Taiwanese defense manufacturer Thunder Tiger has unveiled its latest innovation, the OverKill Killer FPV drone. This small yet potent drone is engineered to carry an 81mm mortar, enabling tactical precision and flexibility in frontline and covert operations. Designed with agility and power, the OverKill Killer drone has exceptional maneuverability, allowing it to operate effectively in tight, challenging spaces such as trenches, rooftops, and building windows. The OverKill Killer FPV drone's design allows it to carry a wide range of payloads up to 7 kg, including the substantial 81mm mortar. This feature enhances its adaptability in diverse mission scenarios—from precision strikes in dense urban environments to rapid response attacks in open battlefield conditions. This capability provides ground forces with flexible, on-demand firepower that can be deployed at short notice, meeting critical needs in fast-evolving conflict zones. With an impressive production capability, Thunder Tiger is prepared to manufacture thousands of OverKill Killer FPV drones in under six months. This production agility addresses urgent demand as militaries worldwide seek to incorporate FPV drones into their arsenals for reconnaissance and strike missions. The company's scaling capacity is supported by its robust manufacturing facilities and focus on modular design, allowing it to meet escalating demands driven by recent conflicts and shifting global security dynamics. FPV drones, such as the OverKill Killer, have proven invaluable in conflicts like the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Both sides have utilized FPV technology to gain tactical advantages, particularly in conducting reconnaissance, executing precision strikes, and neutralizing high-value targets in hard-to-reach areas. These drones provide real-time intelligence and attack capabilities with minimal exposure to risk, making them indispensable tools on the modern battlefield. The OverKill Killer, with a range of up to 6 kilometers and a flight endurance of 30 minutes, offers versatile operational scope. Its compact frame and varied propeller options, from 7 to 15 inches, make it effective for close-quarters combat while maintaining the endurance for loitering missions. Additionally, Thunder Tiger offers the OverKill FPV drone in several models, allowing for payloads from 1.5 kg to 7 kg, ensuring suitability across a broad spectrum of mission requirements.

The Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) have announced the acquisition of a new, modular 120mm mortar system from Finnish defense manufacturer Patria. A pre-series version is slated for delivery to the Finnish Army in 2025. This advanced weapon, known as the Patria TREMOS, was unveiled by Patria at the Future Mortar Systems conference in London on October 29, 2024, marking a significant step forward in mobile, heavy-mortar technology for Finland’s defense capabilities. The TREMOS system integrates traditional 120mm heavy mortar firepower within a modular, adaptable carriage that can be mounted on a range of military trucks, greatly enhancing the mobility and operational versatility of traditional mortars. Unlike previous mortar systems, TREMOS allows for the use of both legacy and new 120mm mortars, combining the capabilities of traditional weaponry with modern modular technology. It is designed to work seamlessly with existing fire management systems and has the flexibility to be mounted on various vehicles through its integration module, making it a scalable solution for diverse operational needs.

According to information published by Meteksan on October 30, 2024, a landmark agreement has been signed between Turkey and Qatar at the Milipol Qatar 2024 Exhibition. The contract between the Qatar Ministry of Interior and Turkish defense company ARES Shipyard covers the export of the ULAQ 11 Port and Base Security Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), marking Turkey’s first-ever export of an unmanned surface vessel. This agreement is a testament to the Turkish defense industry’s growing prowess in autonomous maritime technology. The ULAQ 11 USV, designed specifically for port and base protection missions, boasts advanced features that will enhance Qatar’s capabilities in safeguarding critical maritime infrastructures. This state-of-the-art vessel is equipped with cutting-edge sensors, communication systems, and AI-driven operational functions, allowing it to perform high-precision surveillance, threat detection, and defensive maneuvers without a human crew. Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are reshaping modern naval warfare by offering advanced capabilities for reconnaissance, combat, and strategic operations without endangering human personnel. They are pivotal in asymmetric warfare, where cost-effective and agile responses are required to address diverse threats, from enemy warships to unconventional combatants like terrorists or pirates. USVs can perform high-risk missions, as they are significantly cheaper than manned vessels and reduce the potential for loss of human life.

As reported by ORCA Military on October 28, 2024, the Russian Iskander-E short-range ballistic missile system has been seen for the first time in Algeria, ahead of the military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Algerian Revolution. This sighting confirms Algeria’s acquisition of the Iskander after years of speculation and marks the first time this missile system has appeared in the arsenal of an Arab country. Algeria received four regiments of the Iskander-E between 2014 and 2017, comprising around 50 vehicles and 48 missiles per regiment, including 12 launchers, 12 transporter-loaders, 11 command vehicles, and various support vehicles. The Iskander system, developed by Russia, has a range of up to 500 kilometers and can reach speeds of up to Mach 6. It is designed to strike targets such as command centers, air defense systems, and critical infrastructure. The system's mobile design and rapid-launch capability make it difficult to detect or intercept. The Iskander-E variant, in service with Algeria since 2018, is capable of carrying various types of non-nuclear warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation and penetrating warheads. This acquisition enhances Algeria's missile capabilities, adding significant range and versatility to its existing military equipment.

According to information published by the Saudi Gazette on October 29, 2024, Saudi Arabia and Spain have formalized an agreement to construct three new multi-mission combat corvette ships. The agreement, signed by Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Gharibi, Chief of Staff of the Saudi Naval Forces, and Lieutenant General Antonio Pinero Sanchez, Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy, in Madrid, marks the next phase of the Sarawat Project—a Saudi initiative aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF). The Avante 2200 corvettes, known in Saudi Arabia as the Al Jubail-class, represent a substantial milestone in the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) modernization program. Built by the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia under a €1.8 billion contract, these vessels align closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives, promoting local defense industry capabilities through a partnership with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) to produce and maintain advanced naval technologies. Each Avante 2200 corvette is a multi-role vessel spanning 104 meters in length, with a beam of 14 meters, and a displacement of approximately 2,470 tons. Equipped to handle various naval warfare tasks—anti-submarine (ASW), anti-air (AAW), and anti-surface warfare (ASuW)—the corvettes feature a Leonardo Super Rapid 76mm main gun, an eight-cell vertical launch system for surface-to-air missiles, and Rheinmetall's Millennium 35mm close-in weapon system.

As the Indo-Pacific faces heightened military tensions, the Australian government, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is enhancing its defense industry with large-scale domestic production of missiles and munitions. Announced today, the 2024 Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan outlines Australia’s strategy to build self-reliant defense capabilities while creating hundreds of jobs. The government has selected Thales as the preferred tender to establish a domestic forging facility for 155mm M795 artillery shells, essential for artillery systems such as the M777A2, widely used by Australia, the United States, and other international partners. This project, to be implemented at government-owned facilities in Benalla, is expected to generate at least 550 jobs and aims to produce 15,000 shells annually by 2028, with potential for up to 100,000 rounds to meet global demand. This will be the first dedicated forge outside the United States to manufacture this type of ammunition, highlighting Canberra's commitment to strengthening its strategic production capabilities. In parallel, the government reaffirmed its commitment to constructing an Australian facility for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) production in partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia. This plant, slated to begin operations by 2029, will have the capacity to produce up to 4,000 units annually, representing over a quarter of current global output and more than ten times the annual demand of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This new facility is expected to create around 70 direct manufacturing jobs and several hundred additional roles in facility development. The GMLRS, a long-range, surface-to-surface precision strike capability, will also be available to international partners, further strengthening Australia’s position in the defense sector. These projects are part of Australia’s broader ambition to establish a national guided weapons and explosive ordnance enterprise, backed by an investment of up to AUD 21 billion over the next decade. Aligned with the 2024 National Defence Strategy, the plan aims to increase ADF ammunition stockpiles, secure supply chains, and build domestic production capability to meet rapidly evolving strategic conditions. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles emphasized the importance of this program in equipping the ADF with means to deter and respond to potential threats.

Norwegian Company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) announced on November 1, 2024, that it has secured a substantial NOK 1.9 billion ($172 million USD) follow-on contract with Japan to deliver additional Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) for Japan’s F-35A fleet. This marks the fourth follow-on order and underscores the strategic importance of the JSM in Japan's defense modernization efforts. As Japan focuses on bolstering its national security in the Indo-Pacific, KONGSBERG's advanced missile technology is helping to address key threats and operational needs in the region. The Joint Strike Missile (JSM), a state-of-the-art 5th-generation air-to-surface missile, is engineered to integrate seamlessly with advanced platforms like the F-35A Lightning II. Specifically designed to enhance Japan’s anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and land-attack capabilities, the JSM gives the F-35A an added combat edge with precision and versatility, allowing it to address a diverse range of mission types and tactical challenges. Developed with a low radar cross-section, the JSM retains the stealth profile of the F-35A, enabling both aircraft and missiles to penetrate highly contested environments with minimal detection risk. With an operational range exceeding 500 kilometers, the missile offers the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force an extended reach, enabling the F-35A to engage targets at significant stand-off distances. Equipped with advanced navigation and guidance systems, including GPS and inertial navigation, the JSM can navigate complex environments and adapt to various target profiles. Its passive infrared (IR) and imaging seeker enable high-precision targeting, minimizing the risk of collateral damage while increasing mission success rates. These features make the JSM capable of engaging both static and moving targets, including naval vessels, command posts, and other high-value assets.

On October 28, 2024, Croatia and Germany took a step in strengthening their defense capabilities by signing a letter of intent in Berlin. This document marks the beginning of negotiations for Croatia's acquisition of 50 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, one of the latest and most technologically advanced models in the renowned Leopard series. The agreement, brokered by Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, paves the way for a major modernization of the Croatian military’s armored fleet. Under the proposed agreement, Germany will compensate Croatia for the M-84 and M-80 vehicles, thus reducing the overall cost of the Leopard 2A8s. The Leopard 2A8 is a modern main battle tank developed in Germany, known for its combination of firepower, advanced protection, and mobility on the battlefield. It is armed with a 120 mm L55 smoothbore gun capable of engaging a variety of targets at long range with precision, while a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun adds defensive capability against light threats. To improve survivability in hostile environments, the tank is equipped with the Trophy active protection system, which intercepts incoming anti-tank missiles and rockets.

On October 26, 2024, a significant milestone in Portugal's military modernization efforts was marked with the signing of a Framework Agreement for the acquisition of the French-made CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer. The ceremony took place at the Rio Diz Urban Park, as part of EXPO EXÉRCITO, an exhibition held during the Portuguese Army Day Celebrations. The event was presided over by the Portuguese Minister of National Defense, Dr. Nuno Melo, and attended by several high-ranking officials, including the French Ambassador to Portugal, Dr. Hélène Farnaud-Defromont, the Director of International Development of the General Directorate of Armaments of the French Republic, General Diaz da Tuesta, and Portugal's General Director of National Defense Resources, Dr. Vasco Hilário. The CAESAR 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer, renowned for its mobility and precision, offers a firing range exceeding 40 km and advanced fire control systems. Its success in modern conflicts, including in Ukraine, highlights its effectiveness in rapid deployment and long-range artillery support.

The head of the National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera, suggested that in the face of the ongoing war in the East, the Polish state should consider resuming the production of cluster munitions. Will Cluster Munitions Become a Part of the Polish Arsenal? Such a need was suggested by Jacek Siewiera, Head of the National Security Bureau, in the program “Rzecz w tym” and later in a post on social media. “Against an adversary who does not recognize the moral norms of the Western world, one of the criteria for the state’s defence preparations should be the effectiveness of neutralizing the personnel. For this reason, we need both cluster munitions, anti-personnel mines, and white phosphorus munitions,” he said in an interview with “Rzeczpospolita”. “We should have this type of ammunition in our stockpile, also because area effect strikes are an effective deterrent”, he added. Cluster munitions are banned in more than 100 countries under a convention adopted on May 30, 2008, in Dublin. Poland is not a signatory to this agreement. Poland has some inventory of cluster munitions, but only for a small number of assets, and production was halted several years ago. Poland was one of the signatories of the convention, but ratification from Warsaw only took place in 2012 (the Ottawa Treaty formally came into force for Poland on June 1, 2013 - editor). At the end of 2016, Poland announced the completion of the process of destroying all its stockpiles of anti-personnel mines. We wrote more about this in this article.