Dutch Military Receives New Tactical Vehicles

In 2019, the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) entered into a contract with the Italian manufacturer IVECO Defence Vehicles to supply the various branches of the Dutch military with a new infantry mobility vehicle, the Manticore, a medium tactical vehicle (MTV) (Defense Brief, 2022). The contract between the Dutch MoD and Iveco was signed in the context of the MoD’s effort to force modernisation, more specifically, its Joint Replacement Programme of Wheeled Vehicles (Valpolini, 2021).

Comments Off on Dutch Military Receives New Tactical Vehicles

The Arctic: Climate Change as a Driver for a Geopolitical Shift

The issue of climate change is renowned for its global implications, not only on the environment but also on humans. Nevertheless, one of the shifts least touched upon is how the melting of the Arctic ice is changing the geopolitical theatre. All the major international actors are aware of this and have already developed policies to exploit or adapt to this shift. In this context, we witness bids from countries’ representatives and military exercises in the region.

Comments Off on The Arctic: Climate Change as a Driver for a Geopolitical Shift

Eurodrone Has a New Engine: Airbus Selects Avio Aereo Solutions

On 25 March, Airbus Defence and Space has finally unveiled that the Italian Avio Aero will be the company that will power the Eurodrone aerial system with a new twin-turboprop propulsion engine. After years of negotiations about the project and following a competitive tender process, the European Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems – MALE RPAS (Eurodrone) sees a step forward in its construction.

Comments Off on Eurodrone Has a New Engine: Airbus Selects Avio Aereo Solutions

Estonia will Allocate €476 million for Short-to-mid-range Air Defence Systems

In a tweet on 24 March, Estonia’s Defence Ministry Kalle Laanet announced that Estonia will increase its military spending to €476 million. The more significant part of this budget will be destined to buy short-to mid-range air defence systems, which Estonia hopes to acquire no later than 2025 and estimates the acquisition would be worth about €350 million.

Comments Off on Estonia will Allocate €476 million for Short-to-mid-range Air Defence Systems