Defence`s Feeds

espite more than 200 children killed in Lebanon in less than two months, a disconcerting pattern has emerged: their deaths are met with inertia from those able to stop this violence.

Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating six senior Hamas officials, including the terrorist group's representatives abroad, a senior member of the Hamas military wing, the Izz Al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, as well as individuals involved in supporting the terrorist group's fundraising efforts and weapons smuggling into Gaza.

The de facto leader of Georgia's Moscow-backed breakaway Abkhazia region has signed his resignation amid ongoing protests by opposition supporters against a property deal with Russia.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is alarmed by the escalating violence in Haiti, where armed gangs are reportedly gaining ground in the capital Port-au-Prince, his Spokesperson said on Tuesday.

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today announced that its humanitarian flights will resume on 20 November after regulatory issues were resolved following a short interruption. The WFP-run United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) provides vital passenger and light-cargo transport within Haiti for the entire humanitarian community including local and international NGOs and UN entities.

Cambodia's former foreign minister Prak Sokhonn will soon return to the role after the country's lawmakers vote on a cabinet reshuffle, the National Assembly said in a statement Tuesday.

Georgian anti-government protesters resumed their rallies at several points in Tbilisi in the evening on November 19 hours following a violent dispersal by security forces of a tent city they had set up in the Caucasus nation's capital.

Defence Ministers approved on 19 November 2024 the 2024 Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) report — the EU’s ‘State of the Union’ on defence. The review identifies actionable collaborative opportunities for Member States to develop critical military capabilities together. For the first time, the adoption of the report is combined with the signature of letters of intent by Member States in four areas: integrated air and missile defence; electronic warfare; loitering munitions; and a combat surface vessel.

In addition, the European Defence Agency released data showing that Member States’ defence expenditure is set to reach €326 billion, which represents 1.9% of EU GDP in 2024. Compared to 2021, before Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, spending this year is up by more than 30%. 

The 2024 CARD report, produced by the European Defence Agency (EDA) in coordination with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU Military Staff (EUMS), was approved by Ministers of Defence during the EDA Steering Board. 

• The report finds that, despite increased defence spending, national efforts alone are 
  insufficient to allow for EU Member States’ armed forces to adequately prepare for high-intensity warfare. Greater cooperation is needed. EU collaboration must accelerate to align national efforts with agreed objectives, converge with NATO and reduce fragmentation, and strengthen Europe’s security.
• The report urges Member States to address short-term operational needs and long-term priorities at the same time. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine highlights the need for both advanced technologies and cost-effective capabilities in adequate quantities.
• The report calls on Member States to invest in land, air, and maritime assets in line with the agreed 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities. This includes replenishing stockpiles,  modernising ground and air defence systems, and enhancing interoperability. Investments in strategic enablers such as secure and resilient cyber defence, command-and-control (C2) systems, cyber and space situational awareness, and satellite communications, are equally crucial.
• To strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), Member States must reduce reliance on external suppliers, cooperate more closely, and develop secure EU defence supply chains.

Head of the European Defence Agency, High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell said: “The 2024 CARD Report is clear: national efforts, while indispensable, are not enough. The geopolitical landscape makes our cooperation, alongside increased spending, essential to be ready for high-intensity warfare. Member States’ total combined defence expenditure is set to reach 1.9% of EU GDP in 2024.

Additional funding for defence should be spent as efficiently as possible, and using part of it through collaborative European investments on capability needs would help. We have identified concrete collaborative opportunities — and Member States are taking action, as demonstrated by the four Letter of Intents signed by respective defence ministers to take concrete action together in those specific areas.”

 

FOUR COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

The CARD process identifies a number of intersections and common ground between Member States’ defence plans, based on which EDA identified collaborative opportunities. For the first time, the adoption of the CARD Report is combined with the signature of political letters of intent by a considerable number of Member States. This new development highlights that Member States are interested to work together on developing these military capabilities. The scope of these letters of intent ranges from short-term joint procurement, through medium-term modernisation and upgrades, to long-term development of future capabilities. These could be implemented through EDA or as Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects.

EDA Chief Executive Jiří Šedivý said: “To become a credible security provider, the EU must develop strategic capabilities, including for high-intensity warfare scenarios. The collaborative opportunities will bring national policymakers, planners, and armament experts together to develop relevant military assets. These are in line with NATO priorities. EDA is ready to make these collaborative opportunities a reality.”

 

1. For Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), at least 18 Member States have declared their intention to collectively fill urgent capability gaps in the short term by procuring counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), ground-based air defence (GBAD), and ammunition. In the medium term, Member States aim to develop technologies to counter swarms of drones and high-velocity threats. In the long term, they plan to build a robust IAMD architecture.
2. On Electronic Warfare, at least 14 Member States have confirmed their willingness to jointly improve their capabilities through shared procurement of equipment, establishment of data-sharing platforms, and the development of common doctrines, training, exercises, and facilities. In the long term, they will focus on developing future systems, particularly for jamming and counter-jamming
3. Regarding Loitering Munitions, at least 17 Member States share the intention to aggregate their needs in view of procuring these systems together in the short term, and work on their further development over the medium to long term. They will also work on the use of these systems by creating operational concepts and establishing common terminology, as well as conducting joint training, exercises, and testing.
4. For the European Combat Vessel (ECV), at least 7 Member States declared their intention to develop the next generation of vessels using a systems-to-hull approach. They plan to harmonise requirements, develop a business case, and prepare for joint procurement by 2040.

 

THE COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES EXPLAINED

Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) is crucial for protecting Europe’s critical infrastructure, urban areas, and military forces from an increasingly complex array of airborne threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial systems.

Electronic Warfare plays a critical role in modern conflicts, enabling the disruption of enemy communications and sensors while protecting friendly forces from detection and interference. This can ensure information dominance and safeguard national security.

Loitering Munitions are versatile systems that can hover over target areas and engage whenever necessary, combining intelligence-gathering with precision strikes. Recent military operations have all confirmed the disruptive potential of this capability.

European Combat Vessel (ECV) is the common name to a multipurpose modular surface combat vessel. As it is a large peninsular surrounded almost entirely by sea and with more than 80% of its trade dependent on maritime transport, Europe needs strong capabilities for protecting its waters, while being also able to respond to conflicts abroad.

 

DEFENCE SPENDING TO REACH 1.9% OF EU GDP IN 2024

 

European Defence Agency data shows that EU Member States are closing the gap in 2024 towards the NATO 2% guideline, as Member States’ total combined defence expenditure is set to reach 1.9% of EU GDP.

This is possible thanks to a more than 30% increase in defence spending compared to 2021, with defence spending in 2024 estimated to have reached €326 billion, exceeding earlier projections. In 2024, Member States are also expected to spend more than €100 billion on investment, which goes beyond the agreed target of dedicating 20% of defence, in line with their commitment under the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO).

Additionally, 10 Member States are projected to allocate more than 30% of their total defence expenditure to investments. Investments in researching, developing, and procuring new defence capabilities are expected to rise from around €59 billion in 2021 to €102 billion in 2024

Americas Bell Textron has selected Integris Composites to supply armor systems for the US Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. Integris highlighted that its contribution will focus on enhancing the upcoming rotorcraft’s durability, speed, range, and payload capabilities. The new aircraft will contribute to “our nation’s warfighters have the decisive edge in any theater where they are operating,” Integris Composites President Andrew Bonham. The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to expand production capacity for the Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) missile to 650 units annually. Lockheed emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step in meeting the growing global demand for “the world’s most advanced missile.” This year, missile production increased by 30 percent, with projections indicating a further 20 percent rise next year. Middle East & Africa Elbit Systems announced that it has secured contracts worth approximately $335 million to supply defense systems to a European country. The contracts, to be executed over three and a half years, include advanced PULS™? rocket launchers and accompanying missiles, as well as Hermes™? 900 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) equipped with advanced payloads. Elbit’s PULS™? launchers offer versatile and advanced operational capabilities, enabling the launch of unguided rockets, precision-guided […]

DID's FOCUS Article covering the Patriot anti-air missile system, including all development & contracts during the FY 2007 time frame...

Americas The 56th Air Refueling Squadron has unveiled the world’s first KC-46 Pegasus demonstration team at the Wings and Warriors Fly-In in San Marcos, Texas, on November 9. This debut performance marked a major milestone for the KC-46, highlighting its advanced capabilities and the crucial role it plays in modern air operations. The demonstration team, composed of pilots, boom operators, and maintenance personnel, showcased the KC-46’s impressive performance and versatility. Spectators were treated to a thrilling display as the aircraft executed a high-speed pass with its refuelling boom extended at 500 feet, followed by a low-speed pass with its landing gear and flaps deployed. These manoeuvres effectively illustrated the aircraft’s agility and precision, crucial attributes for a tanker operating in challenging environments. AeroVironment is set to enhance its flagship Puma unmanned aerial system (UAS), equipping it with new software designed to improve reliability in contested and denied airspace. In an announcement Thursday, the company said its Puma 3 AE and Puma LE drones will receive the software upgrade to elevate their battlefield effectiveness in electromagnetic environments. Middle East & Africa The United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence have taken delivery of an additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft from […]

KC-135: Old as the hills… (click to view full) DID’s FOCUS articles cover major weapons acquisition programs – and no program is more important to the USAF than its aerial tanker fleet renewal. In January 2007, the big question was whether there would be a competition for the USA’s KC-X proposal, covering 175 production aircraft and 4 test platforms. The total cost is now estimated at $52 billion, but America’s aerial tanker fleet demands new planes to replace its KC-135s, whose most recent new delivery was in 1965. Otherwise, unpredictable age or fatigue issues, like the ones that grounded its F-15A-D fighters in 2008, could ground its aerial tankers – and with them, a substantial slice of the USA’s total airpower. KC-Y and KC-Z buys are supposed to follow in subsequent decades, in order to replace 530 (195 active; ANG 251; Reserve 84) active tankers, as well as the USAF’s 59 heavy KC-10 tankers that were delivered from 1979-1987. Then again, fiscal and demographic realities may mean that the 179 plane KC-X buy is “it” for the USAF. Either way, the KC-X stakes were huge for all concerned. In the end, it was Team Boeing’s KC-767 NexGen/ KC-46A (767 derivative) […]

The enduring challenge for the military has been to prepare for potential deployment in future scenarios, equipped with the right capabilities and strategies. This involves envisioning and testing different solutions, while engaging industry, academia, and research centres.

Earlier this year, the European Defence Agency (EDA) launched the Autonomous Systems Community of Interests (ASCI) to do just that. It has attracted over 750 members from across the warfare domains. Building on the EDA Action Plan for Autonomous Systems, the community held its first conference in Brussels from 13 to 14 November 2024.

The aim was not only to delve into the technological challenges and threat landscapes but also to emphasise the need for ethical guidelines and standardisation. The event underscored that integrating autonomous systems into European defence is as challenging as it is essential, highlighting an area where Member States collaboration will be crucial to success. 

“The Autonomous System Community of Interests is a cross-directorate effort at EDA, reflecting the need for diverse and complementary perspectives and know-how” André Denk, EDA’s Deputy Chief Executive, told the conference. “The end goal is to ensure Member States’ armed forces are equipped with highly autonomous, effective, and reliable systems as critical assets on the future battlefield” he said. 

The EDA Action Plan for autonomous systems underpins these efforts. The plan aims to improve the performance of individual unmanned systems, develop and enhance autonomous systems to work together, and enable manned-unmanned teaming across domains. It is important to note that EDA and EU armed forces are not developing fully autonomous lethal systems. 

Ukraine’s experiences in recent conflicts offer insights into the role of autonomous systems in modern warfare. Their contributions show how autonomous systems can enhance operational precision, flexibility, and risk mitigation. ASCI’s mission centres on three key priorities: recognizing autonomy’s indispensable role in defence, establishing ethical and regulatory standards, and enhancing collaboration across Europe. 

“ASCI stands as a collaborative force, linking civilian and military efforts and fostering essential partnerships. ASCI is not just a network; it is a community with a shared purpose” said Nathalie Guichard, EDA’s Research and Technology Director. “The creation of ASCI has never been more essential. Autonomous systems are reshaping defence strategies and our approach to global security challenges.” 

Americas Swedish defense contractor Saab has made an offer for the sale of its JAS 39 Gripen light supersonic aircraft to the Republic of Colombia. The potential contract of an undisclosed number of Gripens with Bogotá was first revealed unofficially by Swedish public news agency Sveriges Radio, according to a report by Reuters. In a recent interview, Saab CEO Micael Johansson confirmed this, saying that the Stockholm-based company committed to a “full-fledged” proposal to the Latin American country. The US Army has awarded Florida-based Repkon a $435-million contract to develop and commission a TNT factory in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. TNT is used for ammunition and explosives in the military, including the commonly used 155-millimeter artillery shells.  The announcement was made by Senator Mitch McConnell, who noted that the future center to be established at Muhlenberg County will be America’s first local TNT source since the 1980s. Middle East & Africa Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has secured a contract to provide its “Digital Shark” naval electronic countermeasure (ECM) system for an unnamed NATO country. Digital Shark is designed to act instantaneously and autonomously as it deceives and suppresses various threats from different directions simultaneously. It is equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array transmitters and multiple Digital Radio Frequency Memory channels for […]

South African JAS-39D (click to view full) As a neutral country with a long history of providing for its own defense against all comers, Sweden also has a long tradition of building excellent high-performance fighters with a distinctive look. From the long-serving Saab-35 Draken (“Dragon,” 1955-2005) to the Mach 2, canard-winged Saab-37 Viggen (“Thunderbolt,” 1971-2005), Swedish fighters have stressed short-field launch from dispersed/improvised air fields, world-class performance, and leading-edge design. This record of consistent project success is nothing short of amazing, especially for a country whose population over this period has ranged from 7-9 million people. This is DID’s FOCUS Article for background, news, and contract awards related to the JAS-39 Gripen (“Griffon”), a canard-winged successor to the Viggen and one of the world’s first 4+ generation fighters. Gripen remains the only lightweight 4+ generation fighter type in service, its performance and operational economics are both world-class, and it has become one of the most recognized fighter aircraft on the planet. Unfortunately for its builders, that recognition has come from its appearance in Saab and Volvo TV commercials, rather than from hoped-for levels of military export success. With its 4+ generation competitors clustered in the $60-120+ million range vs. the […]

Americas The US Navy has provided upgrades to three Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers to extend their service life for 10 years from 2026 to 2029. Revealed by US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the modernization will sustain the American surface fleet’s capability as the force and industry partners build more advanced platforms. Selected vessels under this initiative are the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Chosin (CG 65), and the USS Cape St. George (CG 71), which were all built in the 1980s. As part of the Army’s quest to boost weapons production, it is reestablishing TNT production on US soil, inking a deal to build out a new facility in Graham, Ky. “For the first time in decades, America will produce TNT on its own soil, manufacturing the explosive material our military uses for everything from hand grenades to 155mm artillery,” outgoing Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a press release. Middle East & Africa Fincantieri has signed a memorandum of understanding with BQ Solutions to support Italian-led military training programs for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces. The partnership builds on the Trieste-based company’s contract in 2016 to build seven tactical vessels for the service and address advanced proficiency requirements for […]

Americas Emirati defense contractor EDGE Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Brazilian Navy to jointly develop and deploy naval anti-drone systems. The agreement will provide the framework for developing autonomous surface and aerial defense systems that meet the needs of Brasília’s naval forces.  Brazilian Navy Admiral Edgar Luiz Siqueira Barbosa and EDGE Managing Director and CEO Hamad Al Marar formalized the agreement at the Euronaval defense exhibition in Paris. The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded RTX’s BBN Technologies to develop a tool to boost its digital defenses.  The contract supports DARPA’s Compartmentalization and Privilege Management (CPM) program, which aims to prevent the escalation of initial cyber threats into a full-blown attack while maintaining system efficiency. BBN supports this goal through its development of the Analysis and Restructuring for Containment (ARC) tool, which hinders the escalation of threats and their lateral movement within the software system. Middle East & Africa The US has awarded Elbit Systems a $127-million follow-on contract to supply Iron Fist Active Protection Systems (APS) for its Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The Israel-based defense contractor will supply the APS to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), which will conduct the upgrades of the US Army’s Bradley M2A4E1 […]

M3A3 Bradley CFV: Charge! (click to view full) In the 1970s, middle eastern wars demonstrated that tanks without infantry screens were vulnerable to infantry with anti-tank missiles. Unfortunately, armored personnel carriers were easy prey for enemy tanks, and sometimes had trouble just keeping up with friendly tanks like America’s 60+ ton, 50+ mph M1 Abrams. In response, the Americans rethought the armored personnel carrier, taking a page from the Soviet book. They created a more heavily armored, faster “Infantry Fighting Vehicle” named after WW2 General Omar “the soldier’s general” Bradley, and gave it an offensive punch of its own. M2/M3 tracked, armored IFVs can carry infantry – but they also have 25mm Bushmaster cannons, networked targeting sensors, and even TOW anti-armor or Stinger anti-aircraft missiles at their disposal. Bradley puts on wear (click to view full) Even well-serviced vehicles must suffer the pangs of age and wear, however, and the pace of electronics breakthroughs is far faster than the Army’s vehicle replacement cycle. The US Army plans to keep its Bradley fleet for some time to come, and new technologies have made it wise to upgrade part of that fleet while renewing the vehicles. Hence the remanufacture program, which complements […]

The next meeting of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 4 December 2024 from 9:00-12:30 and 14:30-18:30 and on Thursday, 5 December 2024 from 9:00-12:30 in Brussels (room SPINELLI 3G2).

Further information about the meeting can be found here.

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SEDE missions 2023:

• India - 17-21 December 2023
• Israel and OPT - 8-10 December 2023
  
• Germany and Poland - 24-26 July 2023
  
• Armenia - 19-22 June 2023
  
• Romania and Moldova - 15-18 May 2023
  
• Djibouti and Somalia - 1-4 April 2023
  
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - 20-23 February 2023
  

SEDE meetings' calendar 2nd half of 2024 - 10th legislature
AFET-DROI-SEDE calendar of meetings - 2nd half of 2024
EP calendar 2024
Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP