As reported by Defensa on March 15, 2025, Spain has selected the U.S. Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), based on the Italian Iveco SuperAV 8x8, to replace its fleet of AAV-7 vehicles in the Marine Corps. The acquisition plan includes 34 units scheduled for procurement between 2024 and 2035. Initial delays were attributed to financial constraints, but funding has now been secured, allowing the acquisition process to begin in 2025. The ACVs will replace the 19 AAV-7A1s currently in service, consisting of 16 personnel transport variants, two command vehicles, and one recovery vehicle. The replacement will also extend to the Piranha IIIC 8x8 armored vehicles. Production of the ACV will take place in Spain, involving both Iveco Defense Vehicles (IDV) and Indra. Iveco will oversee vehicle production through its existing manufacturing facilities in Madrid and Valladolid, while Indra will integrate specific national systems based on the requirements set by the Spanish Ministry of Defense. The proportion of domestically produced components has not been disclosed, but this aligns with Indra’s strategic objective of expanding its role in domestic armored vehicle manufacturing. The Spanish Marine Corps expects the first deliveries in the coming years, with deployment focused on the first and second battalions of the “Tercio de Armada” Marine Brigade. The third battalion, which operates Piranha vehicles, will continue using them. Spain’s consideration of the ACV dates back to at least 2022, when discussions about replacing the AAV-7 and Piranha fleets intensified. Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Hernández Suárez-Llanos outlined a proposal estimating that 60 to 65 ACVs would be required for a full modernization of the Marine Corps’ fleet, with a projected cost between €350 million and €400 million. The ACV was assessed for its troop capacity, modular architecture, and adaptability for various roles, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and UAV integration. Additionally, the Spanish Navy plans to procure 12 more 8x8 armored vehicles equipped with either a 105mm or 120mm cannon to replace the retired M60 tanks.

The new destroyer programme aims to build 15 new vessels over at least the next 25 years, the first of which should launch in the early 2030s. Canada has signed an agreement with Irving Shipbuilding Inc (ISI) to begin building three new destroyers for C$8 billion (US$5.8 billion). The three River-class destroyers, which will ultimately cost C$22 billion with significant infrastructure costs added, will be based on the BAE Systems Type 26 frigate design being used to refresh the fighting capabilities of the UK’s Royal Navy (RN). The destroyers will act as a replacement vessel for both the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN’s) Iroquois destroyer fleet, and its ageing 12-vessel Halifax-class frigate fleet, built in the 1980s and 1990s, and with an out-of-service date in 2032.

According to information published by the AirPower 2.0 X account on March 7, 2025, relaying a message from the U.S. Navy's VX-31 Dust Devils, the squadron successfully conducted live-fire tests of the new AIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) air-to-air missile on February 5, 2025. Based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, VX-31 is integral to the Navy’s test and evaluation activities, supporting the development of advanced weaponry and technologies that enhance operational capabilities. The U.S. Navy's VX-31 Dust Devils squadron operates a diverse range of aircraft, including F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, F/A-18D Hornets, AV-8B+ Harriers, and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters. These platforms support a variety of missions, with the AIM-260A test marking a crucial step forward in improving the Navy’s long-range strike capabilities. Although the specifics of which aircraft participated in the live-fire tests were not disclosed, the AIM-260A's development and testing are part of the broader Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) program, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Navy and Air Force. This missile, which has been under active testing for years, is designed to address the growing threats posed by increasingly advanced adversary aircraft and to replace older systems like the AIM-120 AMRAAM. The testing conducted by VX-31 is a significant milestone in the missile’s evolution, further refining its long-range performance and advanced capabilities to counter emerging threats. The AIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) represents a massive leap forward in missile technology for the U.S. military. Not merely an evolution of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the AIM-260A is a new capability designed to maintain U.S. air superiority over increasingly sophisticated adversaries. With near-peer competitors like Russia and China rapidly advancing their own missile and aircraft technologies, the AIM-260A was developed to meet these new challenges. The missile’s key innovations are tailored to ensure that U.S. forces can maintain dominance in air combat, even as adversaries deploy next-generation stealth fighters and advanced air defense systems.

The EU planning notice cited that the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) would be used for predominantly for reconnaissance purposes with a greater range and endurance than drones currently operated by the Irish Defence Forces. The Irish Department of Defence (DoD) has taken the first step towards to acquire a tactical UAS platform - one with the potential for strike capabilities. Posted on 13 March, the planning notice stated that the DoD was undertaking a “preliminary” engagement of the market, ahead of the planned procurement for the UAS platform. The new Irish government has previously stated plans to boost the size of its defence capabilities. According to the notice, the DoD is expecting responses to the market analysis by the end of next month. The estimated date a contract could be awarded for the tactical UAS was disclosed as November 2025. The notice stated that the tactical UAS would be primarily focused on intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions and have a minimum range between 100-250km and endurance up to 12h. That the drone should be a fixed-wing variant, propelled by a combustion or electric motor was also specified. The notice further said that “no strike capability” was currently being considered, although the ability of any system to “seamlessly deliver a strike capability” could be stated in any industry response. It also stated that the market research would relate to a platform not currently operated by the Irish Defence Forces.  

Should it be introduced into service, the air-launched Hsiung Feng 3 could boost Taiwan’s anti-ship missile capacity and kill zones. The F-CK-1 with a pair of HF-3 test articles was seen conducting a ground taxi test on 21 February at Ching Chuang Kang Air Base, followed by captive carry test flights on 7 and 12 March. Notable differences between the air-launched HF-3 and its land- and sea-launched variants include the removal of the two solid-rocket boosters –commonly used in larger surface-launched missiles to achieve the necessary velocities – along with a more streamlined form factor. The HF-3 is deployed on various Republic of China Navy (ROCN) vessels, as well as its Hai Feng (Sea Blade) Group, which operates the land-based anti-ship missile systems. The missile is reported to be able to achieve speeds of up to Mach 3.5 and a range of about 150km. A recently developed longer-range version is said to extend that range to 400 km. A HF-3 launched from a fast-moving fighter could offer a greater reach compared to its land- and sea-launched variants.

The two contracts are for Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) and Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPVs) as part of previously awarded contract agreements worth billions of dollars. BAE Systems Land & Armaments has been awarded a US$357 million contract for additional AMPVs for the US Army and $188 million for 30 medium-calibre cannon mission role ACV (ACV-30) variants for the US Marine Corps (USMC). The two contracts are part of a series of rolling awards for the vehicles including a $754 million deal in March 2024 and $224 million in March 2023 for AMPVs and a $79 million in April 2024, $153 million in March 2022 and $211 million in November 2023 for ACV work. The ACV contract is itself part of a larger deal which, if all its options were exercised, would be worth $3.9 billion. In total, the USMC has a requirement for 579 ACVs, but the need for additional mission variants could increase the number procured to more than 700. It is planned for the first 204 vehicles to be equipped as standard personnel carriers while testing is carried out on the mission variants. The US Army has an acquisition objective of a total of 2,897 AMPVs under this approximately $14.5 billion programme.

Spain Approves Leopard 2E Tanks with Enhanced Firepower Protection and Battlefield Integration. Indra and Rheinmetall Electronics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to modernize the combat system of the Spanish Leopard 2E main battle tank. This agreement aims to integrate advanced technologies that align with future requirements for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems in modern combat platforms. This initiative comes as Spain, along with other NATO and European Union member states, increases defense budgets to enhance the operational readiness of its armored vehicle fleets. Indra and Rheinmetall Electronics have a longstanding collaboration, having jointly developed the Leopard 2E combat system, which includes the fire control system and the C4I system. This new agreement reflects the companies' commitment to continuing their partnership in the production and maintenance of these critical systems. Rheinmetall Electronics, as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the Leopard 2 fire control system, ensures a standardized approach while allowing for specific adaptations based on customer requirements. This flexibility enables Leopard 2 operators to benefit from a common system that can be continuously upgraded with new technological capabilities, ensuring a structured and scalable modernization process. The Leopard 2E is a main battle tank developed for the Spanish Army, based on the German Leopard 2A6, incorporating specific enhancements tailored to Spain’s operational requirements. It was locally produced by Empresa Nacional Santa Bárbara (ENSB), now part of General Dynamics European Land Systems - Santa Bárbara Sistemas. The tank features reinforced armor and advanced electronic systems. Indra developed the LINCE battle management system, which enhances coordination and tactical management on the battlefield, while Spanish license-built thermal imaging optics improve target detection and engagement capabilities in all conditions. The Spanish Army currently operates 239 Leopard 2E tanks, deployed across mechanized brigades, with some units participating in NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence mission in Latvia. Spain also maintains a fleet of 98 Leopard 2A4 tanks, following the delivery of ten units to Ukraine.  

On March 12, 2025, Panama approved a $197 million procurement plan to acquire six aircraft for the National Aeronaval Service (Senan). This purchase includes four A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from Embraer for over $78 million and two C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus Defense and Space for more than $109 million. The government states that the acquisition is intended to strengthen the country’s capabilities in aerial patrol, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The new aircraft will replace an aging fleet of 14 aircraft from the 1980s, which have an estimated annual maintenance cost of approximately $10 million. Officials insist that this procurement has no Panama's decision to acquire the A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, marking its first operation of combat-capable planes, follows recent incidents involving the United States. In December 2024, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, alleging that Panama charged excessive tolls and expressed concerns over potential Chinese influence. These assertions were met with protests in Panama and reaffirmations of sovereignty by Panamanian officials. Therefore, the heightened tensions may have prompted Panama to reassess its defense posture, leading to the procurement of combat aircraft to enhance its national security and assert control over strategic assets.​

The Hellenic army is set to receive four Patroller drones in the coming months, likely by summer, as part of a program valued at approximately €55 million. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be operated by the Army Aviation and are expected to enhance Greece’s surveillance capabilities over key areas, including the Aegean Sea and Thrace. Greece has chosen two airfields to host the UAVs: Rhodes, at the military airfield in Maritsa, and Chrysoupoli Airport in Kavala. From these locations, the drones will be able to monitor the Eastern Aegean, including the Kastellorizo complex, the northern Aegean, and Greece’s land border with Türkiye, providing comprehensive coverage of national territorial interests. Initially, Crete was considered as a base for two of the Patroller UAVs designated for high-priority surveillance missions in the southeastern Aegean. However, the military leadership opted for Rhodes to extend operational coverage further. The Patroller drones, manufactured by Safran Electronics & Defense in France, are designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and target acquisition. They will provide real-time data to operations centers and are capable of detecting and tracking small targets at long distances. Personnel from the Army Aviation are currently undergoing training in France to operate and maintain the Patroller UAVs. Once delivered, the drones will be immediately operational for surveillance missions. The Patroller has a top speed of 200 km/h and can fly at altitudes up to 16,000 feet. With external fuel tanks, it can remain airborne for up to 15 hours, allowing for extended coverage of vast areas. The drone can carry payloads up to 210 kg, enabling integration with advanced sensors. The fuselage houses intelligence-gathering equipment capable of processing data from land, sea, and air operations.

 As part of efforts to enhance its defense industry’s self-reliance, India signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the acquisition of 18 Ashwini Low-Level Transportable Radars (LLTR). This order, valued at $330 million, marks a step in equipping the Indian Air Force (IAF) with domestically developed surveillance capabilities in response to China's expanding aerial monitoring systems. The contract was finalized on March 12, 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. Developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these radars represent a first for the IAF, providing an advanced detection solution for aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, missiles, and slow-moving drones. The Ashwini radar is based on state-of-the-art active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology with solid-state transmitter-receiver modules. It provides efficient aerial surveillance through its distributed architecture, high reliability, and capability to function in complex electronic warfare environments. Mounted on a vehicle, it can be rapidly deployed in rugged terrain or border areas, aligning with the operational requirements of the IAF. This system offers 360-degree horizontal coverage in rotation mode and 40-degree vertical coverage, ensuring precise detection of threats at altitudes ranging from 30 meters to 15 km. It operates with a rotation speed of 7.5 or 15 revolutions per minute and features a staring mode with a surveillance coverage of ±60° in azimuth and 40° in elevation. With a detection range of up to 200 km, the radar can identify targets with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 2 square meters at distances of up to 150 km. Its adaptable architecture and advanced software algorithms allow it to function as an early warning sensor for airbases, enhancing the IAF’s operational preparedness. The system is fully programmable via a local operator workstation, providing an intuitive interface for real-time operations. After completing user trials, it has been approved for integration into the IAF’s arsenal.