Europe 

WARSAW — Poland has confirmed it is ready to help modernize and repair MiG-29 fighter jets for Ukraine, but said the cost of the work must be covered by the Ukrainian government or international partners. The announcement comes as Warsaw and Kyiv have resumed negotiations over the transfer of Poland's remaining Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft. Speaking during a briefing in Olyka in Ukraine's Volyn region, Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland is willing to provide technical assistance but cannot finance the refurbishment of the aircraft. "We can help as much as possible here, but the funding must come from the Ukrainian government or allied countries willing to cover these costs," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.   Repairs Required Before Delivery The modernization issue gained attention after a Ukrainian delegation inspected Poland's remaining MiG-29 fleet at the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork, where the aircraft are currently stationed. According to the inspection, the fighters are in poor technical condition after years without comprehensive maintenance. The aircraft, which have served with the Polish Air Force since 1989, would require significant repairs before they could be safely returned to operational service. Aviation specialists reportedly identified the landing gear as one of the key areas requiring attention. Ukraine had requested that Poland carry out a complete overhaul of the aircraft at the military aviation maintenance facility Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr. 2 before delivery. However, Warsaw declined, stating that financing such extensive refurbishment was not included in Poland's current defense budget.   PGZ Assessing Support for Ukrainian Aircraft Poland's state-owned defense company Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) is evaluating its ability to support the repair and maintenance of Ukrainian military aircraft. The assessment includes both MiG-29 fighters and Ukraine's growing fleet of F-16 aircraft, potentially expanding long-term defense-industrial cooperation between the two countries.   Transfer Linked to Technology Cooperation Discussions over the transfer of Poland's remaining MiG-29s began late last year after Poland's Ministry of National Defence and the General Staff announced plans to retire the aircraft as the country transitions to newer Western fighters, including the F-35 and South Korean FA-50. As part of the initial proposal, Poland offered to transfer the MiG-29s in exchange for access to Ukrainian combat drone technologies and operational experience gained during the war. The negotiations stalled in June 2026 after Ukraine expressed reservations about sharing its unmanned systems technology. At the time, Polish Deputy Minister of Defence Cezary Tomczyk said the aircraft would only be transferred once the technology-sharing issue was resolved.   Talks Resume on Remaining MiG-29s Negotiations resumed in July 2026 over the possible transfer of up to nine remaining MiG-29 fighter jets. Kosiniak-Kamysz said discussions have returned to the table and expressed hope that an agreement can be finalized. "A clear proposal is being discussed: MiGs in exchange for drones. The Ukrainians said yes, then began having second thoughts. Now they are back in negotiations – and that is good. I hope this proposal will be successfully finalised," he said. Reports from diplomatic sources have also indicated that the two sides have reached an agreement in principle, although no final deal has been officially announced.   Importance for Ukraine For Ukraine, the Polish MiG-29s remain valuable because they can be integrated into the Ukrainian Air Force without the lengthy pilot conversion process required for many Western aircraft. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously emphasized that Ukrainian pilots are already trained to operate the MiG-29. He has also noted that Ukraine's challenge is not simply obtaining more aircraft but ensuring enough trained pilots are available to fly them. Poland previously transferred 14 MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in 2023, becoming one of the first countries to provide fighter aircraft following Russia's full-scale invasion. The current negotiations focus on Poland's remaining MiG-29 fleet, which is scheduled for retirement as newer aircraft enter service. While both countries continue discussions, the future transfer will depend on resolving issues related to funding for aircraft repairs, the technical condition of the jets, and the broader technology cooperation framework between Warsaw and Kyiv.   Source: defence24

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-11 16:20:29

 Europe 

A new report by defense analyst Florian Hoffmann, published on the Missile Matters blog, suggests that Ukraine's FP-5 Flamingo cruise missile is showing improved operational performance following a series of recent long-range strikes inside Russia. While the latest operational record appears encouraging, Hoffmann says important questions remain about the missile's production capacity, accuracy, and its long-term impact on Russia's military-industrial base. The report focuses on Ukraine's overnight June 26–27 strike against the Titan-Barrikady Research and Production Center in Volgograd, which Hoffmann describes as arguably one of Ukraine's most successful individual long-range strikes inside Russia since the war began. According to Ukrainian sources cited in the report, five FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles were launched during the attack, with three reportedly striking the Titan-Barrikady facility. The fate of the remaining two missiles has not been disclosed, although Hoffmann said interception by Russian air defenses or a technical failure is the most likely explanation. Volgograd Governor Andrey Bocharov acknowledged that a production facility had been damaged during the strike and said at least 10 people were injured. Hoffmann said ground-level imagery showed collapsed girders, flattened walls, and damaged industrial machinery, which he assessed to be consistent with the detonation of warheads carrying approximately half a ton of high explosive. According to the report, one missile struck Workshop 38, described as the plant's primary production building containing machine tools, cranes, and assembly equipment. A second missile reportedly hit Workshop 2, while a third impacted another workshop whose function has not been publicly identified.   Production Impact Remains Unclear According to Hoffmann's analysis, the Titan-Barrikady facility plays an important role in Russia's missile industry. The report says the plant is involved in assembling launchers for the Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile and also contributes to Russian strategic missile programs, including the RS-24 Yars road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile. Hoffmann said damage to Workshop 38 and other affected buildings could potentially delay production if critical machine tools or specialized manufacturing equipment were destroyed. However, he emphasized that the currently available evidence does not support a confident battle damage assessment, making it difficult to determine the strike's long-term effect on Russian production. The report also notes that previous Ukrainian strikes against major Russian defense-industrial facilities have generally caused localized disruption rather than lasting production bottlenecks. As an example, Hoffmann pointed to Ukraine's earlier Flamingo strike on the Votkinsk missile production plant. According to the analysis, Russian ballistic missile launch activity declined for roughly two months after that attack before returning to previous levels. Hoffmann said the continued frequency of Russian ballistic missile attacks suggests overall production capacity may currently remain largely intact. Even so, he noted that if Ukraine is able to increase both the scale and frequency of Flamingo strikes against Russian industrial targets, the cumulative impact on Russia's defense industry could become more significant.   Ten Confirmed Flamingo Strikes Since 2025 Hoffmann's report identifies ten confirmed operational uses of the FP-5 Flamingo since the missile was first announced in August 2025, including the recent strike on Titan-Barrikady. He said the actual number is almost certainly higher because unsuccessful strikes often receive little or no open-source coverage or official confirmation. According to the analysis, the Titan-Barrikady attack marks the first confirmed case in which multiple Flamingo missiles clearly reached and struck within the intended target area. In most previously confirmed strikes, only one missile successfully hit its target. The report identifies the September 2025 strike on the Skif-M production plant as the main possible exception, where Ukraine may have achieved multiple hits. However, Hoffmann noted that the incident remains contested and has received limited public reporting.   Targeting Appears to Be Focusing on Missile Production The report also suggests that Ukraine's targeting priorities have evolved since the Flamingo entered service. Early Flamingo strikes targeted an FSB security outpost, a thermal power plant, and a munitions depot. More recent operations have focused on facilities linked to Russia's missile production base, including the Votkinsk, VNIIR-Progress, and Titan-Barrikady plants. According to Hoffmann, this trend suggests the Flamingo's primary operational role is increasingly centered on disrupting Russia's missile manufacturing capability. He also noted that Ukraine appears to rely mainly on long-range drones rather than Flamingo missiles for strikes against Russian oil and gas infrastructure.   Production Capacity and Accuracy Still Raise Questions Despite what Hoffmann describes as encouraging operational progress, the report says several uncertainties remain. Available data indicates Ukraine has launched no more than six Flamingo missiles in a single strike, while the three most recent confirmed attacks reportedly involved five missiles each. Hoffmann said these relatively small salvo sizes do not match manufacturer FirePoint's earlier claim that it could produce three missiles per day, suggesting actual production remains below the company's stated ambitions. The report also notes that confirmed Flamingo strikes have occurred on average every 4.5 weeks since August 2025. The last four confirmed attacks averaged approximately 3.5 weeks apart, while the most recent three took place within an eight-week period. According to Hoffmann, it remains unclear whether this reflects higher production capacity, reduced Russian air defense effectiveness, improved strike success, or a combination of those factors. Another question highlighted in the report concerns engine availability. Hoffmann said the current missile reportedly uses repurposed AI-25TL turbofan engines, but it remains unclear how many are still available for production. While FirePoint is reportedly establishing an in-house engine production facility, open-source information has not confirmed how far that effort has progressed. The report also identifies accuracy as an area requiring further improvement. Hoffmann said that in two of the last four confirmed Flamingo operations, the missiles reached the target area but failed to inflict significant damage because they likely missed their intended aimpoints. According to the analysis, future improvements could come through better guidance and sensor systems that reduce circular error probable (CEP) or through increased production, allowing Ukraine to launch larger missile volleys and improve the probability of hitting intended targets.   Hoffmann's Overall Assessment While emphasizing that available evidence remains limited, Hoffmann concludes that the FP-5 Flamingo's recent operational record suggests the gap between the manufacturer's claims and the missile's actual battlefield performance may be narrowing. He describes the FP-5 Flamingo as Ukraine's most promising heavy cruise missile program currently in service and says it could become an increasingly important capability if Kyiv seeks to place larger Russian defense-industrial facilities and military supply chains under sustained pressure through long-range precision strikes.   Source: Missile Matters — with Fabian Hoffmann

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-11 12:39:45

 Europe 

BRUSSELS, Belgium —  The European Commission and MBDA have advanced the European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor System (HYDIS) program after the successful completion of the project's Final Concept Review on July 10, marking a significant milestone in Europe's effort to develop a future interceptor capable of countering hypersonic and advanced ballistic missile threats. Following the review, the four participating nations—France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands—selected a single interceptor concept, known as AQUILA, from two concepts that had been evaluated during the earlier Initial Concept Review. The decision allows the MBDA-led consortium to focus its work on refining AQUILA through the remainder of the three-year Concept Phase, which is scheduled to conclude in May 2027. The HYDIS program is intended to develop a European endo-atmospheric interceptor designed to counter hypersonic and ballistic threats while integrating with existing air and missile defense networks.    Source: mbda-systems AQUILA Selected as the Preferred Interceptor Concept Over the past several months, the HYDIS consortium, led by MBDA, has carried out detailed work on solid rocket motor-based interceptor concepts with support from industrial partners, research organizations, academic institutions, and technology companies. The project team conducted extensive performance assessments using simulations that modeled different stages of the interceptor's flight. These studies evaluated interception capability, flight performance, and the system's ability to provide area protection against high-speed threats. The selected AQUILA concept combines technologies developed by several European defense companies. Italian propulsion specialist AVIO is responsible for the interceptor's solid rocket motor architecture, while ArianeGroup and ROXEL are developing the final-stage control mechanism. LYNRED is supplying the terminal infrared (IR) sensor used during the final engagement phase. MBDA is integrating these technologies into a complete interceptor system while drawing on experience gained from the ASTER family of air and missile defense interceptors.   Integration with Existing Air Defense Systems Alongside interceptor development, the consortium has continued work on integrating AQUILA into wider air and missile defense architectures. Thales Netherlands has provided updated performance data for both naval and ground-based sensor systems, supporting the interceptor's integration into future defense networks. Meanwhile, GKN Fokker has advanced studies on compatibility with the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (Mk 41 VLS), one of the most widely used naval missile launch systems. According to the consortium, AQUILA is being developed as a dedicated counter-hypersonic interceptor capable of operating alongside existing naval and land-based air defense systems.   Technical Review Completed The technical studies completed during the concept phase were examined over a six-week review period by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and representatives from France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The review process included technical discussions and a convergence week during which the participating nations and the consortium addressed outstanding questions before presenting the final results to the HYDIS Steering Committee on July 10. The successful completion of the Final Concept Review formally confirmed AQUILA as the concept that will move forward into the final stage of the current development phase.   €140 Million European Defence Project HYDIS, officially contracted as HYDIS² in May 2024, has a total budget of approximately €140 million. The project receives €80 million in co-funding from the European Union through the European Defence Fund (EDF), while the participating member states provide the remaining funding. OCCAR serves as the Contracting Authority, managing the program on behalf of the European Commission and the participating countries. The consortium includes 19 industrial partners and more than 30 subcontractors from 14 European countries, bringing together expertise in propulsion, guidance, aerodynamics, sensors, weapon integration, and missile technologies. Major participants include MBDA, AVIO, ArianeGroup, ROXEL, LYNRED, ONERA, Bayern Chemie, TDW, DLR, OHB System, C.I.R.A., GKN Fokker, Thales Netherlands, and TNO.   Competition with Europe's HYDEF Program HYDIS is one of two major European initiatives focused on developing future hypersonic defense interceptors. Its primary competitor is the HYDEF (Hypersonic Defence Interceptor) program, led by Spain's SMS with technical architecture developed by Germany's Diehl Defence. While MBDA's AQUILA concept builds on experience gained from the ASTER interceptor family, the HYDEF program draws on technologies associated with Diehl Defence's IRIS-T air defense systems. Both projects are preparing for future pre-development activities, with the European Defence Fund expected to support the selection of a single architecture for Europe's future endo-atmospheric hypersonic interceptor capability.   Next Phase Through 2027 With AQUILA now selected, the MBDA-led consortium will concentrate its efforts on refining the interceptor's design until the completion of the Concept Phase in May 2027. The work will focus on strengthening the technical foundation required for future manufacturing and development phases while supporting Europe's long-term objective of establishing an indigenous capability to defend against emerging hypersonic and advanced ballistic missile threats through a collaborative multinational program.

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-11 11:01:59

 Europe 

BERLIN — Germany has awarded a contract to MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition to develop a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy, marking a major step in the country's efforts to strengthen its future naval defense capabilities with directed-energy technology. Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed the contract on July 9, 2026, with the High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator Working Group (ARGE HEL). The ARGE HEL consists of MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition, with the two companies currently establishing a joint venture to carry out the program. The laser weapon system is expected to become operational by 2029. The contract is valued in the mid three-digit million-euro range and covers the development of a complete maritime laser weapon system, including the entire operational chain from reconnaissance and target tracking to engagement. According to the companies, the joint venture will place particular emphasis on German supply chains and domestic systems expertise during development to help secure Germany's national sovereignty in this key technology.   Complete System for the German Navy The laser weapon system is being developed to meet the operational requirements of the Bundeswehr and strengthen the German Navy's defense capabilities against airborne, maritime, and land-based targets. Roman Koehne, Head of Rheinmetall's Weapon and Ammunition Division, said the project demonstrates the technological maturity achieved by combining the complementary capabilities of Rheinmetall and MBDA into a complete system. He said the laser weapon system will provide significantly greater protection for personnel deployed aboard German naval vessels, particularly against drone threats. Koehne added that series production will largely take place in Germany, creating new training and employment opportunities.   Demonstrator Successfully Completed Extensive Trials The development program builds on the successful High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator jointly developed by MBDA and Rheinmetall. In March 2026, the demonstrator repeatedly showcased its capabilities to senior German military delegations at the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen. Before those demonstrations, the system had already spent more than one year aboard the German Navy frigate SACHSEN, covering approximately 28,000 nautical miles across the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean Sea while demonstrating its effectiveness under operational conditions, including adverse weather. During more than a year of testing and operational use at sea and at WTD 91, the demonstrator successfully fired more than 1,000 shots against airborne, maritime, and land-based targets while also completing numerous target-tracking activities.   Precision Laser Technology According to Rheinmetall, the system's refined beam quality and tracking capability allow the laser power to be focused with extreme precision, including against moving targets. The laser can concentrate its energy onto an area measuring just a few centimetres, creating a very high energy density that enables targets to be engaged more quickly, more precisely, and more effectively while using less laser power. Rheinmetall is responsible for the laser weapon station, beam guidance system, cooling system, and the integration of the complete system into its containerized platform.   Domestic Production and Future Applications The companies said series production will largely take place in Germany, supporting domestic supply chains while strengthening national expertise in directed-energy technology. Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland and Executive Vice President Strategy & Future Growth at MBDA, said the laser weapon system is a flagship technology project designed specifically to meet the Bundeswehr's operational requirements. He said the system will significantly strengthen the German Navy's defense capabilities against airborne, maritime, and land-based targets. He also noted that the containerized laser effector could provide a cost-efficient solution for port security as well as other stationary and mobile land-based applications.   Operational Goal by 2029 MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall have been cooperating on high-energy laser technology for several years, and the new contract moves the program from the demonstrator phase toward an operational capability. With development now underway, the German Navy is expected to receive the high-energy laser weapon system by 2029, providing a new directed-energy capability for maritime operations while supporting Germany's domestic defense industrial base.     Source: rheinmetall

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-10 12:06:24

 Europe 

Saint-Louis, France — The French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis (ISL) has successfully conducted the first outdoor firing test of its domestically developed electromagnetic railgun. The test took place on June 29, 2026, at the institute's proving ground in Baldersheim, France, marking an important step in moving the technology from laboratory research to open-range testing. The firing was carried out under ISL's Railgun Free Flight Facility programme, which was launched two years ago to advance electromagnetic launcher research beyond controlled laboratory conditions. The programme brings together specialists from different scientific fields within the institute to support the development and testing of the technology. A railgun uses electrical energy, rather than chemical propellants, to accelerate a projectile along two parallel rails. Conducting tests in an open-range environment allows researchers to study projectile performance and flight behaviour under conditions that are closer to real-world use than laboratory experiments. According to ISL, the new facility enables gradual increases in launch energy across multiple firing tests, studies of projectile behaviour over longer distances, research on launcher integration, and the development of munitions specifically designed for electromagnetic launch. These capabilities represent the next stage in the institute's long-running electromagnetic acceleration research. The railgun is designed to propel projectiles using electricity, eliminating the need for propellant powder. According to ISL, the system is designed to achieve a muzzle velocity of more than 2,000 metres per second (m/s) while offering the potential for lower mission costs compared with conventional gun systems. ISL also highlighted several potential operational advantages of the technology, including an extended firing range of more than 200 kilometres, reduced flight time that could improve air defence response, enhanced lethality due to the projectile's high impact speed, and increased ammunition storage capacity because the system does not require propellant charges. ISL has been conducting research on electromagnetic launchers for decades, with previous work focused on laboratory-scale testing. The new outdoor facility expands those capabilities and strengthens European research in advanced electromagnetic launcher technology. The technology has attracted long-term interest for possible future defence applications, including countering hypersonic threats. However, ISL said significant additional research, higher-energy testing, system integration, and qualification will be required before the technology could be considered for operational use. ISL is a joint French-German defence research institute funded by the French Agency for Defence Innovation (AID) and the German Ministry of Defence. The institute plans to continue testing by increasing energy levels, extending firing distances, and carrying out further integration studies as part of its long-term research programme. Source: navalnews / defense.gouv.fr

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-09 16:04:39

 Europe 

LONDON — The United Kingdom has successfully completed the world's first extracted-load airdrop of an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) from a military transport aircraft, demonstrating a new method of rapidly deploying autonomous maritime systems directly into operational waters. The trials were conducted over the North Sea by the Royal Navy in partnership with British maritime autonomy company Kraken Technology Group and aerial delivery specialist Capewell under the Royal Navy's Project Beehive. During the six-day trial campaign, a Project Beehive-configured K3 SCOUT USV was successfully deployed four times from an Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft flying at an altitude of 1,300 feet. The vessel was dropped into Sea State 4 conditions, where waves can reach up to approximately 2.5 metres (8 feet), and successfully transitioned into operational mode after entering the water. The demonstration validated a new capability that allows autonomous maritime systems to be deployed directly into contested or difficult-to-access waters without relying on nearby ports, naval vessels, or other supporting infrastructure.   New Aerial Delivery System Validated For the trials, the K3 SCOUT was equipped with Kraken Technology Group's optional airdrop kit and mounted on Capewell's Universal Maritime Craft Aerial Delivery System (UMCADS), a reconfigurable Type V parachute-based platform designed to deliver maritime craft into military operating areas. The extracted-load process involves pushing the USV, mounted on the UMCADS platform, from the aircraft's cargo bay before parachutes slow its descent into the sea. The campaign also successfully tested the new electro-mechanical IN-Release system, which synchronizes the separation of the delivery platform and the vessel immediately before water entry. According to the companies, the configurable mechanism can support a range of aerial and maritime deployment applications. The trials demonstrated that the K3 SCOUT could withstand the impact of the airdrop, remain operational in rough sea conditions, and begin its mission shortly after landing in the water.   Supporting Rapid Maritime Operations The new deployment method provides military forces with the ability to position autonomous surface vessels hundreds of miles from friendly bases using strategic airlift aircraft such as the Airbus A400M. According to the Royal Navy, this capability offers commanders an additional option for rapidly deploying uncrewed systems in areas where conventional naval access may be delayed, denied, or considered too high risk. Potential missions include intelligence gathering, surveillance, force protection, and precision strike operations. Captain Adam Ballard, who is involved with Project Beehive, said the capability represents a change in how maritime power can be deployed. While navies have traditionally launched air power from ships, he noted that autonomous maritime capability can now also be delivered directly from the air.   Project Beehive and the Hybrid Navy The trials form part of the Royal Navy's Project Beehive, which is supporting the integration of autonomous systems into the UK's future "Hybrid Navy" concept that combines crewed and uncrewed platforms within the Surface Flotilla. Earlier this year, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded Kraken Technology Group a £12.3 million contract to deliver 20 K3 SCOUT uncrewed surface vessels over a 12-month period. The vessels will support operational deployments, tactical development, and training activities.   K3 SCOUT Specifications The K3 SCOUT is an approximately 8.4-metre composite-hulled autonomous surface vessel featuring a low-signature design. It has a maximum speed of 55 knots, can carry payloads of up to 600 kilograms, and offers an endurance of up to 30 days, depending on mission requirements. The platform is designed for missions including surveillance, reconnaissance, force protection, precision strike, and casualty evacuation.   Company Expansion The successful trials come as Kraken Technology Group continues to expand its operations. Founded in 2020 by Mal Crease, the company recently completed a $175 million Series B funding round backed by investors including the NATO Innovation Fund and the British Business Bank. According to the company, the investment values Kraken at more than $1 billion and will support international manufacturing expansion and the further development of its autonomous platforms. Commenting on the trials, Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, said the partnership with Capewell and the Royal Navy demonstrated that the K3 SCOUT could be rapidly deployed from a military transport aircraft into contested or difficult-to-access waters ready for operation. He added that the company will continue working with its partners to develop modular autonomous systems for future operational requirements. Mark Lavender, Director of Business Development and Training at Capewell, said the campaign validated the integration of the K3 SCOUT with the UMCADS platform and demonstrated the flexibility of the delivery system. He noted that the team completed four live airdrops in six working days using the same boat and delivery platform, highlighting the system's ability to support different mission requirements. The successful demonstration marks a practical step in expanding the Royal Navy's ability to deploy autonomous maritime systems rapidly from the air while reducing dependence on conventional naval deployment methods.   Source: navylookout

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-09 14:48:45

 Europe 

ZAKYNTHOS, Greece —  A Hellenic Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon made a successful emergency belly landing at Zakynthos International Airport on Thursday after experiencing a technical malfunction during a routine training flight. The pilot was uninjured and exited the aircraft safely. The aircraft belonged to the 335th Squadron of the 116th Combat Wing and had taken off from Araxos Air Base in the northwestern Peloponnese for a scheduled training mission. During the flight, the pilot reported an unspecified technical problem and diverted the aircraft to Zakynthos International Airport, located about 100 kilometers south of Araxos. According to the Hellenic Air Force, the emergency landing took place at around 1:45 p.m. local time. Initial reports suggested a possible engine fire or fuel leak, but visual evidence indicated that the aircraft's landing gear failed to deploy, forcing the pilot to carry out a wheels-up belly landing. The F-16 landed directly on its fuselage and slid along the runway. Friction between the aircraft and the runway caused a fire beneath the fuselage. Airport firefighters, who had been positioned along the runway in preparation for the emergency, responded immediately and used water and firefighting foam to extinguish the flames within seconds. The rapid response prevented the fire from spreading to the fuel tanks or causing further structural damage. The pilot did not use the ejection seat and left the aircraft normally after it came to a stop. Hellenic Air Force spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Konstantinos Gravalos confirmed that the pilot was "in good health." The incident led to the temporary closure of Zakynthos International Airport, which operates a single runway. Emergency crews secured the area and removed the damaged aircraft before flight operations resumed. The closure disrupted commercial air traffic, with several incoming flights, including services operated by British Airways, TUI, and easyJet, diverted to airports in Athens, Corfu, and Thessaloniki, while some departing flights were delayed. The Hellenic Air Force has launched an official investigation to determine the cause of the mechanical failure. The F-16 Fighting Falcon remains one of the main combat aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force. Greece operates one of the largest F-16 fleets in Europe and has continued to modernize the aircraft through upgrade programs to maintain its operational capabilities.     Source: OSINTdefender

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-09 14:41:36

 Europe 

BERLIN — Germany has finalized an agreement with the United States to purchase Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles and Typhon ground-based launchers, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Thursday, marking a significant step in strengthening the country's long-range defense capabilities. Merz said the agreement was concluded with the U.S. government during bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of this week's NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Addressing lawmakers in the Bundestag, he said the discussions with U.S. officials on Tuesday and Wednesday had exceeded his expectations. "We are closing a critical strategic gap in our defence, while simultaneously working to develop our own European systems and station them in Europe," Merz told lawmakers.   Germany to Station Tomahawk Missiles on Its Own Territory Under the agreement, Germany will station the Tomahawk missile systems on German territory. The acquisition marks a change in Germany's defense approach, shifting from relying on planned U.S. deployments toward building its own long-range strike capability. The procurement follows changes to an earlier plan announced in 2024 under which the United States intended to temporarily deploy a battalion equipped with Tomahawk missiles in Germany beginning in 2026. That plan was largely abandoned after U.S. President Donald Trump announced in May that the United States would reduce its military presence in Germany. Instead of relying on a U.S.-operated deployment, Germany has now chosen to purchase the systems directly. According to German government sources, Washington signed a letter of intent on Tuesday committing to approve Germany's procurement of the Tomahawk missiles and Typhon launchers in August. The number of missiles and launchers to be acquired has not been disclosed because the information is classified.   Typhon Launchers Provide Ground-Based Capability The Tomahawk missiles will be paired with the Typhon launcher system, a mobile ground-based platform capable of launching both Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 missiles. The acquisition will provide Germany with a ground-based long-range strike capability that currently does not exist elsewhere in Europe. While the United Kingdom operates Tomahawk missiles launched from submarines and France fields sea-based long-range cruise missiles while developing a ground-based version, no European country currently operates a comparable ground-based Tomahawk system.   Longer Range Than Germany's Taurus Missile Germany currently manufactures the Taurus cruise missile, which has an operational range of approximately 500 kilometers (311 miles). The U.S.-made Tomahawk has a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, providing Germany with a strike capability roughly three to five times greater than that of the Taurus. German officials consider the Tomahawk and Typhon combination an interim capability while Europe develops its own next-generation long-range weapons.   Part of Broader European Defense Plans Merz said Germany has significantly increased defense spending since the start of the war in Ukraine, with €124 billion allocated for defense in 2026. At the same time, Germany continues to invest in developing an independent European long-range strike capability. Berlin is working with the United Kingdom and other partners through the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) initiative, which aims to develop a European cruise missile with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers. The planned U.S. purchase is expected to provide Germany with an immediate long-range strike capability while European partners continue development of indigenous systems. The agreement also aligns with the U.S. administration's policy of encouraging European NATO members to strengthen their own defense capabilities, including through the purchase of American military equipment. The final U.S. approval for the sale is expected in August, while details of the procurement remain classified.   Source: Reuters

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-09 12:42:15

 Europe 

ANKARA, Turkey — The United Kingdom has announced a new multinational initiative to develop advanced long-range precision strike weapons, with around a dozen NATO allies expected to invest more than $50 billion (£37 billion) over the next decade. The announcement was made ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, where European leaders are meeting to discuss the alliance's future defence priorities. The programme, known as the Deep Precision Strike (DPS) initiative, aims to strengthen NATO's long-range strike capabilities by developing a new family of precision weapons capable of engaging targets deep behind enemy lines. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is leading discussions on the project with European allies at the summit.   Long-Range Strike Capability According to the UK government, the Deep Precision Strike programme will initially focus on ground-launched weapons with a minimum range of 300 kilometres. Future variants, including stealth and hypersonic systems, are expected to exceed 2,000 kilometres while maintaining high levels of precision. The programme will later expand to include air-launched and sea-launched systems, providing NATO members with long-range strike capabilities across land, air and maritime domains. British officials said the initiative is intended to improve NATO's deterrence capability by developing weapons capable of targeting high-value military infrastructure and logistics networks at extended ranges.   UK Defence Investment The Deep Precision Strike initiative complements the UK's broader Defence Investment Plan, under which the government has allocated £3 billion by 2030 specifically for deep precision strike capabilities as part of its wider £300 billion defence investment programme. The UK is already pursuing several major missile development programmes that will form part of this broader capability.   UK-Germany Deep Precision Strike Programme The United Kingdom and Germany are jointly developing a new generation of stealth and hypersonic long-range weapons under the Trinity House Agreement, signed in 2024. The UK plans to invest approximately £770 million over the next four years in the programme. The weapons are expected to have ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometres and are planned to enter service during the 2030s.   Stratus Cruise Missile Programme Britain is also working with France and Italy on the Stratus programme, which will replace the Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missile. The UK government will invest £1.4 billion in the programme over the next four years. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the project will support more than 1,300 jobs at MBDA UK. Stratus will include two missile variants: Stratus LO – a subsonic low-observable stealth cruise missile. Stratus RS – a highly manoeuvrable supersonic missile designed to engage critical military infrastructure, enemy warships and air defence systems. The UK Ministry of Defence described Stratus as the successor to one of Britain's most battle-proven missile systems.   Stratus is the UK's trilateral programme with France and Italy to develop the successor of Storm Shadow — one of our most battle-proven missiles.The UK will put £1.4 billion into Stratus over the next four years. The project sustains more than 1,300 UK jobs at @MBDA_UK. pic.twitter.com/sSZrDl04I9 — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) July 8, 2026   Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) The UK is also joining the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) programme alongside the United States and Australia. Britain has committed £190 million (about $252 million) to the programme, which will equip the British Army with a supersonic ballistic missile capable of striking targets at ranges of up to 500 kilometres. Together, these programmes are expected to provide the UK with a family of long-range strike weapons deployable from land, sea and air.   Lessons from the Ukraine War British officials said the Deep Precision Strike initiative has been shaped by lessons from the war in Ukraine, where long-range precision strikes against logistics hubs, command centres and military infrastructure have played an important role in disrupting Russian operations. The UK and its European partners believe similar capabilities will be increasingly important in future conflicts and will strengthen NATO's overall deterrence posture.   Starmer Calls for a "Stronger, More European NATO" Speaking ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the initiative would help build a "stronger, more European NATO" by increasing cooperation on advanced defence technologies and expanding Europe's defence industrial base. He said the UK is already investing heavily in long-range strike capabilities and that cooperation with allied nations would accelerate technology development and industrial collaboration.   Security Environment The announcement comes as European NATO members increase defence cooperation amid continued concerns over Russia's military activities and ongoing calls from the United States for European allies to assume a greater share of the alliance's security responsibilities. According to the UK government, NATO fighter aircraft have intercepted Russian military aircraft more than 700 times near allied airspace during the past two years. The government also said Russian military activity around UK waters has increased by 30 percent. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the new capability would enable the UK and its allies to strike high-value military targets and critical logistics networks deep behind enemy lines, strengthening NATO's collective deterrence.   Defence Spending Targets The launch of the Deep Precision Strike initiative comes as NATO members continue working toward the alliance's defence spending goals. Following an agreement reached at last year's NATO summit, member states are aiming to spend 5 percent of GDP on defence and security by 2035, including an interim target of 3.5 percent of GDP for core defence spending. Starmer is expected to face questions during the summit regarding the UK's timetable for meeting that interim target.     Source: gov.uk

Read More → Posted on 2026-07-08 13:54:29