Rheinmetall Secures Czech Tank Support Contract
Rheinmetall has signed a seven-year, €250m deal with the Czech Ministry of Defence to maintain 42 Leopard 2A4 tanks and two Buffel recovery vehicles. The contract includes spare parts, repairs, training, and technical support.
Work will involve Czech industry, with VOP CZ handling local maintenance under a cooperation agreement. The vehicles were recently refurbished and delivered by Rheinmetall for the Czech Armed Forces.
Porsche, Telekom Plan €500M Defence Tech Fund
Porsche SE and Deutsche Telekom are in talks to co-anchor a €500 million venture capital fund targeting European defence and dual-use startups.
Run by Hamburg-based DTCP, the fund would back companies in aerospace, cybersecurity, and next-gen defence tech, reflecting rising investor interest amid Europe’s growing military budgets.
If launched, it would join a wave of new defence-focused funds, underscoring how security innovation is shifting into the mainstream investment landscape.
Germany to Acquire 8,300 Military Drones by 2029
Germany will purchase 8,300 drone systems by 2029 to modernize its armed forces, though the figure trails some NATO allies. The plan reflects rising global investment in unmanned and autonomous systems, accelerated by the war in Ukraine.
While Berlin doubles its defence budget, procurement hurdles and reliance on traditional primes remain challenges. Still, the move signals a broader NATO shift toward drones, AI, and autonomous technologies to strengthen future capabilities.
50+ Defence Startups Power Europe’s Tech Shift
Defence tech has surged from obscurity to a fast-growing sector in Europe, with more than 50 startups building drones, AI, satellites, and advanced manufacturing.
While giants like Helsing and Quantum Systems dominate headlines, smaller firms across the continent are raising millions and reshaping the landscape.
Sifted’ s mapping highlights both major hubs and emerging ecosystems, showing defence innovation now firmly embedded in Europe’s startup scene.
RENK Group Sees Record H1 2025 Growth
RENK Group posted record H1 2025 results, with orders up 47% to €921m, sales rising 22% to €620m, and EBIT up 29% to €89m. The order backlog hit €5.9bn, ensuring strong visibility.
Growth was led by Vehicle Mobility Solutions, which saw orders jump 66% to €681m and revenue rise 32% to €389m, supported by a new $99m U.S. defence order. Marine & Industry grew moderately, while Slide Bearings held steady.
RENK reaffirmed its 2025 outlook of €1.3bn+ sales and €210–235m EBIT, citing robust defence demand and additional upside from future German and European procurement.
Bundeswehr Orders 24 New TEP 90 Decontamination
UnitsGermany’s Bundeswehr is acquiring 24 additional TEP 90 NBC decontamination units from a Kärcher Futuretech–NBC-Sys consortium. The mobile, modular systems equipped with a 33-ton crane will expand existing capabilities for cleaning equipment, gear, and vehicles.
The order includes 19 confirmed units and five under a framework contract, strengthening NBC defence as chemical warfare threats rise.