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.

A significant milestone has been achieved in Spain’s military aviation capabilities with the successful test flight of a Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jet. This particular aircraft is outfitted with the European Common Radar System (ECRS) E-Scan radar, marking an important step in enhancing the operational effectiveness of Spain’s Eurofighter “Halcón” fleet. The integration of the radar is a strategic move by Airbus to bolster the aircraft’s functionality in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

While Airbus did not specify the exact variant of the ECRS tested, it is widely believed to be the ECRS Mk 1, which is specifically designed for the Spanish and German fleets. This advanced variant presents significant improvements over its predecessors, notably the baseline Mk0, which had previously been integrated into the Eurofighter fleets of Kuwait and Qatar through a collaborative effort involving Hensoldt, Indra, and Leonardo.

The ECRS Mk 1 features several enhancements, most notably in electronic warfare capabilities. It includes a multi-channel receiver, an expanded field of regard, improved target recognition abilities, and an enhanced detection range. These upgrades are crucial in ensuring that the Eurofighter Typhoons remain competitive in modern aerial combat scenarios.

This development is part of Project Halcón, which aims to phase out Spain’s aging fleet of EF-18 Hornets and replace them with cutting-edge Eurofighter Typhoons. Additionally, the ECRS Mk 1 system will not only equip Spain’s new aircraft but will also be incorporated into Germany’s Quadriga fleet, as well as retrofitted into older Luftwaffe Eurofighters to extend their operational life and capabilities.

In related advancements in radar technology, the ECRS Mk 2 has been tested on the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon, further underscoring the ongoing efforts across European nations to enhance their air combat systems and ensure interoperability among allied forces. The successful testing of the ECRS variants signifies a enhancing phase of European defense collaboration amidst evolving global security challenges.

In a significant advancement for military logistics, the Indian Army has officially integrated the “Sabal 20” unmanned helicopter, developed by Uttar Pradesh-based EndureAir Systems. This innovative logistics drone is designed to enhance operational capabilities in challenging terrains, particularly suited for deployment in high-altitude regions.

The Sabal 20 features a payload capacity of up to 20 kilograms (approximately 44 pounds), allowing it to transport a diverse array of supplies—including medical kits, ammunition, batteries, and small arms—over distances exceeding 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The drone is engineered to operate efficiently in the high-altitude conditions characteristic of India’s Eastern theatre of operations. Its deployment is timely, especially for sensitive missions along the Line of Actual Control with China, where stealth and reliability are paramount.

Notably, the drone’s design takes inspiration from Boeing’s Chinook helicopter, featuring tandem rotors at both ends. This configuration not only enhances lift capacity but also improves maneuverability and stability, making it a robust solution for logistical challenges in rugged terrains. The Sabal 20 exhibits a sleek, compact appearance reminiscent of a miniaturized Chinook, with an external payload mounting design that distinguishes it from traditional drones.

In terms of performance, the Sabal 20 boasts a maximum speed of 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour and has a flight endurance of 40 minutes. It is equipped with advanced technology, including an electro-optical/infrared camera, which supports crucial surveillance and reconnaissance missions, further augmenting its utility in military operations.

EndureAir Systems emphasizes that the Sabal 20 sets a new benchmark for modern military logistics delivery through its fully autonomous capabilities and unmatched stability. This development marks a transformative moment in UAV technology, promising to redefine logistical support in military operations. As the Indian Army continues to modernize its capabilities, the introduction of the Sabal 20 signifies a strategic enhancement in the realm of unmanned aerial systems.

North Korean troops, who have reportedly been fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine for approximately five months, are now facing significant food shortages, according to information from Kyiv’s intelligence unit. The Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) recently shared an update via Telegram, highlighting that some of the foreign troops supporting Moscow are suffering from malnutrition as a direct result of inadequate food supplies necessary for their daily operations.

Most of these North Korean soldiers are stationed in the Kursk region, where hostilities have ramped up following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces in August. In response to these shortages, the Russian government has taken measures to address the situation. Reports indicate that the deputy commander for resource support has been dispatched to the area to implement a solution. This official has reportedly ordered the procurement of food rations from the reserves of airborne assault brigades to help alleviate the hunger crisis affecting the North Korean troops.

According to the US Department of Defense, following a mutual defense treaty signed with Moscow, Pyongyang has managed to send over 10,000 soldiers to bolster Russian military efforts in Ukraine. These reinforcements have been deployed across various frontlines, including the Kursk Oblast. US Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder commented on the situation, stating that there are expectations for these North Korean forces to provide a level of combat or combat support capability.

The involvement of North Korean troops has already resulted in their first casualties, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the deaths of North Korean soldiers during the conflict. Furthermore, Ukrainian military reports indicate that they have successfully destroyed a North Korean Bulsae-4 anti-tank missile system utilizing a suicide drone, showcasing the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the challenges faced by foreign troops on the ground.