France Arms Itself with the Kamikaze Drones

On June 21, the French officials confirmed their intent to purchase the US-made loitering munitions to strengthen the at-a-distance weapon system.

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EU’s Last-Ditch Attempt to Revive Iran Nuclear Deal Bears Results

After the perceived April deadlock in the indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) format, the EU has made a last-ditch effort to move the ball forward again, per an EU official. As one of the signatories, the EU is the only acceptable intermediary for Iran and the US after US President Trump pulled the plug on the deal in 2018, and the Iranians subsequently refused to hold direct talks with the Americans ever since. Since 2021, the JCPOA participants have attempted to revive the deal but diplomatic talks have stalled numerous times. In the talks, the prominent bone of contention revolves around which Iranian demands are within the scope of the JCPOA.

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US Satellite Adaptation to Hypersonic Missile Tracking

The Pentagon's Space Development Agency (SDA) has approved a new initiative to develop satellites to track hypersonic missiles. Specifically, the agency has allocated $1.3 billion to L3Harris and Northrop Grumman to supply satellite prototypes. The two companies, winners of a Tranche 1 tracking layer tender out of seven proposals received, will respectively produce 14 prototype satellites that will become part of the US defence space architecture. Ultimately, according to the agreements, the first launch is scheduled for April 2025.

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Top100 Defence Companies and the European Industrial Base: Leonardo behind the EU wheel

Last August, the American website DefenseNews released its annual ranking featuring the top 100 defence companies for 2022. With $64,458.00 in revenues in 2021, the list is led by Lockheed Martin which, followed closely by four other American companies, ensures the top five in the United States. Raytheon Technologies has in fact earned $41,852.20 in revenues in 2021, followed by Boeing with $35,093.00. The ranking reports Northrop Grumman at the fourth position with $31,429.00 revenues, while General Dynamics is closing this block with $30,800.00 in 2021. China also proves to be a fundamental presence, covering several positions starting off the sixth place thanks to Aviation Industry Corporation ($30,155.22). The English BAE System secures the seventh position with $25,775.20. It opens the ranking for European companies, even if it is the Italian Leonardo (twelfth position) to lead the European Union market in this sector. Leonardo has performed exceptionally well in 2021, increasing its revenues by 24% since 2020 (from $13,878.35 to $11,173.33). The French Airbus has, on the contrary, slipped to the fifteenth position, registering a loss of 10% compared to the previous year.Previously, the Department of Defense (DoD) said it had allocated $1.77 million for the Open6G industrial-university cooperative. This initiative is part of the ambitious Innovate Beyond 5G program, overseen by the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

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Lockheed Martin’s New Agreement with the United States Navy

American security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin Corporation provided the United States Naval Forces with an innovative High Energy Laser, which includes Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance, cue the name HELIOS. The company was appointed the system in 2018, with the system being a novelty since it will be the first ever laser weapon system accommodated into existing warships whilst it entails tactical warfighting competence aiming for an advanced defence and security architecture (Saballa, 2022). In the same context, due to its deep magazine, low-cost per kill, instant delivery, and precisive response, the system works as a shield for the fleet (Lockheed Martin Delivers Integrated Multi-Mission Laser Weapon System To The Navy, 2022). Previously, the Department of Defense (DoD) said it had allocated $1.77 million for the Open6G industrial-university cooperative. This initiative is part of the ambitious Innovate Beyond 5G program, overseen by the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

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