ROK to Cooperate with UAE for KF-21 and Cheongung-II
The Korea Times says the Republic of Korea and UAE are strengthening defence links with an eye on the Cheongung-II missile systems and KF-21 Boramae fighter.
Defence News
Air
Weapon / Missile
Navy / Maritime
Italy receives ninth FREMM frigate ‘Spartaco Schergat’
As Italy approaches the completion of its 10-ship FREMM fleet under the French OCCAR-led naval modernisation initiative, an ASW-configured frigate is delivered.
Navy / Maritime
Modernisation
Expo and Air Show
ASELSAN Offers to Upgrade Argentina’s MEKO 360 Frigates
ASELSAN proposes an upgrade of the Argentine Navy’s MEKO 360 vessels based on its proven work on Turkiye’s MEKO 200 frigates with the Barbaros MLU Programme.
Weapon / Missile
Unmanned Systems
Ukraine Unveils Tryzub Laser Weapon to Counter UAVs
A test video of Ukraine’s self-developed laser weapon “Tryzub” was shown during a conference by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, where a small UAV was shot down.
Weapon / Missile
Greece Inks Deal for MM40 Exocet Anti-Ship Missiles
Greek Minister of Defence Nikos Dendias stated that a deal was signed with France for 16 MBDA’s Exocet anti-ship missiles in MM40 ship-to-ship configuration.
Air
Egypt’s Rafale Fighters Spotted at Take-off for Tests
Two of Egypt’s French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jets were spotted at Bod Bordeaux International Airport before their eventual delivery by local spotters.
Air
Bulgaria Gets Its First New-Built F-16 Block 70 Fighter
Marking a major turning point in Bulgaria's attempts to rebuild its air force, the country has received its first newly built F-16 Block 70 fighter plane.
Air
Ukraine’s Second F-16 Downed by Dense Russian Air Defence
Ukraine has confirmed the loss of its second US-made F-16 fighter jet on 12 April 2025. Capt. Ivanov was killed as Kyiv struggles to keep fighters airborne.
Weapon / Missile
Japan’s Electromagnetic Railgun Unveiled at JS Asuka Tests
Japan has installed its experimental electromagnetic railgun on the test ship JS Asuka, marking a toward sea-based deployment of projectile technology.
Weapon / Missile
USN Cancels HALO Air-Launched Hypersonic Missile Programme
The U.S. Navy has pulled the lever on the HALO hypersonic cruise missile programme intended for carrier-based fighter jets because of costs running rampant.
Weapon / Missile
Australia Buys 400 AMRAAMs to Increase Aerial Capacity
The $1.04B deal allows Australia to buy 200 AIM-120D-3 and 200 AIM-120C-8 missiles, improving air-to-air combat capability probably against Chinese fighters.
Country
Defence Politics
Trump to Ease Defence Exports Amid Economic Protectionism
The new executive order aims to simplify arms sales procedures, potentially boosting U.S. defence exports while raising concerns about technology leaks.
Navy / Maritime
Bilateral Relations
Turkiye Donates TCG Volkan Fast Attack Craft to Maldives
Turkiye has donated the Doğan-class Fast Attack Craft TCG Volkan (P343) to the Maldives Navy to improve the oceanic island country’s defence capabilities.
Ammunition
France Develops Guided 12.7 mm Round for Sniper Rifles
French Institute of Saint-Louis is developing an optically guided 12.7x99 mm round with aerodynamic steering to improve snipers’ scores at longer ranges.
