Main headlines from this issue

Annual defence white paper prioritises Japanese industrial base, expands foreign cooperation

In Defense of Japan 2026, its annual white paper published on 4 August, the Japanese MoD has set out measures to strengthen the country’s domestic defence industrial base, expand international co-production and technology cooperation, and improve defence procurement.

Peru’s tank programme stalled over funding constraints

The Peruvian Army’s Technical Operational Study Committee has reportedly identified the South Korean prime Hyundai Rotem’s K2 Black Panther as the preferred option for its main battle tank requirement. However, a formal contract has yet to be awarded, as domestic funding constraints have stalled the planned procurement.

Embraer signs Colombian KC-390 contract with offsets

Colombia has ordered two KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Brazil’s Embraer. While the order was placed on 30 March, Embraer signed the contract with the Colombian Air Force on 4 August. Valued at USD366.4m, the contract reportedly includes a comprehensive offset programme designed to meet Colombian requirements.

Lockheed to build combat systems integration capacity in Australia

Lockheed Martin has secured a two-year AUD29.3m (USD20.7m) contract from the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) to establish a sovereign combat systems integration capability to support Australia’s future Virginia-class submarine procurement under AUKUS, the trilateral Australia-UK-US security partnership.

Estonian firm to develop missile technologies with UK partners

Estonian missile manufacturer Frankenburg Technologies has signed agreements with British firms BAE Systems and Roxel UK to develop key technologies for its Mark I missile platform. The agreements cover missile technology, including warheads and rocket propulsion, and they are aimed at boosting the UK’s missile production base.

Romania to procure Thales radars under SAFE

France’s Thales will supply Romania with 12 Ground Master 200 Multi Mission All-in-one radars, worth approximately EUR247m (USD284m), under a government-to-government contract signed on 17 July. The procurement is being funded under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme.