Ukrainian Military Plans to Establish Separate Cyber Forces Branch

Kyiv, Ukraine—In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, Ukrainian defense forces, lawmakers, and military advisors are in discussions to create a separate cyber forces branch within the military. This initiative comes in response to the growing threat of cyberattacks, particularly in light of recent incidents linked to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Earlier this month, Ukraine established an incident response center aimed at countering cyberattacks targeting critical military infrastructure. However, the proposed cyber forces branch is set to take on a broader range of responsibilities. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the new unit will enhance the military’s ability to plan and execute operations in cyberspace, a domain increasingly recognized alongside land, sea, air, and space.

The discussions, led by Lieutenant General Anatoliy Barhylevych, the Chief of the General Staff, included an evaluation of the core principles, responsibilities, and functions that the cyber forces will undertake. Additionally, participants examined cyber operations from leading nations and shared insights gleaned from Ukraine’s own experiences in safeguarding against cyber threats since the onset of Moscow’s invasion in 2022. Noteworthy incidents include Russian-linked groups infiltrating social media accounts of Ukrainian military officials and stealing sensitive data from government websites.

Ukraine has received notable support in its cyber defense efforts, with NATO extending assistance and the United States providing $82 million in cyber and digital support since February 2022. As the situation continues to evolve, the establishment of a dedicated cyber forces branch represents a strategic move to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities in an increasingly digital battlefield.

This initiative underscores the importance of cybersecurity in modern warfare and reflects Ukraine’s commitment to enhancing its defenses against evolving threats.

Ultra Intelligence & Communications Partners with Hanwha to Enhance Rocket Launcher Interoperability

In a strategic move to bolster military capabilities, Ultra Intelligence & Communications (I&C) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha to integrate its Advanced Data Services Interface (ADSI) command and control (C2) gateway with Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MRLS). This collaboration aims to create a more seamless interoperability framework among various military platforms.

The ADSI technology is specifically designed to facilitate advanced data translation and support the development of an integrated, interoperable, and networked C2 architecture for the Five Eyes alliance—comprising the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand—and beyond.

"The threat environment has indeed become more complex where seamless joint interoperability across all domains is a must,” said Mike Smith, president and CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, highlighting the increasing need for advanced military collaboration.

The Chunmoo MRLS, which is already operational in South Korea, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, boasts a dual pod launcher capable of firing two different calibers of rockets simultaneously. With an impressive effective range between 36 kilometers (22 miles) and 290 kilometers (180 miles), the system can deliver a rapid rate of fire, discharging six rounds in just 30 seconds.

Bradford Powell, president of Ultra I&C’s command, control, intelligence, and encryption division, underscored the significance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership, and ultimately the incorporation of ADSI with the Chunmoo missile system, will enable unprecedented synergy among our global mission partners.”

As defense technology continues to evolve, this collaboration aims to enhance military readiness and operational efficiency across allied nations.

France Allocates €300 Million from Frozen Russian Assets for Military Support to Ukraine

France will be financing military equipment and ammunition for Ukraine with €300 million ($324 million) derived from interest on frozen Russian assets, as announced by French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. This significant contribution includes 12 advanced Caesar self-propelled howitzers, 155mm artillery shells, Aster surface-to-air missiles, Mistral portable anti-aircraft systems, and AASM guided bombs.

In an interview with French broadcaster BFMTV, Lecornu emphasized the initiative, stating, “We are mobilizing the interests of frozen Russian assets to purchase military equipment for Ukraine.” He also confirmed that by the end of 2024, France aims to have returned the full €300 million to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

This new funding initiative comes amidst a backdrop of fiscal constraints, as France’s military aid to Ukraine in 2023 is projected to fall short of the pledged €3 billion ($3.25 billion) due to efforts to curb the national budget deficit, which is expected to reach 6 percent of GDP in 2024. In contrast, France had previously provided €1.7 billion ($1.84 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine in 2022 and €2.1 billion ($2.7 billion) in 2023.

Since the onset of the conflict, a total of 67 Caesar artillery systems have been delivered to Ukraine by the French government, highlighting ongoing support for the country’s defense amid the ongoing conflict.

Germany Accepts India as Observer in Eurodrone Program

Germany has officially accepted India’s application to participate as an observer in the Eurodrone program, a significant four-nation initiative that includes France, Italy, and Spain. This development presents India with a valuable opportunity to closely monitor the ongoing project, gaining insights that could inform future procurement strategies or assist in enhancing its own domestic drone initiatives.

As an observer, India stands to benefit from exclusive briefings regarding the Eurodrone’s technical specifications and operational capabilities. This collaboration aligns with a broader commitment from both nations to strengthen industry-level cooperation in the defense sector, particularly focusing on technology collaboration, co-production, and co-development of defense platforms and equipment. According to a joint statement following the 7th India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations, "Germany also welcomes India’s application for observer status in the Eurodrone Programme of OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation)."

India’s drone development efforts have faced challenges, leading the country to rely heavily on foreign acquisitions to fulfill its defense needs. The recent decision to procure 31 MQ-9B drones from the United States came on the heels of the abandonment of India’s ambitious TAPAS drone project, which had been in development for 13 years at a cost of approximately $200 million. The TAPAS program was halted after failing to meet the Indian military’s operational requirements, notably due to deficiencies in its engine and other critical capabilities.

Experts have pointed out that the TAPAS drone’s limitations, including inadequate endurance compared to the MQ-9B, lack of SATCOM-enabled capabilities, and a constrained altitude ceiling, were pivotal in the decision to discontinue the project. Kartik Bommakanti, a Senior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in India, highlighted these concerns, noting the systemic engine issues affecting other Indian aircraft development programs, including the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.

The Eurodrone program is set to play a crucial role in the Future Combat Air System being developed by European defense giants Dassault Aviation, Airbus, and Indra Sistemas. Designed to operate in both civilian and military airspace, the Eurodrone aims to establish a sovereign European drone capable of competing with the best in the world, thereby reducing dependence on non-European systems.

The first Eurodrone units are anticipated to be delivered to Germany in 2027, followed by France in 2028. The drone is being engineered to offer multi-mission capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and armed operations, marking a significant step forward in European defense capabilities.

Aerospike Partners with BAE Systems to Enhance Data Management for US Army

California-based Aerospike has officially joined BAE Systems’ Mission Advantage technology partnership as part of a strategic initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities for the US Army and other defense programs.

The collaboration focuses on advancing data mesh solutions through Aerospike’s real-time database technology, which will support critical frameworks such as the Army’s Unified Network and Army Data Platform. This innovative data mesh approach allows various defense units and networks to maintain control over their data while ensuring secure and efficient sharing across the Department of Defense (DoD).

The partnership seeks to address common challenges faced within the DoD’s expansive networks, including data surges, which can overload systems and personnel; latency issues that delay data requests and responses; and geographic obstacles, particularly for military units deployed in remote or hostile environments.

Daniel Perkins, BAE Systems’ Director of Strategy & Technology Partnerships for the Intelligence & Security sector, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that it will “deliver real-time, mission-critical data at scale and help ensure technological advantage on the battlefield.” He highlighted that Aerospike plays a foundational role in BAE’s data-centric solutions, assisting customers as they navigate the complexities of managing large volumes of disparate data while integrating advanced AI tools.

Cuong Nguyen, Aerospike’s Public Sector Vice President, elaborated on the capabilities of their multi-model database, which is designed to provide “the lowest-latency, highest-throughput system to enable accurate, real-time decisioning even in contested environments.” Nguyen expressed pride in partnering with BAE Systems to optimize and demonstrate the effectiveness of their data solutions for defense operations.

This alliance represents a significant step forward in enhancing the technological capabilities of the US Army and supporting its mission requirements through innovative data management.

Finland to Acquire Northrop Grumman Anti-Radiation Missiles for Future F-35 Fleet

Helsinki, Finland – The Finnish Ministry of Defense has officially announced the acquisition of Northrop Grumman’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) as part of its future F-35 aircraft program. This significant pact comes one year after the United States approved the sale, with a total estimated cost of around $500 million.

Under the agreement, Finland will procure up to 150 AARGM-ER missiles, which are designed to target and neutralize enemy radar and air defense systems. The deal will also include Dummy Air Training Missiles, missile containers, software solutions, training, support equipment, spare and repair parts, technical documentation, and logistical support services from both the U.S. Government and contractors.

The Finnish Ministry of Defense highlighted that the missile system will be delivered in accordance with the deployment schedule of the country’s future F-35A multirole fighter aircraft, with the first batch expected between 2026 and 2030. This acquisition aims to bolster the combat effectiveness and survivability of Finland’s air force, specifically against ground-based air defense systems and mobile targets.

"The integration of these supersonic, medium-range missiles will significantly enhance our defense capabilities and improve interoperability with our allies in an increasingly complex security environment," stated a ministry spokesperson.

The move comes amid a broader trend in the region, as earlier this month, the U.S. also approved the sale of up to 100 AARGM-ERs for the Royal Australian Air Force’s EA-18G Growlers. This reflects a growing emphasis on strengthening allied defenses in the face of potential threats.

As Finland prepares to integrate these advanced capabilities, the acquisition marks a pivotal step in enhancing national security and reinforcing collaborative defense efforts with partners around the globe.

Croatia to Acquire Leopard Tanks from Germany in Support of Ukraine

Zagreb, Croatia – Croatia has announced plans to purchase up to 50 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany, marking a significant step in the modernization of its military capabilities. The agreement, confirmed by the Croatian Ministry of Defense on Monday, includes a provision that entails sending older Croatian military equipment to Ukraine to support its defense against Russian aggression.

The letter of intent was signed by Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anusic and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin. As part of the transaction, Croatia will provide Ukraine with 30 aging tanks, 30 combat vehicles, ammunition, and additional military equipment. Notably, the value of the supplied equipment will be deducted from the overall cost of the new Leopard tanks, enhancing the value of this arrangement.

“This purchase model not only strengthens the Croatian army but also significantly contributes to Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression,” the Croatian defense ministry stated in an announcement. Further details regarding the agreement will be disclosed following its complete signing.

Minister Anusic emphasized the urgency of the agreement, stating, “This is one of the most important projects for the modernization of the Croatian army.” He further indicated that the implementation of the deal will proceed promptly.

In addition to the Leopard tanks, Croatia is set to acquire US-made HIMARS M142 rocket systems and drones, underscoring the nation’s commitment to bolstering its military arsenal. This follows Croatia’s recent acquisition of six Rafale fighter jets from France, part of a larger order of 12.

Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Croatia has actively engaged in providing military assistance to Ukraine, amounting to over €200 million (approximately $220 million).

The decision to procure advanced military hardware comes at a critical time, as countries across Europe continue to enhance their defenses amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.