The Turkish Navy has successfully conducted the first live fire test of its indigenous naval point defense missile system, Göksur. This test, which took place on February 16, 2025, was carried out off the coast of Sinop in northern Turkey, from the TCG BEYKOZ vessel. The success of this launch marks a milestone in Turkey's ongoing efforts to enhance its naval defense capabilities and strengthen the nation's commitment to safeguarding its maritime assets. Developed by Aselsan, Turkey's leading defense company, Göksur is a vital component of the country's multi-layered air defense network, Steel Dome. The system is designed to provide robust protection for naval assets against a wide range of airborne threats. These include anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, both armed and unarmed aerial vehicles, as well as fighter jets and helicopters. With this advanced defense system, Turkey aims to significantly enhance its naval defense posture, ensuring it can effectively counter threats from both near and long distances. The Göksur missile system is the result of a collaborative effort between Aselsan and Tûbitak Sage. At the heart of the system lies the Göksur IIR missile, which is equipped with a high-performance infrared seeker and features bidirectional data link communication. These advanced technologies enable the missile to achieve superior operational capabilities, such as enhanced target detection and tracking, even in complex and cluttered environments. The modular design of the missile allows for easy integration onto various naval platforms, including frigates and corvettes, making it a versatile addition to Turkey's naval defense arsenal. This adaptability was prominently showcased at the Euronaval 2024 exhibition in Paris, where Göksur garnered significant attention for its cutting-edge features.

The vehicles will be equipped with a 15-metre telescopic mast system to obtain a long-range telecommunications network Madrid-based General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) is to supply 256 Piranha 5 8x8 armoured vehicles to Germany. The operation is part of the project called Tawan for the critical procurement of a vehicle-based long-range telecommunications network. The company reports that the agreement includes an initial batch of 58 armored vehicles for a price with "a three-digit volume in millions." The project, which is "part of the modernization efforts of the Bundeswehr," as its Armed Forces are called in German, involves the collaboration of GDELS with the local company Rheinmetall Electronics, which acts as the main contractor of the communications contract, the source clarifies The agreement was signed in Neubrandenbur, in the northeast of the country, at the facilities of the GDELS-FWW subsidiary, born after the acquisition of the local firm Fahrzeugwerk in 2018. The Piranha 5 of this contract will be equipped with a 15-meter telescopic mast system that will serve as a highly mobile armored connectivity point in the aforementioned Taban network. A similar variant of long-range communication vehicle, called Piranha 3 Kompak, "has been in successful operation in the Swiss Army for many years", reports the company, which has also announced that it will establish a support centre in Neubrandenburg "to ensure immediate technical and logistical maintenance, as well as the operability of the system".

The new indigenously-built corvettes will replace Israel's Sa'ar 4.5 class which has been in service for four decades. The five-vessel multi-mission Reshef class is intended as a replacement for Israel’s Sa'ar 4.5-class Nirit vessels, which have been in service in the Israeli Navy for four decades. On 12 December 2024, the Israeli MoD awarded Israel Shipyards a NIS2.8 billion (US$780 million) contract for the construction of five ships. Under the agreement with the Israeli MoD, Israel Shipyards will manufacture and deliver those five Reshef ships to the navy over the course of the next six years, with an option to produce additional ships in the future.

The US Marine Corps conducted the maiden test launch of a new Long Range Precision Fire (LRPF) capability in November, the service announced last week. An AH-1Z Viper helicopter fired the munition at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. The launch was conducted through a wireless application called the Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB). The tablet-shaped device enables navigation and communication data exchange for enhanced battlefield situational awareness. Secret Capability The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering sponsors the Defense Innovation Acceleration project, led by the Expeditionary Maritime Aviation – Advanced development Team (XMA-ADT). The project seeks to “evaluate cost-effective, long-range disparate effects in expeditionary and maritime environments.” No further details of the weapon’s specifications or development timeline have been disclosed. Moreover, the over three-month delay in announcing the test enhances the project’s secrecy.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said her government would announce plans Wednesday for a “massive” rearming of Denmark’s military due to the growing threat posed by Russia. “We must upgrade massively to protect Denmark. And we must rearm massively to avoid war,” Frederiksen told parliament on Tuesday. She did not disclose any details or sums, but according to Danish public broadcaster DR, the government is expected to announce the creation of a 50-billion-kroner ($7 billion) fund for additional defense spending in 2025-2026. The government had considered doubling the size of the fund, but determined that there was currently not enough defense equipment on offer to be able to purchase for a larger amount, according to the broadcaster. Among the items on the government’s wishlist are air defense systems, which it does not currently have, DR said.

The Indian Army has unveiled plans to procure up to 1,000 new surveillance helicopters aimed at enhancing its defense capabilities in high-altitude border regions. A request for information was recently issued to define technical requirements and evaluate potential solutions, signaling the start of a comprehensive procurement process. As outlined in the request, the helicopters must be capable of operating at an altitude of up to 5,500 meters (18,000 feet) and endure harsh weather conditions. Additionally, it should be equipped with advanced day and night cameras for real-time intelligence and surveillance. Vendors are encouraged to emphasize modular design in their proposals, ensuring future upgrades can be made without significant structural modifications. The new helicopters are expected to be deployed primarily along India’s tense borders with China and Pakistan, enhancing territorial monitoring and enabling swift responses to emerging security threats.

 The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a competitive tender process for a new 5.56mm lightweight assault machine gun for use by dismounted troops. Named “Project TROUBLER,” the initiative seeks to address capability gaps left by the decommissioning of the L110 A2 — a 7.2-kilogram (15.8-pound) machine gun that saw extensive use in Afghanistan and Iraq. According to a tender notice issued on February 14, the new weapon must be lighter and more modern than its predecessor, enhancing the mobility and combat effectiveness of infantry soldiers. The new machine gun must also be interoperable with other systems, ensuring compatibility with various accessories and fire control systems. Interested vendors will be asked to provide detailed professional qualifications and respond to a Dynamic Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.

On February 13, 2025, Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen and Slovenian Minister of Defence Borut Sajovic officially signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) in Brussels, marking the commitment of both nations to support Slovenia’s acquisition of 8x8 Modular Armored Vehicles (AMV) from Patria, a leading defense and technology company. The letter was jointly prepared by the ministries of defense of Slovenia and Finland, highlighting the intention of both countries to enhance their defense cooperation. This agreement represents a collaborative approach to defense acquisitions, with Finland offering its support to Slovenia for the purchase of Patria’s 8x8 vehicles. Known for their modularity, mobility, and robust protection, Patria’s AMV XP 8x8 vehicles are among the best in the global market. They provide superior firepower, protection, and agility, making them ideal for a variety of operational environments. The Patria AMV XP 8x8 has already gained popularity, having been selected for ongoing vehicle projects in Slovakia and Japan, further solidifying its reputation as a state-of-the-art solution. Slovenia’s decision to acquire these vehicles reflects a growing trend among nations to seek enhanced armored vehicle capabilities for their armed forces. The AMV XP (Armoured Modular Vehicle eXtra Protection) is an upgraded version of the modular armored vehicle AMV, designed by Patria, offering superior protection and combat capability. Primarily used by countries such as Bulgaria, Finland, and Slovakia, the AMV XP stands out with its advanced features tailored to the modern needs of armed forces.

Indonesia has placed an order for 60 Bayraktar TB3 drones from Turkey to enhance its ability to conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. The deal was signed between Turkish firm Baykar and Indonesian defense company Republikorp during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to Jakarta. It also follows an agreement between the two countries to strengthen trade and defense relations, including the creation of a joint venture to develop advanced unmanned aerial systems. Upon delivery, Indonesia will become the first foreign operator of the cutting-edge Turkish drones. In addition to the TB3, Baykar and Republikorp have signed a joint production agreement to export nine Akıncı drones.

As reported by SavunmaSanayiST on February 11, 2025, the Turkish Land Forces will receive a total of 140 Firtina-II 155mm self-propelled howitzers, as part of a scheduled modernization program. At least ten of these vehicles have been delivered so far, with future upgrades incorporating the domestically developed UTKU power group. The transition to national components is intended to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The T-155 Firtina, a self-propelled artillery system based on South Korea’s K9 Thunder, has been in service with the Turkish military since 2004. Developed through a technology transfer agreement with South Korea, the Firtina features a modified turret with increased ammunition storage and a fire control system adapted for local operational requirements. The system has undergone continuous improvements. The Firtina-II introduces several modifications, including an electrically powered turret and barrel positioning system, an automatic ammunition loading mechanism, and the integration of the SARP Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS). Additional changes include an upgraded fire control system, climate control, and an automatic fire suppression system. The vehicle retains a fully welded steel armor hull designed to withstand 14.5mm caliber small arms fire and artillery shell fragments.