ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, a provider of non-nuclear submarines, has partnered with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to enter the Indian market. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, marking the beginning of a potential collaboration to build conventional, air-independent-propulsion submarines in India. Significant local content is expected to be included in the construction process. Reaffirming presence in India ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, known for its submarine engineering and design, has stepped towards reaffirming its presence in the Indian market. The company sign ..read more

Babcock Canada has signed a two Technical Cooperation Agreements with South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries collaborate on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The CPSP programme was established by the Canadian Department of National Defence to research procurement options for its next generation submarine, intended to replace the existing in-service Victoria-class boats. The Technical Cooperation Agreements enables all companies to share their respective capabilities in shipbuilding and submarine sustainment in support of the CPSP and the current Victoria In-Serv ..read more

Against a backdrop of improving economic conditions and heightened security concerns, Saudi Arabia’s government has announced a significant increase in its defence budget, anticipated to progressively increase to reach $86.4bn in 2028, according to GlobalData’s ‘Saudi Arabia Defense Market 2023-2028’ report. With the nation’s economy on the mend following the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent surge in oil prices, it is expected that the country will gradually ramp up its defence spending. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been severely impacted by the instability in the worldwide oil industry, as ..read more

In a recent talk at the DSET conference in Bristol, Dr Robert Siegfried from NATO and Roa Powell from the Alan Turing Institute shared valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and data in strategic planning. Their discussions shed light on the increasing volume and variety of data available to Allied Forces and the need for leveraging this data to enhance decision-making. This article highlights their observations, key applications of AI, and the challenges defence organisations face in becoming truly data-driven. Data is growing faster than our proper understand ..read more

During a recent talk at the Defence Simulation Education Training (DSET) conference, leading experts from various military sectors shared their perspectives on integrating technology in education and training. Jonathan Searle, from the MOD and Cranfield University, Colonel Colin Thomas from the Land Warfare Centre of the British Army, and Lieutenant CDR Michael Quinn from Navy Command’s Future Training department shed light on the challenges and opportunities associated with leveraging technology for effective learning and skill development. Defence simulation courses funded by the MOD In Jona ..read more

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) claims the US Space Force (USSF) must reassess its plans for modernising the global positioning system (GPS). GPS is the principal source of positioning, navigation and timing information for the US military and its partners. The Department of Defense (DoD) has worked for more than two decades to modernise GPS with a more jam-resistant, military specific signal known as “M-code”. The USSF is responsible for GPS modernisation. The GPS system consists of three segments that co-operate to provide M-code: a ground control segment, a space segment, and ..read more

The Australian government has “signed a substanial contract” to acquire Kongsberg’s next generation Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The Commonwealth expressed interest in the NSM in 2022 as a replacement for the Harpoon anti-ship missile. The Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers will use the NSM; the capability will enter service from 2024. “This is a significant milestone in the pathway to delivering a modern, effective, and survivable precision strike missile capability to the Royal Australian Navy. “Executing this contract will be achieved through close colla ..read more

Global financial difficulties, a dipping oil price, and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have all been significant factors in the Sultanate of Oman registering a sustained drop in defence expenditure, with a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% between 2019-2023. According to GlobalData’s Oman Defense Market Report 2023-2028, Oman’s Ministry of Finance had announced that the defence and security budget would be cut, along with the country’s development budget. The defence budget was reduced from $9.2bn in 2019 to $7.8bn in 2023, while the equipment acquisition budget was reduc ..read more

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) subsidiary, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), will continue to fund mission aircrew training for the next generation of pilots in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF). The latest deal will support the Ascent Flight Training (AFT) sheme, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin UK and Babcock International, with £125m ($155m) funding. Lasting three years, the contract will run until June 2026 to cover the period until the Future intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) and Rear Crew Training System (FIRCTS ..read more

Timken Gears & Services Inc., based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, has secured a contract modification worth $119m. The contracting activity for this endeavour is the Naval Sea Systems Command, based in Washington, D.C.. The company will exercise options to provide three main reduction gear (MRG) shipsets supporting the DDG-51 class. MRGs are large drive systems that transfer torque from a ship’s gas turbines to its propeller shafts, enabling the vessel to move at various speeds under changing conditions. This component is integral to the operation of the DDG-51 class vessels, ensuring ..read more