Latvia.
The digital backbone is a vital component of NATO’s infrastructure, enabling connectivity for complex Multi-Domain Operations. During the DiBaX, the latest technological advancements was demonstrated and assessed for integration into real-world environments to enhance interoperability and efficiency among Allied Forces.
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Originally published on 7 Nov
Read MoreConstruction of the Rheinmetall ammunition plant in Baisogala launched with an official ceremony
The joint German-Lithuanian 155-mm artillery ammunition plant near Baisogala is scheduled to commence operations by the end of 2026. This strategic facility will bolster Lithuania’s defence industry capabilities and contribute to ensuring national security. Today, 4 November, Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas took part in the symbolic ceremony marking the commencement of construction of the plant.
During the ceremonial launch, President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, Minister of Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas, Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas, EPSO-G Group CEO Mindaugas Keizeris, and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger symbolically marked the start of construction work on the facility.
“Energy goes beyond the boundaries of this sector. Today, energy security and national security are two inextricably linked areas. The EPSO-G Group has demonstrated its leadership by implementing strategic energy projects, such as the synchronisation with the continental European network, and is now doing so again by participating in a project of significance for both Lithuania’s and Europe’s security, while also integrating renewable energy,” says Minister of Energy Žygimantas Vaičiūnas.
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Originally published on 4 Nov
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