ESA’s Pulse Framework to Revolutionize Mission Operations
The European Space Agency (ESA) has unveiled Pulse, a new framework set to transform how Europe manages its space missions. Developed under ESA’s Operations Directorate, Pulse offers a royalty-free, multi-mission solution that supports spacecraft from assembly to deep-space operations. Key Facts A New Rhythm for European Space Operations Pulse is not a single software package. […]
Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems Partnership Strengthens European Defence Cooperation
A senior Italian delegation visited Baykar’s National Technology Center in Istanbul on October 6, 2025. The visit highlighted the growing impact of the Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems joint venture on European defence cooperation. This partnership aims to merge Turkish innovation and Italian aerospace expertise, forming a bridge between two powerful industries. Key Facts A Strategic […]
Underwater optical links unlock tactical UUV networks
Military interest in underwater free‑space optical communications is rising quietly, backed by recent RFIs that could reshape how unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) connect and coordinate. This matters because providing high‑bandwidth, low‑latency links underwater has long been a bottleneck—optical links promise orders‑of‑magnitude gains over acoustics, enabling tactical networked UUV swarms and real‑time targeting corridors. Key Facts […]
ESA launches SAGA mission for quantum-secure communications
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a €50 million contract with Thales Alenia Space to start work on the Security And cryptoGrAphic (SAGA) mission. The program marks a significant step toward quantum-secure satellite communications, designed to safeguard Europe’s digital future. Quantum keys from orbit SAGA will test quantum key distribution (QKD) — a method of sending […]
SBI constellations reshape missile defence
The U.S. Department of Defense has reopened the debate on space‑based missile defence with a formal request for information (RFI) on Space‑Based Interceptors (SBI), pointing to a migration from siloed, terrestrial shooters to a distributed orbital layer. The centre of gravity is architectural: whether a proliferated constellation can cut engagement timelines, harden the overall kill […]
Inside the Emergency Push for a European “Drone Wall”
Europe is moving quickly to defend itself from the new era of drone warfare. After Ukraine’s heavy experience with constant attacks, NATO and EU members are building what officials call a “European drone wall.” This defensive network of sensors, short-range systems, and anti-drone technologies aims to block large-scale incursions before they reach critical infrastructure. The […]
Turkish public opinion NATO & EU Ties
A fresh nationwide survey conducted in Türkiye and reported by Kısa Dalga (via Turkish Minute) offers a revealing glimpse into the country’s strategic psyche. Most respondents expressed support for continued NATO membership and closer European Union engagement. Yet, the same poll also uncovered a persistent yearning for greater national autonomy in defense and foreign policy—a […]
Türkiye assumes command of NATO KFOR for one year
Türkiye has officially assumed command of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) for a 12-month term, marking a significant return to operational leadership within the Alliance’s Balkan mission. At a formal handover ceremony in Pristina on 3 October 2025, Turkish Army Major General Özkan Ulutaş took over from Italian command, pledging continuity, impartiality, and readiness under the […]
U.S. nuclear deterrence policy under renewed scrutiny
As global power competition grows, U.S. nuclear deterrence policy is again in question. For decades, this policy has emphasized stability and continuity. Yet experts warn that the world has changed faster than U.S. strategy. Dr. Keith B. Payne, co-founder of the National Institute for Public Policy, leads a new study urging immediate change before adversaries […]
Defence Agenda Evening Brief — 04 October 2025
Compiled (TRT): 04 October 2025, 11:00 (Europe/Istanbul) Executive Summary Signals from the past seven days orbit three themes: (1) autonomy matures—the U.S. Navy’s autonomous USV launch & recovery trials and BAE’s Forterra autonomous AMPV push the envelope from demos to workflows; (2) network transition—Link 16’s long glidepath toward optical backbones fuels migration and interoperability planning; […]
China’s Type 100 Tank Marks Shift to Networked Combat Systems
China has introduced the Type 100 tank, a vehicle that moves away from the classic heavy tank model. Instead of relying on sheer size and armour, the design focuses on speed, modularity, and digital integration. The China Type 100 tank now represents a shift from “tank as a unit” to “tank as part of a […]
Maritime wisdom and naval strategy
Subtle intellect remains the most essential trait for individuals shaping maritime power. Yet the acquisition of maritime wisdom is not an overnight endeavor; it is cultivated through sustained engagement with centuries of thought, strategic practice, and the lived experiences of sailors, commanders, and statesmen. Renowned strategists and thinkers—Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Kautilya, Niccolò Machiavelli, Carl von […]
Rafael counter-UAS systems: Hunter Eagle and Ghost Hunter unveiled
Rafael counter-UAS systems have entered a new phase with the debut of Hunter Eagle and Ghost Hunter drones at DSEI 2025 in London. The Israeli company aims to reinforce its position as a leader in layered drone defence, addressing the surge of UAV threats on the battlefield. This launch signals a shift in how militaries […]
DE-CIX launches orbital Internet Exchange
DE-CIX, the world’s largest Internet Exchange operator, has launched Space-IX, its plan for the first orbital Internet Exchange. The initiative will connect satellites, orbital systems, and ground networks into one ecosystem. As a result, it could transform how digital traffic flows between Earth and space.
Modular RMH payloads reshape naval MCM
Modular Remote Minehunting Modules (RMH) for unmanned surface vessels are emerging as a flexible, upgradable approach to mine countermeasures — this matters because navies need scalable, adaptable MCM capabilities in contested littorals. The ability to swap minehunting payloads without redesigning the host USV reduces risk, speeds refresh cycles and helps fleets respond to evolving mine […]
BAE and Forterra fast-track autonomous AMPV
BAE Systems has partnered with autonomy specialist Forterra to speed up work on a self-driving version of the U.S. Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV). This is the first external collaboration under BAE’s new “capability kit” modernization drive. The deal, announced on September 30, sets a goal of delivering a working autonomous AMPV prototype by 2026. […]
Maritime mesh‑networked communications reshape naval networks
Navies and defence research agencies are quietly advancing **maritime mesh networking** architectures. These include deployable floating radio nodes, sea‑surface relays, and hybrid hop‑mesh links. Together, they aim to keep JADC2‑grade connectivity alive in contested littorals and spectrum‑denied waters. The concept is straightforward yet potent: scatter affordable nodes that talk to each other and to higher‑tier […]
IFVs as tank killers—promise & pitfalls
Arming infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and armoured personnel carriers (APCs) with anti‑tank guided missiles (ATGMs) has surged back into fashion. The obituary for dedicated tank destroyers was written a decade ago as long‑range missiles, loitering munitions and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) promised to make specialist platforms redundant. Yet many armies are now adding podded missiles […]
Honeywell’s HON1600 engine targets CC
Why now: closing a small‑thrust gap CCA needs engines below the 2,000 lbf bracket that still deliver agility and reach. Many programs wait for the right propulsion at the right price. The Honeywell HON1600 engine targets that gap. It offers 800–1600 lbf, in turbojet or turbofan form, so airframers can tune range or dash speed. […]
Ankara eyes Boeing jets, Lockheed fighters
Türkiye signalled interest in a large Türkiye Boeing and Lockheed deal—encompassing “hundreds” of airliners and new batches of combat aircraft—according to a Reuters brief on a Bloomberg report dated September 23, 2025. The package, reportedly intertwined with local production worth over $10 billion and subject to U.S. presidential approval, aligns commercial fleet renewal with a […]