Trap of War

Ukraine’s defense company Fire Point has unveiled an ambitious project aimed at reshaping Europe’s missile defense architecture. The Pan-European anti-ballistic shield, codenamed “Freya,” is designed to provide a cost-effective yet highly capable interceptor system. With two companies already joining the initiative and two more expected to follow, the program is rapidly gaining traction across the continent. The central objective of the Freya project is to deliver interceptors priced under one million dollars, a figure that would mark a significant reduction compared to existing systems. This affordability is intended to ensure that European nations can deploy the shield at scale without compromising on performance. Fire Point’s engineers emphasize that the system is not only about cost savings but also about advancing technology to meet modern threats. At the heart of the development lies Ukraine’s creation of a composite “clone” of the Russian S-400 interceptor. Unlike its predeces...

Leonardo has unveiled its latest artillery innovation, the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE, a fully automated wheeled artillery system designed to meet the evolving operational needs of the Italian Army. The system was conceived in response to the army’s requirement for wheeled artillery to support two medium brigades, a capability gap that has become increasingly evident in modern conflicts. The ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted the decisive role of indirect firepower, driving demand for advanced artillery systems capable of delivering rapid, precise, and long-range strikes. Photo: Leonardo Developed entirely with Leonardo’s internal funding, the RH1-155/52 HITFIRE represents a bold step forward in European artillery design. While the Italian Army has not yet committed to the program, the system is clearly positioned for both domestic adoption and international export markets. Leonardo’s strategy reflects a growing recognition that modern armed forces require highly mobile, survivable, and t...

Hanwha Aerospace has secured a major defense contract with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), valued at KRW 705 billion, or approximately USD 482 million. The agreement covers the mass production and delivery of the Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system, including launchers and anti-ballistic missiles, with completion scheduled by 2030. This marks a significant step in strengthening South Korea’s layered missile defense architecture. Photo: Hanwha The L-SAM system is designed to provide high-altitude interception capability, adding an additional layer of protection before other systems such as the Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile (M-SAM) and the Patriot batteries are activated. By engaging incoming ballistic threats at greater altitudes, the system enhances the survivability of critical infrastructure and population centers. It also demonstrates South Korea’s commitment to advancing indigenous missile defense technologies. At the core of th...

The SKY WARDEN system, developed by MBDA, has emerged as one of the most advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) currently available on the global defense market. Designed to confront asymmetric aerial threats, it employs a multi-layered and continuously evolving approach that ensures adaptability against the rapid proliferation of hostile drones. Its recognition as a groundbreaking solution reflects the growing demand for robust air defense measures in both military and border security environments. Photo: MBDA In 2025, SKY WARDEN achieved international acclaim by winning the prestigious Frontex C-UAS Prize, awarded by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The system was praised as the best solution for protecting the borders of the European Union, underscoring its operational credibility and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This recognition highlights the increasing importance of counter-drone technologies in safeguarding critical infrastructure and national sov...

The Hornet Queen is a newly developed multifunctional drone produced by Wild Hornets in Ukraine, designed to serve in diverse battlefield roles ranging from precision bombing to mining operations and logistical support. Measuring 17 inches in size, the compact airframe conceals a powerful system engineered to deliver both speed and payload capacity under demanding combat conditions. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to modern asymmetric warfare, where adaptability and rapid deployment are critical. The drone is capable of carrying an optimal payload of 6 kilograms, with a maximum load capacity reaching 9 kilograms, allowing operators to tailor missions according to tactical requirements. Flight endurance extends up to 25 minutes, a duration sufficient for short-range strikes or supply runs in contested zones. With a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour, the Hornet Queen can swiftly penetrate enemy defenses and retreat before countermeasures are deployed. Operational ran...

Poland has officially selected Sweden as its partner in the ORKA submarine program, confirming plans to acquire three A26 Blekinge Class submarines from Saab. The contract, valued at more than 10 billion zloty or $2.7 billion, is expected to be finalized before the end of 2025, marking one of the most significant defense procurements in Poland’s recent history. Photo: Saab The A26 Blekinge Class is widely regarded as a next-generation submarine, equipped with advanced stealth technology and optimized for operations in shallow waters such as the Baltic Sea. Its design emphasizes survivability, reduced acoustic signature, and the ability to conduct both conventional and special operations missions. For Poland, these capabilities are seen as critical in strengthening deterrence and ensuring maritime security in a region marked by growing geopolitical tensions. Sweden’s offer was considered superior to competing bids from South Korea and France, with Warsaw highlighting delivery schedule...

The rollout of the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank and the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer marked a significant milestone for European defense cooperation and modernization. The event took place in Munich and was attended by German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Norwegian State Secretary of Defence Marte Gerhardsen, and Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, underscoring the importance of the program for both Germany and Norway. Their presence highlighted the political and strategic weight behind the procurement, which is seen as a decisive step in strengthening NATO’s collective defense posture. Photo: KNDS KNDS Deutschland’s CEO Ralf Ketzel emphasized that the rollout represents not only rapid modernization for the Bundeswehr but also a new era of European collaboration in land systems. He noted that the program is part of a unified procurement process that already includes Lithuania, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, signaling a broader European commitment to s...

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) has secured a major framework agreement with Denmark’s Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s military logistics capabilities. The deal covers the procurement of up to 1,000 HX and TG trucks, with an initial order exceeding 100 vehicles valued at tens of millions of euros, officially recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. Deliveries are scheduled to begin before the end of 2027, supporting the establishment of Denmark’s new heavy infantry brigade. Photo: Rheinmetall The agreement goes beyond vehicle acquisition, incorporating a comprehensive package of maintenance, spare parts, and training services to ensure operational readiness. In addition, Denmark has extended its sustainability contract for the existing fleet for another four years, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the HX family of tactical trucks. This dual approach of new procurement and extended support hi...

HENSOLDT has officially introduced TAERVUS, a fully integrated Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) system designed to meet the demands of modern battlefields. The system combines advanced radio direction finders, receivers, jammers, exciters, and sophisticated signal processing software with HENSOLDT’s Spectrum Battle Management Suite (SBMS). Having been tested and proven in operational environments for years, TAERVUS now emerges under a unified name that reflects its comprehensive identity. Photo: Hensoldt The system is built to support both communications intelligence (COMINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT), covering a wide range of frequencies from HF, VHF, and UHF to higher microwave bands. This broad spectrum capability allows operators to detect, intercept, and analyze enemy signals across multiple domains. TAERVUS also provides powerful jamming functions, enabling forces to disrupt hostile communications and radar systems, thereby denying adversaries the ability to coordinate or g...

Diehl Defence has successfully carried out a series of drone defense trials at the Grafenwoehr Military Training Area, demonstrating the effectiveness of its latest systems against evolving aerial threats. The campaign focused on two key products, the Kinetic Defence Vehicle (KDV) and the eMissile CICADA, which forms part of the modular Sky Sphere system. Both systems were tested under realistic operational conditions to validate their integration, automation, and engagement capabilities against small and fixed wing drones. Photo:Diehl The Kinetic Defence Vehicle proved its ability to detect, track, and neutralize small drones through a fully automated process. Using radar and electro-optical sensors as primary detection tools, the system was able to identify targets and engage them with precision. A secondary effector provided an additional layer of protection, ensuring redundancy and improved reliability in complex scenarios. In trials against fixed wing drones, the KDV demonstrated...