Israel Issues 7,000 Additional Draft Orders for Ultra-Orthodox Community Amid Ongoing Conflict

JERUSALEM — In a significant move, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Monday the issuance of 7,000 additional army draft orders for individuals from the ultra-Orthodox community, who have historically been exempt from mandatory military service until a recent Supreme Court decision overturned that status.

The latest draft orders follow an initial round of 3,000 notifications sent out in July, which had triggered widespread protests from members of the ultra-Orthodox community. The new orders are aimed at allowing the Israeli army to conduct screening and evaluation processes for those draft-eligible individuals, with implementation expected to commence in the coming days.

This escalation comes as Israel grapples with a pressing need to bolster troop numbers in the face of the ongoing multi-front conflict against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. "The defense minister concluded that the war and the challenges we face underscore the army’s need for additional soldiers. This is a tangible operational necessity that requires broad national mobilization from all parts of society," the defense ministry stated in a public announcement.

Under current laws, military service is compulsory for Jewish men for a duration of 32 months and for Jewish women for 24 months. The ultra-Orthodox community, which comprises approximately 14 percent of Israel’s Jewish population—around 1.3 million people—has traditionally been granted exemptions from military service if they dedicate their lives to the study of sacred Jewish texts.

The turning point came in June when the Israeli Supreme Court mandated the conscription of yeshiva (seminary) students, declaring that the government could no longer uphold the exemption without a proper legal framework.

The backdrop to these developments includes the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli government figures. In retaliation, Israel’s military campaign has reportedly claimed the lives of over 43,374 individuals in Gaza, the majority of whom are civilians, according to numbers provided by the Gaza health ministry, which the United Nations has deemed credible.

Since late September, Israel has also broadened its military focus to Lebanon, where it has intensified airstrikes and deployed ground troops after a prolonged period of cross-border tensions with Hezbollah. This ongoing conflict underscores the urgency of troop mobilization amidst rising casualties and increasing operational demands on Israel’s military forces.

Headline: Ukraine Faces Severe Challenges in Defense Efforts as Winter Approaches

As the war in Ukraine approaches its third year, the situation for Ukrainian defenders has become increasingly precarious with the onset of winter. Recent developments have seen intensified pressure from Russian forces, particularly following Ukraine’s strategic loss of Vuhledar, revealing critical vulnerabilities within the Ukrainian military.

A significant concern is Ukraine’s dwindling manpower, a problem compounded by difficulties in recruitment and declining morale among troops. In December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine would require an additional 500,000 personnel in 2024, although current estimates suggest a reduction in this figure.

Furthermore, Ukraine is grappling with a severe shortage of ammunition, which poses a substantial threat to its defensive capabilities. Although the ratio of Russian ammunition has been reduced from 8:1 to 3:1, Ukraine continues to face a formidable challenge. The country needs approximately 4,800 anti-air missiles annually, alongside 7,500 missiles for urban defense and around 2.4 million artillery shells each year. Offensive operations could triple the demand for long-range rockets, with projections estimating a need for 8,760 per year. NATO’s capacity to meet these demands remains uncertain.

In response to Ukraine’s critical needs, the Czech Republic has launched a plan to procure artillery shells from non-EU sources, aiming to acquire 800,000 rounds of various calibers, valued at $3.2 billion. However, challenges have emerged over the past seven months regarding the transparency of shell imports and concerns over their reliability.

Czech officials had previously vowed to accelerate the process, and by June, 50,000 rounds had already reached Ukraine, with expectations for further deliveries. Yet funding issues linger, as the Czech initiative has only secured approximately $2.2 billion of the $3.3 billion required to fulfill its ammunition goals.

Logistical complexities further complicate the equation, with lengthy transportation routes and necessary security measures slowing down the delivery of supplies. Adding another layer of difficulty, reports indicate that some of the ammunition delivered through this initiative has experienced technical failures on the battlefield.

Meanwhile, the Czech government continues to explore ways to bolster its support for Ukraine. Defense Minister Jana Černochová recently announced a new project titled "Initiative 2025," intended to enhance munitions supply chains through sustained funding, potentially using revenue from frozen Russian assets.

While this initiative focuses on artillery rounds, Ukraine’s requirements extend far beyond basic munitions. The country urgently requests long-range missiles and advanced air defense systems to counter ongoing assaults on its infrastructure. With European ammunition production struggling to keep pace with demand, U.S. support is increasingly crucial for Ukraine’s continued defense efforts.

The state of Europe’s defense industrial base remains precarious, highlighted by a recent report underscoring the need for a cohesive EU-wide industrial policy to strengthen supply chain resilience and address procurement challenges. As winter looms and the conflict escalates, the urgency for effective solutions grows more critical than ever.

Indian Air Force Plans Open Tender for 114 Medium-Role Fighter Aircraft

In a significant shift in procurement strategy, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering issuing an “open tender” for the acquisition of 114 medium-role fighter aircraft (MRFA), with an emphasis on domestic production. This move marks a departure from the earlier government-to-government deal, which saw India purchasing 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in 2016.

According to sources cited by Asian News International, the Indian government aims to sidestep controversies that erupted over the Rafale deal, valued at approximately 7.87 billion euros ($8.56 billion), which was marred by allegations of corruption. The Rafale procurement was initially intended to resolve stalled negotiations with manufacturer Dassault over a larger order of 126 aircraft, but lengthy discussions from 2012 to 2015 culminated in the original agreement being scrapped.

"The previous arrangement to finalize the MMRCA (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) tender through a government-to-government contract led to political unrest," a source told The Print. "Vital documents regarding national interest were shared in the Supreme Court, turning the issue into a political spectacle."

Back in 2018, the Indian government initiated a request for proposals for MRFA, receiving submissions from six international defense manufacturers: Boeing, Dassault, the Eurofighter consortium, Lockheed Martin, Mikoyan, and Saab. While most of these companies had participated in the earlier MMRCA competition that culminated in the Rafale’s selection, a new open tender may further delay the procurement process at a critical time for the IAF, which has seen its squadron strength dwindle to 31, well below the sanctioned target of 42.

Introducing a fresh procurement process multifaceted hurdles, particularly as the aircraft in question have undergone numerous upgrades since the last evaluation by the IAF in 2010-11. Participating aircraft include Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault’s Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab’s Gripen, Mikoyan MiG-35, and Lockheed Martin’s F-16, though the latter has been replaced with an India-specific F-21 for the new competition. Additionally, Boeing is pitching its F-15EX as a viable option.

A pressing concern for the Indian government is Dassault’s inability to deliver the Rafale aircraft in a timely manner due to a significant backlog of orders from other countries, suggesting that supply to India could take over a decade.

In a bid to bolster domestic defense capabilities, the Indian government is also exploring the stipulation of “full production” of the aircraft within India, potentially in collaboration with a local partner. Currently, some aircraft components are being manufactured in India as part of existing purchase agreements; however, achieving full production would represent a major leap forward. This initiative would require the transfer of technology, a concept that Dassault may be reluctant to embrace.

As the IAF navigates these changes, the call for a government-led, domestically-focused procurement process could reshape India’s defense landscape while seeking to avoid past controversies.

Thales Belgium and Ukrainian Firm Partner on Counter-Drone Missile Production

Thales Belgium has officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a Ukrainian company to collaborate on the co-production of counter-drone missiles, according to Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin. The identity of the Ukrainian firm has not been disclosed due to security concerns.

The MoU establishes a framework for joint efforts in creating counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) missiles. Smetanin expressed gratitude towards Thales for their collaboration with the Ukrainian defense industry, emphasizing the importance of this partnership in bolstering Ukraine’s defenses amid ongoing conflict with Russian forces. “I am grateful to Thales for cooperating with the Ukrainian defense industry and for its assistance in our struggle against Russian armed aggression,” Smetanin stated.

While specific details regarding the missiles’ capabilities remain confidential, sources suggest that the partnership may involve the FZ275 semi-active laser-guided rocket, which Thales Belgium has developed. This 70mm rocket has the ability to target unmanned aerial systems effectively at a range of up to 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) and at altitudes of 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles).

Earlier in July, a new production line for the missile was inaugurated in Belgium, reflecting an increasing demand for C-UAS munitions in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have been actively utilizing similar munitions, such as the APKWS rockets, as they continue to engage unmanned threats in the ongoing conflict.

The partnership between Thales Belgium and the Ukrainian firm marks a significant step in enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities and addresses the growing need for effective counter-drone technology amidst evolving warfare challenges.

Royal Navy Successfully Demonstrates Drone Downing Capability with Wildcat Helicopter

Bristol Channel, UK – In a groundbreaking demonstration, the Royal Navy recently showcased its enhanced counter-drone proficiency by successfully downing a pilotless Banshee jet using a Martlet missile fired from a Wildcat HMA 2 helicopter. This event marks the first occasion on which a manned helicopter engaged and neutralized an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) independently.

The Wildcat HMA 2, equipped with advanced detection and tracking capabilities, executed the engagement over the Bristol Channel, illustrating the navy’s commitment to adapting to modern aerial threats. Commander James Woods of the 815 Naval Air Squadron expressed his enthusiasm for this achievement, stating, “This is a fantastic development for the Wildcat HMA 2 helicopter and a significant advancement in maritime strike capability for the Royal Navy that further refines our ability to deter and neutralize airborne threats.”

This demonstration follows closely after the Royal Navy’s successful test firing of the Sea Venom anti-ship missile from the same helicopter type, signaling a robust upgrade to the UK’s naval operational capabilities. The Wildcat HMA 2 plays a crucial role in various naval operations, including search and rescue, tracking down drug traffickers, and transporting troops and supplies from Royal Navy frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers.

The advancement comes in light of recent drone attacks faced by naval forces in the Red Sea and Gulf of Yemen, particularly from Houthi rebels, underscoring the necessity for enhanced air defense strategies.

The Martlet missile, previously known as the Lightweight Multirole Missile, is a versatile weapon system capable of being launched from numerous platforms across land, air, and sea. Weighing in at 13 kilograms (28.66 pounds) and capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 1.5, the missile has an effective range of over 6 miles (9.65 kilometers) and is designed to target a variety of threats, including armored vehicles, fast-attack craft, and unmanned systems.

In a move to bolster defense capabilities, the UK Ministry of Defence placed an order for a significant number of Martlet missiles in July, aimed at enhancing both the British Army’s short-range air defense and the Royal Navy’s anti-surface warfare operations.

As the maritime landscape evolves, the Royal Navy’s commitment to developing advanced defense mechanisms is clear, reinforcing its position as a formidable force in protecting UK interests both at home and abroad.

US Navy Announces Life Service Extension for 12 Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers

The U.S. Navy has revealed plans to extend the service life of 12 Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers beyond their anticipated 35-year operational lifespan. The selected ships, which comprise the Flight I systems commissioned between 1991 and 1997, will undergo upgrades to enhance their capabilities, especially in anti-submarine warfare helicopter support.

According to a navy press release, the decision to extend the life of these destroyers was informed by a comprehensive “hull-by-hull evaluation” focusing on the material condition, combat effectiveness, technical feasibility, and lifecycle maintenance requirements of each platform. After receiving the necessary upgrades, these ships are expected to remain operational from 2028 to 2035.

U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro emphasized the significance of this decision, stating, “Extending these highly-capable, well-maintained destroyers will further bolster our numbers as new construction warships join the Fleet. It also underscores their enduring role in projecting power globally and their proven capability to defend against missile and drone threats."

The evaluations for the Arleigh Burke project took place over the last ten months, covering all Flight I hulls (DDG 51 to 71). Details on the specific destroyers selected for the service extension will be announced at a later date.

In a statement, Admiral Lisa Franchetti noted the importance of maintaining readiness within the Navy, saying, “Today’s budget-constrained environment requires the Navy to make prioritized investments to keep more ready players on the field. We are actively pulling the right levers to maintain and grow our Battle Force Inventory, which is essential for supporting U.S. global interests and ensuring decisive victory in conflict.”

Notably, the Navy had previously initiated a similar project for its Arleigh Burke destroyers stationed in Japan earlier this year. Furthermore, the service approved a life extension for the lead Arleigh Burke ship in 2023 and awarded BAE Systems a $107.7 million contract in 2022 to enhance the operability of the USS Ross (DDG 71), the last Flight I vessel, for an additional decade.

As the U.S. Navy continues to adapt and fortify its fleet amidst global security challenges, this decision reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a robust and capable naval presence.

BAE Systems to Supply Advanced Naval Gun Systems for Royal Netherlands and Belgian Navies

The Dutch Ministry of Defense has announced a significant contract with BAE Systems for the delivery of eight Bofors 40Mk4 naval gun systems for the Royal Netherlands and Belgian navies. The deal involves the installation of two advanced gun systems on each of the four anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates currently under construction.

This comprehensive contract, valued at a substantial amount, includes not just the gun systems, but also installation services, training for personnel, necessary documentation, spare parts, and tools. Additionally, there is an option to include BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art 3P programmable ammunition and extra guns intended for training purposes.

Delivery of the naval gun systems is scheduled to commence in 2026. Stefan Löfström, marketing and sales director at BAE Systems Bofors, emphasized the significance of this contract, stating, “This key milestone will ensure the new frigates have the cutting-edge capabilities they require, with the addition of our advanced 3P ammunition.” He further reiterated BAE Systems’ commitment to bolstering NATO allies’ defenses to enhance safety across Europe.

The Bofors 40Mk4 is a versatile weapon designed for both anti-aircraft and anti-surface warfare. With a capability to utilize a variety of ammunition, including the programmable 40mm Bofors 3P all-target ammo, it stands ready to confront various threats. This advanced ammunition can be programmed in six distinct modes, allowing it to engage a wide array of targets from aerial to surface and shore-based threats. Notably, it is effective against traditional threats such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft, and can even deal with modern challenges posed by fast maneuvering small boats and concealed targets.

This remotely-operated gun system has an impressive rate of fire of 300 rounds per minute and can effectively engage targets at a maximum range of 7.8 miles (12.55 kilometers).

The ASW frigate program, valued at 4 billion euros ($4.4 billion), is being designed and built by Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval. According to timelines, the Royal Netherlands Navy is expected to begin receiving the frigates in 2029, followed by the Belgian Navy a year later.

In addition to the 40mm guns, these highly anticipated warships will be equipped with a 76-millimeter gun, Raytheon Mk54 torpedoes, Rolling Airframe Missiles, the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, and Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile. For complete force protection, the frigates will also feature remote weapon systems providing 360-degree coverage.

This collaboration marks a critical development in enhancing naval capabilities for both countries and reinforces BAE Systems’ ongoing support to NATO allies.

Peruvian Air Force Bolsters Medical Evacuation Capabilities with New Beechcraft King Air 360C

The Peruvian Air Force has received its first Beechcraft King Air 360C ambulance aircraft, marking a significant enhancement in the country’s aeromedical evacuation and disaster response capabilities. Acquired from US-based Textron Aviation, the aircraft is set to play a crucial role in medical missions, particularly in reaching remote areas of the nation.

Assigned to Air Group 8 in Lima, the Beechcraft King Air 360C will operate from Callao Air Base, allowing for swift access to regions that may be difficult to reach by ground. The versatile aircraft is designed to accommodate various mission configurations and can seat up to 15 passengers or transport a cargo load of 2,334 kilograms (5,145 pounds). It has a maximum operational altitude of 10,600 meters (34,700 feet) and boasts a cruising speed of 578 kilometers (359 miles) per hour, ensuring rapid responses during emergencies.

Shortly after its introduction, the Peruvian government announced the aircraft’s deployment on two medical missions, successfully transporting patients in critical condition from the northern and southern regions of the country to specialized hospitals in Lima. This immediate use underscores the aircraft’s potential impact on the health and safety of Peruvians, particularly those in urgent need of medical care.

With the addition of the Beechcraft King Air 360C, the Peruvian Air Force is taking significant steps towards strengthening its light transport, medical evacuation, and disaster management capabilities, promising enhanced service to its citizens in times of need.

European Commission Selects Consortium for IRIS² Satellite Constellation to Enhance Connectivity and Sovereignty

PARIS — In a strategic move to bolster its autonomous satellite communication capabilities, the European Commission has appointed a consortium comprising SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat to deploy the IRIS² satellite constellation. This initiative comes as the European Union seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign entities, notably Elon Musk’s Starlink, for broadband services.

The consortium is set to formalize a 12-year concession contract by December, according to a statement released by the Commission on Thursday. As part of the agreement, over 290 satellites will be launched into multiple orbits, with prominent subcontractors including Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Space and Defence, Italy’s Telespazio, and Thales SIX.

Transitioning to IRIS² is particularly urgent given that militaries worldwide have come to depend on Starlink, the first large satellite constellation facilitating low Earth orbit broadband, raising concerns of vulnerability associated with reliance on a private service provider. Key military stakeholders, such as the U.S. Air Force, use Starlink for essential command and control operations, while Ukraine has utilized the service for drone guidance and battlefield communications.

“IRIS² is an essential pillar of our resilience,” commented Christophe Grudler, a member of the European Parliament’s industry committee, via a post on social media platform X. “We need it fast.”

The EU envisions IRIS² as a sovereign alternative to other global satellite systems like Amazon’s Kuiper and OneWeb based in the U.K. With satellite-based connectivity emerging as a strategic asset for national security and resilience, the Commission emphasizes the need for reliable access that does not hinge on third-party services.

Under the terms of the contract, the SpaceRISE consortium will roll out governmental services by 2030, also enabling commercial usage over time. The IRIS² system will facilitate government operations including border and maritime surveillance, secure communications for embassies, and military missions. The consortium hailed the milestone as a critical step in forming a secure, resilient, and autonomous communications infrastructure for Europe, targeting full operational status by the early 2030s.

The projected timeline for IRIS² represents a setback from previous estimates, which suggested an initial deployment as early as late 2024 and full operational availability by 2027. The satellite system will encompass both low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, providing low-latency connectivity, and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, which can serve larger areas globally. The EU aims to extend broadband access to underserved regions across Europe and the Arctic.

Financially, the estimated cost of the constellation stands at €10.6 billion (approximately $11.6 billion). Funding will be a combination of public and private investments from the consortium. Last year, the EU allocated €2.4 billion for the IRIS² initiative, with €1.65 billion earmarked through 2027, subject to further European funding decisions post-2027 that may depend on parliamentary and member state backing of a successor program.

Concerns have been voiced by figures such as German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, who called for a re-evaluation of the IRIS² project in March, questioning the proposed €12 billion budget and the allocation of work between France and Germany.

IRIS² joins the ranks of other critical EU programs, including the Galileo navigation satellite system and the Copernicus Earth-observation program, as Europe strives to enhance its strategic technological autonomy.

Reporting by Rudy Ruitenberg, Europe Correspondent for Defense News.

Pakistan Signs MoU with Thailand for MRAP Vehicle Procurement

Islamabad, October 30, 2024 – In a significant move to bolster its military capabilities, Pakistan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Thai government for the procurement of 100 Chaiseri First Win Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles for the Pakistan Army.

The agreement also includes a transfer-of-technology scheme that will enable local production of the 4×4 vehicles on Pakistani soil through collaboration with Thai Defence Industry and Heavy Industries Taxila. This initiative aims to enhance Pakistan’s defense manufacturing capabilities while strengthening ties with Thailand.

A formal commercial contract to finalize the acquisition is anticipated to be established during a bilateral meeting later this year, or potentially at the upcoming international military convention hosted by the Pakistan Trade Development Authority in November in Karachi.

The First Win MRAP vehicles, designed by Chaiseri in Pathum Thani, Thailand, are specifically engineered to withstand improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes, making them a critical addition to modern military operations. The vehicle is built with an all-welded v-hull chassis to enhance protection and features NATO-standard armor capable of enduring blasts from grenades and even 155-millimeter artillery shells.

In addition to the Pakistan Army, the First Win MRAP has gained traction among other militaries, currently being used by the Royal Thai Army, Malaysian Army, Indonesian Army, and various UN peacekeeping missions in the Eastern Himalayas, particularly in Bhutan. As of 2024, the Philippines is also expected to purchase approximately 900 units of the First Win.

The vehicles offer a top speed of 110 kilometers (68 miles) per hour and can accommodate up to 10 passengers, making them a versatile option for both combat and transportation needs.

Through this procurement, Pakistan aims to enhance its operational readiness and improve the safety of its personnel in challenging environments.