Main headlines from this issue

Australia updates National Defence Strategy, emphasises industrial cooperation

Australia released its 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) and the associated 2026 Integrated Investment Program (IIP) on 16 April. Both documents emphasise the importance of defence industrial collaboration with international allies and partners to Australia.

Hanwha announces EUR1bn investment package for Romania

Hanwha Aerospace has announced a EUR1.3bn (USD1.53bn) investment package to expand defence production capabilities in Romania. The investment is projected to generate EUR14.4bn (USD16.85bn) in total economic value, supporting over 9,400 direct and indirect jobs over the next decade.

GE Aerospace expands engine cooperation in India

US prime GE Aerospace and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a technical agreement on 13 April to co-produce General Electric F414 jet engines in India. Under the agreement, GE Aerospace is expected to transfer manufacturing technology and IP to HAL.

Embraer expands cooperation in Colombia in pursuit of jet sale

Brazil’s Embraer Defense & Security has signed an MoU with the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) to explore the expansion of their existing industrial and technical cooperation. This agreement comes as Embraer is looking to sell its KC-390 Millennium aircraft as a potential replacement for Brazil’s existing fleet of C-130H Hercules aircraft.

Turkish firms expand maritime cooperation in Italy

Turkish software specialist Havelsan and shipbuilder VN Maritime signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Italy’s Piloda Defence on 8 April to cooperate on the production of manned, unmanned, and hybrid maritime platforms in Italy.

Elbit secures Greek contract for PULS system

The Greek Ministry of National Defense has awarded Israel’s Elbit Systems a contract to supply 36 PULS artillery rocket systems to the Hellenic Armed Forces. Elbit will collaborate with local industries in areas including technology transfer, reportedly related to selected subsystems, electronics, support infrastructure, and know-how sharing.