International Military Markets & Budgets - Europe

Source: US Army


FIRST UH-60S DELIVERED TO LITHUANIA
Monday, October 20, 2025

Source: US Army


VILNIUS, Lithuania - The first two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters have been delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

"Bird in a cage: here are Lithuania’s first UH-60M helicopters," Lithuania’s military said in an October 2025 post announcing the delivery, publishing a photo of two UH-60Ms bearing the tail numbers 61 and 62. "The first Black Hawks bearing the Lithuanian flag and the Cross of Vytis."

Lithuania placed an order for four UH-60Ms in November 2020 at a cost of EUR181 million, looking to replace its Mi-17 helicopters. Washington provided around $30 million in funding to help Lithuania with the purchase.

The U.S. Army announced in April 2023 that the first Lithuanian pilots had concluded the UH-60M flight training program. The following year, in January 2024, the MoD announced the opening of a new hanger for the helicopters.

The first two UH-60s were originally expected in 2024, but deliveries were pushed back to 2025. The other two helicopters are expected in 2026.

Beyond the four on order, Lithuania has an option to acquire another two helicopters, should it choose.

 
KSS-II (Type 214)

KSS-II (Type 214)

Source: ROK Navy


HHI JOINS HANWHA, SAAB IN BATTLE FOR MULTI-BILLION-EURO GREEK SUBMARINE CONTRACT
Monday, October 20, 2025
KSS-II (Type 214)

KSS-II (Type 214)

Source: ROK Navy


ATHENS - On October 15, a delegation from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of South Korea met with the Hellenic Navy Command to present its proposals for Greece’s ambitious naval modernization program, "Aspida tou Achillea" (Achilles’ Shield). HHI emphasized its extensive experience in submarine construction, notably highlighting its role in building six of the nine KSS-II class submarines and securing the mid-life upgrade contracts for the first three vessels of that class, a project valued at approximately USD $360 million. While the company's meeting focused on new submarine procurement - which is intended to replace Greece's aging Glavkos and Poseidon class vessels - HHI also showcased its broader surface vessel portfolio, seeking to expand its participation in the 12-year, multi-billion-euro Greek program.

The Hellenic Navy’s "Aspida tou Achillea" program, launched in July 2025 with an estimated $28 billion total cost, earmarks a significant portion for naval assets, specifically requiring the procurement of four new submarines and the modernization of four existing Papanikolis-class (Type 214HN) submarines. A core prerequisite for the procurement is that the vessels must be constructed domestically, mandating that at least 25% of the work be performed by Greek shipyards and local industry. HHI faces stiff international competition for the contract, including recent presentations from fellow South Korean firm Hanwha Ocean (proposing the KSS-III) and Swedish company Saab Kockums (offering the A26 design), alongside expected bids from German (Type 209NG) and French (Scorpène Evolved) defense companies.

 

Source: Adobe Stock


INDRA SECURES TWO ESA CONTRACTS TO ADVANCE EUROPEAN SPACE SURVEILLANCE AND NAVIGATION
Thursday, October 16, 2025

Source: Adobe Stock


VILLANUEVA DE LA CAÑADA, Spain - Indra Group has signed two new contracts with the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at reinforcing European capabilities in space surveillance and satellite navigation technology. The agreements were finalized at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Spain.

The company's focus remains on leveraging space technology and its synergies with defense to support the security and strategic autonomy of Europe in the space domain.

Space Surveillance: S3TSR Radar Upgrade

The first contract covers the upgrade of Spain's S3TSR space surveillance radar to its V2 version. This dual-use system is owned by the Spanish Ministry of Defence and is a core part of the nation’s contribution to the European Space Situational Awareness System (EU SST). The system is dedicated to detecting and tracking objects in low Earth orbit.

The modernization effort will increase the radar’s detection capabilities, enabling it to track objects, such as a metal sphere with a diameter of 44 centimeters, at a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers. This enhanced performance is intended to improve the protection of European satellites and space assets against threats, including accidental hazards like space debris, and intentional threats like interference or espionage.

Advanced Satellite Navigation for LEO

Indra Group also secured a contract for the LEO PNT ODTS+ project, which is part of ESA’s Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP).

This project focuses on the development of an electronic navigation receiver designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The receiver is intended to acquire and process high-precision signals from the Galileo satellite system. The goal is to improve Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) performance and synchronization both in space and for critical applications on Earth, supporting sectors such as transport, communications, and infrastructure management.

Consolidating European Sovereignty

These contracts support Indra Group’s position as a provider of advanced space technologies applied to defense and security. The initiatives reinforce Europe’s technological sovereignty through the development of next-generation capabilities in the space domain. Indra Space is working to cover the entire value chain of space projects, spanning from mission design and satellite development to ground segment deployment and mission operations.

Source: Indra Group
Associated URL: https://www.indracompany.com
 

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