Defence Blog

Russia and Belarus are preparing for a large-scale joint military exercise, Zapad-2025, scheduled for this fall near the borders of NATO member Poland. Military analysts warn the drills could be used as a pretext for troop buildup and potential escalation, drawing comparisons to similar maneuvers that preceded Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Wall Street The post Kremlin ramps up forces near NATO front first appeared on Defence Blog.

South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace has released new promotional footage showcasing the next evolution of its flagship self-propelled howitzer, unveiling a conceptual design of the K9A3. The upgraded artillery system represents a new leap forward in automation and combat performance, redefining expectations for modern artillery systems. According to the promotional material, the K9A3 will The post Next-gen K9A3 howitzer breaks cover first appeared on Defence Blog.

A fully networked amphibious combat vehicle outfitted with advanced sensors and weapons took center stage at this year’s Northrop Grumman Bushmaster User Conference (BUC), where defense contractor Kongsberg showcased its latest progress in integrated battlefield solutions. As noted by the company, the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), equipped with the PROTECTOR Medium Calibre The post Kongsberg demonstrates counter-drone capabilities on ACV first appeared on Defence Blog.

The Italian Army officially took delivery of its first UH-169D Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) on April 28. The handover ceremony was held at the 28th “Tucano” Squadron Group hangar in Viterbo and attended by Army Chief of Staff General Carmine Masiello, senior officials from the Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness (DAAA), and Leonardo Helicopters The post Italian Army receives first UH-169D helicopter first appeared on Defence Blog.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has confirmed that Peru is actively exploring the KF-21 as a potential candidate in its ongoing fighter acquisition process, marking a possible expansion of South Korea’s defense ties in Latin America. In a statement released by the company, KAI said, “From two years ago, Peru tried to acquire fighter jets, and The post KAI targets Peru for new fighter deal first appeared on Defence Blog.

A fleet of retired Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tanks pledged to Ukraine remains grounded, with sources pointing to delayed U.S. export approvals as the primary cause. The tanks, part of a $245 million military aid package announced by the Albanese government in 2024, have yet to leave Australian soil more than six months after the The post Washington hold-up delays Australian Abrams shipment to Ukraine first appeared on Defence Blog.

The U.S. Marine Corps showcased its evolving air defense capabilities during Exercise Balikatan 25, engaging drone targets with the advanced XM914 30mm chain gun system integrated into the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). The live-fire event took place on April 27 at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in the Philippines. Marines from the 3rd Littoral The post US Marines test new drone defense system in Philippines first appeared on Defence Blog.

China has begun testing a new amphibious anti-tank missile system. The platform, spotted recently in testing exercises, is equipped with twelve HJ-10 top-attack missiles mounted on the ZTD-05 amphibious assault vehicle chassis. The HJ-10 missile, often compared to the U.S.-made Javelin, is designed to strike armored targets from above, where protection is weakest. Traditionally, these The post China tests new amphibious missile launcher first appeared on Defence Blog.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported the loss of a Su-27 fighter jet this morning during a combat mission providing air support to ground forces and intercepting Russian Shahed kamikaze drones. In a statement released by the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, officials confirmed that the incident occurred during a complex operation The post Ukrainian Su-27 jet crashes during Russian attack first appeared on Defence Blog.

India and France signed a $7.4 billion agreement on Monday for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. The Dassault Aviation-built Rafale-M aircraft will replace the aging Russian-made MiG-29K fighters currently deployed on India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029 and conclude by 2031. The The post Indian Navy to replace MiG-29Ks with Rafale-M fighter jets first appeared on Defence Blog.