#MAS DAILY Industry Talks

Contracts and agreements

• Romanian arms exports declined in 2025, despite surging global demand. Romania exported military products worth €314 million last year, with ammunition, military software, and AKM-type firearms among the most in-demand items, according to ANCEX data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although the war in Ukraine has driven global demand for weapons and ammunition, Romanian export value fell by 4% compared to 2024, while the number of definitive export licenses decreased by 1%. Nearly half of exports came from global licenses, with the main markets being EU member states and the Middle East. Within the EU, Bulgaria was the main destination for Romanian military exports. (ANCEX)

• London and Warsaw unite their shields: new defence pact against Russian threats. Poland and the United Kingdom announced the signing of a new defence treaty seen as a major step in strengthening NATO security in Eastern Europe amid rising tensions linked to Russia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the agreement as a “historic moment,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it the most significant development in bilateral security relations in decades. The pact includes joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity and public health, as Poland—bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine—continues to strengthen its strategic role in Europe’s defence architecture. (The Defense Post)

• Ukrainian drones enter accelerated production: Germany delivers dozens of Linza 3.0 units per day. German company Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI) has significantly increased production of the Ukrainian-designed Linza 3.0 unmanned aerial system, reaching 35 units produced daily for Kyiv’s military. CEO Matthias Lehna stated that the expansion of the German manufacturing network became possible after securing an export licence in February, and that the first serial-production batches have already been delivered to Ukraine. The drones are currently being used for troop training before frontline deployment, marking a new signal of strengthened European industrial and military cooperation in support of Kyiv. (The Drone Front)

• The British send robots to the frontline: UK army tests RHINO autonomous vehicle. UK-based XRC Robotics has secured a contract with the British Army to supply its RHINO unmanned ground vehicle, marking another step toward integrating robotic systems into modern military operations. The platform, fully developed in the United Kingdom, is part of the government’s “Design and Build British” strategy aimed at strengthening the national defence industry and technological sovereignty. Capable of carrying payloads of up to 450 kg and rapidly adaptable for transport, reconnaissance, or emergency response missions, RHINO will be tested at dedicated British Army facilities before operational deployment. XRC Robotics founder Cam Knighton described the contract as a key moment for British military innovation and proof that the UK can develop cutting-edge robotic technologies domestically for future conflicts. (The Drone Front)

• Indonesia strengthens its air shield: first French Ground Master radars arrive in Jakarta. French company Thales has delivered the first two Ground Master 403 air surveillance radars to the Indonesian Air Force, marking the beginning of a major modernization program for the country’s air defence system. Jakarta ordered a total of 13 GM403 systems in 2023, with the remaining 11 scheduled for delivery over the next 12 months. Integrated with the SkyView command-and-control system, the radars will enable real-time airspace monitoring and early threat detection in a country whose fragmented geography—made up of thousands of islands—complicates surveillance and defence coordination. Once fully operational, the network will significantly expand Indonesia’s ability to control key strategic air routes. Romania will also acquire radars from the GM family through the SAFE programme. (The Defense Post)

Innovations

• South Korea launches program for its first nuclear-powered attack submarine. South Korea has officially approved the Jangbogo-N project, aiming to build its first nuclear-powered attack submarine by 2040. The new generation of submarines will provide near-unlimited endurance and the ability to continuously monitor North Korean and Chinese naval activity, eliminating the vulnerabilities of current diesel-electric submarines. With this program, Seoul strengthens its regional military role and shifts from coastal defence to an extended deterrence strategy in the Pacific. (Army Recognition)

• US special forces modernise the M4 carbine: doubled range without changing calibre. The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has launched the HICAR programme to upgrade M4A1 carbines, extending their effective range from 300 to 600 metres. The system retains standard NATO 5.56 mm ammunition but uses an experimental hypervelocity cartridge with significantly higher pressure, requiring more durable components and advanced weapon technologies. The programme aims to maintain the mobility and compatibility of weapons used in special operations, urban combat, and airborne missions. (Army Recognition)

• France tests new Foudre rocket system to reduce dependence on HIMARS. French company Thales has conducted live-fire tests of its new Foudre long-range artillery system, launched from the X-Firer mobile platform, marking a major step toward European independent deep-strike capability. The programme aims to replace older French systems and reduce reliance on US HIMARS launchers amid preparations for high-intensity warfare. The tests demonstrated precise and rapid strike capability, including “shoot-and-scoot” scenarios designed to increase survivability on the modern battlefield. (Aerotime)

Events and debates

• IODS 2026: The Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference and Exhibition, held over three days in Western Australia, examines the region’s role in strengthening Australia’s defence capabilities and national security industry. The event takes place in the context of the updated National Defence Strategy, which prioritises the AUKUS submarine programme, maritime capability development, and expanded use of autonomous systems across all domains. IODS brings together military leaders, government officials, companies, and researchers, with more than 250 organisations showcasing technologies, highlighting the link between defence strategy and industrial implementation of new capabilities.

• EU Space Days 2026: On 26 May 2026 in Nicosia, Cyprus, EU Space Days 2026 began as the European Union’s flagship event dedicated to space policy, industry, and innovation. The first day brought together European Commission officials, experts, and industry leaders to discuss how EU space programmes—such as Galileo, Copernicus, and IRIS²—contribute to security, resilience, and competitiveness. Sessions focused on the growing link between space and defence, European strategic autonomy, supply chain security, and the development of a sustainable space economy, including new legislative initiatives such as the EU Space Act. (Defence Industry)