Latest Deals

KNDS plans to improve the operational readiness of military assets in Ukraine, such as the Leopard 1 and 2 main battle tanks. Credit: M2M_PL / Shutterstock

German defence prime KNDS has opened a Ukraine business to provide maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) capabilities for the Ukrainian military, which already operates a range of vehicles produced by the company, including Leopard 1 and 2 main battle tanks, CAESAR artillery, PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, and Gepard anti-aircraft systems. KNDS Ukraine will also work with local manufacturers to produce 155mm artillery ammunition and spare parts.

The US Department of Defense has moved to consolidate various resources working within the Foreign Military Sales regime into a new structure, the Defense Security Cooperation Service, in a bid to streamline operations. All this work is managed by the Defense Security and Cooperation Agency, which organises the transfer of American-made weapon systems to foreign military forces among other forms of shared support through distinct Security Cooperation Organisations.

Lithuania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Northrop Grumman to reinforce defence capabilities and industrial cooperation, to include the domestic production of medium-calibre ammunition in a bid to reduce dependency on global supply chains, a key topic among the global defence sector. Lithuania’s Vilkas IFVs could benefit from the deal as the platform is armed with a Northrop Grumman 30mm Bushmaster II Mk-44 cannon.

Leading Italian defence prime Leonardo has raised its stake in GEM Elettronica, a manufacturer of critical maritime systems, from 30% to 65%. This decision was announced in September 2024, when Leonardo finalised the acquisition of control in the company for €16m ($17.8m). With revenue exceeding €30m in 2023, GEM develops and produces navigation systems, situational awareness, radar sensors, optronic and inertial sensors used in naval domain and coastal surveillance settings.