Slovenia’s C-Astral has confirmed supplying its Belin unmanned aerial system, also known as Bramor C4EYE, to Ukraine. According to the drone maker, it recently donated several UAS units through an initiative facilitated by the Slovenian government. In an interview with Defense News at the GSOF Symposium last week, Jernej Moderc, a drone pilot for C-Astral,...
Category: General News
Rafael Secures New Czech Missile Purchase Contract
The Czech Republic will purchase 48 long-range I-Derby ER air-to-air missiles from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The missiles complement the Spyder short-range air defense system it bought from the Israeli arms manufacturer in 2021 The I-Derby system allows simplified integration on fighter aircraft, including the JAS 39 Gripen currently in use by the Czech Air...
Thales Names Fabien Bortoluzzi as Managing Director for Western, Central Africa Operations
Thales has appointed Fabien Bortoluzzi as managing director of the company’s operations in Western and Central Africa. In his new role, Bortoluzzi will lead the company’s over 1,000 employees in the continent and drive the growth of its civil and defense businesses in the region from the Thales West and Central Africa headquarters in Dakar, Senegal. ...
UK to Invest $121M on AI-Enabled Mission to Cure Life-Threatening Health Conditions
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has launched a new mission to develop innovative solutions for life-threatening medical conditions using artificial intelligence technologies. In a speech delivered Thursday, Sunak announced that the United Kingdom will invest up to $120 million in the AI Life Sciences Accelerator Mission to produce treatments that could prevent death. Under the...
Elbit Lands $135M Deal to Build Ammo Factory for International Client
Israel’s Elbit Systems has secured a $135 million contract to build an artillery ammunition factory for an unnamed customer. According to the company, the agreement requires its technical knowledge and ammunition production experience to establish the factory, which the Haifa-based organization will construct and operate. The deal, to be performed over a two-year period, includes...
Google to Improve Connectivity in South Pacific With Two Upcoming Subsea Cables
Google is installing two new transpacific subsea cables in the Pacific Ocean as part of the South Pacific Connect initiative. The first cable, named Honomoana after the Polynesian word for “link” and “ocean,” will connect French Polynesia to the United States and Australia. Meanwhile, Tabua, named after a sacred Fijian whale’s tooth, will serve communities in...
German Air Force Exploring Use of Passive Radar Tech in Air Defense
Germany is testing a passive radar technology for possible deployment in air defense systems, according to Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz, commander of the German Air Force. The experiment aims to determine if the capability can provide an early warning for upcoming threats, Gerhartz told Defense News. According to the publication, the service is testing Hensoldt’s...
Multiple European Organizations Launch Modular, Multirole Patrol Corvette Development Project
The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation and Naviris have signed a contract to commence development of the European Patrol Corvette, the first phase of the Modular, Multirole Patrol Corvette program. The naval vessel development project, supported by the European Commission through the European Defence Fund, will develop and produce corvette fleets for militaries and police in the...
South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to Develop Actuation Systems for Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 Aircraft
South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace has signed an agreement with Vertical Aerospace to deliver the electro-mechanical actuation systems for the latter's VX4 electric aircraft. Under the expanded deal, the company will design, test, manufacture and supply the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft's tilt and blade pitch control system. Upon completion, the technology will be installed on the VX4 prototype being assembled in the United Kingdom and scheduled for test flights in 2024.
Leonardo Seeking Key European Defense Industry Alliances, New CEO Says
The new CEO of Italian defense and electronics firm Leonardo, Roberto Cingolani, said the company is “working on some alliances that should create European hubs in fundamental defense sectors.” According to a Defense News report, the CEO’s strategy, which he unveiled in a speech before a defense committee in the Italian Parliament, calls for a...