DND Digital to Supply BNET Radios for Bundeswehr
DND Digital will supply BNET HCLOS radios for Germany’s €5.5B TaWAN tactical network upgrade, led by Rheinmetall. The high-capacity, Israeli-developed system will be produced locally in Flintbek, marking the first full BNET tech transfer to Germany.
The radios will deliver secure, long-range communications for digitised land operations.
Diehl Defence to Supply IRIS-T Systems to Ukraine in €2.2B Deal
Ukraine has signed a €2.2 billion deal with Diehl Defence for four additional IRIS-T SL air defence systems. Known for near-perfect interception rates, the systems have proven highly effective against Russian missiles and drones.
Ukraine now fields both the medium-range IRIS-T SLM and the more mobile, cost-effective IRIS-T SLS variants. The new order strengthens Ukraine’s layered air defence and reflects Germany’s ongoing support in countering Russian aggression.
Germany Funds Ukrainian Deep-Strike Drones in €5B Aid Deal
Germany’s latest €5 billion military aid package to Ukraine includes the unprecedented financing of Ukrainian-made long-range drones-marking its first direct investment in Ukraine’s arms industry. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov signed the agreement, which allocates several hundred million euros for BARS and AN-196 Liutyi drones capable of deep strikes into Russian territory.
The BARS drone, with a range of up to 800 km, is described as a hybrid between a cruise missile and UAV. The AN-196 Liutyi, produced by Ukroboronprom, has a 1,000+ km range and has been used in over 6,000 operations, including strikes on Russian infrastructure far behind the front lines.
Germany also agreed to supply four additional IRIS-T SL air defence systems. Umerov praised the package as a show of trust and a strategic move to bolster European security.
Griffity Adds LINK 16 to C3Flex Tactical Comms System
At AFCEA 2025, Griffity Defence unveiled an enhanced C3Flex communication hub, now featuring LINK 16 via L3Harris BATS-D and STT radios. Designed for mobile and command post use, C3Flex enables seamless interoperability between analog and digital systems across NATO forces.
The upgrade allows real-time machine-to-machine data sharing with aircraft, improving targeting speed and reducing friendly fire. Compact and modular, C3Flex supports V/UHF, SatCom, and Wi-Fi, and integrates easily into mobile command posts-crucial for upcoming Bundeswehr deployments in Lithuania.
Nokia & blackned Partner on 5G Tactical Networks
Nokia and blackned GmbH (51% owned by Rheinmetall) have partnered to develop deployable 5G tactical networks for defense operations. Combining Nokia’s 5G tech with blackned’s software expertise, the solution will power Rheinmetall’s Battlesuite and offer fast, secure communications on the battlefield.
Designed for rapid deployment, the system enhances mobility, decision-making, and situational awareness
HIL GmbH Opens New Base at Cologne-Wahn Air Force Barracks
HIL GmbH has launched its 66th base at Cologne-Wahn to boost on-site maintenance of key ground systems like tankers and fire engines. The new facility, shared with the Air Force Support Group, enhances system readiness and supports Bundeswehr operations. HIL, with 3,000 staff, provides maintenance for nearly all Bundeswehr land systems.
BWI and Google Cloud to Build Secure Bundeswehr Cloud
BWI GmbH and Google Cloud have partnered to develop pCloudBw, a fully isolated private cloud for the German Armed Forces. Hosted in Bundeswehr data centers, the Google Cloud Air-Gapped solution ensures maximum data security and digital sovereignty by operating independently from public networks.
By 2027, BWI will establish two separate cloud environments for open and protected data. The platform will support critical systems like SAP’s Business Technology Platform, enabling secure, independent military operations. This move is part of the Bundeswehr’s multi-cloud strategy to enhance flexibility, reduce dependencies, and integrate open-source tools.
AFCEA 2025 Spotlights Digital Sovereignty and Defence Tech
AFCEA 2025 drew 8,000 visitors and 280 exhibitors to Bonn’s WCCB on May 27–28, spotlighting digital sovereignty, AI, and cybersecurity. Keynotes by Bundeswehr leaders and Bavaria’s Digital Minister urged stronger European cooperation in critical technologies.
Major players like Rheinmetall, Google, and IBM presented new solutions, while startups and recruitment initiatives added to the mix. AFCEA reaffirmed its role as Germany’s top defence IT event. The next fair is set for May 12–13, 2026.