Airbus has secured a contract with the U.K. Ministry of Defence to supply advanced modems for the Skynet satellite communications network. The new hardware, called Future Protected Modem-A, will replace the existing Paradigm Modem System and support both the operational Skynet 5 satellites and the upcoming Skynet 6A satellite. The modems, manufactured in the United...
Category: Europe
Air Force B-52H Bomber Conducts Simulated Weapons Drop in Finland
The U.S. Air Force deployed two B-52H Stratofortress bombers in Finland on Nov. 25 to perform a simulated weapons drop, along with Finnish F/A-18C Hornets and Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripens, as part of Bomber Task Force 25-1. The exercise, which presented Finland’s role as a NATO ally, contributed to strengthening the alliance’s...
US-Lithuania Nuclear Energy Pact Eyes Small Modular Reactors
The United States and Lithuania have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop civil nuclear energy in the Baltic nation focused on deploying fourth-generation small modular reactors, or SMRs. The pact, signed by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and visiting Lithuanian Minister of Energy Dainius Kreivys in Washington on Tuesday, is vital to U.S. efforts...
Belgian National, Regional Governments Select Zivver Platform to Prevent Data Leaks
Federal and regional governments in Belgium have selected Zivver to provide secure digital communications to ensure compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation and NIS2. Under a framework deal, public sector entities will have access to the Dutch security company’s email and file exchange platform built with encryption, authentication and security layers...
Norway, US Discuss Drone Acquisition for Arctic Defense
Norway is in talks with the United States about its acquisition plans for a new long-range, aerial maritime surveillance drone for its forces in the high north. Anne Marie Aanerud, state secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, told Breaking Defense that the consultation is part of Oslo’s evaluation of potential acquisition options. “As part...
Australia Confirms MHI, Thyssenkrupp Down-Selection for Future Frigates Project
Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and German firm Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems are now eligible to secure a contract for designing future general-purpose frigates for Australia. The Australian Ministry of Defence formally announced the down-selection on Monday. Earlier, the Australian Financial Review reported that the Albanese government has narrowed down the list of contractors eligible for...
UK Minister Warns Against Russian Cyberattack on Countries Supporting Ukraine
Pat McFadden, British minister for intergovernmental relations, has warned NATO allies against Russian cyber criminals targeting countries supporting Ukraine, Reuters reported. In a speech at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference in London on Monday, McFadden, who as chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is the highest ranking minister in Keir Stamer’s Cabinet, discussed how malicious...
Rolls-Royce Submarines Opens Glasgow Office to Support AUKUS Nuclear Attack Boat Build Programs
Rolls-Royce Submarines has opened its new Glasgow office funded by the U.K. Ministry of Defence to enhance support for the Astute- and Dreadnought-class boat build programs and other Royal Navy requirements under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership. “The opening of the new Rolls-Royce office in Glasgow is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to...
International Defense Leaders Express Concern Over Growing Russia, China, North Korea Ties
Defense officials who attended the Halifax International Security Forum over the weekend said growing cooperation between China, North Korea and Russia poses a significant threat to international order. Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said North Korea volunteering its soldiers to bolster Russian forces in Ukraine could result in Moscow repaying the gesture...
European Governments Urged to Procure Products, Services From Space Startups
European governments support the research and development initiatives of space startups through grants, but such a funding approach does not create a competitive environment where emerging companies are encouraged to grow, company executives and investors said at a Space Tech Expo Europe panel discussion on Wednesday. According to Sven Meyer-Brunswick, principal at Alpine Space Ventures,...










