IBM opened a quantum data center in Germany on Tuesday, the first of its kind outside the United States and the second such facility in the world. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the launch of the new location, with several government and company leaders in attendance, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, IBM Quantum Vice President Jay...
Category: Europe
French Company Naval Group Secures Contract to Upgrade Netherlands’ Submarines
French shipbuilder Naval Group has signed a delivery contract to build four Orka-class submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy. The deal, sealed on Monday by Dutch State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman and Naval Group CEO Pierre Eric Pommelet, will replace the military service's aging Walrus-class fleet. The new vessels — HNLMS Orka, HNLMS Zwaardvis, HNLMS Barracuda and HNLMS Tijgerhaai, based on France's Barracuda nuclear-propelled attack submarines — will feature upgraded sensors, communication systems and a cruise missile launch capability. Naval Group is expected to deliver the first two orders within 10 years.
GA-ASI Industry Event to Provide Funding Opportunity for Dutch Tech, Aerospace Companies
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, will hold the Blue Magic Netherlands event on Nov. 19 in Eindhoven to provide Dutch tech and aerospace companies the opportunity to propose innovative technologies, seek funding and connect with industry leaders. Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency, Spacened and Lockheed Martin Ventures are among GA-ASI’s partners that will accept dual-use product proposals focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, sensors and navigation, and space. Interested companies are invited to register on the event website no later than Oct. 28.
Lockheed Martin Secures $3.2B FMS Contract to Supply Missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland
Lockheed Martin has secured a $3.2 billion Foreign Military Sales contract from the U.S. Air Force to supply joint air-to-surface standoff missiles and long-range anti-ship missiles to Japan, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland. The company will work on the single-source contract in Orlando, Florida, with completion expected in July 2032. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida is the contracting activity, according to a U.S. Department of Defense announcement on Friday.
US, Allies Endorse Principles to Enhance Resilience of Undersea Cable Networks
The governments of 16 countries and the European Union have endorsed a set of principles designed to protect global undersea cable infrastructure from security threats and enhance its resilience to natural or man-made hazards. The United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom were among the countries that introduced the principles at the 79th annual United National General Assembly, highlighting the reliance of several nations on undersea cables for global communication. The endorsers encouraged incorporating cybersecurity best practices to build and maintain the infrastructure and strengthening international cooperation to promote the selection of secure and verifiable subsea cable providers.
Viasat Expands Elevate Program With Addition of Satellite Communications Cybersecurity Startup Cysec
Cybersecurity solutions provider Cysec has joined Viasat's Elevate growth program, ecosystem and marketplace, giving it access to the Viasat network and its partners as it develops a solution that addresses threats targeting space-based communications and assets. Cysec's ARCA family of software products — ARCA Satcom VPN, ARCA Trusted OS and ARCA Satlink — offers to provide high-quality security for the space internet. ARCA Satcom VPN, with its built-in encryption and authentication, “unlocks numerous new use cases for our customers,” said Yacine Felk, chief operatibng officer and co-founder of Cysec.
AUKUS to Step Up Australian Training for Nuclear Submarine Program
Australian defense and civilian personnel will receive further nuclear reactor training in the United Kingdom in support of Canberra's nuclear-powered submarine project under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership. U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey, who issued the announcement after a meeting with his AUKUS counterparts in London on Thursday, emphasized the importance of partnerships amid increasing global threats. "Our government will stand shoulder to shoulder with our Australian and U.S. partners, with new U.K. leadership in AUKUS and a commitment to boost jobs and growth."The Potomac Officers Club will host its first-ever GovCon International Summit on Oct. 10. Join the panel discussions on international partnerships, coalition warfare and emerging technologies and how they are reshaping the defense landscape. Register today!
US Extends $920M in Foreign Military Funding Direct Loan to Romania
The United States has extended a $920 million Foreign Military Financing direct loan to Romania to help accelerate its military modernization efforts. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the Department of State, said in a press statement that the assistance includes a grant to cover fees and guarantee the loan. According to the official, the FMF deal is expected to strengthen NATO's operations in its eastern flank, noting Bucharest's contributions within the military alliance. "Romania is a leader in NATO, working closely with allies to advance Black Sea security and providing critical assistance to Ukraine, including the transfer of a Patriot strategic air defense system and training Ukrainian F-16 pilots," Miller said.
Rheinmetall to Supply Mortar Shells for NATO Partner’s Armed Forces
Rheinmetall has received an order for a six-digit number of mortar shells from an international NATO customer. Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, based in Spain, will produce various types of the mortar shells, valued in the mid-double-digit million-euro range, for the NATO partner's armed forces. The products will be delivered, beginning in the summer of 2025, with completion expected in 2026. The latest purchase follows Switzerland's order for 81 mm MX2-KM mortar cargo ammunition and Spain's procurement of 104,000 mortar rounds in 60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm calibers for the Spanish Army.
Dennis Goege to Take Over as Chief Executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin has named Dennis Goege as vice president and chief executive for Europe, effective Oct. 1. Goege, who succeeds Jonathan Hoyle, joined the company in 2020 and has since been helping with initiatives aimed at growing Lockheed's air, land, naval and space offerings. Also taking on new roles are Emanuele Serafini, who will report to Goege as VP and regional executive for west Europe, and Paul Livingstone, incumbent VP and chief executive at Lockheed Martin UK, who will expand his responsibilities to cover NATO transactions.










