KNDS Belgium Strengthens Ukraine's Autonomy with 30mm Ammunition Compatible with NATO and Ex-Soviet Systems
Amid a tense geopolitical climate and efforts to strengthen defense capabilities in Eastern Europe, KNDS Belgium SA, formerly known as Mecar, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with one of the entities affiliated with Ukroboronprom, the Ukrainian defense industry conglomerate.
The agreement, formalized on May 20, 2025, aims to initiate the joint production of medium-caliber ammunition, with a particular focus on 30mm rounds compatible with Soviet-origin weapon systems still in service within the Ukrainian armed forces.
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The main objective of this partnership is to facilitate the joint assembly of ammunition for automatic cannons capable of targeting enemy personnel, light armored vehicles, and low-flying aerial threats (Picture source: US DoD)
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On May 21, 2025, the Weibo user 齐天的孙猴子 posted images reportedly showing a green-painted J-35A fighter jet, a color typically associated with unpainted airframes or early production models, which led to speculation that the aircraft could be the first serial production J-35A.
- Although some internet sources and commentators claimed the aircraft was intended for Pakistan or had already entered operational service, such interpretations are not supported by any official statements.
- Rupprecht Deino noted that the J-35 is not yet in service, has not been exported, and is most likely intended for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
- These indications suggest that the aircraft is still in the early production phase, although confirmation of serial production from Chinese authorities remains absent.
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| This picture reportedly shows a green-painted Chinese J-35A fighter jet, a color typically associated with unpainted airframes or early production models. (Picture source: Weibo/齐天的孙猴子) |
May
22
On May 21, 2025, the United States Congress approved the Foreign Military Sale of 1,400 Boeing GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I) to Poland, a critical step in enhancing NATO’s eastern defense posture. The $180 million deal also includes logistics support, training, and inert practice munitions. The approval underscores Washington's commitment to reinforce its allies' precision strike capabilities in a period marked by regional instability and growing geopolitical threats from Russia.
May
22
For the first time, the U.S. Marine Corps has operationally deployed its new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) in the Indo-Pacific region, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of its amphibious assault capabilities. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), stationed at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, integrated the ACV into its training regimen during the Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX), which took place from April 28 to May 9, 2025.
May
22
On May 20, 2025, U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers landed at Morón Air Base in southern Spain, marking the latest phase of the Bomber Task Force Europe (BTF-E) deployment. This strategic operation underscores the United States' enduring commitment to NATO’s collective defense and its capability to project long-range airpower across critical regions in Europe and Africa. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link ...
May
22
At the 12th edition of the MILEX 2025 international defense and military equipment exhibition in Minsk, the Russian Federation showcased significant progress in the development of its new infantry fighting vehicle (IFV): the Kurganets-25. This next-generation tracked platform, designated as a BMP (Boevaya Mashina Pekhoty) under the Rostec state corporation classification, is considered a key project within the modernization plan for Russia’s ground forces.
May
22
An Australian law enforcement agency has selected DroneShield to deliver advanced counter-drone solutions under a contract valued at over $1 million, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and national security in the face of evolving unmanned aerial threats. Announced from Sydney on 21 May 2025, the agreement highlights the growing necessity for modern, responsive tools to counter illicit drone activity in Australian airspace. Read more.
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May
22
On May 19, 2025, the French Ministry of Armed Forces released a video on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing the first successful tests of the Akeron RCX50 loitering munition. Developed by MBDA France in collaboration with Novadem, this rotary-wing drone represents a major milestone in modernizing French battlefield capabilities and strategic defense autonomy. Read more.
May
22
On May 21, 2025, General Dynamics NASSCO announced it had been awarded a firm-fixed-price contract by the U.S. Navy for work on the USS America (LHA 6), which is currently deployed in the East China Sea as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet.
May
22
At FEINDEF 2025, the Nordic company Nammo showcased the Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS) Mk 7 Mod 2, a self-contained, single-use, expendable line charge designed for clearing narrow pathways through antipersonnel minefields and wire obstacles. APOBS was developed as a man-portable alternative to earlier breaching systems such as the Bangalore torpedo.
May
21
As reported by Gherardo Fontana on May 12, 2025, the aircraft designated BX-1, Japan’s first F-35B, conducted its maiden test flight over North Texas. This event marked the beginning of the operational testing process for the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant acquired by Japan, which plans to procure a total of 42 F-35Bs. Japan becomes the fourth country to operate this variant after the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
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