Non-US Aerospace/Defense Companies & Contracts

SIBENIK, Croatia -- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has signed a strategic teaming agreement with Croatia's Iskra Shipyard, positioning the pair for a bid for the Croatian Navy's upcoming Multirole Corvette (MRC) procurement. The agreement, executed October 1 in Sibenik, combines HD HHI's warship design, engineering, and production expertise with Iskra's domestic manufacturing base, local shipyard infrastructure, and familiarity with Croatian defense requirements. Both companies describe the MRC as the anchor program for a broader portfolio of surface combatant work.

Per the agreement, both entities plan to pursue joint commercial, industrial, and naval shipbuilding opportunities, drawing on Iskra's recent acquisition of the historic 3.Maj shipyard in Rijeka.

HD HHI also said it intends to work with Croatian suppliers, engineering firms, and academic institutions to build a self-sustaining domestic supply chain for the program's full lifecycle. An HD Hyundai representative called the deal a starting point for an enduring partnership, with the aim of supporting the Croatian Navy's modernization while gradually expanding joint naval shipbuilding.

Source: Naval News
Associated URL: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/10/hd-hyundai-signs-strategic-teaming-agreement-with-croatias-iskra-shipyard-for-multirole-corvettes-and-expanded-maritime-cooperation/

BERLIN -- The German government has signed a contract with Diehl Defense to provide the IRIS-T SLM air defense system for the German Navy's F125 (Baden-Württemberg class) frigates. Per the terms of the award, Diehl will adapt the ground-based system for deployment on the class of four surface ships, conduct operational tests, and integrate the modified system within an unspecified timeframe. The award builds on a successful October 2025 demonstration of a frigate-capable IRIS-T SLM system on the C-deck of the lead ship of the class, the Baden-Württemberg, during Germany's Maritime Firing Exercise 2025. According to Diehl, the demonstrator module evolved from concept to firing in fewer than 10 months.

The planned installation was previously reported by German defense media in June 2026. Per these earlier reports, each frigate will receive two IRIS-T launcher units capable of carrying 16 missiles, for a total of 32 per ship. The prototype launcher is expected to be completed in 2027.

The IRIS-T SLM was designed as a land-based medium-range air defense system. The full system consists of a radar, a Common Tactical Operations Center, and several interceptor missile launcher units. It is capable of being mounted in a 20-ft ISO container, allowing for easier deployment and movement. The IRIS-T interceptor missile can engage targets at a maximum range of 25 mi (40 km) and a maximum altitude of 12.5 mi (20 km).

Source: Naval Technology
Associated URL: https://www.naval-technology.com/news/diehl-defence-iris-t-slm-german-frigates/
Author: Jangoulun Singsit 

CANBERRA -- Shield AI and Innovaero Technologies announced a collaboration to give the Australian Defence Force greater strike capability.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding, Shield AI will integrate its Hivemind mission autonomy software on Innovaero’s One-Way Loitering (OWL) family of precision munitions. OWL munitions are designed to identify, track and strike targets.

Hivemind has already been integrated onto Innovaero’s OWL-B aircraft ahead of flight testing. Multi-agent coordinated strike missions are being simulated in dynamic conditions with commands issued through the Android Team Awareness Kit tactical interface.

Source: Shield AI
Associated URL: https://shield.ai/shield-ai-and-innovaero-collaborate-on-sovereign-autonomous-loitering-munitions-for-australia/