The Croatian Air Force continues to enhance its military capabilities with the recent delivery of its seventh Rafale combat aircraft from France, as part of a larger acquisition of 12 pre-owned jets following a foreign military sale agreement signed in 2021. This transition marks a significant shift for Croatia, which has been operating Soviet-made MiG-21 supersonic jets since gaining independence in 1991.

With this latest handover, Croatia’s defense agency has confirmed that deliveries will persist at a pace of one Rafale jet per month until the second quarter of the following year. Croatian Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Michael Križanec expressed confidence in the project, stating, “We do not deviate even a millimeter from our plans and set goals, which gives us additional confidence in the success of the entire project.” He further emphasized the importance of this development for both the Croatian Air Force and national security, signaling the country’s readiness to adapt to forthcoming challenges.

The decision to procure the Rafale jets was made in 2021 when Croatia opted for the French aircraft over alternatives such as American and Israeli F-16 Fighting Falcons, as well as the Swedish Jas 39 Gripen. The initial arrival of the Rafale aircraft took place two years later at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, with five additional units delivered by April of this year.

In addition to the aircraft themselves, the broader procurement project encompasses associated equipment, training, and spare parts to support the fleet for a duration of three years. Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić highlighted the unprecedented investment in the Croatian military, noting that it not only includes the acquisition of multi-purpose combat aircraft but also extends to Bayraktar unmanned aerial systems, state-of-the-art Leopard 2 A8 tanks, and the advanced HIMARS missile system.

“Our doctrine is deterrence,” Anušić stated. He expressed that a well-equipped and modern Croatian army is pivotal in dissuading any potential threats to the nation’s territorial integrity, especially amid the current global and European security environment.

The Rafale fighter, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, is notable for its impressive specifications. It measures 15 meters in length and has a wingspan of 48 meters. The aircraft can be armed with a variety of weaponry, including autocannons and assorted air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. It features advanced avionics, including an electronic warfare suite, radar, and a long-range infrared search and track system. Powered by twin Snecma M88 turbofan engines, the Rafale can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.8, service ceilings of 15,835 meters, and boasts an operational range of 3,700 kilometers.

This ongoing modernization of the Croatian Air Force reflects a strategic commitment to enhancing national defense capabilities in response to evolving regional security challenges.

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its defense capabilities, Polish lawmakers have approved a substantial allocation of approximately 3 billion złoty (roughly $740 million) to boost the country’s ammunition production, particularly focusing on the critically needed 155mm artillery shells. This decisive action was taken by the Sejm, Poland’s lower parliamentary chamber, during a vote held on November 27, where an overwhelming majority of 424 lawmakers supported the measure, with no votes cast against it.

The next steps involve the bill transitioning to the Senate, the upper chamber of parliament, for further deliberation, followed by a presidential signature for it to be enacted as law. This allocation of funds is intended to empower companies involved in ammunition manufacturing, focusing especially on enhancing production capabilities for 155mm artillery shells. Polish Deputy State Assets Minister Marcin Kulasek highlighted in a recent social media post that the financial resources will be channeled into capitalizing companies responsible for producing such munitions.

The funding initiative, primarily backed by the Ministry of National Defence along with government securities, aims to support enterprises seeking state assistance in their efforts to ramp up production capabilities for ammunition. This development comes at a vital time as Poland is actively looking for ways to significantly elevate its production capacity for artillery shells. A considerable portion of the country’s current production capabilities relies on imported components, prompting officials to explore avenues for acquiring essential manufacturing technology from international partners.

Deputy Prime Minister and National Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz recently conveyed Poland’s intention to collaborate with Slovakia to secure the necessary technology that would facilitate an increase in domestic production. In a meeting on November 22 with his Slovak counterpart, Robert Kaliňák, Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed admiration for Slovakia’s strengths in ammunition production, particularly for the 155mm caliber, and emphasized the importance of developing defense industry cooperation between the two nations.

As Poland’s military continues to require an increased supply of 155mm ammunition to support its growing fleet of advanced artillery systems, including the K9 Thunder and Krab self-propelled howitzers, this legislative move underscores the country’s proactive stance in enhancing its defense industry amid regional security concerns. The collaboration with Slovakia aims to harness shared resources and expertise, ultimately strengthening both nations’ defense capabilities in response to evolving geopolitical challenges.

BAE Systems has officially launched the construction of the UK Royal Navy’s fifth Type 26 City-class frigate, HMS Sheffield, with the ceremonial cutting of the first steel in Scotland. This significant milestone is part of the UK’s broader initiative to replace its aging fleet of Type 23 Duke-class vessels, which have been in service since the early 1990s. The project encompasses eight new surface combatants designed to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Navy.

Each of the new frigates is being constructed at BAE’s shipyard in Glasgow, aligning with the government’s timeline for deliveries expected between 2026 and the 2030s. The frigates will play vital roles in key naval operations, supporting the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and Carrier Strike Group units throughout their operational lifespan into the 2060s.

The Type 26 frigate program is anticipated to have a substantial economic impact, sustaining approximately 6,000 jobs and engaging around 100 suppliers nationwide. Out of this workforce, about 2,000 personnel are stationed at BAE Systems’ facilities in Govan and Scotstoun, underscoring the program’s importance to local economies in Scotland and beyond.

British Defence Procurement and Industry Minister Maria Eagle highlighted the significance of the ceremony, stating, “This steel cutting ceremony marks another key moment for both our Royal Navy and British shipbuilding. HMS Sheffield represents not just a cutting-edge addition to our fleet, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting thousands of skilled jobs and economic growth across Scotland and the wider UK.” She further emphasized that the investments in naval capabilities are essential for protecting national interests while bolstering British industry.

The Type 26 frigates are designed with advanced technology and robust armament. They will be equipped with multi-domain missiles, heavy machine guns, ship-protection systems, and automated close-in weapon systems, enhancing their operational effectiveness in diverse maritime environments. The ships will measure 150 meters (492 feet) in length and can accommodate approximately 200 crew members along with small boats, maritime helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine engine, each frigate will feature four MTU diesel generators and two electric motors, resulting in a top speed of 26 knots (48 kilometers/30 miles per hour) and an impressive operational range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 kilometers/8,055 miles).

As the UK Royal Navy anticipates the addition of the Type 26 frigates, the first vessel, HMS Glasgow, has already been conceptualized and laid down, paving the way for a modernized naval fleet capable of meeting future challenges.

Elistair and ARX Robotics have successfully completed a three-week intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) trial for the German Army, showcasing advanced capabilities in autonomous aerial-ground systems teaming technology. The trial featured Elistair’s Khronos DroneBox, which integrates a tethered drone, a power charger, a landing station, and control software, alongside ARX’s Gereon remote-controlled unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).

The primary aim of these tests was to assess the interoperability of the drone and the UGV in providing seamless mobile ISR support within complex operational scenarios. The collaboration allowed for the uninterrupted delivery of critical information to users, enhancing situational awareness in the field. Experts from the German Army Concepts and Capabilities Development Centre evaluated the activities undertaken by both the Khronos and the Gereon, and the results are expected to inform future missions that rely on coordinated defenses and surveillance strategies utilizing unmanned systems.

Steve Allcock, the Head of Sales and Partnerships for Elistair Europe, noted the significance of this partnership in improving the efficacy of drone-based surveillance operations. He emphasized that the integration of the Khronos DroneBox with ARX Robotics’ UGV underscores the crucial role that autonomous system cooperation plays in responding to contemporary defense challenges, particularly in minimizing risks for military personnel.

Marc Wietfeld, CEO of ARX Robotics, elaborated on the benefits of an aerial-ground drone teaming network, pointing out its potential for continuous and autonomous surveillance across extensive territories. He acknowledged the limitations of traditional aerial drones, which often struggle with limited flight times, and highlighted how the DroneBox enhances operational endurance. The Gereon serves as a pivotal link, facilitating the seamless transmission of real-time intelligence to the end user.

The Khronos system, weighing 31 kilograms (70 pounds), is designed for rapid deployment, with a maximum preparation time of just two minutes before takeoff. Notably, it boasts an impressive endurance of up to 24 hours in the air. The tether connecting the drone to its dedicated landing pod measures 70 meters (230 feet) long and can transfer data at a speed of 100 megabytes per second, enabling the reception of feeds from various visual or night cameras.

On the ground, the Gereon UGV is engineered to handle payloads of up to 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds), making it a versatile asset for a range of operational missions. Its design allows for reconfiguration to accommodate diverse tasks, including training simulations, aerial drone transportation, sensor deployment, threat identification, tactical equipment logistics in the field, and even medical evacuations.

With these advancements, the collaboration between Elistair and ARX Robotics marks a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned systems for military operations, positioning them to meet the dynamic requirements of modern warfare.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has secured a significant contract with the Netherlands for the delivery of the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) and NOMADS (National Maneuver Air Defence System) air defense systems. This procurement, valued at 12 billion Norwegian krone (approximately $1.09 billion), is a key component of the CITADEL program, which aims to integrate air and missile defense capabilities.

The Netherlands has a long-standing relationship with the NASAMS, having first acquired the system in 2006. With this latest agreement, the Netherlands is set to become the inaugural international customer for the NOMADS system, which was recently unveiled in June. Deliveries of these advanced systems are expected to begin in 2028, marking a significant enhancement of the country’s air defense framework.

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, emphasized the strategic advantage of selecting both NASAMS and NOMADS. He stated that this decision will allow the Netherlands to bolster its air defense capabilities, providing an integrated solution to address both short- and medium-range threats. Lie also acknowledged the Netherlands’ integral role within the NASAMS user community and expressed enthusiasm about the country’s pioneering position as the first international user of the NOMADS.

The NASAMS system is designed to utilize a combination of AMRAAM, AMRAAM-Extended Range, and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles. It serves as a ground-based medium-range air defense solution capable of effectively countering a range of threats, including cruise missiles, drones, and various types of aircraft. Conversely, the NOMADS system is intended for mobile, short-range air defense, specifically catering to the needs of maneuvering army units. Its development has been informed by insights gained from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing an enhanced focus on defending against drones, cruise missiles, and both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft.

This substantial contract comes in the wake of a broader defense modernization push within the Netherlands. Just a month prior, the Dutch Ministry of Defense presented recommendations to Parliament for the procurement of several defense platforms, including the two Kongsberg systems. Among the other proposed acquisitions is a fleet of 46 Leopard 2 A8 battle tanks, with an estimated cost ranging from 1 to 2.5 billion euros (approximately $1.2 billion to $2.7 billion).

The recommendations from the Ministry of Defense are rooted in a recent White Paper that urges substantial investment in national defense capabilities, primarily aimed at deterring potential aggression from Russia. This commitment to enhancing military readiness signals a significant shift in defense policy, as the Netherlands seeks to bolster its strategic posture in an increasingly complex security environment.