DefenseNews

Army plans to grow Patriot battalions, plus one for Guam

August 6, 2025
The Army is planning to grow its operational Patriot air-and-missile defense force from 15 to 18 battalions, plus a composite battalion which includes Patriot capability in Guam, an Army spokesperson told Defense News in a statement. In 2023 the service announced a plan to add a 16th battalion, but it will now bolster a force stretched thin with two additional battalions. Vice Chief of Staff Gen.
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DefenseNews

Defense companies jack up Germany’s auto industry to make weapons fast

March 13, 2025
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Germany’s economy should embrace the pivot from cars to defense equipment as a major growth driver, according to a proposal by the country’s leading defense industry group. The Federal Association of the German Security and Defense Industry (BDSV) pitched the idea last week while hailing the incoming government’s pledge to continue expanding the defense budget…
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DefenseNews

Air Force revives Skyraider name for new light attack aircraft

March 6, 2025
FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida — Air Force Special Operations Command has dubbed its newest aircraft Skyraider II, a nod to the Cold War-era propeller plane that delivered close air support during the Vietnam War. Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, head of Air Force Special Operations Command, announced the name of the OA-1K Skyraider II, a propeller-driven light attack airplane, at the Global SOF…
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DefenseNews

Airbus, Boeing angle for Polish tanker aircraft deal

March 6, 2025
WARSAW, Poland — The Polish Ministry of National Ministry is advancing plans to buy new transport and refueling aircraft, with major players Airbus and Boeing intensifying their rivalry for potential contracts. A Polish MoD spokesperson confirmed the ministry’s aircraft…
DefenseNews

F-35s to get new capabilities with summer software update

March 6, 2025
AURORA, Colo. — Lockheed Martin hopes to begin rolling out early Block 4 capabilities to the F-35 this summer, a senior company official said Monday. Chauncey McIntosh, vice president and general manager of Lockheed’s F-35 program, said at the Air and Space Forces…
DefenseNews

Airbus wins $500 million contract to upgrade French Navy comms

February 26, 2025
PARIS — Airbus Defence and Space, together with Naval Group, won a contract worth as much as €480 million (US$504 million) to upgrade the communications system of the French Navy to prepare for collaborative and networked combat. Airbus is leading an industrial consortium that will equip more than 80 vessels of the French naval forces with the RIFAN 3 network, including the aircraft carrier…
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