Americas
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday backed a suggestion by US counterpart Donald Trump for Russia, the United States, and China to all cut their defense budgets in half. “I think it’s a good idea. The US would cut by 50 percent and we would cut by 50 percent and then China would join if it wanted,” Putin said in a televised interview. Russia has massively ramped up military spending since launching its offensive in Ukraine in 2022, boosting economic growth but also inflation.
GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney have passed the detailed design review of their offerings for the US Air Force’s Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program. The detailed design review is the fourth stage of the six-phase program, preceded by initial design, preliminary design, and adaptive prototyping planning. It allows the two contenders to procure, assemble, and test a prototype ground demonstrator, with testing likely in the late 2020s.
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia has reportedly expressed interest in purchasing General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In response, the American defense contractor has been preparing a package involving a “large number of aircraft” along with arrangements to involve Riyadh’s local industries. No further details have been disclosed and the deal is still “in the very early stages,” General Atomics’ President Dave Alexander told Defense News.
Europe
Sweden and Ireland have announced the donation of air defense systems to Ukraine amid uncertainty over the US’ continued military support. The Swedish defense package includes RBS 70 NG and Tridon Mk2 air defense systems worth $113 million. “Today, Sweden can announce new air defence systems worth 1,2 billion SEK coming to Ukraine through package 18,” Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson announced on X. “It includes among other things the new Swedish anti-air system TRIDON Mk2. It can help Ukraine defend against drones, cruise missiles, aircrafts and armoured vehicles.” The RBS 70, or Robot 70, is a man-portable air defense system by Saab Bofors Dynamics.
Asia-Pacific
Northrop Grumman and Hanwha have signed a memorandum of understanding for South Korea’s Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (KMCH) program. Under the agreement, Seoul-based Hanwha will support the manufacture of Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) hardware components. Northrop Grumman’s AN/AES-1 ALMDS detects, classifies, and locates floating and near-surface moored mines, utilizing streak tube imaging Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging).