Known as AUKUS, the alliance aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and enhance defense capabilities through technology sharing. The initial phase of the partnership involves working on nuclear submarines for Canberra.

According to Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair, Ottawa wants to join a second pillar of the alliance, which involves collaboration on emerging military technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

“There have been important discussions about processes and platforms on a project-specific basis on where other nations, including Japan and ourselves, might participate,” he said during his first visit to Tokyo as defense minister.

“I would respectfully wait until they’ve come to their determination, but I’m very optimistic.”

Expanded Alliance?

Talks about potentially expanding the AUKUS alliance began when Japan signified its intent to become a fourth member.

The founding nations have confirmed they were considering Tokyo’s involvement in “specific Pillar 2 defense projects,” given its substantial investments in cutting-edge military technologies.

South Korea and New Zealand have also shown interest in contributing to the second pillar, offering their expertise in areas such as AI, autonomy, undersea capabilities, electronic warfare, and cyber operations.

The US previously said it was open to allowing more countries to participate in AUKUS’ technological activities, noting its appreciation for the interest from various allies.

“I think all three countries have made clear that under the appropriate circumstances we would be prepared to work collaboratively with other partners who bring capacity to the challenge,” US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said.

Increasing Threats

China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific has led many countries to view it as the biggest threat in the region.

Its aggressive stance in the South China Sea, marked by multiple maritime confrontations with Philippine Navy vessels and its mounting pressure on Taiwan, has heightened regional tensions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping previously warned against a resurgence of Cold War-era tensions in the Asia-Pacific due to increasing military cooperation among its adversaries.

The post After Japan, Canada Wants In on AUKUS Alliance to Counter China appeared first on The Defense Post.

The contract stipulates the “complete and extensive” transfer of technologies and associated processes from the company to Abu Dhabi’s local industry, maturing the capability’s production for warfighters.

The resulting solution will be integrated into the country’s naval fleet and cover both new and retrofit ship programs.

Naval Group signed the joint development framework in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s military acquisitions segment Tawazun Council and autonomy developer Makareb Technologies, which was selected as the prime domestic partner for the effort.

Supporting ‘UAE’s Ambition’

According to the French company, the agreement is part of the UAE’s goal to amplify its defense and security industries.

Naval Group added that the program will aid Abu Dhabi’s defense sector in sustaining rapid growth as it delivers tactical solutions for its evolving requirements.

“We are very pleased and honoured with this new step in our long-term cooperation and partnership with Tawazun Council,” Naval Group CEO Pierre Éric Pommellet stated.

“Naval Group remains committed to supporting the UAE’s ambition to enhance its defence and security industry with a cutting-edge naval combat system capacity.”

Latest Naval Partnerships

Naval Group secured a contract to design, manufacture, and evaluate an underwater drone for the French Navy last month.

In November 2023, the company delivered the Emirati Navy’s first Gowing-class corvette as part of a 2019 framework agreement. One month earlier, the firm launched the Hellenic Navy’s first Belharra-class frigate in Lorient.

In the Asia Pacific, Naval Group signed an agreement with the Indian government to modernize the country’s Kalvari-class submarines.

In 2022, the Philippines collaborated with Naval Group to equip Manila’s Jose Rizal-class frigates with anti-torpedo systems.

The post Naval Group Joins UAE’s National Combat Management System Program appeared first on The Defense Post.

The announcement was made after IDF troops discovered classified details of the militant group’s missile program in a raid on one of its sites in Gaza.

Israeli soldiers said they located an underground manufacturing plant housing components that allegedly prove Hamas operates and builds precision weapons under Iranian guidance.

The IDF even shared a video of what it asserted were rocket engines and warheads of a cruise missile developed by the Palestinian organization.

Jerusalem has long accused Tehran of helping Lebanese militant group Hezbollah acquire precision missile technology, but it did not expect that the same would apply to Hamas.

Under Iranian guidance, Hamas operatives learned how to operate and build precision missile production components and strategic weapons.

This is indicated by the findings of IDF troops at a weapons production site located in a 100-meter-long Hamas tunnel uncovered in Daraj… pic.twitter.com/V6PfYbLfwS

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 7, 2024

Confirming Previous Reports?

In November 2023, the IDF recovered documents from a computer found inside a Hamas pickup truck detailing a technical training request to the Iranian government.

The group reportedly wanted seven of its members to study engineering, physics, and technology at universities in Iran, suggesting the intent to produce its own sophisticated weapons.

“This example is another piece in an elaborate puzzle of a deep infrastructure of building, supporting, financing, and training terror proxies by the Iranian regime around the globe and specifically in the Gaza strip,” an Israeli official told CNN.

Involvement of Outside Forces

Apart from Iran, the IDF has also accused China of aiding Hamas operations against Israel.

A massive cache of top-grade Chinese weapons was seized from the militant group amid intensified ground and aerial operations by the IDF.

The weapons were reportedly brought into Gaza in an “organized process” and not through cargo ships.

The post Iran Aided Hamas Cruise Missile Production Capability: Israel appeared first on The Defense Post.

NAREW seeks a next-generation mobile defense system to intercept advanced and future airborne threats beyond 40 kilometers (25 miles).

For the agreement, MBDA will relay critical technologies and knowledge to the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ).

This approach will enable the government to produce over 1,000 Common Anti-Air Modular Missile – Extended Range (CAMM-ER) and more than 100 iLaunchers for its armed forces.

Boosting UK-Poland Cooperation

The contract is part of ongoing UK and Polish military cooperation to bolster their air defenses against evolving adversaries by 2030 while enhancing each country’s industrial base.

In 2017, MBDA and PGZ signed a strategic partnership agreement for the area of missiles and associated systems to support the governments’ objectives.

“This is another crucial step forward for our historic defence ties with Poland, supplying next generation air defence capabilities to act as a clear deterrent to our adversaries,” UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated.

“We continue to fully back our thriving UK defence industry, and this landmark export deal is yet another example of the huge potential our collective defence sectors boast.”

Progress in NAREW Program

Earlier this year, PGZ signed a 1.9-billion pound ($2.4-billion) deal with MBDA to begin the NAREW program’s initial missile and launcher deliveries.

Simultaneously, the British and Italian governments announced support for Poland’s CAMM-ER missile production.

PGZ also partnered with the US Department of Defense to integrate America’s Integrated Battle Command System into the NAREW program.

“The scale and ambition of NAREW is truly impressive – building a Polish air defence shield using our CAMM family missiles and iLaunchers that will protect the entirety of Poland’s skies,” MBDA CEO Eric Béranger stated.

“The transfer of technology in NAREW will be transformative for Poland’s sovereign complex weapons capabilities, and we are deeply proud of the trust placed in us by Poland and excited for the future of our partnership with the eleven members of the PGZ-NAREW Consortium.”

The post MBDA to Expedite Poland’s NAREW Air Defense Program appeared first on The Defense Post.

The agreement supports an ongoing program seeking more than 40 light fighter planes to replace Poland’s Soviet-era MiG-29 fleet.

South Korea and the Polish government signed the foreign military sale in September 2022, valued at $13.7 billion.

Scorpion Helmets

For the KAI contract, Thales will supply its proprietary Scorpion Helmet Mounted Displays, which offer easy access to the aircraft’s mission systems, navigation, and sensors.

The technology is a digital platform with zero-perceived latency, full-color symbology, and a single display module.

It uses a hybrid, optically-based inertial technology to augment the pilot’s vision with the aircraft’s tracking capabilities, providing situational awareness on day and night deployments.

Thales stated that the Scorpion helmets can also be employed with T-50 Golden Eagle Advanced Jet Trainers and its TA-50 Lead-in Fighter Trainer variant.

“We are excited to add the FA-50 to the long list of highly capable combat aircraft embracing our Scorpion HMD. For KAI we also supply rotary wing versions for their Light Armed and Marine Attack helicopters,” Thales Defense & Security’s Jim Geraghty stated.

“Scorpion’s simplified approach to platform integration, superior situational awareness, high reliability, and enhanced pilot comfort makes this system unmatched in the HMD marketspace.”

Future FA-50 Fleet Developments

South Korea plans to deliver the first 12 FA-50s to the Polish armed forces this year.

In August, Poland signed a $105-million contract with the US to procure Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods for the upcoming combat jets.

These “battle-proven” systems have an electro-optical targeting system and laser trackers to dominate moving aerial threats at a stand-off range.

In June, KAI rolled out the FA-50s eight months after the order. The aircraft were sent for flight tests the following month.

The post Thales to Supply Pilot Helmets for Polish FA-50 Fighting Jets appeared first on The Defense Post.

Washington accuses Tehran of supplying Moscow with drones, which have become a major feature of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and are in regular use in Syria. Iran denies sending drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.

“I think there’s a risk that… as Russia accepts the drones from Iran, as it modifies those weapons, that some of that technology gets shared back with Iran (and) gives them additional capabilities,” commander of the US Ninth Air Force, Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, told a press briefing.

“I see the implications of that relationship playing out a little bit in Syria. Who would have ever thought that the Russian Federation would need to go to Iran for military capability? And yet we’re there.”

Drones have become a focal point of military strategy for both Russia and Iran, who are under heavy Western sanctions.

Tehran last month unveiled its “Mohajer-10” attack drone, and Russian President Vladimir Putin gave North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a gift of drones when he visited Moscow last week.

“I’m concerned about the level of collaboration that might happen between Russian forces (and) the amount of cooperation and collusion between Russia and Iran that’s playing out in Syria,” Grynkewich told reporters in Abu Dhabi.

“That is something that we watch very closely,” he said. “That burgeoning relationship is of a military concern to me.”

Tehran and Moscow have both provided economic, political, and military support to the government in Syria, helping Damascus claw back most of the territory it had lost in the early stages of the war.

The conflict in Syria since 2011 has killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions, and battered the country’s infrastructure and industry.

The post Russian-Modified Drones Could Aid Iran: US Commander appeared first on The Defense Post.

The ruling coalition has been urged to allow the transfer of local defense items to other nations, provided they are only used for non-combat missions.

The government cited rescue, transportation, vigilance, surveillance, and minesweeping as the five non-combat domains for which Japanese weapons can be used.

For example, Tokyo could permit the export of Awaji-class minesweeping vessels equipped with powerful cannons to dispose of sea mines.

The ruling parties will discuss revising the guidelines on defense equipment transfers.

“If direct exports are not allowed, it will hinder joint development,” a senior official at the Japanese Prime Minister’s office said.

‘Three Principles’

Under Japan’s “Three Principles” defense equipment transfer rule, lethal weapons can only be exported to countries that are jointly developing them.

It also prohibits the transfer of military technologies to third countries.

If Tokyo’s development partners opt to export the items to other countries, they must first ask permission from the Japanese government.

This principle is why the country opposes the entry of Saudi Arabia into a joint fighter jet program with Italy and the UK.

Japanese officials said Riyadh would only complicate discussions about which third countries can purchase the aircraft.

‘At a Disadvantage’

Japan’s move to reconsider its defense export policies comes amid concerns that it may be the only country unable to export the next-generation fighter jets.

The UK and Italy are willing to export the aircraft to allies to boost their domestic defense industries.

A member of the ruling parties claimed that the volume of the combat jets in circulation would decrease if Tokyo did not allow direct export.

It would make the aircraft less mainstream if only a few countries use it.

The post Japan Mulls Easing Lethal Weapons Export Restrictions appeared first on The Defense Post.

As part of the deal announced Monday, both companies will establish a weapons assembly and production line in Peru.

The Israeli firm will also provide the know-how on small arms assembly, advanced quality assurance, and maintenance processes.

Moving forward, IWI and Fábrica de Armas y Municiones del Ejército (FAME) will explore the possibility of expanding local production to include additional weapons and optical sights.

“IWI is proud to have signed a cooperation agreement with FAME, which further strengthens its activities in Peru and in Latin America,” SK Group vice president Ronen Hamudot said.

“This is the first step in a cooperation that will generate employment opportunities in the country…”

ARAD Assault Rifle

Weighing only 2.85 kilograms (6.3 pounds), the ARAD rifle is designed to address the combat needs of Special Forces and infantry units.

It features a short-stroke gas piston with a gas regulator for improved performance in all environmental conditions.

The weapon also has a two-step enhanced trigger for comfortable and more accurate shooting.

The ARAD assault rifle is being offered with barrel lengths of 419 and 508 millimeters.

“IWI is a world-leader company, with decades of proven experience in the development, production and marketing of small arms,” FAME director Leoncio Noriega explained.

“This signing aligns us with a partner that has rich experience and technological knowledge that it will share with FAME, as part of the agreement, promoting the military industry of Peru.”

The post Israel, Peru Collaborate on Assault Rifle Production appeared first on The Defense Post.

Work for the 10-year program will focus on global support for existing aircraft operations and air transit equipment in the French military.

The agreement is the company’s first Land Sector contract with the French government. It will be supported by technology transfer from Babcock’s UK business.

The first half of 2023 will see the French Alvest Group companies AES and TLD collaborate with Babcock to establish operations at five French military installations, including a customer-focused support coordination center in Bordeaux.

Truck workshop technicians will also work on 26 local and international French Air Force, Navy, and Army bases.

French Land Sector Opportunities

Babcock will provide management, maintenance, and renewal for French fleet equipment as part of the program.

AES will deliver logistical support, delivery, and supply of spare parts, while TLD will be responsible for specific high value-added capabilities.

“This first [ground support equipment] contract is an important and strategic step for Babcock in France, and we are proud that the Aeronautical Maintenance Department has trusted us to provide this essential service,” Babcock France CEO Pierre Basquin said.

“This new contract places us in a good position for future opportunities in the land sector and with the French armed forces. We are looking forward to this new challenge.”

The post Babcock to Provide Ground Support for French Military’s Aeronautical Equipment appeared first on The Defense Post.

The agreement will see the Spanish shipbuilder transfer related technologies to Saudi experts in support of the country’s Vision 2030 program, which seeks to enhance domestic construction, combat system integration, design, and ship maintenance.

Prototyping, simulation, logistical support, training, and systems verification will also be shared with indigenous experts.

“This MoU promotes the process of localization in the military industries sector by achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s vision to localize more than 50% of the total military spending by 2030… that will enhance the building of local industrial capabilities and various supply chains, as well as  localization of human cadres,” Saudi Arabian General Authority for Military Industries Governor Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ohali explained.

Sustaining Military Industry in Saudi Arabia

According to Navantia, the program supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to protect its strategic and critical interests, bolster maritime security, and support the defense ministry’s operational goals.

The agreement is expected to improve Saudi’s global position in the military industry by leveraging its strategic location, which connects multiple continents and is an “ideal destination for investment” in the sector.

Navantia CEO and Chairman Ricardo Domínguez Garcia-Baquero signed the agreement with Al-Ohali and Saudi Arabian Executive Affairs Assistant Defense Minister Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari.

Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, officials, and dignitaries from both countries were also present during the event.

“This event is of great importance to the Ministry of Defense and a milestone in our cooperation with Navantia, as it intends to boost the RSNF’s naval capabilities, improving joint operations among all security and military agencies, and developing a sustainable local military industries sector, while increasing transparency with spending efficiency,” Al-Bayari said at the ceremony.

The post Saudi Arabia, Navantia to Build Multi-Mission Combat Ships appeared first on The Defense Post.