Defence Industry Europe

During a special media briefing following the NATO summit in Washington, Romania's Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, said that the country is set to sign a contract for the acquisition of the first batch of American fifth-generation multi-role F-35A fighter jets by the end of this year. Tîlvăr detailed Romania's ambitious plans to split the procurement program into two phases. The initial phase will see the acquisition of 32 F-35A aircraft, followed by a second phase covering the remaining 16 jets. In total, Romania aims to obtain 48 F-35As. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, stands to benefit significantly from this deal. Minister Tîlvăr announced that the budget allocated for the F-35 program will be approximately USD 6.5 billion. This budget, the largest defence contract in Romania's history, will not only cover the aircraft themselves but also include armaments, training services, logistical support, spare parts, engines, and simulators. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/d3KriTU7 #Romania #airforce #F35 #LockheedMartin #5thgeneration #aircraft #fighter #defence #aerospace #industry #military

Defence Community Capital (DECC) recently spoke with defence community members about their unique challenges with international military banking. After extensive research, DECC's team identified the key issues impacting defence sector professionals based in Europe. Some are the most common: ➡ Lack of local IBANs ➡ High ATM withdrawal fees ➡ Managing multiple currencies ➡ Low-interest savings accounts ➡ Splitting finances between households  ➡ Regular bank transfers to pay local bills ➡ Cards not working on the local economy ➡ Slow transfers (traditional banks and Wise) ➡ Delayed reimbursement for work-related expenses ➡ Difficult local/host country account setup and management    While many of these challenges are not exclusive to the defence community, it is important to contextualise them. Defence careers are well-known for frequent moves, temporary duty assignments, and deployments. For example, this year, more than 90,000 NATO military personnel participated in a large military exercise across Europe.   Further, many community members share these experiences, underscoring the need for banking services tailored to Europe-based defence lifestyles and fostering a sense of shared community.    As one defence community member described it: "It is crucial for the bank to understand the needs, update the policy based on clients' requirements, and evolve in the same time to keep up with the changes."   DECC is unwavering in helping defence community members achieve long-term financial stability and wellness with personalized digital-first banking products. Discover more about DECC's innovative products, community, and paid customer success opportunities by following the links in the comments section. 

For the first time as a NATO member, the Swedish Air Force participated in NATO operations across the North Atlantic. Sweden deployed an ASC 890 aircraft and support staff to Keflavik, Iceland to conduct airborne surveillance and combat control flights during the NATO Summit in Washington July 9-11. Flying under NATO command and control based on a formal Transfer of Authority, the Swedish aircraft conducted surveillance flights contributing to the NATO’s air picture over the North Atlantic northeast of Iceland. Since joining NATO in March 2024, Sweden has been part of NATO's deterrence and defence posture. The Swedish Air Force has closely coordinated quick reaction alert duties at home with NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany, which has also been responsible for controlling the Swedish ASC 890 during the temporary air and sea surveillance over the North. This mission has again confirmed that after long years of close cooperation as a Partner, the Swedish Air Force is well integrated in NATO’s air activities and interoperable within Alliance Air and Space Power. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/d34e6Jmi #Sweden #airforce #ASC890 #Saab #Saab340AEWC #defence #aerospace #military #cooperation #StrongerTogether

At this year’s Eurosatory exhibition in Paris, French explosives manufacturer EURENCO signed new agreements with Saab, the leading Swedish defence and security company. Eurenco has received orders from Saab for the supply of propellants and explosives for anti-tank munitions used in the Carl-Gustaf and AT4 anti-tank weapon systems. This order will run until 2028, the French company said. “This new important contract is much more than a commercial transaction; it is a new step in our strong partnership between Eurenco and Saab. We are honored to continue our collaboration with Saab, a company that shares our values of excellence and reliability,” underlined Thierry FRANCOU, CEO of Eurenco. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dS2Qs_fK #Euroenco #Saab #France #Sweden #Europe #Eurosatory2024 #defence #industry #military #technology #cooperation #armedforces #antitank #weapon #CarlGustaf #AT4

On 9 July 2024, in the margins of the NATO Summit in Washington D.C, United States, Defence Ministers from 17 NATO Nations came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to strengthening the Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space (APSS) initiative. APSS is an essential space-based capability that supports NATO operations and improves intelligence sharing among Commands by accelerating the processes for receiving and analyzing data gathered from space-based sensors, operated by Nations and commercial providers. “The APSS initiative may be regarded as a game changer for NATO’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. It will largely contribute to build NATO’s readiness and reduce its dependency on other intelligence and surveillance capabilities,” said NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) General Manager, Ludwig Decamps. “APSS is a perfect example of a one-NATO initiative with cross-entity coordination and cooperation. Today’s signature represents an important milestone in the development of the APSS programme and the further establishment of space as a domain, bringing major benefits to the Alliance as a whole.” Find out more: https://lnkd.in/d6xStFYy #NATO #NCIA #space #defence #military #technology #innovation #APSS

Defence AI company Helsing announced that it has raised EUR 450 million in a Series C financing round led by General Catalyst, with participation from Elad Gil, Accel, Saab, Lightspeed, Plural and Greenoaks. The funds will be used for product development and R&D; a particular focus will be on capabilities to secure European sovereignty including protecting the NATO Eastern Flank. In a joint statement, the company’s three founders Niklas Köhler, Torsten Reil and Gundbert Scherf said: “European security is at a crossroads and Helsing will play a significant role in giving democratic societies the ability to deter and defend. But speed is of the essence. This new funding round allows us to further up the tempo and invest in large-scale R&D and capabilities across all domains.” Helsing has been active in Ukraine since 2022 and recently established the Defence Manufacturers Alliance, a joint initiative with the Ukrainian government. Since its founding in 2021, the company has secured a series of government contracts, including the German Eurofighter Electronic Warfare upgrade (with strategic investor and committed partner Saab AB), the AI infrastructure for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS, with consortium HIS), and a number of classified contracts in the maritime and land domain. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dyWcsCgY #Helsing #AI #airtificialintelligence #defence #industry #technology #military #armedforces #Europe #NATO #easternflank

Lindnerhof Taktik, a subsidiary of Mehler Systems, has introduced a range of new Micro Rig sets, slim Magazine Pouches, and a compact Dump Pouch with the aim of offering the most compact and lightweight product innovations. These products offer a design that is deliberately focused on compact dimensions and extra lightweight. For this reason, the renowned MX material with standard laser-cut MOLLE slots is partially used, along with slim webbing and lightweight plastic parts. What’s new is that the existing and popular Modular MX231 and Multicaliber MX234 front panels are now available directly as complete sets. This means that the Modular Micro Rig MX887 and the Multicaliber Micro Rig MX886 can be used directly as a ready-to-use carrying system for training, without ballistic protection, and for rapid deployment/repositioning. The function as a front panel is retained and can also be utilised at any time. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/db2is6ry #MehlerSystems #Lindnerhof #tactical #military #defence #armedforces #Germany

As announced by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Washington Summit, NATO is forming a new command to plan, coordinate, and arrange delivery of security assistance that Ukraine needs to prevail in its fight today, and in the future. NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), will be comprised of approximately 700 personnel from NATO Allied nations and select partners. The effort will be headquartered in Wiesbaden, Germany, with key logistical hubs in the Alliance’s eastern flank. NSATU will have three main focus areas: 1️⃣ oversee training of Ukrainian armed forces at training facilities in Allied countries; 2️⃣ provide support to the long-term development of Armed Forces of Ukraine; 3️⃣ support Ukraine through planning, coordination of donations with Allies and partners, transfer of security assistance material, and repair of equipment. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/dkqgmsBd #NATO #Ukraine #NSATU #defence #military #armedforces #cooperation #AFU #training #equipment #ammunition

Defence Community Capital (DECC) believes all Europe-based defence sector customer segments deserve tailored digital-first financial services. It offers multiple banking products exclusively for multinational defence sector civilians, military personnel, and spouses in Europe. As one customer put it: "It is really important, as a lifestyle in the defence sector involves high short-term mobility (TDYs, courses, etc.), and also changing countries when changing jobs. Having a bank that can help navigate the banking side of all the above would be greatly appreciated." In addition to helping financially navigate moves, duty travel, training exercises, and deployments, DECC offers personalised rewards that ensure customers benefit financially from dynamic defence sector lifestyles. ‘Defender’ products like supermarket cashback, high-yield savings accounts, low-interest car loans, and personalised financial intelligence products. Check out their website to pick your favourite products and join the community! 👉 https://defcomcap.com/ #DECC #military #armedforces #NATO #Europe #fintech #app #banking

Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and other partners have committed to addressing a critical gap in long-range standoff weapon capabilities. According to the German Ministry of Defence, this European cooperation aims to bolster development, procurement, operation, and training related to deep precision strike systems, which boast ranges exceeding 500 kilometres. This initiative, formalised through a joint declaration of intent signed during the NATO summit in Washington, signifies a collective European resolve towards equitable burden-sharing and reinforcing the European defence industry. The signatories of this declaration include the defence ministers of France, Poland, Italy, and Germany, with the project operating under the name ELSA (European Long-Range Strike Approach). Previous reports have also indicated potential interest from Spain and Sweden. Insiders suggest that the forthcoming ground-to-ground weapon could feature a range well beyond 1,000 kilometres, with potential systems including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons. The latter category, in particular, demands substantial development efforts. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/d8kFRPZb #ELSA #Europe #Italy #Poland #France #Germany #longrange #missile #cruisemissile #defence #industry #military #technology #armedforces