Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te announced that the island's defense budget would now exceed 3% of its gross domestic product, marking a new stage in the modernization of its armed forces amid escalating tensions with China, as reported by AP News. This statement, made on Thursday during a speech to the American Chamber of Commerce, reflects his administration’s intent to strengthen national security while responding to both domestic and international concerns over the adequacy of Taiwan’s defense spending. As Beijing intensifies its military presence in the Taiwan Strait, the budget increase aligns with a broader strategy aimed at deterring a potential military confrontation. Taiwan’s military is undergoing a rapid modernization process, combining the acquisition of advanced weaponry, the reinforcement of strategic infrastructure, and a restructuring of its forces. The island is investing in long-range anti-ship cruise missiles such as the Hsiung Feng III and the Sky Bow III ballistic missile defense system designed to intercept aerial and ballistic threats. These capabilities are further enhanced by the purchase of 66 upgraded F-16V fighter jets from the United States, equipped with AESA radar and advanced avionics, enabling them to match China’s fifth-generation aircraft. In the naval domain, Taiwan is developing an indigenous submarine fleet (IDS) to conduct maritime interdiction operations against potential amphibious forces, alongside the procurement of fast missile corvettes like the Tuo Chiang-class, optimized for engaging enemy vessels while maintaining a low radar signature. Additionally, Taiwan has expanded its use of reconnaissance and combat drones, including the Teng Yun, which provides long-range surveillance and strike capabilities in the Taiwan Strait. Beyond acquisitions, Taiwan is strengthening its military infrastructure to enhance its resilience against potential strikes. The government is expanding its network of underground bunkers to protect air bases, command centers, and government facilities. Air defense modernization continues with the integration of Patriot PAC-3 missile batteries, capable of intercepting ballistic threats, and the development of an integrated missile defense shield using advanced radar systems and electronic warfare capabilities. Cyber defense has also become a key focus, with Taiwan countering an increase in cyberattacks attributed to China. Significant investments are being made in jamming and electronic warfare systems to mitigate digital threats targeting critical infrastructure and military networks.

 Somalia is taking a new step in the modernization of its armed forces with the acquisition of the T129 ATAK attack helicopter, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries. This acquisition marks a turning point for the Somali Air Force as it seeks to enhance its operational capabilities in response to persistent security threats. In a context where the fight against Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, remains a priority, Somalia is investing in more effective aerial assets to secure its territory and improve counterinsurgency operations. Somalia’s decision to acquire the T129 ATAK aligns with its broader strategic objectives, particularly in counterinsurgency operations and efforts to assert military sovereignty. The T129 ATAK is a twin-seat attack helicopter designed for close air support, armed reconnaissance, and precision strikes. Based on the A129 Mangusta platform, it was adapted to meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces before attracting interest from other countries, including Somalia. It is highly maneuverable, thanks to its five-blade main rotor and two-blade tail rotor, allowing it to operate effectively in challenging environments. Equipped with advanced avionics, it features an automatic flight control system, an inertial navigation system integrated with GPS, and a helmet-mounted sight for rapid target acquisition in day and night operations. Powered by two LHTEC T800-4A engines, it has a cruising speed of 269 km/h and a maximum range of 1,000 km, offering significant operational flexibility.

Italy has formally notified Greece of the availability of two FREMM-class frigates, the Carlo Bergamini (F 590) and Virginio Fasan (F 591), for potential transfer after 2028. The information, first conveyed to the Greek side earlier this year, is currently under review by the Ministry of National Defence. These discussions are linked to the Italian Navy’s fleet modernization, which includes the replacement of older Bergamini-class frigates with new FREMM EVO units scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030. This offer marks a continuation of Greece’s broader effort to address gaps in surface combatant capabilities by supplementing its fleet with both new and used ships. The two proposed vessels were the first units built for the Italian Navy under the Carlo Bergamini-class FREMM program and entered service in 2013. The Carlo Bergamini is a General Purpose (GP) variant, while the Virginio Fasan is configured for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). Italian sources have clarified that only these two frigates are being offered at this stage, and there is no mention of future availability of additional units. The Italian Navy currently operates four FREMM GP and four FREMM ASW frigates, with two additional GP-e variants expected to enter service within the year. Despite their differing configurations, both ships share many commonalities in platform design and combat capabilities. They are 144.6 meters long, displace 6,700 tons, and can reach speeds up to 27 knots. Their range at 15 knots is 6,800 nautical miles. Crew size for each is approximately 200 personnel, and both include a combination of advanced sensors and weaponry suited for multi-domain naval operations. Their twin SYLVER A50 VLS cells support medium and long-range Aster missiles, and both are equipped with advanced AESA radar, torpedoes, and heavy naval artillery. Their shared platform eases maintenance and logistical requirements while allowing for flexibility in deployment. The Hellenic Navy’s current modernization strategy, based on three to four new Belharra-class frigates and the mid-life upgrade of four MEKO 200HN frigates and four Papanikolis-class submarines, is not considered sufficient for addressing strategic challenges in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. The outgoing Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ioannis Drymousis, emphasized this limitation in his January 2024 address and proposed the acquisition of additional multi-role frigates to replace aging S-class units.

Morocco is continuing its efforts to expand its air and missile defense capabilities by evaluating the U.S.-made MIM-104 Patriot air defense missile system, a step that could lead to the country’s first confirmed acquisition of the widely deployed platform. Recent imagery circulating online showed three vehicles associated with the system (specifically Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) units) transported on civilian trucks and reportedly en route to Ben Guerir Air Base. The launchers were covered with camouflage tarps and did not include missile canisters, suggesting the transit may be connected to evaluation procedures, technical familiarization, or testing, rather than operational deployment. While no official statement has been issued by Moroccan authorities regarding this transit, the movement is viewed by Moroccan defense observers as a concrete sign of a potential procurement by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. Defense sources suggest that the equipment will undergo testing to verify its compatibility with Moroccan operational requirements. An earlier hint came in January 2021, when the U.S. International Trade Administration noted that Patriot systems and G550 reconnaissance aircraft had been cleared for sale to Morocco, although quantities and values were not disclosed. These developments indicate sustained momentum toward equipping the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces with advanced U.S.-built surface-to-air capabilities. Available information now suggests that Morocco has opted for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) variant, which offers improved range and accuracy. The PAC-3 MSE interceptors can engage aircraft at distances exceeding 160 kilometers and tactical ballistic missiles at ranges over 35 kilometers. They are supported by the AN/MPQ-65 radar, which enables 360-degree coverage and simultaneous tracking of over 100 targets. The system uses hit-to-kill technology, relying on kinetic impact to neutralize incoming threats. A single launcher can carry four PAC-2 GEM-T missiles or up to 16 PAC-3 MSE missiles. This acquisition would substantially increase Morocco’s defensive capacity against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats, such as the Russian Iskander-E short-range ballistic missile system that Algeria purchased.  

Australia is advancing efforts to enhance the protection of its military vehicles against the increasing threat of small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) by introducing a counter-drone upgrade for its Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs). The Australian Army’s vehicle fleet, in service since the late 1990s, is undergoing trials for a counter-UAS (C-UAS) system developed by Thales Australia in partnership with Dedrone by Axon. The system has been successfully tested in simulated battlefield environments in Victoria and is designed to operate while the vehicle is in motion. This development follows increased global interest in mobile drone defenses, particularly due to the extensive use of drones in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The counter-drone system is intended to be retrofitted onto any existing Bushmaster vehicle and is designed to counter Group 1 to Group 3 drone threats through electronic disruption, while maintaining mobility and operational awareness. The counter-drone system combines DedroneTracker.AI software with passive RF sensors mounted on the Bushmaster. According to Thales Australia representative Mitchell O’Dwyer, the integration of this capability addresses new threats emerging in current operational theatres. Dedrone by Axon’s Ash Alexander-Cooper stated that the system is capable of detecting drones at long distances and disrupting them without requiring a direct line of sight. The system is intended to be retrofitted onto any existing Bushmaster vehicle and is designed to counter Group 1 to Group 3 drone threats through electronic disruption, while maintaining mobility and operational awareness. As of early 2025, the Australian Defence Force has not yet implemented the Dedrone system across its Bushmaster fleet. However, the Department of Defence is progressing with Project LAND 156, which seeks to provide a minimum viable counter-drone capability across the Army’s land force by 2032. Since 2022, Australia has donated 120 Bushmasters to Ukraine as part of more than A$1.3 billion in military support. In parallel, delays in the delivery of donated M1A1 Abrams tanks have raised criticism. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for faster action, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cited the logistical complexities of sending military equipment into a conflict zone and stated that delivery efforts are ongoing in cooperation with U.S. partners.

On March 20, 2025, General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) announced its readiness to upgrade the Spanish Army's LEOPARD 2E fleet. GDELS-SBS and KNDS Deutschland, the original equipment manufacturer and design authority of the LEOPARD 2 Main Battle Tank, have signed an agreement, which was already signed at the end of last year, to collaborate on the potential upgrade. In addition to the upgrades, the Spanish Army's Leopard 2E fleet is highly likely to be equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), a proven technology that offers advanced defense capabilities. In addition to the upgrades, the Spanish Army's Leopard 2E fleet is highly likely to be equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), a proven technology that offers advanced defense capabilities. This upgrade is the result of a strategic partnership between KNDS, GDELS, and Israeli defense manufacturer RAFAEL, who together established EuroTrophy GmbH, a German-based joint company dedicated to producing the Trophy APS. The Trophy Active Protection System (APS) has already become a core feature of the German Army’s Leopard 2A8 configuration, and its inclusion in the Spanish Leopard 2E fleet will significantly improve survivability against emerging threats, solidifying the vehicle's status as one of the most advanced in the world. The system has proven its effectiveness in a variety of platforms, including the Merkava Mk 4, the main battle tank of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which was the first tank to be equipped with Trophy APS. Additionally, the U.S. Army has deployed Trophy APS on its M1 Abrams tanks, particularly in upgraded variants such as the M1A2 SEPv3, while the UK’s Challenger 2 main battle tank is also in the process of being equipped with this advanced protection system. This widespread adoption further underscores the Trophy APS’s proven capabilities in enhancing armored vehicle defense against modern anti-tank threats.

The Canadian military is planning to procure the US-built M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, amid strained ties between the neighbors over tariffs. A sole-source deal plan is being proposed by Canadian military leadership to buy a number of HIMARS, Ottawa Citizen revealed, citing sources. The potential deal could be executed through a foreign military sale, wherein Canada would receive the systems directly from the US government. $5 Billion Deal Ottawa Citizen estimated the cost of the deal at around $5 billion based on a 2024 Canadian Forces briefing on the Long Range Precision Fires project. The purchase includes launchers, fire control software, munitions, and spare parts. “The Long-Range Precision Strike (Land) project will significantly enhance Canada’s defence capabilities, both domestically and abroad,” Ottawa Citizen quoted Department of National Defence spokesperson Kened Sadiku as saying.

As reported by Defence 24 on March 17, 2025, Polish Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that France has expressed interest in acquiring the Polish-developed Piorun man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) and the Baobab-K scatterable mine-laying system during the Paris Defense and Strategy Forum. This follows discussions with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, who had previously visited Poland, where potential acquisitions from the Polish defense industry were discussed. Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that he will visit France in early April, accompanied by representatives of Poland's defense sector, to continue discussions on these potential procurements. The announcement took place within the E5 format, a multilateral defense dialogue involving France, Poland, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany. The Polish defense minister stated that among the participating countries, Poland has the most pressing need to expand its defense production capabilities. He also noted several areas of potential cooperation, including the procurement of submarines under the Orka program. Regarding France’s interest in the Piorun and Baobab systems, Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that while France currently possesses very short-range air defense missiles with similar performance to the Polish Piorun, its domestic Mistral system is a larger, non-shoulder-fired platform. Integrating Piorun into the French inventory would provide additional operational flexibility, allowing mobile air defense teams to engage aerial threats without pre-deployed firing positions. If acquired, the Piorun system would increase the capabilities of French air defense units by providing a shoulder-launched system. This would allow for a more flexible engagement of targets compared to the fixed or vehicle-mounted Mistral system. The interest in the Baobab-K system suggests potential integration with a French wheeled or tracked chassis, as the French military does not currently operate a comparable scatterable mine-laying capability. The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the role of minefields in delaying or halting enemy armored advances, highlighting the operational use of such a system. The Baobab-K scatterable mine-laying system was developed by a Polish defense consortium led by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), with participation from Jelcz, BZE Belma, and the Military Institute of Engineering Technology. The program advanced with an agreement signed on December 28, 2018, leading to the development of a prototype based on the Jelcz 662D.43 military truck. The system enables rapid deployment of anti-tank minefields of varying densities. The automated deployment process allows mines to be placed from within the vehicle, with an onboard computer calculating vehicle speed, launcher settings, and mine release intervals. The system is capable of deploying a minefield up to 1,800 meters long within approximately 22 minutes, with mine dispersion ranging from 30 to 90 meters.

On March 19, 2025, reports indicated that the Indian Army and Indian Air Force were on the verge of a defense acquisition, with plans to purchase 250 BrahMos missiles. The deal, valued at approximately $2.4 billion USD, is currently under consideration by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The deal represents a portion of India's overall military budget for 2024, which is estimated to be around USD 72 billion. While there has been no official confirmation from the Ministry of Defence regarding the military deal as of yet, the move to acquire such a massive consignment of BrahMos missiles underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities, particularly in light of increasing regional security challenges. The decision is expected to enhance both the offensive and defensive capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, reinforcing India’s position as a major player in global defense strategy. The BrahMos missile, developed by the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace, is based on the Russian P-800 Oniks missile. It is among the most advanced systems in its category. Capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 2.8 and ranges between 300 and 500 kilometers depending on the variant, it stands out for its precision, stealth capabilities, and striking power. Powered by a liquid-fueled ramjet engine with a solid-propellant booster, the missile can be launched from land, sea, air, and even underwater. It carries a payload of 200 to 300 kilograms, comprising high-explosive or submunition warheads, and employs an inertial navigation system with active/passive radar guidance for terminal targeting. Since its induction into India’s armed forces in 2007, the BrahMos has become a cornerstone of its strategic arsenal while drawing interest from international buyers.

Sweden has contracted MBDA UK to provide Meteor active radar-guided missiles for the armed forces’ JAS 39 Gripen C/D supersonic combat aircraft. The weapon has been operational in Stockholm’s military since 2016 and is equipped on its Gripen, Rafale, and Eurofighter fleets. MBDA, proprietor of the Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) system, is scheduled to deliver the additional warheads this year. “The additional procurement of Meteor is part of further increasing the Swedish Armed Forces’ air defense capabilities both nationally and as part of NATO,” Swedish Defence Materiel Administration Combat Aircraft Systems Head Martin Anderberg stated. “This procurement is the third additional order for the system that the [Defence Materiel Administration] has placed for the Swedish Armed Forces.” MBDA’s Meteor BVRAAM The Meteor missile, co-developed with Sweden, the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, works as a “wingman” capability that interacts with a plane’s sensors and support systems to scan and neutralize airborne threats. Upon contact, the solution applies a high-explosive multi-shot fragmentation effect that allows users to destroy multiple targets. The BVRAAM technology is powered by a solid-fuel ramjet that enables a cruise speed of over Mach 4 (4,939 kilometers/3,069 miles per hour) to prevent interception from conventional propellant-powered countermeasures. The Meteor weighs 190 kilograms (419 pounds), measures 3.7 meters (12.1 feet) long, and has a diameter of 178 millimeters (7 inches). It has a range of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles).