The Portuguese Army has officially chosen Thales’ ForceShield ground-based air defense system as its new solution for very short-range air defense. This advanced system is designed to enhance the protection of military personnel, civilian populations, and critical infrastructures. It has been specifically engineered to detect and engage low-altitude threats, which include helicopters, drones, and missiles.

At the core of the ForceShield system is the Ground Master 200 air surveillance radar, renowned for its ability to provide rapid tracking and sustained target lock-on capabilities. Complementing this sophisticated radar is a comprehensive radio communications system alongside a command-and-control center known as ControlView. This command center plays a crucial role in assessing potential threats and efficiently coordinating the engagement of the appropriate defense units.

This announcement comes as a surprise, particularly as earlier reports had indicated that Portugal was leaning towards Thales’ RapidRanger system for its short-range air defense needs. The decision to implement the ForceShield system reflects a broader movement among European nations to enhance their air defense capabilities due to escalating regional security challenges.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified the focus on the importance of robust anti-air defenses to ensure the security of national airspace. Thales has underscored the significance of this agreement, noting that Portugal represents the first country in Europe to adopt the ForceShield system. Raphael Desi, Thales’ Vice President for Integrated Airspace Protection Systems, expressed pride in contributing to the capability enhancement of the Portuguese Army, emphasizing that this initial contract underscores the confidence that NATO countries have in their air defense systems as essential tools for maintaining airspace sovereignty.

The German Armed Forces, known as the Bundeswehr, is expanding its aerial capabilities with the recent addition of its first Airbus H145M helicopter. This marks a significant milestone as part of a broader contract that entails the delivery of up to 82 helicopters. The maiden flight of this initial aircraft was successfully completed in Bavaria last September, and it is now set to play a vital role in training operations at the Bundeswehr’s Bückeburg base.

In preparation for utilizing the new H145Ms, Bundeswehr pilots began their training in August, adopting the designation “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber” (LKH), or “light combat helicopter.” The acquisition and integration of these helicopters are part of a strategic move to enhance the operational readiness and versatility of Germany’s military aviation assets.

According to the contract signed in December 2023, the first H145M designated for light attack roles is expected to be delivered by 2025. This agreement comprises 62 confirmed orders, with an option for an additional 20 units, along with a comprehensive support and service plan spanning seven years. Of the 62 helicopters ordered, the breakdown shows that 57 will be allocated to the German Army, while the remaining five will support the Luftwaffe’s special forces.

The future fleet of H145M helicopters will bolster various military functions including training, reconnaissance, special operations, and light attack missions. Currently, the German Armed Forces operate a fleet of 24 H145 helicopters, which are actively engaged in special operations and search and rescue missions.

Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany, emphasized the company’s commitment to the Bundeswehr, stating, “We remain a reliable partner of the German Bundeswehr. Delivering the first H145M LKH in less than a year after the contract signature demonstrates our commitment. The H145M LKH will be a true multi-mission asset for the German Armed Forces, supporting their crucial missions.” This launch not only underscores the ongoing partnership between Airbus and the German military but also highlights the evolving landscape of defense aviation in Europe.

Italy’s defense spending is experiencing a gradual increase, yet it remains below the NATO goal of 2% of GDP—an issue that could attract criticism from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. With Trump’s anticipated return to the White House, Italy stands out among the declining number of NATO members failing to meet this self-imposed benchmark, which has been in place for nearly a decade.

Italy’s defense budget will amount to €29.18 billion ($30.89 billion) this year, reflecting a healthy rise from last year’s €27.75 billion, as announced by Defense Minister Guido Crosetto in the Italian Senate. Despite this increase, Italy’s defense spending constitutes only 1.54% of its GDP. While a recent defense budget document warned of a slight decrease in spending for the following year, Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti later reversed this projection, now estimating a rise to 1.57% of GDP next year, and further increases to 1.58% in 2026 and 1.61% in 2027.

However, this incremental growth is unlikely to satisfy calls for increased defense investment. Giorgetti acknowledged the challenges Italians face in reaching the NATO target, labeling it “very ambitious.” Currently, only eight NATO members, including Italy, have not reached the target, with the vast majority achieving it since 2014.

During his campaign in February, Trump emphasized the need for allied nations to contribute equitably, suggesting that those who do not meet their financial commitments should prepare for the repercussions. Echoing a previous sentiment, he remarked on the conditional nature of U.S. protection for those nations not fulfilling their defense spending obligations.

Amid ongoing discussions about defense funding, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte indicated that higher spending would be necessary, stating, “We will have to spend more… It will be much more than the two percent.” This backdrop has led analysts to scrutinize how effectively Italy is allocating its defense budget.

In defense of Italy’s current spending, Andrea Margelletti from the Centre for International Studies highlighted significant procurement efforts, including the acquisition of over 1,000 armored fighting vehicles, new destroyers for the navy, and advanced aircraft for the air force, alongside air defense contributions to Ukraine. He underscored Minister Crosetto’s focus on enhancing “combat readiness” against a backdrop of potential conflict in Europe, suggesting a proactive approach despite budgetary limitations.

Another analyst pointed out that while Poland has surged spending beyond 4% of GDP, the effectiveness of spending is critical. He noted that Poland’s diverse tank inventory could create logistical complications, symbolizing that spending wisely is more crucial than simply spending more.

Italy’s strong commitment to supporting Ukraine, particularly under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s leadership, potentially places the country at odds with some factions of the Trump administration, given the favorable relations forged by other leaders advocating for negotiations with Russia. Nonetheless, experts believe that Italy’s continued support for Ukraine should not significantly harm its relationship with the upcoming U.S. government, emphasizing that solidarity within EU and NATO frameworks remains vital.

Meloni’s government is considered stable, and her connections with key EU figures—such as Rutte and Ursula von der Leyen—are seen as beneficial in navigating transatlantic relations. Moreover, Italy’s withdrawal from its Belt and Road agreement with China adds another layer to its defense strategy, further aligning it with Western expectations.

As defense budgets and alliances shift, all eyes will be on how Italy recalibrates its spending and diplomatic strategies in response to both internal and external pressures in the coming years.

Naval Group has marked a significant milestone with the delivery of “Tourville,” the third submarine of the Suffren-class nuclear attack fleet, to the French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA). This strategic delivery advances France’s efforts to modernize its naval capabilities as it transitions from the aging Rubis-class submarines to a more advanced fleet of Suffren-class vessels under the Barracuda program.

The DGA has collaborated closely with the Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission to oversee the development and integration of these new submarines, aimed at enhancing the French Navy’s operational readiness and technological edge. The Tourville was officially rolled out in July 2023 and subsequently embarked on its maiden sea trials a year later, during which it underwent rigorous evaluations to confirm its technical and operational capabilities.

The Suffren-class vessels are being produced as part of a broader initiative to reinforce the French Navy’s underwater capabilities. The lead submarine of this class, “Suffren,” was delivered in 2020, followed by the second unit, “Duguay-Trouin,” which was added to the fleet earlier this year. With the delivery of Tourville, the remaining three submarines—”De Grasse,” “Rubis,” and “Casabianca”—are actively under construction in various phases at Naval Group’s facility in Cherbourg.

Looking ahead, the “De Grasse” submarine is scheduled to be transferred to the launching facility in the spring of 2025, indicating a steady progression in the Barracuda program’s timeline.

Naval Group holds the primary responsibility for the design, construction, and logistical support of the Barracuda program submarines, with maintenance services also centered in Toulon. They have partnered with TechnicAtome, a leading nuclear engineering and power company, to manufacture essential components for the submarines’ nuclear boilers, ensuring high standards in nuclear propulsion technology.

Each Suffren-class submarine boasts a surface displacement of 4,700 tons and a submerged displacement of 5,200 tons. Equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, these submarines are capable of executing various tactical missions. Armaments include naval cruise missiles, F21 heavy wire-guided torpedoes, and the modernized Exocet SM39 anti-ship missile. The vessels measure 99 meters (325 feet) in length and 8.8 meters (29 feet) in width, accommodating a crew of 65 personnel along with additional commandos, underscoring the strategic versatility and operational capacity of the new fleet.

As the French Navy continues to evolve its capabilities, the introduction of the Suffren-class submarines represents a foundational shift toward a more advanced and effective maritime defense posture, ensuring that France remains a formidable presence in global naval operations.