In a significant policy shift, the German government has committed to revitalizing its defense industry and enhancing collaboration with European partners, following the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The announcement was made in Berlin on Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need to update Germany’s defense-related industrial strategy, which has remained unchanged since 2020, prior to the geopolitical upheaval.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the importance of having innovative and efficient defense companies within Germany to ensure the country can produce advanced weapon systems domestically and collaborate effectively with allies. “It is crucial for Germany’s defense capability that we have innovative and efficient defense companies in our country,” he stated, underlining the need for sufficient production capabilities in light of current security challenges.

The newly released document, officially titled “Nationale Sicherheits- und Verteidigungsindustriestrategie,” outlines key areas that Germany seeks to retain domestically, such as shipbuilding and artificial intelligence, while also recognizing the value of delegating certain sectors like aviation and small arms to broader European or international frameworks. The strategy promotes multinational procurement and joint development of next-generation weaponry, pointing to a more integrated European defense posture.

For the first time, the policy paper specifies vital national competencies that must remain within Germany, including armored vehicles, communications, sensors, IT services, and electronic warfare capabilities. This focus is intended to safeguard the strategic sovereignty and operational ability of the Federal Republic.

Amid a stagnating economy, there are rising concerns over Germany’s ability to uphold its industrial prominence. The strategy aims to initiate “a new chapter in the relations between the state and industry,” reflecting a fundamental shift in approach since Chancellor Olaf Scholz characterized Ukraine’s invasion as a pivotal moment for Germany and Europe.

One of the strategy’s key objectives is to offer arms manufacturers greater stability through long-term contracts and investment opportunities from the government. Additionally, the document identifies burdensome regulations that need to be streamlined, and proposes measures to strengthen supply chains.

Specific proposals include increased funding for research and development, expedited budgetary processes, and targeted support for defense startups. Furthermore, the government is exploring the feasibility of allowing military and security entities to make advance orders for up to ten years, thereby improving industry planning and predictability.

The defense strategy paper was released amid governmental changes, following the collapse of the ruling coalition and the announcement of early elections set for February. Scholz’s administration has notably reversed its stance on defense policy since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, resulting in a marked increase in defense spending and a more proactive international presence.

This comprehensive approach underscores Germany’s commitment to fortifying its defense capabilities as it navigates a complex geopolitical landscape.

India is poised to finalize significant defense acquisitions with plans to sign two crucial deals in the coming month. According to a report by The Economic Times, the Indian government is preparing to acquire 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines for its Navy. The total value of these acquisitions is estimated at 90,000 crore (approximately $10.06 billion), as detailed by Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi during a recent press conference.

The negotiations for the purchase of the Rafale jets have been ongoing, with India having engaged in discussions with France for several years. Recently, these discussions gained momentum as New Delhi looks to bolster its military capabilities amid regional tensions, particularly concerning the activities of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean. Admiral Tripathi emphasized that the Indian Navy is actively enhancing its surveillance and monitoring efforts to keep a close watch on these developments.

The potential acquisition of the Rafale aircraft aligns with previous commitments made between India and France. In July 2023, the Indian Defence Ministry greenlit the purchase of Rafale-M jets, which are intended for deployment aboard the INS Vikrant, the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier. India received its first batch of 36 Rafale aircraft in 2019, following a $9.4 billion contract signed in 2016, although deliveries faced delays linked to corruption allegations against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On the naval front, the announcement regarding the Scorpene submarines is part of a broader initiative to strengthen India’s underwater capabilities. This move follows the launch of the last of six Scorpene-class submarines, named Vagsheer, in 2022. The construction of these submarines is part of “Project 75,” a $3.75 billion program established in 2005 in collaboration with the French firm Naval Group and Indian shipbuilder Mazagon Dock, aimed at enhancing local production and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

As India continues to modernize its naval and aerial fleet, these impending deals underscore the country’s commitment to strengthening its defense architecture amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.

The US Navy has officially awarded a contract to General Atomics to advance the development of its Long-Range Maneuvering Projectile (LRMP). This five-year agreement is aimed at enhancing the Navy’s Common Round offensive strike capabilities, with a particular focus on extending the range capabilities of existing 155mm artillery systems.

As part of the initial activities associated with this contract, General Atomics has announced preparations to conduct glide testing for the LRMP prototype at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah. This testing is considered a critical first step in validating the performance and effectiveness of the projectile.

Scott Forney, President of General Atomics, emphasized the innovative nature of the LRMP design. He highlighted its potential to provide increased range and maneuverability, as well as improved precision and payload versatility. The projectile is anticipated to support a wide array of missions, notably strike operations as well as Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) tasks.

The LRMP is engineered to engage both static and mobile targets located beyond 120 kilometers (approximately 74 miles) away, representing a significant advancement in artillery capabilities. “This represents a factor of four increase in range from conventional artillery systems beyond what is currently available today,” stated Forney, underscoring the transformative potential of the LRMP.

A standout feature of the LRMP is its simplified design, which incorporates a shape that enables extended glide ranges without requiring auxiliary propulsion or rocket assistance. This design philosophy not only enhances performance but also ensures that the projectile can be seamlessly integrated with existing artillery systems, preserving compatibility with legacy launchers, autoloaders, and handling equipment.

General Atomics previously unveiled the winged LRMP, specifically designed for 155mm Howitzers, in October 2022. Additionally, the Reuleaux triangle-shaped projectile aligns with the Ramjet-powered shell range being developed under the US Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery program, suggesting promising future synergies in artillery technology between branches of the US military.

The commissioning of General Atomics represents a significant step forward in modernizing naval offensive capabilities and enhancing artillery effectiveness in various operational contexts.

PARIS — The Netherlands is facing challenges in deploying €750 million (approximately US$790 million) of military aid earmarked for Ukraine this year due to constraints in the global defense equipment market, as articulated by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans in a recent communication to the Dutch parliament.

As the war in Ukraine has progressed, the nature of military aid has shifted from utilizing existing stockpiles to acquiring newly manufactured equipment. Brekelmans highlighted that the international defense industry is experiencing a “double burden” as countries worldwide are not only bolstering their own military capabilities but are also contributing support to Ukraine, leading to significant delays in delivery schedules for essential equipment.

In his letter, Brekelmans confirmed that the Netherlands’ procurement model requires payment upon delivery, which has influenced the inability to utilize the planned €750 million in military aid this year. However, he assured that these unspent funds would be redirected to the 2025 defense budget, maintaining their original intent to support Ukraine. “The funds are thus not lost and the planned destination remains unchanged,” he emphasized.

The situation is compounded by similar issues faced by the Ukrainian defense industry, which is also hindered by the tight market. Although local defense firms in Ukraine could benefit from substantial investments, they presently lack the necessary equipment that can be delivered within the current year, according to Brekelmans.

To date, the Netherlands has committed a total of €10.4 billion in military support to Ukraine. Out of this commitment, €9.5 billion has either been actualized, legally obligated, or is under negotiation with partners and suppliers, as stated by Brekelmans. The remaining €970 million is specifically designated to meet Ukraine’s urgent military needs, with plans to include significant purchases from the Ukrainian defense industry. However, he noted that execution of these plans may face delays, affecting the timely provision of military support.

The Dutch government coalition has reiterated its commitment to continue supporting Ukraine on multiple fronts: politically, militarily, financially, and morally. This stance is reflective of a broader trend across Europe, where nations have been ramping up their defense budgets in the wake of Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine. The European Defence Agency (EDA) forecasts that spending by European Union countries on military equipment is expected to rise dramatically, from €61 billion in 2023 to €90 billion in the current year.

In response to the ongoing conflict, European nations are prioritizing the replenishment of depleted military stocks due to prior assistance to Ukraine, addressing various capability gaps, and enhancing their readiness for high-intensity conflicts. Major European military manufacturers, including KNDS, Rheinmetall, Saab, and MBDA, have all reported unprecedented order volumes as demand escalates.

The military support provided by the Netherlands to Ukraine consists of an expansive range of equipment, including 24 F-16 fighter jets, a Patriot air-defense system, main battle tanks (notably 14 Leopard 2A4s), hundreds of YPR tracked armored personnel carriers, and two mine-hunting vessels. The evolving situation underscores the increasingly urgent need for military resources as the conflict in Ukraine continues.