TIRANA, Albania - The Albanian Ministry of Defense will receive artillery and drone systems from Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, Haaretz reported.

The two sides have reportedly reached an agreement covering the supply of 155mm ATMOS 2000 self-propelled howitzers as well as 120mm SPEAR mortars. Albania will also be acquiring two different UAV types from Elbit, according to the report, the Magni-X and Thor drones.

Albania will receive 10 drones from Elbit Systems under an initial phase of the deal, while in the second phase it is planned to set up a production plant in Albania, to be operated by the state-owned KAYO. Production could get underway by 2027.

The value of the agreement was not specified.

Source: The Defense Post
Associated URL: https://thedefensepost.com/2025/11/19/albania-elbit-deal/

DUSSELDORF -- Rheinmetall has received a €61 million contract from the Bundeswehr to modernize the Army Combat Training Centre in Saxony-Anhalt and integrate it with Germany’s broader Digitalisation of Land-based Operations program.

The effort includes upgrading and expanding the site’s radio infrastructure, incorporating a new digital radio system, and adding a 5G broadband network. Data from the Bundeswehr’s battle management systems will be integrated into the centre’s command and control environment, supported by Tactical Core software from Rheinmetall subsidiary Blackned.

The work, booked in October 2025, begins this year and is scheduled for full completion in early 2028. Once finished, the upgrade will enhance multinational training, expand interoperability for NATO partners, and allow more comprehensive evaluation of exercises through unified digital command-and-control systems.

The project advances Germany’s multi-year effort to digitize its land forces and ensures that the country’s primary combat training centre can support modern command-and-control systems used across the Bundeswehr. By making the facility compatible with current and future digital architectures, the upgrade strengthens readiness, improves NATO interoperability, and accelerates Germany’s transition toward fully networked land operations

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://www.rheinmetall.com/en

Cologne, Germany -- KNDS Deutschland presented the first two Leopard 2A8 tanks for Germany and Norway at a roll out event on November 20th. The vehicles mark the start of serial production fo the newest version of the main battle tank.

The Leopard 2A8 will be the first new-build for the Leopard series since 1992. Germany has ordered 123 tanks and Norway 54.

Source: Defence Industry Europe
Associated URL: https://defence-industry.eu/knds-rolls-out-first-leopard-2a8-main-battle-tanks-for-germany-and-norway-during-official-presentation/