On April 8, 2025, at the port of Durrës, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the formal launch of bilateral naval cooperation with Italy, marked by two significant milestones: the signing of a Letter of Intent for the transfer of the Italian Navy’s Libra (P402), a Cassiopea-class offshore patrol vessel, to the Albanian Naval Force, and the establishment of a strategic joint venture between the Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri and the Albanian firm KAYO. These agreements were presented as part of a broader strategy to deepen defense cooperation, enhance naval capabilities, and strengthen industrial partnerships between Albania and Italy. The offshore patrol vessel Libra (P402) was officially handed over by Italy to Albania during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Rama, Albanian Defence Minister Niko Peleshi, and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. The ship docked in Durrës after departing Italy accompanied by the iconic training ship Amerigo Vespucci. Minister Crosetto emphasized the strategic value of the gesture, describing it as a reflection of mutual trust and deepening defense collaboration between two NATO member states. Prime Minister Rama welcomed the transfer as a turning point in bilateral relations, describing the evolving ties as a transformation of an ancient friendship into a strategic partnership based on trust and sharing.

France is preparing to test a domestically developed rocket artillery system by mid-2026 as part of the FLP-T (Frappe Longue Portée – Terrestre) program, intended to replace the French Army’s nine remaining Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) systems. The information was confirmed by the French Directorate General for Armament (DGA) in a written response to Defense News. This initiative aims to provide a European alternative to the U.S.-made HIMARS while reinforcing France’s defense industrial sovereignty in long-range strike capabilities.   The FLP-T program was launched through an innovation partnership agreement signed in November 2023 between the DGA and two industrial consortiums: one composed of Safran and MBDA, the other of Thales and ArianeGroup. Both groups are working on artillery systems with a 150-kilometer strike range, with long-term potential extensions to 500 or even 1,000 kilometers. The original timeline, confirmed by DGA head Emmanuel Chiva during a parliamentary hearing, aimed for an initial procurement by late 2025. However, demonstration test firings by the competing systems are now expected no earlier than mid-2026. The solution developed by MBDA and Safran, named Thundart, was unveiled as a mock-up at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in June 2024. This 227mm guided rocket system is based on what the companies describe as mature subsystems and will be assembled in the Centre-Val de Loire region. The design leverages common components with Safran’s AASM Hammer guided bomb and could reach an initial operational capability before 2030. Additionally, MBDA has proposed a land-based cruise missile derived from the Naval Cruise Missile (MdCN) as a complementary solution for long-range strikes under the European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA). ArianeGroup and MBDA are also examining the future integration of hypersonic missiles into the FLP-T framework, with a horizon beyond 2035. Thales and ArianeGroup, while more reserved in their communication, confirmed they are jointly working on a sovereign fire-support system capable of engaging high-value targets. According to the DGA, each consortium will carry out a firing of its prototype, after which a selection will be made. The innovation partnership contract allows the DGA to procure the selected system without a new tender, provided the performance criteria are met.

During an official visit to Ankara on April 10, 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed his country’s interest in joining Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jet program KAAN, emphasizing a strengthened defense partnership with Turkey, particularly in the aerospace and naval sectors, as reported by Bloomberg. The announcement comes amid growing strategic ties between Indonesia and Turkey, as Jakarta actively seeks to modernize its aging air defense capabilities in response to persistent regional threats and the need for greater strategic autonomy. At a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Subianto stated that "Indonesia wants to participate in the development of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet as well as submarine development with the Turkish industry." His remarks, reported by Indonesia’s Antara news agency, reflect Jakarta’s ambition to diversify its defense partnerships in an international landscape increasingly shaped by competition among major powers. This intent was further reinforced by the signing of new bilateral agreements in culture, disaster management, and media, adding to thirteen cooperation agreements signed between Ankara and Jakarta in February.

On April 9, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Public Security of the Republic of Panama and the Department of Defense of the United States of America. The document establishes a framework for cooperative security activities in Panama and formalizes mutual understandings related to the presence and operations of U.S. personnel and contractors in specific Panamanian installations. The memorandum enters into effect on the date of the last signature and is valid for an initial period of three years, renewable for additional three-year terms. Either party may terminate the agreement by written notice with six months’ advance notice. On April 10, 2025, Panamanian Public Security Minister Frank Alexis Abrego reaffirmed Panama’s sovereignty over the Panama Canal, clarifying that the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States does not involve ceding control or establishing foreign military bases. Addressing public concerns following the bilateral agreement, Abrego stressed that all terms of cooperation were fully disclosed and consistent with the Panamanian Constitution and the 1977 Treaty of Neutrality. He emphasized that the accord respects Panama's legal frameworks and does not allow the construction of permanent U.S. military installations. The MOU, signed in Panama City by Minister Abrego and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, allows the U.S. to use Panamanian-controlled facilities such as Rodman Naval Station, Howard Air Force Base, and the Cristóbal Colón Naval Air Base for training, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises. These deployments are rotational, and Panama retains full administrative authority over the sites. The agreement permits U.S. military personnel and contractors to operate in designated areas under Panamanian oversight, while both nations continue joint operations aimed at enhancing regional stability.

On April 11, 2025, the Swiss Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) announced its intent to procure four to five IRIS-T SLM (Surface Launched Medium Range) air defense systems from the German manufacturer Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG. This acquisition is part of Switzerland’s involvement in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a collaborative multinational effort to establish a layered, integrated air and missile defense system across Europe. The procurement will be backed by a credit guarantee of 660 million Swiss Francs, approved under the 2024 armament program, with contract signing expected in the third quarter of 2025. A Swiss Armed Forces future asset: The IRIS-T SLM launcher system, developed by Germany’s Diehl Defence, offers 360-degree coverage and precision engagement against modern aerial threats including cruise missiles, drones, and fighter jets—enhancing Switzerland’s medium-range air defense capability. The German-made IRIS-T SLM air defense missile system will serve as a core element of Switzerland’s Ground-Based Air Defence Medium Range (GBAD MR) project, which aims to replace aging and limited-range systems currently in service, such as the Stinger and medium anti-aircraft artillery. These legacy systems are no longer adequate to counter modern threats, as advanced combat aircraft and stand-off weapons now operate at higher altitudes and longer distances. The IRIS-T SLM will close this critical gap by enabling effective engagement of aerial threats at medium range, complementing the longer-range capabilities of the future Patriot system and contributing to a comprehensive multi-layered air defense network.

Spanish Indra has signed a contract with the Sultanate of Oman for the supply of two new long-range Lanza 3D early warning radars for the country's Air Force. The agreement was signed on Friday by Indra's chairman, Ángel Escribano, and the secretary general of the Ministry of Defence - with the rank of minister - Mohamed Bin Nasser Al-Zaabi, at the company's headquarters in Alcobendas (Madrid). The project includes the design, supply and installation of the two Lanza 3D-LRR radars at a fixed location, as well as the supply of radio voice communications systems and integration with the command and control system, also delivered by Indra. The contract also includes the increase in the capacity of the Sultanate of Oman air force to carry out third-level maintenance of its radars.

On April 6, 2025, Saab CEO Micael Johansson confirmed during an interview with Dagens industri that negotiations are ongoing with Canada regarding the JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft. He added that Saab is maintaining contacts with Portugal and continuing discussions with potential Gripen customers in Latin America. This follows the recent announcement by Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding the acquisition of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, marking a decisive step in the country’s longstanding effort to modernize its air force. Canada’s journey toward selecting a new fighter aircraft to replace its aging fleet of 98 CF-18A/B Hornet fighter jets, which entered Canadian service in 1982, has spanned more than a decade. Although Canada has been a partner in the F-35 development program since 1997, the selection process has experienced numerous reversals. The Canadian government initially announced its intention in 2010 to procure 65 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, citing the country's status as a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program. However, rising costs and delivery delays led to a withdrawal from that plan in 2012. Following the 2015 election of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Liberal government reopened the fighter competition, citing the need for a more transparent and cost-effective procurement process. In December 2017, Canada launched an open bid for 88 new fighters, which included the F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale, and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

On Monday, April 14, 2025, Greece signed a new defense contract with France for the procurement of 16 Exocet MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles. The agreement was officially signed in Athens by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and his French counterpart, Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. The signing took place during an official visit by the French delegation, highlighting the deepening strategic relationship between the two nations. This new acquisition is part of Greece’s ongoing and comprehensive defense modernization initiative, a €25 billion investment plan set to run through 2036. The program aims to enhance the operational readiness and deterrence capabilities of the Hellenic Armed Forces through the integration of advanced weapon systems, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence technologies. The purchase of the Exocet missiles adds to a series of recent defense procurements from France, including 24 Dassault Rafale fighter jets and three Belharra-class (FDI) frigates, with negotiations underway for a possible fourth frigate and additional cruise missile capabilities. The Exocet MM40 Block 3C represents the latest evolution in MBDA’s renowned Exocet anti-ship missile family. The Block 3C variant features significant improvements in range, guidance, and target discrimination. With a strike range exceeding 200 kilometers, the missile is powered by a solid-propellant booster and a turbojet sustainer engine, enabling over-the-horizon engagements against surface threats. One of its key attributes is the advanced GPS-INS navigation system combined with an enhanced active radar seeker, which increases resistance to countermeasures and ensures high accuracy even in complex electronic warfare environments.

Türkiye has successfully completed the preliminary design phase of its indigenous GÖKHAN ramjet-powered air-to-air missile, a major step forward in the country's ambition to develop a domestically produced long-range missile system capable of engaging aerial threats beyond visual range. This advancement comes as part of the "National Ramjet Powered Air-to-Air Missile (GÖKHAN) Development Project," initiated under a contract signed between the Ministry of National Defense and TÜBİTAK SAGE on May 21, 2021. The GÖKHAN project aims to equip the Turkish Air Force with a new generation of air-to-air missiles designed to establish air superiority in contested environments. The program focuses on the creation of a missile system with ramjet propulsion, which enables sustained high-speed flight over extended ranges. While official specifications have not been disclosed, early estimates suggest that GÖKHAN will be capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 100 km. With the completion of both the Conceptual Design Phase and the Preliminary Design Phase, the project has now entered the Ground Tests Phase. This stage will involve detailed subsystem evaluations, system-level verifications, and the start of flight and firing tests. These tests are expected to validate the missile’s propulsion behavior, guidance system performance, structural integrity, and aerodynamic characteristics under real-world conditions. GÖKHAN’s propulsion is based on a ramjet engine, which uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion during flight. This gives the missile a significant advantage over conventional solid-fueled systems, allowing it to maintain speed throughout its engagement envelope. Ramjet technology increases the missile’s no-escape zone and terminal maneuvering capability, making it especially effective against fast-moving and maneuvering airborne targets at long distances.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotaki has unveiled the reform plan for the country's armed forces, valued at 25 billion euros. The project includes the modernization of the country's submarine fleet, which includes the upgrade of four conventional diesel-electric (SSK) units, equipped with Papanikolis-class air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, based on the German Type 214 model, and the acquisition of four other new submarines. The modernization of the four Type 214 submarines equipped with Greek AIPs is estimated at 400 million euros, according to the Greek portal On Alert, which has also advanced which competitors are "on the periscope" as potential builders of the new submarines. One of those possible manufacturers is the German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which will compete with its Type 209/1400 model, a 1,440-ton ship with a displacement of 61.2 meters in length and armed with eight 553 mm torpedo tubes. Another company in the running is the French Naval Group, manufacturer of the export submarine Scorpene Evolved, an updated version of the veteran Scorpene design, in which the current Spanish Navantia participated at the time. This submarine reaches a surface displacement of 2,000 tons spread over its 72 meters of length. It is equipped with six torpedo tubes and is capable of carrying 18 weapons, including torpedoes, missiles and mines. And finally, the Swedish company Saab is also in the spotlight as a possible manufacturer of the future Greek submarines. This company is in charge of the A26 model, originally developed to equip Sweden. The A26 has a displacement of 1,925 tonnes in a length of just over 66 metres. This model has the uniqueness of having a hatch on its bow, between its torpedo tubes, through which divers and unmanned ships can leave and enter.