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Germany activates the Taurus Neo as a fast alternative to the American Typhon for deep strike

Fabrice Wolf
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Germany activates the Taurus Neo as a fast alternative to the American Typhon for deep strike

In Berlin, uncertainty surrounding the arrival of the American Typhoon missile system has reignited the debate about German long-range strike capabilities. New reports indicate that President Donald Trump's administration is considering withdrawing approximately 5,000 US troops stationed in Germany and has reportedly shelved a temporary deployment of Tomahawk and Standard Missile 6 missiles planned under Joe Biden. In Münster, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that this development reopens a capability gap. He reiterated that the Typhoon system was intended as a bridge and asserted that Berlin must now address this deficiency.

In July 2024, the Biden administration announced the temporary deployment in Germany of a U.S. Army cross-domain task force equipped with the Typhon system, also known as the Mid-Range Capability. This system launches Tomahawk cruise missiles and Standard Missile 6 interceptors from launch trailers to provide precision ground strike capability while awaiting European alternatives. Recent signals from Washington cast doubt on this prospect, according to these same reports, although no timetable or formal decision has been made public.

Following a major Bundeswehr exercise near Münster, Boris Pistorius described a situation without a definitive solution. He explained that the agreement reached at the time by Joe Biden and Chancellor Olaf Scholz was intended as a temporary bridge while awaiting European systems. He added that its potential abandonment would recreate a capability gap. "There are ideas, but no solution at the moment," he said. The Ministry of Defense clarified that no definitive cancellation of a US missile deployment had been notified.

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At the government's regular press conference in Berlin, State Secretary for Defense Kornelius Müller outlined a three-pronged approach to equipping Germany with a long-range strike capability. The first step involves modernizing stocks of Taurus cruise missiles and accelerating the development of their successor, the Taurus Neo, whose development was approved by the Bundestag's Budget Committee at the end of 2025. The second step involves acquiring off-the-shelf systems, with a formal request for Typhon launchers submitted to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in July 2025.

According to Kornelius Müller, this second option remains officially under consideration, without comment on a possible American response. In Berlin, however, the two proposed routes for acquiring Typhoon—via a US Army unit stationed in Germany or through a direct purchase for the Bundeswehr—are now considered dead ends. For the time being, the ministry is focusing on updating the national park. Müller stated that the Atlantic Alliance's defense plans incorporate allied contributions, thus limiting the short-term impact at the NATO level.

The Taurus, with a range of approximately 500 kilometers, forms the basis of this national response. Berlin has announced the modernization of its existing fleet and is preparing to resume development with the Taurus Neo program. Authorities present this project as the first available pillar, pending the benefits of a joint European effort. According to information released so far, the Taurus Neo aims for a significant increase in range and is not expected to appear until after 2030. No detailed timeline has been published, with officials citing dependence on industrial capacity and technological milestones.

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Trinity House seals a German-British axis around a 2,000 km strike and a combat drone
Signed in London on October 23, 2024 by Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defence, and John Healey, UK Secretary of State for Defence, the Trinity House Agreement, described as unprecedented by the British Ministry of Defence, places deep strike at the heart of a German-British agenda…

The third component, the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA), is being conducted with the United Kingdom. This program aims for strikes beyond two thousand kilometers, with an initial focus on land-based versions and possible future adaptations for air and sea. London has indicated entry into service during the 2030s. France has signaled its intention to join the initiative. When asked about the availability of ELSA capabilities before 2030, Kornelius Müller stated, "I can't say anything about a timeline," citing technological maturity and industrial availability.

In Münster, Boris Pistorius recalled that Germany, along with the United Kingdom, had launched European work on precision attack systems in 2023 and that France now wished to join the effort to accelerate development. He also reiterated the need for a transitional instrument, with the assistance of the United States or through other means, to quickly fill the capability gap. "We need to see how we can compensate for this," he insisted, while awaiting clarification from the United States, which had not yet been confirmed.

On the Allied front, Kornelius Müller sought to downplay the operational risks. He stated that the Atlantic Alliance's joint planning took into account each nation's contributions, indicating that Germany's precision strike capability alone did not determine Europe's deterrence and defense. "It is not only Germany's precision strike capabilities that determine Europe's deterrence and defense capabilities," he asserted, while uncertainty remained surrounding Operation Typhoon.

The regional context remains tense. Moscow deployed Iskander ballistic missiles in the Kaliningrad enclave in 2018, extending its strike range to the immediate vicinity of the European Union's borders. In parallel with German efforts, France has allocated one billion euros to initiate the development of a land-based ballistic missile with a range of approximately 2,500 kilometers, with a stated target of 2035 and an acceleration planned for around 2030. ArianeGroup has indicated it is exploring manufacturing options in Germany, confirming the emergence of European industrial options for long-range capabilities.

NGSW: The M7 carbine is being challenged as the US Army receives its first delivery of XM8 rifles

Fabrice Wolf
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NGSW: The M7 carbine is being challenged as the US Army receives its first delivery of XM8 rifles

Intended to replace the M4 in the U.S. Army, the M7 carbine is facing criticism as budgetary pressures and ammunition supply tensions force the Pentagon to reassess its priorities, according to Western media. In this context, some analyses suggest a possible review of the NGSW program, which governs infantry re-equipping. The New York Times further suggests that the high demand for ammunition could lead Washington to adjust its foreign policy posture, placing the most expensive programs under increased scrutiny.

The US Army launched the development of its next-generation squad weapon in 2018. In 2022, it selected SIG Sauer to supply more than 111,000 XM7 rifles, derived from the MCX-Spear, and approximately 13,000 infantry machine guns. The plan called for the gradual replacement of the M4 carbine, the M249 SAW light machine gun, and potentially some 7,62 x 51 mm M240 machine guns, as the new common caliber 6,8 x 51 mm was introduced into close combat units.

The choice of the M7 rifle and the 6,8 x 51 mm round, also designated .277 SIG FURY, was based on claimed superior performance in terms of power, trajectory, and range compared to the NATO 5,56 x 45 mm and 7,62 x 51 mm rounds. When paired with the XM157 digital sight, the M7 was presented as offering effective accuracy out to 500 meters. An officer at the US Army Infantry School asserted that this 6,8 mm round stops the enemy, highlighting the pursuit of improved penetration against modern body armor.

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In 2022, the US Army finally managed to choose a successor to the M4 assault rifle, which had been in service since the mid-80s. The German arms manufacturer SIG Sauer won the competition, worth over $5 billion, to supply more than 111,000 XM7 assault rifles, derived from its MCX-Spear model, as well as 13,000…

Several criticisms, however, concern the system's weight and signature. With a sound moderator and the XM157 fire control optic, the entire assembly weighs nearly 13 pounds, increasing the individual load. The 6,8 x 51 mm cartridge operates at very high chamber pressures, on the order of 80,000 psi, a factor that fuels concerns about potential wear and the complexity of unit support. These characteristics contribute to recurring questions about its long-term reliability under intensive use.

The M7's nominal magazine capacity is 20 rounds, compared to 30 for the M4. With the same number of magazines (seven), soldiers would thus go from 210 to 140 rounds. Officers note that this reduction mechanically affects the amount of ammunition immediately available to the soldier and necessitates more frequent reloading. Evaluation feedback also indicates that conclusions vary depending on the structure of the test scenarios, which fuels the debate about the suitability of this capability in sustained operations.

On April 29th in Washington, at the Modern Day Marine conference, Captain Braden Trent presented an academic paper criticizing the shift to the M7 rifle. He questions the system's effectiveness and reliability, cites risks of accelerated wear, and mentions increased complexity of use. He emphasizes the reduced combat range due to magazine capacity. According to his observations, the combined weight of the weapon, the mandatory optics, and the additional ammunition hinders infantry mobility during marches and in difficult terrain.

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The US Army suspends the IFPC-HEL system and revises its laser missile defense strategy
High-energy lasers are back in the spotlight following the March 9th decision reported by the Congressional Research Service. The US Army will no longer develop the 300-kilowatt system into an official program and is reducing the effort to a single prototype for testing in New Jersey and then at Dugway, Utah.

SIG Sauer and the US Army downplay these concerns, pointing out that the program has undergone extensive government testing. XM7 rifles have been introduced into units such as the 101st Airborne Division for operational evaluations. Program officials emphasize improvements in accuracy, range, and penetration compared to the M4A1. However, criticism persists regarding the weight difference and individual ammunition allowance, issues regularly raised by military personnel involved in the testing phases.

The switch to the 6,8 x 51 mm caliber breaks immediate interoperability with NATO allies who have remained on the 5,56 x 45 mm. A report by the French National Assembly had already expressed concern in 2020 about such a change in standard led by the United States. The Marine Corps, for its part, has retained the 5,56 mm M27 for its close combat units, while SIG Sauer stated in 2024 that it anticipated increased interest from allied partners in the 6,8 mm caliber. The extent of any potential convergence within the Alliance remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, the US Army announced last week that it had received its first shipment of XM8 carbines, a shorter and lighter version of the new rifle, according to a press release. The service had indicated in December its decision to acquire the system after months of testing. Chambered in 6,8 mm and equipped with a piston-driven system, the XM8 features ambidextrous controls similar to those of the M4A1, a suppressor, a non-reciprocating side charging handle, a retractable stock, and a free-floating M-LOK handguard developed by Magpul, following soldier touchpoints conducted in 2025.

Western media outlets link these technical debates to the strategic context. According to them, the wars in Iran and Ukraine are forcing the Pentagon to reassess its priorities. The New York Times anticipates that a surge in demand for munitions could necessitate adjustments to the US military presence, including local troop reductions. Within this framework, the NGSW (Nuclear Power Station) appears among the programs likely to be re-evaluated, or even delayed or scaled back, if these supply and budgetary constraints persist.

The Geran drone armed with the R-60 air-to-air missile enters mass production in Russia

Fabrice Wolf
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0
The Geran drone armed with the R-60 air-to-air missile enters mass production in Russia

Russia has moved to mass production of a redesigned version of the Shahed long-range drone, intended to carry the R-60 air-to-air missile. This development puts an end to the improvised configurations observed in recent months and introduces a design intended for air interception. It comes as nighttime strikes using Shahed drones against Ukraine continue and Ukrainian crews are working to intercept these munitions. The shift to an industrialized solution alters the balance between operational effectiveness and the vulnerabilities observed in the initial adaptations.

Initial attempts involved mounting an R-60 missile on a rail atop the nose of a standard Shahed drone, with makeshift wiring. On February 18, Ukrainian analyst Serhii Flash Beskrestnov first reported that an R-60 had been detected on a Shahed, with video evidence circulating online. On another aircraft examined by the 412th Unmanned Systems Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the missile had not been fired and bore a manufacturing marking of 2025.

A new variant of the Geran-2, the Russian name for the Shahed-136, manufactured at the Alabuga plant in Russia, has since been neutralized by Ukrainian fighters. Images circulating in specialized communities show a redesigned integration. The R-60 launcher is now housed in a dedicated receptacle within the fuselage, and the configuration no longer includes a conventional warhead. This architecture departs from previously seen rail-based solutions and confirms the transition to a version specifically designed for the interceptor role.

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The recessed mounting reduces aerodynamic drag caused by external pylons, which hampered the range of improvised versions, and can improve stability by limiting the influence of the missile's surface area and the shift in its center of mass. At the end of March, a prototype in a semi-recessed configuration had already been observed, foreshadowing this cleaner integration. The continuity between these observations and the neutralized variant supports the idea of ​​a rapid progression from experimentation to a reproducible standard.

This redesign, however, necessitates significant structural work. To optimize the launcher's volume, the engineers in Alabama likely modified the central wing section and relocated some fuel tanks. Such changes are not simply field adaptations and require dedicated resources for development and testing. The transition to series production thus signals a coordinated industrial organization and centralized planning, elements poorly suited to ad-hoc and heterogeneous assembly.

The R-60 air-to-air missile has a claimed range of approximately 7 to 8 kilometers and an infrared seeker with a field of view that varies, depending on the version, between about 24 and 34 degrees. These parameters limit engagements to close-range targets or those requiring precise guidance. As the Shahed is a slow and inefficient platform, not designed for air combat, the impact of integrating the R-60 on its terminal stability remains undocumented at this stage.

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Developed in the 80s based on the R-33 (AA-9 Amos) heavy missile, the R-37 (AA-13 Axehead) heavy air-to-air missile, which led to the R-37M design, was intended to give aircraft lacking the powerful radar of the MiG-31 the ability to engage long-range aerial targets. To achieve this,…

The absence of an explosive warhead on the new configuration refocuses the mission on interception. According to the information released, Russia is seeking to convert part of its Shahed fleet into drones capable of targeting Ukrainian helicopters, light aircraft, and platforms dedicated to hunting Shahed drones, such as the An-28 used for these patrols. This choice confirms a specialization that moves away from the traditional use of striking fixed targets and prioritizes the neutralization of short-range aerial threats.

Evidence suggests that designers are counting on stable data links and enhanced control, perhaps even autonomous capabilities supported by embedded algorithms. Such a step forward would require adding sensors, computers, and additional communication systems to the drones, increasing their electronic and software complexity. Developing these components necessitates flight testing and standardization of the interfaces between the Shahed platform and the missile system.

Alongside this work, other modifications have been reported. Images shared by Serhii Flash Beskrestnov showed Shahed aircraft carrying a 9K333 Verba man-portable missile, and a Shahed shot down on January 4 by Ukrainian forces already featured a reinforced platform. On March 10, the 412th Unmanned Systems Brigade reported destroying a Geran-2 carrying two FPV drones under its wings in Ukrainian airspace, without detailing the interception method.

Finally, evidence of a passive homing radar search capability attributed to the Shahed-136 was discovered in late March on a Ukrainian military auction site. An antenna module associated with the Lyra-VM system, identified as belonging to the Russian national radar identification system, was offered for sale there. The use of four directional antennas would allow for autonomous tracking of emission sources. In this context, the armed interceptor variant of the R-60 is part of a series of developments that diversify the Geran-2's role.

The United Arab Emirates has ordered 10 C-390 Millennium aircraft from Brazil's Embraer, with an option for 10 more.

Fabrice Wolf
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The United Arab Emirates has ordered 10 C-390 Millennium aircraft from Brazil's Embraer, with an option for 10 more.

On May 4, 2026, the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, the UAE's defense procurement and partnership body, announced it had placed a firm order for 10 C-390 Millennium aircraft with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer for the UAE Air Force and Air Defense. The agreement includes an option for 10 additional aircraft, potentially bringing the order to 20 if exercised. The financial value was not disclosed. Embraer described this decision as a major milestone for its multi-mission transport aircraft.

The announcement was made in Abu Dhabi, during the Make It In The Emirates event. UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan hailed the agreement as the largest international contract ever for the C-390 Millennium, highlighting its enhanced operational readiness for the air force with advanced, multi-mission capabilities. The information released indicates a notification with options, but no delivery schedule has been specified at this stage.

Embraer announced that the United Arab Emirates has become the first Middle Eastern country to contract for the C-390 and that this is the largest single-country export order for this model. According to the manufacturer, the selection followed an operational evaluation campaign conducted in the UAE. The UAE Air Force and Air Defense selected the aircraft as the platform best suited to their requirements, taking into account operational effectiveness and lifecycle costs.

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The C-390 Millennium, powered by two IAE V2500 turbofan engines, is advertised as being capable of carrying between 20 and 25 tons of cargo over approximately 2,815 kilometers, with a maximum cruising speed of around 850 kilometers per hour. The aircraft covers tactical transport, airdrop, medical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance missions. According to Embraer, it can perform in-flight refueling, operate from minimally prepared runways, and ensure interoperability with allied and partner forces.

The contract includes an industrial partnership. Embraer and the Emirati company Generation 5 Holding have signed an exclusive strategic partnership agreement to advance the C-390 program in the United Arab Emirates. In parallel, the parties announced the local development of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, as well as after-sales support services, in cooperation with an Emirati company. The details of the implementation and the timeline for ramping up these capabilities have not been publicly disclosed.

This order is part of the United Arab Emirates' stated strategy, which emphasizes self-sufficiency and the development of indigenous defense capabilities. The combination of a new fleet and a local support system should allow for the structuring of maintenance and operational readiness within the territory. If the option is exercised, the fleet could reach 20 C-390s, significantly increasing tactical transport and rapid deployment capabilities, although no timeline has yet been announced.

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Embraer had recently been conducting numerous demonstration campaigns for its KC-390 Millennium. In late March 2026, the manufacturer reported on a cold-weather campaign at the Vidsel test site in Sweden. The crew demonstrated the rapid start-up of the engines and systems after prolonged exposure to very low temperatures, as well as short takeoffs and landings on runways covered in snow and ice. Embraer Defense and Security executive Bosco da Costa Junior emphasized the aircraft's versatility in these conditions.

The Swedish trials included operations in reduced visibility and maneuvers on slippery surfaces. Embraer stated that it simulated the autonomous loading and distribution of heavy vehicles, including the SISU GTT all-terrain vehicle, while preserving cabin space for troops and equipment. The manufacturer specified that the campaign aimed to demonstrate the aircraft's ability to support the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, geared towards dispersed and reactive deployments from austere airfields.

Internationally, Embraer also completed a 70-day round-the-world tour that began at the Singapore Airshow in late January. The campaign comprised 54 flights, totaling approximately 140 flight hours and 47,000 nautical miles, with stops in 11 countries, including Poland, Sweden, and the United States, before concluding at FIDAE in Chile. The manufacturer reported a 100 percent mission success rate and demonstrations conducted in environments ranging from the Arctic to tropical Asia.

According to official statements, all of these demonstration and testing activities are part of the C-390 program's maturation process. For the UAE market, Tawazun confirmed a combination of a firm order and an option, while Embraer highlighted its exclusive partnership with Generation 5 Holding and the announced development of local support capabilities. No financial details or delivery schedule have been released by either party at this stage.

Tank production Leopard 2A8 at Levanger for the Norwegian Army has begun

Fabrice Wolf
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Tank production Leopard 2A8 at Levanger for the Norwegian Army has begun

On May 4, 2026, KNDS and the Norwegian company RITEK inaugurated a new facility in Levanger dedicated to the production and testing of the main battle tank Leopard 2A8 is destined for the Norwegian Army. According to the announced schedule, the Levanger line is expected to begin operations in the fall of 2026. This opening comes just days after the official delivery, on April 30, of the first two Leopard 2A8NOR vehicles supplied by KNDS during the initial phase. This marks the industrial and capability launch of the Norwegian armored vehicle program, with a planned local ramp-up over subsequent batches.

The program covers fifty-four Leopard 2A8NO, with a target of full delivery by 2028. The contract was signed in February 2023 for the version Leopard 2A7NO, then modified to adopt the configuration Leopard 2A8NOR. The production schedule calls for seventeen units to be assembled in Germany by KNDS and thirty-seven produced in Norway. These tanks are intended to replace thirty-six Leopard 2A4 still in service. The industrial transfer rate and sequence were planned to accompany the arrival of the first vehicles before the opening of the Norwegian line.

The majority of production at Levanger reflects an industrial transfer to Norway focused on final assembly and acceptance testing. The first two units, delivered from Germany before the local start, establish a transition phase managed by KNDS, followed by a gradual handover to RITEK at the Norwegian site. This arrangement allows deliveries to begin while tooling, production lines, and testing procedures are being prepared in Levanger, ensuring a smooth ramp-up planned for the second half of 2026 and adherence to contractual milestones.

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The Levanger site is designed to produce up to thirty-six tanks per year. It includes specialized test tracks, notably a laser track, steep inclines, and a diving pool for evaluating mobility, systems, and obstacle crossing capabilities. These facilities allow production and dynamic testing activities to be grouped together in the same area, with resources adapted to the tank's characteristics. Leopard 2A8 and Norwegian Army acceptance requirements, in a configuration designed to support a steady flow of assemblies and validations.

The facility prioritizes sustainability as a core feature. Powered by a geothermal energy source, it was designed to support sustained production and testing activity while stabilizing the operating conditions of the workshops and test benches. This energy infrastructure aims to ensure long-term operational security and support the anticipated ramp-up in production at Levanger, with capacities compatible with planned production runs and the acceptance testing conducted for each vehicle at the end of the production line.

In terms of equipment, the Leopard The 2A8 tank destined for Norway is equipped with a Trophy active protection system in a configuration of four antennas and two countermeasures launchers. The fire control system is fully digital. The day and night sights for the tank commander and gunner have been improved. Optical and thermal panoramic observation systems enhance the crew's environmental awareness, providing increased target acquisition and tracking capabilities in varying conditions.

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The firepower is based on the 120mm Rh 120 L55A1 smoothbore gun. It allows the use of high-explosive programmable rounds as well as the latest kinetic energy munitions. The advertised range reaches approximately five kilometers against suitable targets. The entire package is geared towards the Leopard 2A8 towards improved fire efficiency and survivability, continuing the developments made since the Leopard 2A7 and in accordance with the needs expressed for the replacement of Leopard 2A4 in service.

The schedule calls for the completion of deliveries by 2028. This will require close coordination between the German and Norwegian production lines to meet the announced schedule. With a nominal capacity of thirty-six tanks per year, the Levanger facility could produce the planned batch of thirty-seven vehicles in just over a year at a steady production rate. This will depend on the industrialization stages, testing, and validations conducted on-site as local production reaches full capacity.

Switzerland suspends payments for the Patriot and mandates four manufacturers to develop alternatives under strict conditions.

Fabrice Wolf
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Switzerland suspends payments for the Patriot and mandates four manufacturers to develop alternatives under strict conditions.

Switzerland has suspended payments related to the purchase of Patriot air defense systems and, on May 4, tasked five manufacturers with submitting alternative proposals. According to the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, responses are expected by the end of the month, before a decision by the Federal Council. This move comes as Bern is now demanding legally binding delivery deadlines from the United States before any payments can resume. Defence Minister Martin Pfister indicated that the outright cancellation of the American order is among the scenarios being considered.

Signed in 2022, the Swiss contract covers five Patriot missile batteries comprising seventeen launchers, for an estimated $2,2 billion. The initial schedule called for deliveries between 2026 and 2028. In July 2025, US authorities officially shifted delivery priorities to the Ukrainian armed forces, pushing back the deadline by four to five years. The first deliveries are now not expected before 2030 or 2032. In the fall of 2025, the Department of Defense suspended payments, then in April 2026 imposed binding US deadlines as a condition for resuming financial flows.

For a time, the Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG system was identified as the preferred option to replace the Patriot. A formal request was submitted to the relevant manufacturers. However, they clarified that if Switzerland were to place an order today, the first unit could not be delivered until 2029. Production slots are already committed to other customers, including Ukraine, which limits the possibilities for accelerating the process. This prospect led Bern to re-examine the market beyond the Franco-Italian offer in order to broaden its decision-making options.

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The Federal Department of Defence has thus relaunched a broader consultation including Germany, Israel, and South Korea. The German manufacturer Diehl Defence is offering the IRIS-T SLX, which is slated for market entry starting in 2029. On the Israeli side, David's Sling offers greater ranges, up to approximately 300 kilometers according to public specifications. Seoul is highlighting the Cheongung II, credited with a range of approximately 40 to 50 kilometers, as well as the L-SAM, rated at 150 to 160 kilometers, both developed by the Hanwha conglomerate.

Armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office for Defence Procurement, has requested information from authorities in Germany, France, Israel, and South Korea. Bern's stated priorities include delivery times, costs, performance, and the proportion of production in Europe, ideally in Switzerland, according to Kaj-Gunnar Sievert. The preference for European origin was reaffirmed during the discussions, while remaining open to offers from outside Europe. Manufacturers are invited to specify firm timeframes and an industrial integration plan compatible with Swiss capabilities. Bern also mentioned the purchase of a second long-range surface-to-air missile system, preferably of European origin.

Contractually, Martin Pfister confirmed in early April that cancellation of the American order remained possible. In the event of a breakdown, the fate of the approximately 650 to 700 million francs already paid is not yet clear. According to information provided to Parliament, the mechanisms of the Foreign Military Sales program, which pools payments from purchasing states into a fund managed by Washington, reduce the buyers' financial flexibility. This situation has drawn criticism from several political groups.

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With Patriot deliveries to Europe postponed, will Switzerland have to look for an alternative?
In July 2025, in Bern, the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) announced the postponement of deliveries of the Patriot systems ordered in 2022, a consequence of the American decision to prioritize Ukraine. The Swiss Confederation had been counting on a gradual integration between 2026 and 2028 to equip its air defense with a credible capability. This decision…

The Federal Department of Defence also indicated in March that the announced four- to five-year postponement would entail significant additional costs. Official Robert Scheidegger clarified that the estimates now took into account US inflation. Swiss authorities described Washington's decision as requiring serious debate, emphasizing the importance of a credible timeline to preserve the program's viability. Several components of the Air 2030 program have recently been reported to be experiencing difficulties, increasing pressure for firm assurances regarding deliveries and the budget trajectory.

In this context, media coverage has intensified. The Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger questioned the procurement policy, asserting that the authorities were primarily seeking to utilize the allocated military budget, relying on a paradigm shift brought about by the war in Ukraine. The newspaper highlighted cost overruns, delays, and planning errors, citing the F-35, Patriot, and SIG Sauer P320 service pistol programs. These criticisms are fueling a public debate on capability priorities and program sequencing.

Bids from the five manufacturers are expected by the end of May. The Federal Council will then decide whether to maintain the Patriot contract or choose an alternative, based on the delivery commitments and costs presented. At this stage, in the absence of legally binding deadlines from the United States, a switch to another solution remains possible. Even with a swift decision, the initial deliveries planned for 2029 would maintain a risk of a capability gap before 2030, which the Department of Defense says it wants to mitigate by closely aligning the industrial schedule with the entry into service.

Of the 11 Iskander M SRBMs launched last night, Ukraine intercepted only one…

Fabrice Wolf
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0
Of the 11 Iskander M SRBMs launched last night, Ukraine intercepted only one…

The Ukrainian Air Force reported this morning a combined attack during the night of May 4-5, 2026. According to their report, the Russian military fired 11 Iskander M missiles. One was shot down by Ukrainian air defenses, while two are reported as "missing." The same report lists 164 drones launched. A total of 149 were reportedly neutralized, primarily through electronic warfare. The press service thus cites "just over 90%" of the neutralizations, a ratio consistent with previous reports on counter-drone operations.

According to the same report, eight ballistic missiles and 14 attack drones struck targets at 14 sites, while debris from downed objects fell at 10 locations. Two enemy ballistic missiles missed their targets, with further details still pending. During the night, explosions were reported in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv oblasts, as well as in the Kyiv, Poltava, and Cherkasy regions, according to local sources. The Air Force did not specify the affected installations in its morning report.

In Pavlograd, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, local public pages reported two impacts and a detonation. Pro-Russian channels claimed that a missile strike from the Iskander M tactical operational system had hit Ukrainian forces personnel and equipment being transported by rail, based on operational intelligence. These reports had not been independently verified at the time of publication. Ukrainian authorities had not released any casualty figures or details about the nature of the target, while on-the-ground investigations continued.

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In the Kyiv Oblast, projectiles designated as Geran were reported heading toward several targets. A fire was reported in Vyshhorod, north of the capital, where the Kyiv hydroelectric power station is located. There was no confirmation of a direct strike on the facility in the early morning. Projectiles designated as Geran were also reported in the Zaporizhzhia area, according to the same sources. The Air Force also reported debris falling at 10 sites, without specifying the locations. No official casualty figures have been released.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, an Iskander missile reportedly struck a site in an industrial area of ​​the city. According to reports in Russian media, this location served as a depot for Ukrainian military equipment, including weapons. These claims have not been independently verified. Other explosions were reported overnight in the Cherkasy and Sumy regions, as well as in the Poltava region, where a gas and condensate processing plant near Mashivka was reportedly struck, according to pro-Russian sources.

Ballistic missile interception results remained modest during this sequence, with Ukrainian defense officials confirming the destruction of one Iskander-M out of 11. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that the United States produces approximately 60 to 65 PAC-3 interceptor missiles per month for Patriot systems. He described this volume as "minimal." On February 24, Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov asserted that only Patriot systems can intercept these missiles and that multiple interceptors may be necessary to neutralize a target. This estimate has not been elaborated upon by Washington.

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The Geran-2 is evolving into a smart, versatile, and much more dangerous munition...
Imported in the hundreds from Iran in the summer of 2022 to compensate for the depletion of ballistic and cruise missiles in the Russian arsenal, the Shahed 136 attack drone, dubbed Geranium 2, or Geran-2, in Russia, has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the war…

The Ukrainian Air Defense Forces, on the other hand, possess a significant number of RAS-2 GEM-T surface-to-air missiles, an improved version of the Patriot PAC-2 designed for Germany and produced in part at Schrobbenhausen, Germany, which are primarily used against drones. These munitions are described as relatively ineffective against certain Russian missiles. The RAS-2 GEM-C variant, better suited to detecting and destroying low-altitude targets that are difficult to spot, has reportedly not been ordered by any European countries and was withdrawn from service in the United States long ago. These claims have not been confirmed by the relevant manufacturers.

On the drone front, the neutralization of 149 out of 164 drones relies largely on electronic warfare, according to the Air Force. Last week, Colonel Elizarov, Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, indicated that 170 out of 300 mobile fire group crews had not shot down a single drone in a year, and that 66 others had destroyed only 10. The General Staff attributed these results to the recent training of many crews and to support deemed still insufficient to improve their performance.

Recent incidents have illustrated the use of saturation strikes. On the night of April 3, Russian forces targeted critical Ukrainian infrastructure with a mix of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hundreds of drones launched from multiple directions, according to the Air Force. A total of 579 aerial threats were detected between the evening of April 2 and the morning of April 3. Ukrainian defenses intercepted or neutralized 541 targets, including 24 Kh-101s, the two previously announced Iskander-Ks, and a total of 515 drones of various types.

In this context, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces claimed responsibility for a precision drone strike on the night of April 28 against an Iskander missile system storage site in Crimea, near Ovrazhky, about 40 kilometers east of Simferopol. The facility, located on a former missile base, was reportedly being reused to conceal and store equipment intended for use against Ukraine. Kyiv presented the action as being designed to disrupt launches from this location, without specifying the extent of the damage inflicted on any Russian equipment potentially present at the site.

On February 24, Ukrainian analyst and officer Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov claimed on his Telegram channel that all ballistic missiles targeting Ukraine were manufactured in late 2025 and early 2026. According to him, approximately 60 Iskander missiles are produced each month, and these weapons primarily incorporate Russian components. These statements have not been corroborated by independent sources. However, they shed light on the timeline presented by Kyiv regarding recent strikes, particularly the sequences in which ballistic missiles penetrated Ukrainian defenses.

Counter-order: Beijing could sell 40 J-35As to Pakistan sooner than expected

Fabrice Wolf
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0
Counter-order: Beijing could sell 40 J-35As to Pakistan sooner than expected

According to sources in the People's Republic of China's aerospace sector and the China Aero-Technology Import-Export Corporation, Beijing is preparing to sell up to forty J-35A or J-35AE stealth fighters to Pakistan. At the beginning of 2025, official circles in Islamabad were already mentioning an agreement in progress for a similar number. This prospect would be the first export of a Chinese stealth aircraft. It quickly established the idea of ​​a regional capability shift, even though official signals have varied over the past few months and the contractual agreement has not been publicly confirmed.

At the Paris Air Show in 2025, the manufacturer AVIC displayed a full-scale mock-up of the J-35A, described as a land-based version intended for export. In September 2025, Chinese state media announced the J-35's entry into service with the Chinese Navy and Air Force. At the same time, no export contracts for the FC-31 or J-35A had been finalized by May 2025, while reports indicated possible deliveries to Pakistan by mid-2026, a timeframe disputed by other timelines.

After an initial confirmation of interest from Islamabad, the Pakistani Ministry of Defense subsequently dismissed reports of the J-35A purchase as mere media speculation. According to industry sources, the Chinese offer included a discount of approximately half the price and very flexible payment terms. This series of early announcements has fueled visible political effects in the regional debate, suggesting a stealthy Pakistani advance, even though no detailed contractual, industrial, or logistical milestones have yet been formalized.

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MetaDefense Article #7205
For the past few days, a rumor has been circulating on Chinese social media: the new J-35 fighter jet might be unveiled for the first time at the Zhuhai Airshow, to be held in mid-November. Clearly, the rumor was true, since the People's Liberation Army has…

Analysts indicate that Beijing has postponed any potential J-35A sales for three to four years. The priority given to initial production runs for the Chinese armed forces, a modest initial production rate, engine integration challenges, and concerns about technological protection are cited as reasons. The activation of the aircraft carrier Fujian in 2025, with filmed trials of the J-15T, J-35, and KJ-600, has also impacted the allocation of the first batches. Under these circumstances, rapid exports appear uncertain, despite the increased visibility given to the program by public presentations and successive statements.

Pakistan has an industrial base with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra, which has been producing the JF-17 since 2009, making it easier to support an aircraft designed in China. Faced with the aforementioned schedule slippages, the Pakistan Air Force has accelerated its ad hoc options. By early 2026, it was expected to enter the final approval phase for the acquisition of sixty to seventy additional J-10CEs. Twenty aircraft had been ordered in 2023 and deployed by May 2024, with sixteen more subsequently notified. The J-10CE, equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar and the PL-15E missile, has an estimated unit cost of between forty and fifty million dollars.

The air engagements of Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which resulted in the loss of several fighter jets and a detection and control aircraft, led Islamabad to reassess its posture. Refueling and surveillance platforms were relocated away from the Indian border to Pasni and Jacobabad to escape the range of the S-400 system. The Pakistani Air Force adopted more asymmetric tactics, relying on long-range strikes and network disruptions. This sequence of events underscored the urgency of capability announcements, prior to any actually executable procurement decisions.

For further :
Deprived of the J-35, Pakistan is once again turning to the J-10CE in the face of new Rafale india
In early 2026, Islamabad was expected to enter the final approval phase for the acquisition of 60 to 70 additional Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, to bolster the 20 aircraft ordered in 2023 and deployed against the Indian Air Force in May 2024, and the 16 additional aircraft already on order. Meanwhile, the 40 J-35As…

On the Indian side, reinforcement continues. A fourth S-400 squadron is expected around mid-2026, and the Indian Air Force is modernizing its Su-30MKIs as part of the Super Sukhoi program. The Virupaksha active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, developed by the Indian agency DRDO, uses gallium nitride components and comprises more than 2,400 transmit/receive modules. It is paired with the Astra Mk3 air-propulsion missile, which has a range of 300 to 350 kilometers, and a remote illumination firing capability via a network of sensors and secure data links.

In the regional information landscape, a recent investigation by The Dissent describes Pakistan-linked networks amplifying unconfirmed claims, such as the idea that Bangladesh is preparing to acquire JF-17s. The report mentions the use of AI-generated content and initial dissemination on the X platform, then on local pages, until it gains apparent traction. These practices transform preliminary indications into perceived certainties, without official validation, and contribute to creating expectations of capability before any industrial development.

In September 2025, China, along with the United States, was the only country to declare two operational stealth fighters, the J-20 and the J-35, which had not yet seen combat. This stance, combined with public displays and offers submitted to Islamabad, fueled speculation about a Pakistani J-35AE. Between delivery projections, announced delays, and official updates, the timeline remains fluid. Early announcements have already had significant political repercussions, while contractual and industrial milestones are still pending confirmation.

The Turkish company MKE presents the URAN, a 105mm howitzer on a 4x4 vehicle, to a huge global market.

Fabrice Wolf
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0
The Turkish company MKE presents the URAN, a 105mm howitzer on a 4x4 vehicle, to a huge global market.

MKE presented the URAN at the IFM defense exhibition, a lightweight 105mm self-propelled howitzer that combines the Boran barrel with a 4x4 tactical platform. According to the manufacturer, the system incorporates in-house developed fire control, hydraulic supports, and gun stabilization. The maximum rate of fire is announced at 10 to 12 rounds per minute, with a range of 18 kilometers. The URAN is described as suitable for unprepared terrain and transportable by sling under UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, as well as by C-130 Hercules aircraft.

The URAN is derived from experience gained with the 105mm Boran, which entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces and was exported for the first time by Turkey, with a delivery to Bangladesh in 2024. MKE positions the new system as an alternative to towed guns, with a "hit and move" concept designed to reduce deployment time. The combination of a proven gun barrel and 4x4 drive aims to accelerate deployment and withdrawal from position.

Based on reported performance, the URAN can provide mobile fire support off-road, engaging targets up to 18 kilometers away while maintaining a high rate of fire. The hydraulic jacks and stabilization system are designed to support accuracy after deployment. External transport capability via maneuver helicopters and tactical transport aircraft allows for rapid insertion into remote or hard-to-reach locations, consistent with short-notice airborne deployments.

For further :
The 105 mm howitzer, a huge global market ignored by European industry
While the 2200 155mm artillery pieces soon to be deployed in the West are receiving considerable attention, the replacement of the 105mm howitzers and 122mm guns currently in service, which are also becoming obsolete, does not seem to be generating as much interest from manufacturers, but also…

In 2023, the strain on 155mm ammunition stocks impacted operations in Ukraine and revived interest in lighter calibers such as 105mm and 120mm. With many observed firings occurring at ranges between 10 and 20 kilometers, 105mm systems mounted on light vehicles meet the need for rapid, cost-effective, and logistically sound fire support to engage opportunistic targets and preserve 155mm guns for heavier targets when required.

This trend is also reflected in South Korea. At the World Defense Show 2026, Hyundai WIA unveiled a 105mm LSPH self-propelled howitzer mounted on the KLTV 4x4. The presentation revealed a weight of 7 tons, the use of the 37-caliber KH-178 cannon, a range of 14,7 kilometers with standard ammunition and 18 kilometers with extended-range ammunition, a crew of two, a maximum rate of fire of 10 rounds per minute, and a sustained rate of fire of approximately three rounds per minute. The announced engine delivers nearly 225 horsepower, providing a range of approximately 400 kilometers.

The claimed compatibility with air transport, combined with a lightweight design, places the LSPH in the same tactical mobility niche as the URAN. Furthermore, nearly 2,000 K9 Thunder howitzers have been delivered worldwide and approximately 900 more are reportedly in production, illustrating South Korea's industrial base in the artillery segment, even though the K9 is a 155mm caliber tracked vehicle with no direct equivalent to the 105mm 4x4s.

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General James Rainey (US Army) affirmed the end of the effectiveness of towed artillery and announced the end of the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) program.
“We have witnessed the end of the effectiveness of towed artillery.” These were the words of General James Rainey, head of the U.S. Army Futures Contracts Command, speaking at the Association of the U.S. Army’s Global Force Symposium. According to the American general, despite the abandonment…

The market potential remains significant. There are still 8,817 towed 105mm and 122mm howitzers in service with 28 armed forces, slated for replacement in the coming years within the range of options available to European manufacturers. In Poland, the WOT (World of Territorial Defence) forces are considering the acquisition of 105mm howitzers and 120mm mortars mounted on pickup trucks, with an emphasis on mobility and rapid deployment, confirming the operational interest in lightweight platforms.

In France, KNDS France demonstrated high mobility and low attrition with the 155mm CAESAR in Ukraine, at a reported cost of approximately €4 million for the 6x6 version. Several available indicators suggest that KNDS France and Arquus possess the technological building blocks to rapidly develop a 4x4 version with a 105mm caliber. Estimates circulating suggest a potential unit price between $2 and $3 million, subject to technical choices and industrialization details not specified at this stage.

With the URAN, MKE is entering the race for lightweight 105mm howitzers on 4x4 platforms, driven by logistical constraints, mobility needs, and the search for rapid effects at intermediate ranges. MKE has not detailed a qualification schedule or order prospects, while several armies are already exploring this niche to accelerate the replacement of their towed guns.

Comparison of the configurations revealed in recent months shows a convergence on the use of compact tactical chassis, the integration of fire control systems, and the optimization of deployment times. It remains to be seen, through testing and evaluation, how well the claimed performance holds up in degraded terrain, how robust the 105mm ammunition supply chains are, and whether manufacturers can rapidly deliver significant volumes to equip highly mobile fire support units.

ESSM Block 2 missile: US Navy awards RTX an $833 million contract until 2030

Fabrice Wolf
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0
ESSM Block 2 missile: US Navy awards RTX an $833 million contract until 2030

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on April 29 a contract with RTX Corporation to produce and deliver RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile ESSM Block 2 missiles for naval air defense. The maximum value of the agreement is $833 million, and its execution period extends through the end of September 2030, according to the released schedule. Funding for the acquisition was activated immediately upon signing, allowing for the immediate commencement of industrial and logistical work related to the contract, with deliveries planned for U.S. customers and international partners.

The order will be split equally between the United States Navy and export customers through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program established by the U.S. authorities. The countries slated for delivery are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. The missiles are intended to equip destroyers and multirole frigates, where they will be integrated with existing naval launchers and fire control systems to enhance the ships' close-in and area air defense capabilities.

The RIM-162 ESSM Block 2 carries an enhanced seeker offering active and semi-active modes, complemented by a data link for in-flight targeting updates. Its operational range from naval launchers is described as exceeding 50 kilometers, enabling engagement of aerial threats beyond that distance when conditions are right. The U.S. Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation states that the Block 2 aims to " reduce reliance on illuminator support and mitigate missile sequence difficulties inherent in dense-flow raids ».

For further :
The revived American Railgun program outlines a response to the difficulties faced by Iran.
Long touted by the US Navy as the future of naval artillery, the American EMRG railgun program declined from 2015 onwards. It became clear that propelling 155mm projectiles at Mach 7 was neither simple nor economical, while the Zumwalt program, intended to benefit from it, was reduced to three units…

The ESSM program is part of a cooperative effort led by the NATO Seasparrow Project Office (NSPO), established in 1968, which today includes the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. Due to this multinational structure, some production and delivery activities will take place outside the United States. This configuration necessitates cross-border industrial and logistical coordination to ensure ramp-up and distribution to the relevant navies.

Operationally, the RIM-162 family was first deployed in combat on October 9, 2016, when the American destroyer USS Mason intercepted an anti-ship missile fired from western Yemen by Houthi forces. US sources also mention the possibility of ESSMs being used in operations against Iran in 2026, a claim that remains unconfirmed. These events illustrate the missile's use in contested maritime environments and against rapidly evolving threats.

Development of the ESSM Block 1 was conducted in the 1990s, with entry into service in the early 2000s with partner navies. The Block 2 version began entering service in the early 2020s, following a phased testing program. The United States Navy initiated Phase 1 of initial operational and evaluation testing in August 2021, according to a plan approved and monitored by the Department of Defense and Engineering (DOT&E), and expected to complete Phase 2 during fiscal year 2025, according to indications published at the time.

On the industrial front, Raytheon, an RTX company, announced in a press release dated October 1st that it had delivered its 500th ESSM Block 2 missile to the U.S. Navy. The company plans to nearly double production rates by mid-2026 and is investing in its capabilities and supply chain to support deliveries. The fact that the funds for the new contract are available immediately upon signing is likely to facilitate the initiation or acceleration of manufacturing and shipments, simultaneously benefiting the U.S. Navy and export customers.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) issued a notice in early May inviting industry representatives to a meeting in October to study a "next-generation significant variant missile system" presented as a successor to the ESSM Block 2. The U.S. Navy is working on this with eleven allies within the existing cooperation framework. This initiative signals preparations for future missile developments while maintaining capability continuity with the versions currently ordered to equip destroyers and frigates in service with partner ships.

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