MTQ News

On April 26, 2024, the Belgian government, acting on a recommendation from Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder, agreed to proceed with Belgium's participation in the Next Generation Weapon System/Future Combat Air System (NGWS/FCAS) as an observer nation. Additionally, the Council approved the initiation of a specific research and development program for 2024, funded with €60 million, aimed at enhancing the Belgian defense industry’s capability to engage in the NGWS/FCAS development. Read full defense news at this link... The Future Combat Air System (FCAS), initiated in 2017 and also known as Système de Combat Aérien du Futur (SCAF), is a multinational defense project to develop a sixth-generation jet fighter (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/7GlVQcy via IFTTT

  According to information published by the Pakistani MoD on April 26, 2024, the Hangor class submarine PNS Hangor was launched by the Chinese shipyard CSSC. This submarine is a part of the Hangor-class, which itself is based on the Yuan-class Type 039B submarines provided by China. Read full news at this link Hangor class submarine PNS Hangor. (Picture source: Pakistani MoD) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/dgQWhs7 via IFTTT

 Addressing the future of the European Union in his speech at the Sorbonne on April 25, 2024, President Emmanuel Macron proposed several innovative defense initiatives. Among these, he reiterated the need to establish a "European Defense Initiative" aimed at developing a "strategic concept" and "relevant capabilities", especially in the areas of air defense and long-range operations. Read full news at this link... France proposed several innovative defense initiatives and reiterated the need to establish a "European Defense Initiative". (Picture source: European Defence Agency) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/BNu1ZzR via IFTTT

 According to information published by Austal Australia on April 29, 2024, Austal Australia has successfully launched the 7th Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat, named the future ADV Cape Solander. Read full news at this link Evolved Cape class patrol boat ADV Cape Solander. (Picture source: Austal) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/shDymvP via IFTTT

The British Ministry of Defense announced on March 24, 2024, a major step for the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank program: the successful completion of live firing tests for the British Army's future Main Battle Tank, the Challenger 3. This key advancement comes just days after Defence Secretary Grant Shapps visited the Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land factory in Telford, where he reviewed the progress on the latest of eight Challenger 3 prototypes. This development signals a significant step forward in the modernization of the British Army's armored capabilities. Read full Defense News at this link ... A British Army Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank at a firing range in Germany, ready to conduct live firing tests. (Picture source: UK MoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/8GqxufU via IFTTT

In a recent parliamentary session, British Minister of State for Defence, James Cartlidge, outlined the specific armored vehicles and artillery systems that will comprise a substantial new military aid package to Ukraine. This detail follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's April 23, 2024, pledge to provide Ukraine with the largest single package of military equipment ever dispatched from the UK. Read full Defense News at this link ... The new UK military aid package for Ukraine includes AS90 155mm howitzers, Scimitar reconnaissance armored vehicles, Husky 4x4 armored personnel carriers and BV206/ Viking All-Terrain Vehicles.  Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/ylVeq2B via IFTTT

On April 26, 2024, during the 21st Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Bill Blair, Canadian Minister of National Defence announced that the first 10 of 50 Armored Combat Support Vehicles (ACSV) that Canada will donate to Ukraine will be delivered to Europe this summer. Ukrainians will be trained on the armored vehicles in the summer, and the combat vehicles will move to Ukraine in the fall. These vehicles are built by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in London, Ontario. Read full Defense News at this link ... The ACSV is a new 8x8 armored vehicle designed and manufactured by General Dynamics Canada. (Picture source GDLS Canada) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/Gwl97Jf via IFTTT

According to a report by "bne INTELLINEWS" dated April 27, 2024, Ukraine is set to receive an undisclosed number of 2S1 "Gvozdika" and 2S3 "Akatsya" howitzers, previously deployed by the Iraqi army, as part of its efforts to replenish lost artillery in the ongoing conflict. These howitzers were sold to a British company before being acquired for Ukraine. Reports suggest that the vehicles, which had been spotted in Germany, were originally owned by private entities and include units that were active during the Gulf War. Read full Defense News at this link .. Former privately-owned 2S1 'Gvozdika' and 2S3 'Akatsya' howitzers, previously used by the Iraqi army during the Gulf War, recently purchased for Ukraine and spotted in Germany. (Picture source X Account B-AREV) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/xusgMdm via IFTTT

The United States Department of Defense unveiled a new military aid package for Ukraine on April 26, 2024, valued at a historic $6 billion. This substantial security assistance is designed to meet Ukraine's pressing battlefield needs and reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the U.S. to Ukraine's sovereignty and defense capabilities. Central to this package are additional Patriot and NASAMS surface-to-air missiles, marking a crucial enhancement in Ukraine's ability to defend its skies amid ongoing conflicts. Read full Defense News at this link ... A Patriot battery assigned to U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, display their patriot radar and antenna mast group during table gunnery training exercise on Kadena Air Base in Japan. (Picture source U.S. DoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/ayU5SWh via IFTTT

 In April 2023, a Vietnamese delegation visited the Hanwha Aerospace facilities in Hanoi to inspect the K9 howitzer, signaling Vietnam's need for 108 units of this 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. On April 23, 2024, the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense intended to purchase the K9 self-propelled howitzer, developed and manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea, for the People's Army of Vietnam. Read full news at this link... The K9 is a self-propelled howitzer equipped with a 155 mm cannon. (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/7PSG8t5 via IFTTT

  On April 23, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that it had targeted and destroyed a launcher of the MIM-23 HAWK air defense system belonging to the Ukrainian armed forces on April 22, 2024, in the Kharkiv region. Read full Defense News at this link: US MIM-23 Hawk air defense system (Picture source: Army Recognition) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/lxyrM8b via IFTTT

 According to information published by the EU on April 25, 2024, the Greek Hydra class frigate Hydra engaged two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that posed a threat to a merchant vessel it was protecting in the Gulf of Aden. The frigate successfully shot down one of the UAVs, while the second UAV altered its course after the engagement. Read full news at this link Hellenic Hydra class frigate Hydra. (Picture source: Greek MoD) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/oxq2baw via IFTTT

On April 19, 2024, Romania's Air Force received three F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from Norway. These aircraft arrived at the 71st "General Emanoil Ionescu" Air Base in Câmpia Turzii, marking a continuation of Romania’s program to replace its Soviet-era MiG-21 fighters. This is the second delivery of F-16s by Norway, with the first three having been delivered in November 2023 to the 86th Air Base "Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniţă" in Borcea. Read full defense news at this link... This procurement is part of a larger agreement concluded in June 2023, under which Romania purchased 32 refurbished Norwegian F-16 jets for €388 million. (Picture source: Norway MoD) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/gZVGx5w via IFTTT

 Throwflame announced on April 24, 2024, that the Thermonator is the first-ever flamethrower-wielding quadruped robot dog. Priced at $9,420, it is now available for purchase by the general public and government agencies, a first of its kind. Read full news at this link... The Thermonator is a flamethrower-wielding quadruped robot dog. (Picture source: Throwflame) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/TZpwKP4 via IFTTT

 Sarsilmaz, a leading firearms manufacturer in Türkiye, unveiled the SAR9 Gen3 on April 21, 2024, the latest iteration in its SAR9 pistol series. The SAR9 Gen3, entirely designed and manufactured locally, is known for its award-winning performance both in Türkiye and internationally. Read full news at this link... The SAR9 Gen3 models incorporate advanced engineering with a polymer frame, stainless steel slide, high-quality alloy steel barrel, and sophisticated safety features. (Picture source: Sarsilmaz) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/FenDk67 via IFTTT

 According to information published by the Norwegian Armed Forces on April 19, 2024, British naval and air units are currently participating in joint exercises with the Norwegian Navy to maintain rapid response readiness along the Norwegian coast. The exercise, named Tamber Shield, is part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) initiative and is taking place in coastal areas outside Bergen. Read full news at this link Skjold-class corvette KNM Glimt.  (Picture source: Norwegian Armed Forces) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/o7eGEiZ via IFTTT

 On April 19, 2024, the Kalashnikov Group unveiled its new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the SCAT 350 M and "Coliseum-RU," during the "Airborne Forces Innovation Day" exhibition at the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School in Russia, named after General of the Army V.F. Margelov. These UAVs are part of the latest advanced systems introduced by the company. Read full news at this link... The SCAT 350 M is a Russian drone present in Ukraine. (Picture source: Kalashnikov) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/35vpOQr via IFTTT

 JSC Concern Kalashnikov has completed the delivery of the latest batch of its AK-12 assault rifles, 2023 model, to the Russian army. This milestone follows a series of mandatory tests that each rifle must undergo. This information was relayed by Kalashnikov on April 19, 2024. Read full news at this link... AK-12 Kalashnikov Izhmash assault rifle. (Picture source: Kalashnikov) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/BDrQVWh via IFTTT

On April 20, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives ratified a substantial $95 billion budget for international military aid, of which $26.38 billion is earmarked for Israel. This allocation underscores the continuing strategic alliance between the United States and Israel, highlighting the commitment of the U.S. to ensure the security and military superiority of its key Middle Eastern ally. Read full Defense News at this link ... The new U.S. military aid package includes $4 billion for missile defense systems, with significant funding dedicated to the Iron Dome, a critical component of Israel’s defense against aerial threats. (Picture source U.S. DoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/wYBeO3o via IFTTT

The U.S. House of Representatives approved $95 billion budget for international military aid on Saturday, April 20, 2024. This package includes a focused allocation of $8 billion earmarked for U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region, notably Taiwan, aimed at countering increasing Chinese military threats. Read full Defense News at this link ... In September 2019, the Taiwanese army officially received American-made Stryker 8x8 armored vehicles. (Picture source U.S. DoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/mKyb71Y via IFTTT

The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported on April 21, 2024, that 21 aircraft and 7 naval vessels of the Chinese armed forces were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 a.m. (UTC+8). Notably, 17 of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ). Read full Defense News at this link ... Map published by the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense illustrating the incursion of Chinese armed forces' aircraft into areas near Taiwan, April 21, 2024. (Picture source Taiwanese MoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/xZcTboS via IFTTT

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the United States House of Representatives approved a budget of $61 billion for military aid Ukraine, part of which is allocated for replenishing American munitions and air defense systems. On March 12, 2024, it was announced that the United States had provided approximately $44.2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Read full Defense News at this link ... Ukrainian soldiers train in Germany to operate the Patriot air defense missile system. (Picture source German MoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/aJqKjCm via IFTTT

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on April 17, 2024, that the first production model of the M10 Booker Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) combat vehicle has been delivered to the U.S. Army. Designed as a light tank, the M10 Booker combines the firepower and mobility typical of a Main Battle Tank (MBT), yet it weighs only 35 tons—significantly lighter compared to the 63-ton Abrams M1A2 MBT. Read full Defense News at this link ... The M10 Booker is the new fire support vehicle for the U.S. Army airborne troops. (Picture source U.S. DoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/BelFGXU via IFTTT

On Friday, April 19, 2024, Israel conducted a targeted airstrike hitting a major air base and a nuclear facility in central Iran. This action was in direct response to Iran's drone and missile assault on Israeli territory on April 14, 2024, which itself was a retaliation for an earlier Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. According to American media reports, the Israeli drones damaged key components of Iran's air defense infrastructure, including a battery of the advanced S-300 PMU2 air defense missile system and a 30N6E, the engagement radar of the S-300PMU2 battery. Read full Defense News at this link ... A satellite image from April 19, 2024, shows damage to the Iranian S-300PMU2 air defense missile system and target acquisition radar 30N6E. (Picture source X Account Chris Biggers) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/W83iV0x via IFTTT

On April 19, 2024, Uralvagonzavod, a Russian combat vehicles manufacturer, released new footage featuring a visit by Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu. During this visit, it was announced that production of the TOS-1A Solntsepek heavy flamethrower rocket launcher systems has been ramped up by 250%. This increase is a response to the heightened demand for these powerful weapons by Russian forces, particularly in the context of the ongoing military engagements in Ukraine. Read full Defense News at this link ... The Russian TOS-1A is considered one of the most destructive weapons in the world.  (Picture source Russian MoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/ZHLGR4I via IFTTT

On April 18, during an extraordinary European Council summit in Brussels, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed hope that NATO could provide six additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. This request follows an increase in Russian attacks on Ukrainian urban and energy infrastructures. On April 13, Germany had already committed to delivering an additional Patriot system, bringing the total number promised by Berlin to Kyiv to three. Read full Defense news.  The 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery’s U.S. Army Patriot Missile Systems arrived in Croatia on May 17, 2021, to participate in DEFENDER-Europe 21 (Picture source: US DoD ) Read more.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/3qpIcEM via IFTTT

 According to information published by the Venezuelan MoD on April 16, 2024, the Bolivarian Navy has officially added new CM-90 anti-ship missiles of Iranian origin to its arsenal. The confirmation came during an official visit by Venezuela's Minister of Defense, Padrino López, and was widely broadcast through videos and images. Read full news at this link Iranian CM-90 anti-ship missiles.  (Picture source: Venezuelan MoD) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/gyEj2Ge via IFTTT

 According to a PR published by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries on April 17, 2024, the company has successfully clinched the largest-ever defense export deal for a South Korean company in Latin America, involving the construction of four naval ships for Peru. The contract, valued at approximately 6,406 billion KRW (4,5 billion $), was signed with the Peruvian state-owned SIMA Shipyard. Read full news at this link The 3,400-ton frigate, the 1,400-ton landing ship and the 2,200-ton offshore patrol vessel. (Picture source: HD HHI) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/GxnfQmM via IFTTT

On April 15, 2024, the Netherlands, in collaboration with Denmark and Germany, announced plans to order RQ-35 Heidrun UAVs worth €200 million for delivery to Ukraine. This decision comes after an extraordinary meeting of the Drone Coalition, which includes Great Britain, Latvia, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden. Read full defense news at this link... Equipped with a triple-lens camera system, the Heidrun can transmit live video feed over distances exceeding 30 kilometers, providing real-time situational awareness. (Picture source: Sky-Watch) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/5ygdRbw via IFTTT

 The transformation of Russian T-72 tanks into "turtle tanks" with anti-drone shells has progressed beyond the stage of a single prototype. As we reported on Army Recognition on April 9, 2024, the emergence of a Turtle Tank has been noted. An increasing number of these awkwardly designed modified tanks have been deployed, as we can see in these new images published on social networks on 16 April 2024. Read full news at this link... A second Russian Turtle Tank was spotted in Ukraine with a jamming system. (Picture source: Open Source Information) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/vgfYXOr via IFTTT

 On April 14, 2024, Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyers deployed Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptors for the first time to counter an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel. This operation, conducted in the Eastern Mediterranean, involved the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and USS Carney (DDG-64), which fired between four and seven SM-3s to intercept the Iranian ballistic missiles. This marks the first combat use of the SM-3 interceptors, as confirmed by defense sector sources. Read full Defense news.  A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B interceptor missile is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) during a Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy test in the mid-Pacific in 2013 (Picture source: Raytheon/US DoD) Read more.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/7s6JlNK via IFTTT

  On 15 April 2024, Lockheed Martin won a $17 billion contract to develop the next generation of missile interceptors designed to protect the United States against intercontinental ballistic missile threats. The announcement was made by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. Read full Defense News at this link: Lockheed Martin Next Generation Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Interceptor (Picture source: Lockheed Martin) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/xidhAbN via IFTTT

 Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced in an article in the Financial Times that allied countries, led by the Czech Republic, have signed contracts for the first 180,000 artillery shells out of a planned total of 300,000, intended for Ukraine. These shells are expected to be delivered to the Ukrainian military forces in the coming months. Read full news at this link... The Czech Republic has signed contracts for the first 180,000 artillery shells. (Picture source: US DoD) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/NRelqv7 via IFTTT

 Images released by the Russian Ministry of Defense on April 14, 2024, have showcased an attack on Ukraine's air defense capabilities. A Russian explosive device targeted the TRML-4D radar and launcher unit of the Ukrainian IRIS-T SLM air defense system near Horokhovatka, in the Izium region. However, some observers immediately suspected the use of mock-ups in the attack. Read full news at this link... Images published by the Russian Ministry of Defence show an attack on a Ukrainian TRML-4D. (Picture source: Russian MoD) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/46inzeq via IFTTT

 On March 23, 2024, during the Pakistan Day Parade that was held in the city of Islamabad, the Pakistani armed forces have unveiled new combat vehicles that are now in service with the Pakistani army including the locally-made MAAZ, a new anti-tank tracked armored vehicle. Read full news at this link... The new MAAZ anti-tank tracked armored vehicle during the Pakistani Military Day Parade. (Picture source video footage) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/1r2VhLg via IFTTT

 According to Sky News, on April 15, 2024, Ukrainian aircraft launched British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles at a Russian military headquarters in the occupied city of Luhansk. The strike, which was carried out on Saturday, April 13, 2024, targeted a major bastion for the Russian armed forces. A military source revealed that the command base for Russian ground troops was the target, marking a significant step in Ukraine's campaign to reclaim the Luhansk region from Russian control. Read full Defense news.  STORM SHADOW / SCALP Long-range air-launched attack cruise missile (Picture source: Army Recognition ) Read more.  from World Defence News https://ift.tt/ceBb3U6 via IFTTT

On April 13, 2024, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the expedited delivery of an additional fire unit of the Patriot Air Defense Missile System to Ukraine. This latest commitment follows a series of destructive attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which have underscored the critical need for robust defensive measures. Read full Defense News at this link ... A Patriot launcher unit of the German air Force. (Picture source German MoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/TJbvOil via IFTTT

The French Army has officially deployed its first VAB ARLAD anti-drone combat vehicles, a move that marks a significant enhancement of its anti-drone warfare capabilities. Announced by the French Army's Technical Section (STAT) on April 13, 2024, the VAB ARLAD entered into service at the French Army All-Arms Air Defense Training Center (LATTA) under the 17th Artillery Group in Biscarosse, in southwestern France. Read full Defense News at this link ... The VAB ARLAD is the new counter-drone armored vehicle of the French Army. (Picture source French army STAT) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/jRrflMS via IFTTT

In an alarming escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran launched a large-scale drone and missile assault on Israel early on Saturday, April 13, 2024, marking a significant shift in the longstanding covert conflict between the two nations. This unprecedented attack, involving over 300 projectiles—including approximately 170 drones and more than 120 ballistic missiles—was reportedly in retaliation for what Iran claims was an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria. At the same time, the U.S. President authorized the deployment of military aircraft and ships following the Iranian airstrikes against Israel. Read full Defense News at this link ... The U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, (Picture source U.S. DoD) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/G5JTIxv via IFTTT

As reported by Zona Militar on April 10, 2024, Smart Drones, an Israeli company, recently unveiled a detailed replica of the Iranian Shahed 136 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), named Delta-wing RS2. This UAV replica, along with others, is being produced primarily for use by the Israeli Air Force and defense companies as part of their training operations, integrated into what is known as a "Red Squadron." Read full defense news at this link... This detailed replica of the Iranian Shahed 136 drone, named Delta-wing RS2, is being produced primarily for use by the Israeli Air Force as part of their training operations. (Picture source: RC Team) Read more from World Defence News https://ift.tt/zmx6R8U via IFTTT