Simulation-Based Assessment of Passive Airbase Defences in Peer Warfare

The proliferation of precision-guided munitions (PGMs) poses a critical threat to NATO airbases, where concentrated high-value assets are vulnerable to saturation missile strikes. While active defences such as the Patriot system can intercept a portion of incoming threats, their finite capacity and unfavourable cost-exchange ratios underscore the need for complementary passive measures. This study employs a probabilistic, Monte Carlo–based simulation to quantify the protective value of Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS) under high-intensity attack conditions. Using Ämari Air Base, Estonia, as a representative NATO installation, the model integrates missile targeting logic, blast damage physics, active defence interception probabilities, and HAS degradation mechanics across 10,000 attack iterations. Two configurations are compared: the current shelter allocation versus an enhanced posture with additional HAS-protected aircraft. Results indicate that increased HAS utilisation reduces average aircraft losses by 4.6%, lowers exposed-to-sheltered loss ratios from 1.85:1 to 1.54:1, and decreases high-value asset kill probabilities by ~7%. While gains exhibit diminishing returns, HAS density also distributes targeting probability, indirectly enhancing survivability across the base. The findings affirm the continued relevance of Cold War-era hardening strategies in modern threat environments and support integrated, layered defence concepts combining active interception, sheltering, and deception to maximise operational resilience under saturation strike conditions.

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Airbus and VDL Group Team Up to Manufacture Aircraft Laser Communication Terminal

Airbus and the Dutch industrial supplier VDL Group struck a partnership on January 10th to develop and manufacture a laser communication terminal for military aircraft. The communication terminal, known as UltraAir, would allow for more significant amounts of data sharing between ground terminals, satellites, and crewed aircraft or autonomous drones. The two organisations will begin preparing a prototype and aim for a first test flight in 2024 (Airbus, 2023).

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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.

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Read more about the article The Future Combat Air System (FCAS): Towards the Next-Generation Fighter Aircraft
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The Future Combat Air System (FCAS): Towards the Next-Generation Fighter Aircraft

A new agreement has been reached between the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) companies regarding developing a new European jet fighter. This project constitutes a major advancement in the consecution of European strategic autonomy, as it consolidates the European defence industry sector and reinforces its military capabilities.

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