Taiwan has marked a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the receipt of its first batch of MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) from the United States. While the specific number of missiles delivered has not been disclosed, local media outlet CNA, citing a source within the Taiwanese military, confirmed the delivery. Notably, this batch includes the longest-range variant of the ATACMS, which is capable of striking targets up to 300 kilometers (or 186 miles) away, thus extending Taiwan’s operational reach to areas within the Chinese mainland.

This delivery is part of a broader package that includes the initial shipment of 11 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), as announced by Taiwan’s defense ministry last week. The HIMARS systems, along with the ATACMS, are set to enhance the firepower of the Taiwanese military significantly.

The procurement of these advanced weapon systems can be traced back to October 2020, when the Trump administration approved the sale of 29 HIMARS and 64 ATACMS to Taiwan. The rocket artillery units have been assigned to the 58th Artillery Command of the 10th Army Corps, located in Taichung, where Taiwanese soldiers are currently undergoing training to operate these sophisticated systems.

The ATACMS acts as one of the two munitions types that can be launched from the HIMARS system, the other being the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), which has a range of approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles). The addition of the ATACMS provides Taiwan with enhanced long-range strike capabilities at a critical juncture in regional security.

Furthermore, this latest delivery follows the recent approval by the US for the sale of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and long-range radar systems to Taiwan, valued at around $1.94 billion. This comprehensive military support aligns with Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its defense capabilities amid increasing tensions in the region. Looking ahead, Taiwan is also set to receive 66 F-16V fighter jets, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026, further bolstering its aerial defense capabilities.

PARIS — The European Union’s executive arm has taken significant strides toward bolstering the collective defense capabilities of its member states by approving €300 million (approximately US$317 million) for five collaborative defense procurement projects. This marks the first instance in which the EU is directly utilizing its budget to finance joint defense purchases, reflecting a shift in strategy aimed at enhancing the bloc’s defense posture in the wake of geopolitical tensions, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In an announcement made on Thursday, the European Commission revealed that it will allocate €60 million to each of the selected defense items, which include the Mistral short-range air defense system, the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system, as well as various armored vehicles and artillery ammunition. This initiative is seen as a pivotal advancement in the EU’s efforts to cultivate a more effective defense identity and diminish its historical reliance on U.S. security support.

Margrethe Vestager, the Commission’s Executive Vice-President, emphasized the significance of this funding decision, stating, “This is the first time we use EU budget to support member states in commonly procuring defense products.” She highlighted the potential for this joint procurement mechanism to yield better value for national defense budgets, improve interoperability among European armed forces, and strengthen the continent’s defense industrial base.

Furthermore, Vestager noted that the new projects are also anticipated to enhance EU support for Ukraine by supplying additional defense equipment, aligning with the bloc’s ongoing commitment to assist its eastern neighbor amid mounting security threats.

The EU has set ambitious goals for its member states to collectively purchase at least 40% of their defense equipment by 2030 and to allocate at least half of their procurement budgets to products manufactured within Europe. The Commission asserts that the advantages of such joint purchasing initiatives include economies of scale, improved cooperation among member states’ militaries, and more substantial contracts that fortify the European defense industry while allowing it to adjust production capabilities to better meet evolving security needs.

The joint procurement initiatives have been made possible through the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement, known as EDIRPA. The funding has been approved for participation from nine countries, including France, Spain, Hungary, and Romania, who are collaborating on the acquisition of MBDA’s Mistral very short-range air defense systems. Additionally, six member states, including Germany and Bulgaria, will benefit from financial backing for their joint procurement of the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system.

Other collaborative projects supported by EDIRPA include the joint procurement of the Common Armoured Vehicle System, a troop carrier developed from Patria’s six-wheeled vehicle, involving Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Germany. Furthermore, two projects aimed at the joint acquisition of 155mm artillery ammunition have also been approved for EU funding, underscoring the bloc’s commitment to enhancing its collective defense capabilities.

Germany has officially initiated the process of selling Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey, marking a significant shift after previous opposition to the deal. A designated “sales authority” has been appointed to facilitate the potential transaction of 40 jets, with expectations that the process will gain momentum, as reported by Reuters, citing a source within the Turkish defense ministry.

According to the source, the technical discussions surrounding the acquisition of the Eurofighter Typhoon are ongoing, as Turkey views the aircraft as a viable alternative to meet the operational requirements of its Air Force. This development comes on the heels of an announcement by Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler, who noted that Germany has eased its objections to the sale, primarily due to diplomatic efforts by the UK, Spain, and Italy. These three nations are part of the Eurofighter consortium that collaborates in the manufacturing of the jets alongside Germany.

Germany’s initial hesitance to support the sale stemmed from a variety of concerns regarding Turkish policies, particularly Ankara’s stance toward Israel, military operations against Syrian Kurdish groups, and its procurement of the Russian S-400 air defense systems. These issues have historically strained relations between Turkey and its Western allies.

Turkey’s interest in acquiring the Eurofighter jets began last year, primarily as a safeguard against potential setbacks in the sale of F-16 jets from the United States. The F-16 deal emerged as a pivotal focus for Turkey after it was excluded from the F-35 program due to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 system. Earlier this year, Turkey confirmed a sale of F-16s, along with the procurement of 79 modernization kits aimed at upgrading its existing fleet of F-16 aircraft.

The Eurofighter jets are viewed as a temporary solution for the Turkish military until the development of the indigenous fifth-generation TAI Kaan fighter jet reaches operational readiness. The move to secure Western fighter jets underscores Turkey’s strategic efforts to diversify its military capabilities amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.

The US Navy and Marine Corps have solidified a significant agreement with Kongsberg for the supply of its advanced Naval Strike Missile (NSM), marking the commencement of a five-year procurement period for this cutting-edge weaponry. This substantial contract, valued at 10 billion kroner (approximately $146 million), has the potential to escalate to about 12 billion kroner ($146 million) depending on future requirements.

Geir Håøy, the CEO of Kongsberg, emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, “This contract is the largest missile contract in Kongsberg’s history and an important milestone for us.” This development underscores Kongsberg’s pivotal role in supplying high-performance weapon systems to global naval forces.

The NSM has been operational since its deployment by the Norwegian Navy in 2012, showcasing a sophisticated Autonomous Target Recognition system coupled with a missile seeker, which enables it to precisely identify and engage targets effectively. The missile boasts impressive specifications, including a high subsonic speed, a weight of 407 kilograms (897 pounds), and a length of 3.9 meters (12 feet). It can strike targets located up to 100 nautical miles (approximately 115 miles or 185 kilometers) away, making it a formidable asset in naval warfare.

Recognizing a growing demand for strike missiles among NATO and allied nations, Kongsberg’s President Eirik Lie announced the establishment of a new missile factory in Norway, along with plans for two additional facilities in Australia and the United States. These expansions are indicative of Kongsberg’s commitment to meeting the increasing needs of modern military operations.

In recent developments, the Norwegian firm has been proactive in expanding its production capabilities. In September, Kongsberg revealed plans for a new NSM and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) manufacturing facility in James City County, Virginia. This facility is set to enhance the production capacity for these critical missile systems within the U.S.

Australia has also recognized the strategic value of the Kongsberg anti-ship missile, procuring it in January 2023 to replace the aging Harpoon missiles on the Navy’s Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers. Furthermore, in June, the Royal Australian Navy successfully equipped one of its Hobart-class destroyers with the NSM, following a procurement deal established in the previous year.

In Europe, Spain has joined the list of nations acquiring Kongsberg’s advanced missile technology. In 2023, Spain awarded a 305-million-euro (approximately $334 million) contract to Kongsberg for the supply of its missile systems, specifically for the Spanish Navy’s F110-class fleet.

This surge in interest and procurement signifies a pivotal moment not only for Kongsberg but also for the global defense landscape, as nations seek to enhance their naval capabilities with advanced missile systems.

Lockheed Martin is prominently showcasing its advanced technological solutions in the aerospace and defense sectors at the Bahrain International Airshow. Among the impressive assets on display are some of the company’s most notable platforms, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the C-130J Super Hercules airlifter, and the Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter.

The exhibition has attracted attention from various high-ranking officials and representatives, including Air Commodore Said Al Abdali of the Royal Air Force of Oman and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Deputy King of Bahrain. These engagements underline the strategic significance of Lockheed Martin’s offerings in the region, as officials explore collaboration opportunities regarding defense capabilities.

In a significant move toward expanding partnerships, Lockheed Director of Sustainment Business Development Michael Biorn met with Palaparthy Venkat Shivanand, the Deputy Commander of the Indian Air Force, to discuss potential avenues for collaboration in aerospace and defense. This meeting highlights Lockheed’s commitment to fostering relationships with key players in the international defense sector.

Lockheed Martin’s activities in the Gulf region have been robust, with multiple orders secured from various Gulf nations in recent years. A notable achievement this year was the completion of the first F-16 Block 70 aircraft for Bahrain, following a substantial $1.1 billion contract that was signed in 2018. Moreover, the company has been proactive in fulfilling its commitments to Bahrain, evidenced by the delivery of the first Patriot Advanced Capability–3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missile to Manama as part of a comprehensive $2.5 billion deal encompassing 60 PAC-3 MSEs and 36 Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missiles.

Lockheed Martin’s strategic engagements are not limited to Bahrain, as the company has established long-standing relationships with other Gulf nations, notably the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In 2022, Lockheed made headlines by announcing a significant investment of $1 billion aimed at bolstering Saudi Arabia’s military production capabilities. This investment aligns with the country’s “Vision 2030” development plan, under which Lockheed collaborates with local companies to develop and manufacture new defense systems.

As the Bahrain International Airshow unfolds, Lockheed Martin’s presence underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future of defense and aerospace in the Gulf region, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to provide innovative solutions and foster international collaborations.

The US Air Force has granted approval for the airworthiness plan of the Merlin Pilot autonomous flight system, which is set to be tested on the KC-135 Stratotanker. This significant milestone allows Merlin to advance toward crucial phases such as aircraft integration, design completion, and operational testing. According to the company, this initiative marks a pivotal step in evaluating the scalability of the Merlin Pilot’s advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, particularly for large transport aircraft.

Merlin plans to collaborate closely with the Air Mobility Command and the Air Force Materiel Command to carry out ground and flight testing in 2025. The primary objective is to automate several tasks currently performed by human crew members, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. Matt George, the CEO and founder of Merlin, emphasized the importance of integrating the Merlin Pilot onto one of the USAF’s most vital aircraft, calling it a crucial advancement in military aviation that could significantly bolster pilot efficiency and national security.

Merlin Pilot is designed with cutting-edge sensor technologies, enabling it to continuously monitor the aircraft’s status and its surrounding environment while overseeing flight operations and suggesting trajectory adjustments as needed. It also incorporates a communication module powered by Natural Language Processing algorithms, which allows for verbal interactions with air traffic control, emulating the exchanges typical between human pilots and control towers.

The company has outlined a comprehensive Master Plan aimed at integrating its systems across various aircraft platforms and expanding production capabilities. Central to this plan is a rigorous testing phase designed to meet certification standards, ensuring that the automated pilot system can function autonomously from take-off to landing. Following the optimization of the Merlin Pilot’s capabilities, Merlin aims to scale up production for both military and civilian transportation applications.

Recently, the firm commenced its first flight test campaign for a self-piloting Cessna Caravan aircraft, which involved the integration of a glass cockpit with new sensors, a communication system, and advanced avionics. Earlier this year, Merlin also secured a substantial $105 million contract to develop automated aircrew capabilities for the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, which is operated by the US Special Operations Command. This continued investment in autonomous flight technology underscores the growing emphasis on innovation within military aviation and the potential for enhanced operational capabilities in the future.