Germany Marks 70 Years in NATO
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to NATO HQ to mark Germany’s 70th anniversary in the Alliance. Rutte praised Germany’s key role in European security and support for Ukraine. The visit included a wreath-laying ceremony and talks, highlighting Germany’s transformation into a leading NATO member since joining in 1955.
Bundeswehr Orders $214M in Radios from L3Harris
The German Bundeswehr has placed a $214 million order with U.S. firm L3Harris Technologies for advanced radio systems to enhance the “Digitalization – Land Based Operations” (D-LBO) program. The deal includes interoperable communications tech—already used by German special forces and NATO’s VJTF—to improve operational efficiency and alliance coordination. Key systems include the Falcon III AN/PRC-117G and AN/PRC-160 manpack radios.
ARX Robotics Raises €31M to Boost Military AI Systems
Munich-based ARX Robotics has secured €31M in Series A funding, led by HV Capital, to expand production and enhance its AI-driven unmanned ground systems (UGVs). The company, founded by former Bundeswehr officers, developed ARX Mithra OS—an AI operating system for retrofitting legacy military vehicles. With deployments across six European militaries, including Ukraine and the UK, ARX aims to modernize Europe’s land forces while maintaining strategic sovereignty. The funding supports further expansion, especially in the UK, and positions ARX as a leader in scalable defence automation.
Lockheed and Rheinmetall to Launch European Missile Hub
Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall have signed an MoU to create a joint Competence Centre in Germany for developing and producing rockets and missiles for Europe. Led by Rheinmetall and pending government approval, the centre aims to strengthen Europe’s defence industry, support NATO commitments, and deepen transatlantic cooperation, combining Rheinmetall’s market access with Lockheed’s advanced missile tech.
Helsing Forms Maritime AI Alliance to Counter Underwater Threats
Helsing has partnered with Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems, Ocean Infinity, and QinetiQ to deploy AI and autonomous technologies in maritime defence. The alliance aims to help allied navies counter subsurface threats, protect critical undersea infrastructure, and enhance ISR and ASW capabilities. The focus is on scalable, sovereign, and affordable autonomous systems, with rapid deployment planned within the year.
SEA Europe Calls for Streamlined Maritime Funding in EU Budget
SEA Europe urges the EU to streamline funding for the maritime sector in its next budget. The association calls for a dedicated funding channel to support low-emission vessels, digitalization, alternative fuels, and workforce skills. It advocates for ring-fenced maritime funds, better alignment of civilian and defence maritime projects, and clearer funding priorities to boost innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry.