According to information published by the UK Ministry of Defence on June 13, 2025, through a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice, the British Army is pursuing urgent acquisition of vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Energy Weapons (LDEWs) to counter hostile small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) at standoff ranges exceeding one kilometre. The procurement is managed by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and is backed by a budget of up to £20 million, with deployment of multiple complete systems required within 12 months of contract award. The requested Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) solutions must integrate the laser effector, power generation and storage systems, thermal management, electro-optical sensors, and tracking capabilities into a single mobile platform suitable for frontline deployment. Proposals must include demonstration of the system’s effectiveness under operational conditions at designated Ministry of Defence test facilities. In line with the Defence Procurement Act, a minimum of 50% UK industrial content by value is mandated to support sovereign capability and local supply chains. The contract period is scheduled from August 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, with supplier engagement activities, including one-on-one consultations, running from June 16 to July 11, 2025.

According to information released by BAE Systems on June 13, 2025, the company has entered into a new agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the supply of additional BONUS 155mm precision-guided artillery munitions to the Swedish Armed Forces. The contract, valued at approximately $62 million, represents the third procurement of this munition type by Sweden since 2017. This development further consolidates the long-term cooperation between BAE Systems Bofors and Sweden’s defense authorities in the area of advanced artillery solutions. The BONUS munition is specifically designed to improve the efficiency of 155mm indirect fire systems by combining extended range and autonomous target engagement. Each shell contains two submunitions equipped with independent sensors capable of detecting and attacking separate targets within a footprint of up to 32,000 square meters. The munition is characterized by a base-bleed propulsion design, which reduces air resistance and increases the projectile's range to a maximum of 35 kilometers when launched from a NATO-standard L52 gun barrel. The BONUS round is compatible with the majority of existing 155mm artillery systems, allowing for integration without the need for specialized launch platforms.

Published on 11 June 2025 under the title "qNFMLG – querschnittliche Nachfolgelösung für Marineleichtgeschütze", a public tender released via the official German e-procurement platform marks the beginning of a strategic modernization effort in the German Navy’s close-range defense capabilities. In a context where drones and asymmetric threats are playing an increasingly prominent role in contemporary conflicts, the Bundeswehr is initiating a structural transformation of its naval weapons systems. At the core of this reform is the introduction of a new 30×173 mm caliber, intended to progressively replace the currently deployed 27 mm light naval guns. This development aims to improve effectiveness against light aerial targets, especially drones, but also surface and land-based threats, by using programmable airburst munitions. The doctrinal shift reflects operational requirements and signals a lasting change in the defensive posture of German naval vessels. The tender provides for the acquisition of up to 175 complete systems, including special toolkits, spare parts, and training services, within a framework contract running from 19 October 2026 to 31 August 2041. The objective is to equip surface vessels with weapon systems capable of firing programmable airburst munitions, designed to counter dynamic threats such as drones more effectively. The system must also feature an integrated electro-optical sensor suite with daylight camera, night vision, and laser rangefinder, and meet a TRL 9 technological maturity level, demonstrating that it has already been successfully deployed in real operational conditions. This requirement excludes any prototypes or concepts still in development in favor of systems that are commercially available and field-proven.

During a press conference held at the 67th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) at Kuantan Air Base by General Tan Sri Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, Chief of the RMAF, confirmed that the United States has approved Malaysia’s request to acquire up to 33 used F/A-18C and F/A-18D Hornet fighter jets from the Kuwait Air Force, following extended discussions that began as early as 2017. The U.S. authorization complies with the Arms Export Control Act, which requires Congressional approval for any third-party transfer of American-made defense equipment. A joint committee comprising representatives from Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence, and the Kuwait Air Force has already been established to oversee further negotiations. However, the transfer of the aircraft is conditional on Kuwait first receiving its new fleet of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Eurofighter Typhoons, deliveries of which are ongoing. Once those aircraft are delivered, the Kuwaiti F/A-18s can be formally released to Malaysia under the approved terms. Malaysia initially expressed interest in acquiring Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornets in June 2024, following a technical evaluation by the RMAF. The process accelerated after Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin conducted an official visit to Kuwait in October 2024. He was accompanied by General Asghar Khan and held meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. The visit included an inspection of the Hornets at Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base, where Khaled was informed that Kuwait had no objection in principle to Malaysia’s acquisition of the aircraft, subject to the conclusion of Kuwaiti procurement plans. Malaysia previously explored similar acquisition options in 2017 but postponed action due to budget constraints and the ongoing development of its Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program. The newly approved deal involves the planned transfer of 30 to 33 airframes, including both F/A-18C single-seat and F/A-18D twin-seat variants, all of which are still in operational use with Kuwait’s air force.

As reported by the Swedish Ground Combat School (MSS) on June 12, 2025, Sweden is undertaking a large-scale modernization and acquisition program that will result in the delivery of 154 Stridsvagn 123 tanks to the Swedish Army by 2031. The effort includes the refurbishment and upgrade of 110 Stridsvagn 122 tanks and the purchase of 44 newly built Leopard 2A8 tanks. The upgraded tanks will be designated Stridsvagn 123A, while the new production vehicles will be Both versions will be supplied by the KNDS group, a German-French defense consortium comprising Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter. Deliveries of the Strv 123A are scheduled from 2027 to 2030, while the Strv 123B deliveries will occur between 2028 and 2031. Ten of the newly purchased tanks will replace the ten units previously transferred from Sweden to Ukraine. The overall program supports the growth of the Swedish Army to four mechanized brigades and is linked to broader procurement activities, including upgrades to the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle fleet. The modernization project began with a contract signed on October 10, 2023, between FMV (Försvarets materielverk) and KMW, covering the upgrade of 44 Strv 122 tanks into Strv 123A configuration, valued at approximately 3.5 billion SEK (about €301 million). A second, larger contract was signed on January 9, 2025, expanding the modernization to an additional 66 tanks and adding 44 newly built Leopard 2A8 tanks, with a total value exceeding €1.91 billion. These new tanks, referred to as Strv 123B, will be manufactured for Sweden by KNDS. The 110 upgraded tanks (44 already under contract and 66 added later) will come from the current Swedish fleet of Strv 122s, a version of the Leopard 2A5 developed in cooperation between KMW and Hägglunds, now part of BAE Systems. Sweden’s total tank fleet will increase by 33 units once all deliveries are completed.

Taiwan has signed a construction contract with CSBC Corporation for two new submarines under the Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program. These two units are referred to as "small variant" models and are derived from the prototype platform ROCS Hai Kun (SS-711). The contract is part of a phased construction scheme known as “2+3+2,” covering two improved early-production boats, three standard production units, and two optimized submarines. Although the contract is signed, the budget for these two boats remains frozen by the Legislative Yuan. The legislative freeze, estimated at NT$1 billion, will only be lifted once the Hai Kun completes its sea trials and the Ministry of National Defense submits a comprehensive performance report to lawmakers. As a result, while CSBC can proceed with preparatory steps, it cannot begin physical construction work until the trial results are formally reviewed and approved. The decision to delay the release of funds reflects Taiwan’s requirement for evidence that the Hai Kun meets operational standards before continuing with serial production. The two contracted small variant submarines are expected to incorporate improvements based on difficulties encountered during the development and harbor testing of the prototype, including internal layout adjustments and system integration modifications. According to statements from officials involved in the program, these design changes are based on lessons learned during the construction and harbor acceptance trials (HAT) of the Hai Kun. Although the small variants are intended to enter production after the prototype, construction activities at CSBC’s Kaohsiung shipyard are already being prepared to ensure continuity. Equipment procurement, material preparation, and workforce alignment are being organized so that production can begin immediately after legislative authorization is granted.

On June 17, 2025, the Hungarian Ministry of Defence officially unveiled the HERO 30 loitering munition during a high-profile defense exhibition, marking the first public display of this new tactical precision-strike system. This presentation is the operational culmination of a procurement initiative launched in 2023, when Hungary signed a contract with Rheinmetall and Israeli defense manufacturer UVision for the acquisition of the HERO family of loitering munitions. While deliveries began in 2024, the mid-2025 debut confirms the platform’s operational integration into the Hungarian Defence Forces.   The HERO 30 is an electrically powered, tactical loitering munition designed for short-range precision engagements. Weighing approximately 3 to 3.5 kilograms with a 0.5-kilogram high-explosive fragmentation warhead, the system offers up to 30 minutes of loitering time and an operational range that can reach between 10 and 20 kilometers, depending on environmental and antenna configurations. Designed for silent operation, the HERO 30 uses a pneumatic canister launch system that allows for rapid, low-signature deployment in field conditions. Its fold-out wings and electric propulsion system facilitate high-speed transit to target zones, followed by low-speed loitering for surveillance and engagement.

According to information published by AP News on June 17, 2025, Israel has formally requested U.S. assistance to provide the GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 13,600 kg (30,000 lb) precision-guided bomb specifically engineered to neutralize deeply fortified underground military facilities. The request targets Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, located near Qom and constructed approximately 80 m below ground level within a solid mountain core, rendering it impervious to conventional Israeli ordnance. The MOP remains among the most closely guarded non‑nuclear munitions in the U.S. inventory, and Washington has yet to commit to its deployment or transfer. Its strategic value in this context lies not only in its sheer size but also in its ability to circumvent hardened geological protection layers that shield critical infrastructure. From a technical perspective, the GBU‑57A/B MOP represents the apex of deep‑penetration conventional weapon design. The weapon body measures approximately 6.2 m in length and 0.8 m in diameter, with a total loaded weight of around 13,600 kg. It carries a massive 2,080 kg (4,590 lb) main charge of AFX‑757 high explosive, bolstered by a 341 kg (752 lb) PBXN‑114 booster, resulting in a total explosive mass exceeding 2,421 kg (5,342 lb) capable of generating an extreme penetrating force. Its thick steel casing allows it to breach up to 60 m of reinforced concrete or 40 m of hard rock.

According to information published by the Latvian Ministry of Defence on June 17, 2025, the Latvian Cabinet has approved the procurement of an additional 42 ASCOD-2 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Santa Bárbara Sistemas. This new acquisition doubles Latvia’s total ASCOD order to 84 units. The operation is at an estimated cost of €387 million. Deliveries for the first tranche of 42 vehicles, contracted in January 2025, will begin in 2026, while the newly ordered batch is scheduled for delivery starting in 2027. Approximately 30% of the production will be localized within Latvia. In a major boost to domestic defense manufacturing, Patria’s Defence Partnership Latvia facility in Valmiera has initiated assembly of the ASCOD platforms under a strategic partnership with GDELS-Santa Bárbara Sistemas. The rollout of the first Latvian-assembled ASCOD IFVs is expected by June 2026. This collaboration significantly strengthens Latvia’s ability to maintain, assemble, and eventually manufacture advanced armored platforms domestically, enhancing sovereign industrial resilience.

Pakistan has achieved a significant diplomatic breakthrough with China offering to supply the HQ-19 long-range air defense missile system. This potential transfer represents a strategic leap for the Pakistani Armed Forces, elevating its missile defense capabilities to levels previously unmatched in South Asia. The HQ-19 is a highly advanced anti-ballistic missile interceptor developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Initiated in the mid-2000s, the system was publicly revealed through a series of tests starting in 2010 and has since become a cornerstone of China’s upper-tier missile defense strategy. Designed to engage and destroy medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their midcourse or terminal flight phases, the HQ-19 is often compared to the U.S. THAAD system due to its long engagement range and high-altitude intercept capability. It is equipped with a hit-to-kill kinetic warhead guided by a combination of active radar and infrared seekers, integrated into a network supported by ground-based sensors and satellite-based early warning systems.