Denmark has placed an order with Rheinmetall for the supply of 16 Skyranger 30 turrets, which will be integrated into 8x8 tactical vehicles for the Danish armed forces. This contract, valued in the lower hundreds of millions of euros, also includes a separate order for ammunition, estimated in the tens of millions of euros. Deliveries of these systems are scheduled between 2027 and 2028, with a prototype expected by the end of 2026. This announcement was made by the German company Rheinmetall on September 30, 2024. The Skyranger 30 is a very short-range air defense system designed to counter modern aerial threats, such as drones, helicopters, and other low-flying aircraft. According to Lieutenant General Per Pugholm Olsen, head of the Danish procurement agency, this contract marks a crucial step in establishing the brigade’s air defense, thus strengthening its operational capabilities. The selection of the Skyranger 30 was made in close cooperation with the Danish Defence Command to ensure the system meets the country’s strategic needs. The Skyranger 30 is a very short-range air defense system designed to counter modern aerial threats, such as drones, helicopters, and other low-flying aircraft. Developed by Rheinmetall Air Defence AG, the core of the system lies in its lightweight turret, which weighs between 2.5 and 3.4 tons depending on the configuration. The turret’s compact dimensions ensure greater flexibility on the battlefield. Measuring 5.17 meters in length, 2.56 meters in width, and 1.44 meters in height, the turret can be installed on various types of armored vehicles. It is operated by a crew of three, who control both the main weaponry and the detection systems. The Skyranger 30 is equipped with a 30mm Oerlikon KCE revolver cannon, using airburst munitions that detonate near the target to maximize effectiveness against fast-moving and small aerial threats. The cannon is capable of firing up to 1,200 rounds per minute, with a nominal rate of 200 rounds per minute in single-shot mode, offering great operational flexibility. Its effective range is 3 kilometers for the cannon, while the onboard missiles provide a range of 5 to 8 kilometers, expanding the coverage against more distant targets.

A delegation from Panama's National Aeronaval Service (Senam) visited the Dominican Republic at the end of September to explore the possibility of acquiring the TP-75 Dulus training and patrol aircraft, which is assembled at the Caribbean country's Air Force facilities. The Panamanian commission, headed by the director general of Senam, Commander Luis Antonio De Gracia, was received by the deputy commander general of the Dominican Republic Air Force (FARD), Brigadier General Manuel García Lithgow. After the initial conversations, the visiting group moved to the assembly workshops, located at the San Isidro Air Base, to learn about the characteristics and performance of the aircraft and participate in a flight demonstration.

In an effort to modernize the operational capacities of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), Morocco has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, to produce the WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicle locally. This project, which is part of a broader strategy to develop Morocco's defense industry, marks an important step in strengthening the historical ties between Morocco and India, two emerging economies that are increasingly collaborating in the defense sector. The Moroccan Ministry of National Defense announced that this partnership would enhance the country’s strategic autonomy while positioning Morocco as a growing regional player in the defense industry. The project, which is set to be completed within thirty-six months, will start with a local integration rate of 35%, expected to increase to 50% as the program progresses. The partnership is projected to generate about 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs, boosting the local economy and strengthening Morocco’s industrial ecosystem. The investment agreement includes financial, fiscal, and customs incentives, with the participation of various ministries, including Defense, Interior, Finance, Industry, and Investment. This agreement not only meets local defense needs but also aims to increase exports to international markets, in line with the goals of Morocco and TASL to bolster South-South cooperation and create a regional hub for defense mobility production. The WhAP, or "Wheeled Armoured Platform," is India’s first amphibious infantry combat vehicle. Designed for optimized survivability, all-terrain performance, and increased firepower, the WhAP was developed in collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It features an integrated power pack with automatic transmission, flotation, and propulsion capabilities, making it particularly suited for amphibious missions and challenging terrains.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has formally launched the second phase of its high-profile Replicator program, now focusing on countering the growing threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In a memo released Monday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher Grady to develop a comprehensive plan for the mass production and deployment of cost-effective counter-UAS solutions. Austin wants to secure funding for the initiative in fiscal year 2026, with a commitment to deliver the needed c-UAS systems within 24 months of the budget’s passage. According to him, the Replicator 2 will help tackle the challenges associated with neutralizing drone threats, especially those that come in swarms or at high speeds. “I am confident the Replicator initiative will complement and advance the significant [C-UAS] work already underway in the DoD,” Austin stated. The Defense Innovation Unit will lead the Replicator 2 in collaboration with various offices.

On September 25, the budget committee of the German Bundestag approved the acquisition of new missiles for the Navy and Air Force. These missiles are intended to strengthen the air defense capabilities of frigates, corvettes, and Eurofighter jets. The project aims to equip the Bundeswehr with hundreds of Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2B missiles, with a total cost of 372.6 million euros, financed through a special fund and the regular defense budget. Delivery of these missiles is scheduled between August 2029 and November 2031. Additionally, supplementary contracts amounting to approximately 26 million euros have been approved for the purchase of transport and storage containers for the missiles. The RAM Block 2B is a supersonic, guided missile system designed for close-range defense of ships against anti-ship missiles and other aerial threats. This missile is part of a bilateral program between the United States and Germany, developed by Raytheon Missile & Defense in partnership with Diehl Defence and MBDA Deutschland. The RAM Block 2B integrates an improved infrared seeker and a missile-to-missile communication link, enabling better coordination during salvo fire. This missile is designed to counter complex raid scenarios, including the latest generation of anti-ship missiles. It is deployed by several navies worldwide, including Egypt, Greece, Japan, and South Korea. For the German Navy, the order of 600 RAM Block 2B missiles, to be delivered from 2024, aims to enhance the protection of its frigates and corvettes. The AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) is an active radar-guided air-to-air missile known for its performance in air dominance. With more than 30 years of technological development, the AMRAAM has demonstrated its effectiveness in real-world conditions and through thousands of tests, providing a versatile solution for air combat beyond visual range and in all weather conditions. Used by over 40 countries, including the United States and Germany, it is integrated into various fighter jets such as the F-16, F-35, and Eurofighter Typhoon. In Germany, the Eurofighter is equipped with advanced versions of the AMRAAM, such as the AIM-120 C8, which offers extended range and improved maneuverability. These capabilities allow the Luftwaffe to maintain air superiority in modern combat scenarios, ensuring the protection of German airspace and its allies.

Recent social media pictures have unveiled that China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is proactively upgrading its artillery units with anti-drone protections. During a live-fire exercise conducted by the 76th Artillery Brigade of the 76th Group Army, Western Theater Command, in the expansive Northwest Gobi Desert, several PLZ-05 self-propelled howitzers were observed equipped with various anti-drone and First-Person View (FPV) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) countermeasures. The photographs reveal that these artillery pieces have been fitted with additional protective structures and technologies designed to mitigate threats from small drones and FPV UAVs. These enhancements appear to be a direct response to evolving combat tactics witnessed in recent global conflicts, particularly the extensive use of drones in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The PLA's (People's Liberation Army - Chinese army) modifications underscore a growing recognition of the need for enhanced defensive measures against aerial threats posed by agile and often commercially available drones capable of conducting surveillance or delivering precision strikes. The conflict in Ukraine has prominently highlighted how such unmanned systems can significantly influence ground operations, prompting militaries worldwide to reassess and bolster their defensive capabilities. Military analysts note that the integration of anti-drone protections on the PLZ-05 howitzers signifies China's commitment to adapting its military assets to counter emerging threats effectively. "The utilization of drones in modern warfare has transformed the battlefield dynamics," said Li Wei, a Beijing-based defense analyst. "China is keen on learning from these conflicts to ensure its forces are well-prepared against similar challenges."

South Korea to Unveil Hyunmoo-5 Ballistic Missile at Armed Forces Day: A Strategic Shift in National Defense. On September 30, 2024, just ahead of the 76th anniversary of the South Korean Armed Forces, the country publicly showcased its latest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5. This new long-range missile, part of a broader display of high-capacity ballistic systems at Seoul Airport, represents a significant development in South Korea's military arsenal, particularly in response to the increasing security threats from North Korea. The Hyunmoo-5 incorporates an advanced cold-launch system, a notable technical evolution in South Korea’s missile technology. This cold-launch technique uses compressed gas to propel the missile from its launcher before ignition, minimizing damage to the launcher and increasing operational stability. On display alongside other systems such as the Hyunmoo-4A, Hyunmoo-4B, Hyunmoo-3, and the long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM), the Hyunmoo-5 stood out for its vertical cylindrical launch tube. Analysts have drawn parallels between the Hyunmoo-5 and China's Dongfeng-31 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), with the former estimated to have a range of 5,000 km, capable of targeting critical infrastructure in North Korea and beyond. Equipped with an 8-ton warhead, the Hyunmoo-5 is specifically designed to penetrate reinforced underground bunkers, an essential capability for striking deeply buried command centers.

Russia plans to hike its defense spending by about 30 percent next year as it diverts more resources to fund its offensive in Ukraine, draft budget plans published on Monday showed. Moscow has already ramped up its military spending to levels not seen since the Soviet Union era, as it pumps out missiles and drones to fire on Ukraine and pays lucrative salaries to its hundreds of thousands of soldiers fighting on the front lines. The latest planned increase in spending will take Russia’s defense budget to 13.5 trillion rubles ($145 billion) in 2025, a document published on the parliamentary website showed. That figure does not include some other resources being directed to the military campaign, such as spending that Russia labels as “domestic security” and some outlays classified as top secret. Combined spending on defense and security will account for around 40 percent of Russia’s total government spending, seen at 41.5 trillion rubles in 2025.

According to information published by Reuters on September 24, 2024, Iran has facilitated secret negotiations between Russia and Yemen's Houthi rebels, aiming to transfer advanced anti-ship missiles to the militant group. The ongoing discussions, which have yet to result in a confirmed transfer, focus on supplying the Yakhont missile, also known as the P-800 Oniks. Seven sources have indicated that while Moscow has not finalized the decision, the Yakhont missile would significantly enhance the Houthis' ability to target vessels in the Red Sea. Experts warn that this could increase the threat to U.S. and European warships, as well as disrupt global maritime trade further. The Wall Street Journal had reported in July that Russia was considering this missile transfer, but Iran's involvement in brokering the talks had not been previously disclosed. The Houthis have intensified their drone and missile strikes on ships in the Red Sea since November, partly in solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Their actions have already caused significant disruptions, sinking two ships and seizing another, forcing shipping companies to reroute cargo and prompting rising insurance costs for vessels navigating the area.

As reported by FlightGlobal on September 19, 2024, Airbus Defence & Space expects to deliver Indonesia's first of two A400M tactical transport aircraft by late 2025. Ed Horne, senior product advisor for air mobility at Airbus, indicated that Indonesia's versions will be equipped with underwing pods designed for refueling combat aircraft. The second aircraft is scheduled to follow in 2026, shortly after the first. Horne made these remarks on September 19 at the Bali International Air Show 2024 during a media tour of a German Air Force A400M displayed in the show's static park. The aircraft on display is configured for air-to-air refueling and features underwing hose-and-drogue refueling pods for fighters, as well as a centerline hose installed in the turboprop's ramp. This centerline hose can deliver 50% greater fuel flow than the wing-mounted pods and is optimized for refueling larger aircraft, such as other A400Ms. However, the centerline refueling station limits the aircraft's cargo transport capability due to the installation of two large fuel tanks and extensive piping inside the cargo hold. Indonesia's A400Ms will maintain a clean cargo hold to perform transport duties while still providing air-to-air refueling capabilities using the underwing pods. Horne explained that the refueling pods for helicopters look identical to those used for fighters but contain longer hoses to remain clear of a helicopter's rotor disc.