French technology company Safran is making a bold move to expand its defense and space operations across the United States, signaling a commitment to invest in multiple manufacturing sites nationwide. Under its newly branded entity, Safran Defense & Space Inc., the company aims to enhance its provision of high-tech solutions in several key areas, including satellite propulsion and communication, geospatial artificial intelligence, and GPS-denied navigation.

In a recent interview with Defense News, Joe Bogosian, president and CEO of Safran, outlined the company’s strategic focus on integrating advanced technology into the U.S. military framework. Safran is already recognized for its contributions to U.S. defense systems, most notably through its collaboration on best-selling commercial jet engines with General Electric and its integration into various Army weapon systems like the commander’s site on the M10 Booker armored fighting vehicle.

Bogosian emphasized that this expansion is not just about bringing French technology to the U.S., but also about fostering significant collaboration with American engineers and the defense sector, ultimately leading to greater innovation. “What is the best available technology or the asymmetric warfare to give our guys an unfair advantage? If that unfair advantage comes with a technology that’s five years ahead of its time compared to anything else in the U.S. and just happens to come from France, we can bring it from France,” he stated. The approach involves transferring technology to the U.S. for further development, engineering, and manufacturing to tailor it to specific American needs.

As part of this expansion, Safran is set to open a new headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, which will also house its geospatial artificial intelligence division. This division has grown from a recent acquisition of a French AI company known for its rapid data processing capabilities. In a demonstration for Special Operations Command in Florida, the technology showcased its remarkable ability to identify objects in a monitored area, including a surprising detection of a Russian MiG fighter jet, which turned out to be on display at an aviation museum in Miami.

In terms of physical expansions, Safran is enhancing its existing facilities, including the electro-optics and infrared systems site in Bedford, New Hampshire, and the Safran Federal Systems facility in Rochester, New York, which focuses on Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing. Additionally, a new site for small satellite propulsion is being established in Denver, Colorado. Bogosian anticipates that this location will not only produce plasma propulsion systems for satellites but may also lead to the adoption of other technologies such as Safran’s Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscope (HRG), which has already been tested by the U.S. military.

The firm is also planning further investments in testing and telemetry operations in Norcross, Georgia. With these initiatives, Safran is positioning itself to be a key player in the U.S. defense sector, leveraging its French-based technologies with local adaptations to meet the specific demands of American military operations.

Christchurch, New Zealand — The Australian government has made significant progress in its Sea 3000 frigate project, having shortlisted German and Japanese shipbuilders as the leading candidates for the prestigious contract. This development comes after South Korean and Spanish contenders exited the selection process. The shortlisted firms are Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) from Germany, which is proposing its MEKO A-200 platform, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with an enhanced version of its Mogami class frigate. The initiative represents a substantial investment, estimated to be around A$10 billion (approximately US$6.4 billion).

Launched in May, the tender sought to procure 11 general-purpose frigates, specifically designed to bolster undersea warfare capabilities and local air defense, thereby securing vital maritime trade routes and safeguarding Australia’s northern approaches. The contract stipulates that the initial three warships will be constructed overseas, with the remaining vessels slated for assembly in Western Australia.

Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed in late November that these two designs had been officially shortlisted. TKMS is offering two variants of the MEKO system: a standard 3,700-ton A-200 and a potentially customized 4,700-ton A-210 variant that may be more compatible with existing Royal Australian Navy (RAN) specifications. The familiarity of the Australian Navy with the older MEKO 200 design, which served as the basis for its current Anzac-class frigates, could provide a crucial advantage in this selection process.

On Japan’s end, despite its relative inexperience in the export of advanced naval vessels, the government is actively supporting the deal. Notably, on November 28, Japan’s Cabinet Office took an unprecedented step by publishing its approval for the prospective export of the improved 4,800-ton Mogami-class 06FFM frigates, which are anticipated to be operational by fiscal year 2028. The new design boasts a larger frame and enhanced armaments compared to the 3,900-ton Mogami-class frigates currently under production.

The Japanese government has underscored the importance of its strategic partnership with Australia, viewing it as second only to its alliance with the United States. This partnership, according to a Tokyo government statement, aims to enhance interoperability and compatibility between the two nations’ naval forces while strengthening shipbuilding and maintenance capabilities within the Indo-Pacific region.

However, critical challenges remain concerning the combat systems, sensors, and weaponry for these vessels. In a bid to expedite the integration of frigates into service, the RAN has indicated it may bypass standard installation norms for systems such as Saab’s 9LV combat management system or CEA radars, which are typically used across the Australian fleet. Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy clarified that only one of the three shortlisted options incorporates Saab’s 9LV system but reassured that the lack of uniformity in combat management systems is not a significant drawback. He emphasized the Navy’s priority on increasing the number of operational hulls, suggesting that further focus on capabilities will be prioritized.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the RAN’s fleet is projected to consist of just nine surface combatants by 2026, coinciding with increasing security threats from a more assertive China. Australian National University’s Jennifer Parker noted that experts foresee an elevated risk environment in the late 2020s, highlighting a capability gap for Australia during that critical period.

Looking ahead, Minister Marles has indicated that a final selection of the frigate design is expected in 2025. Emphasizing the urgency of the project, he stated, “What we’re seeking to do is to have the first of those general-purpose frigates actually in service in the 2020s.”

Mali has significantly enhanced its military capabilities by acquiring Turkish-made Akinci drones, a step seen as crucial in the country’s ongoing battle against armed groups. The presentation of these advanced drones took place during a formal ceremony in the capital city of Bamako, led by transitional President General Assimi Goita. The event marks a notable milestone in Mali’s efforts to modernize its armed forces amid rising security concerns.

Mali’s Defense Minister, General Sadio Camara, underscored the importance of the procurement, revealing that the funding for the drones was sourced from the national budget, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing national security. “These drones will help strengthen the territorial grid and neutralise threats wherever they are,” Camara remarked, emphasizing the strategic advantages the Akinci drones are expected to provide.

The Bayraktar Akinci drone is a state-of-the-art military asset equipped with advanced technologies such as dual artificial intelligence avionics and real-time signal processing capabilities. These features are designed to improve situational awareness across various combat scenarios. Additionally, the drone is fitted with comprehensive electronic support systems, dual satellite communication capabilities, air-to-air radar, collision avoidance radar, and synthetic aperture radar. This advanced suite of technology enables the Akinci to effectively conduct both air-to-ground and air-to-air attack missions, making it a versatile tool in modern warfare.

The acquisition of these drones occurs against a backdrop of persistent instability in the Sahel region, where Mali has been grappling with a myriad of security challenges. The country is facing increasing threats from armed groups, including deadly attacks by Tuareg-led separatists and jihadist factions. Furthermore, the presence of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which has been operating alongside Malian government forces, adds another layer of complexity to the security landscape.

In recent years, Turkey has been actively strengthening its relationships with several Sahel nations, particularly Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, with a focus on both economic and military cooperation. The delivery of the Akinci drones is reflective of this growing collaboration, as Turkey seeks to play a pivotal role in enhancing the defense capabilities of its partners in the region.

As the Malian government navigates these multifaceted threats, the integration of the Akinci drones into its military operations is expected to provide a significant boost in its efforts to regain control and ensure stability.

In a significant development during the ongoing conflict, Ukraine successfully diverted over 100 Russian Shahed one-way attack drones last month using advanced electronic warfare tactics. This operation took place amid an unprecedented aerial assault on November 26, which saw a total of 188 Shaheds, along with four Iskander-M ballistic missiles, launched from various regions within Russia, including Voronezh, Oryol, Kursk, and Krasnodar.

Ukrainian air defenses responded effectively to this massive attack, intercepting 76 drones through conventional means such as fighter jets, helicopters, mobile air defense systems, and surface-to-air missiles. However, a remarkable 95 drones were diverted through electronic methods that involved spoofing their satellite coordinates, as revealed by a source close to Ukrainian military intelligence in a report by Le Monde. Additionally, 43 of the drones were redirected into Belarus over the course of three days from November 24 to 26.

Recent reports indicate a growing recognition of Ukraine’s electronic warfare successes, highlighting the country’s innovative strategies to diminish the impact of Russian drone capabilities. The Institute for the Study of War pointed out that Ukrainian electronic warfare systems have managed to disrupt the operations of radar-guided Shahed drones. These interventions cause the drones to change course erratically, ultimately leading them to crash after exhausting their fuel reserves. This particular technique was underscored by insights from renowned Ukrainian military analyst Petro Chernyk.

One of the key assets in Ukraine’s electronic warfare strategy is the domestically developed Pokrova EW system, which was deployed in February. This advanced system has the capability to suppress and spoof satellite navigation signals over a broad area, presenting a significant challenge to drones and cruise missiles that rely heavily on satellite guidance. For instance, the Shahed drones, which predominantly use satellite navigation, lose their ability to adjust for deviations caused by wind or other environmental factors, becoming susceptible to drifting off course. Studies suggest that such drones could deviate by as much as 5 kilometers (3 miles) from their intended target when deprived of satellite assistance over a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles).

The Pokrova system operates in a mode that enables it to manipulate the drone’s coordinates, replacing them with false information, which effectively leads the devices astray. This innovative countermeasure represents a critical development in Ukraine’s defensive strategies as it contends with the challenges posed by Russian aerial assaults. As the conflict continues to evolve, Ukraine’s electronic warfare capabilities may play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the battlefield dynamics.

In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Russia has accused Western nations of ignoring its warnings regarding the potential deployment of troops to support Ukraine. The statement comes amid heightened tensions and speculation surrounding possible military interventions by Western allies, particularly within the context of a prospective ceasefire agreement in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly three years.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the Kremlin’s concerns during a press conference, asserting that the discussions of sending Western troops to Ukraine displayed a lack of attentiveness to Moscow’s repeated cautions. Lavrov expressed his dismay, stating, “All these fantasies are only exacerbating the situation, and show that the people who hold such ideas prefer not to hear the very clear warnings that President Putin has repeatedly given.”

His comments reflect a growing unease in Russia regarding the signals being sent by Western leaders about their commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily. Notably, last month, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot commented on France’s open stance toward supporting Ukraine, stating that there were no “red lines” in this commitment. He further noted that this included the possibility of deploying French troops, indicating that “we do not discard any option.”

In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz weighed in on the matter as well, remarking that it was premature and “inappropriate” to consider the potential for sending German troops as part of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. This statement underscores the cautious approach being taken by Western leaders, even as the situation remains volatile.

Lavrov made these remarks following his participation in an OSCE summit in Malta, marking his first visit to an EU country since the commencement of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine in February 2022. The summit and subsequent statements reflect the challenging political environment as both sides remain entrenched in their positions amidst ongoing hostilities.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has made a significant advancement in its capabilities by selecting the SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for its Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation process, during which the SeaGuardian underwent trials aimed at assessing its performance in manned-unmanned teaming missions. These trials were part of the Medium-Altitude, Long Endurance RPA System Trial Operations Project conducted last year.

The SeaGuardian, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is not new to Japan’s maritime operations. The Japanese Coast Guard (JCG) has been utilizing SeaGuardian drones since 2022 for critical tasks such as search and rescue operations, disaster response, and enforcement of maritime laws. Demonstrating ongoing commitment to enhancing its aerial capabilities, the JCG recently procured two additional SeaGuardian drones in August 2024, expecting delivery by 2025.

In terms of specifications, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a robust aircraft, measuring 38 feet (11.7 meters) in length and boasting a substantial 79-foot (24-meter) wingspan. Its design enables a maximum gross takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds (5,670 kilograms) and a fuel capacity of up to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kilograms). The aircraft is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 Turboprop engine, facilitating operations at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet (12,200 meters). Depending on its configuration, the SeaGuardian can achieve an endurance exceeding 30 hours and cover distances beyond 5,000 nautical miles (5,753.9 miles/9,260 kilometers).

One of the standout features of the SeaGuardian is its open and modular payload mission management system. This flexibility allows operators to customize the aircraft with various mission kits tailored for different operational needs, such as anti-submarine warfare, tactical and strategic signals intelligence, airborne early warning, as well as serving as a communications gateway and relay.

In a noteworthy collaboration, General Atomics has teamed up with Lockheed Martin to develop a network-enabled weapons capability intended to augment the SeaGuardian’s long-range precision targeting capability, especially when engaging moving targets. This partnership highlights the evolving landscape of remotely piloted aircraft capabilities and the increased strategic options for military and security operations in the maritime domain.