Defense Highlights, Headlines, and Happenings from the Paris Air Show 2025.
TUESDAY
Raytheon, in partnership with the Norwegian government and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, announced Norway’s participation in developing the GhostEye radar—an advanced, mobile medium-range air and missile defense sensor for the NASAMS system. The project, funded through an existing NASAMS agreement signed in October 2023, marks the first formal initiative under that collaboration, with Raytheon leading development in the U.S. and Kongsberg co-developing critical subassemblies in Norway.
Airbus and OCCAR have secured a long-term agreement with A400M launch nations to stabilize production, lower operational costs, and develop new capabilities, with France and Spain advancing deliveries of four and three aircraft, respectively. The deal includes annual industrial reviews and paves the way for innovations such as standoff jamming, increased payload capacity, remote carrier deployment, and firefighting capabilities, enhancing the A400M’s versatility and export potential.
Leonardo and Baykar announced the formation of LBA Systems, a 50:50 joint venture focused on developing unmanned aerial systems (UAS), following an MoU signed in March. Headquartered in Italy, the new company will handle the full lifecycle of UAS—including design, development, production, and maintenance—by leveraging the industrial strengths of both partners.
Safran has introduced the M88 T-REX, an upgraded version of its M88 engine designed for future Dassault Rafale standards, featuring a thrust increase to 9 metric tons with afterburner. The engine includes targeted improvements such as a new low-pressure compressor, updated high-pressure turbine materials and cooling, and an optimized nozzle, while maintaining compatibility and modularity with the existing M88 for simplified maintenance and fleet management.
Airbus has completed assembly of the first SIRTAP prototype, a tactical uncrewed aerial system, which is now set to begin ground testing at its Getafe facility in Spain. Following ground evaluations and a planned maiden flight by the end of 2025, a full flight-test campaign will run through 2026 to achieve certification, with the first system delivery to Spain expected in 2027.
Diehl Defence and HENSOLDT have agreed to expand their collaboration on ground-based air defense systems, aiming to deliver systems capable of countering emerging threats through software-defined technologies and rapid availability. Their enhanced cooperation will focus on further developing the IRIS-T SLM system, including AI-based target detection, sensor data fusion, and improved situational awareness and planning capabilities.
Bell Textron announced a purchase agreement for 12 SUBARU Bell 412EXP Aircraft for the Tunisian Air Force. The deal represents the first order for this variant of Bell 412 in the region. The aircraft will serve as a multi-role helicopter, including security missions. The Tunisian Air Force already operates 39 Bell aircraft, including UH-1s, 205s, and OH-58s. The 412 has a maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, an external weight of 13,000 lbs, and a cargo hook capacity of 5,000 lbs.
France has signed a framework agreement for the acquisition of the Systèmes de Drone Aérien pour la Marine (SDAM), an uncrewed aerial system for its Navy. Each SDAM will consist of an Airbus VSR700 uncrewed aerial system (UAS), which will be operated using Naval Group’s Steeris Mission System. Naval Group is also tasked with integrating these SDAMs onto French Navy frigates. The VSR700 is designed for automatic takeoff and landing from naval vessels in challenging conditions, capable of carrying three sensors and flying for over eight hours for surveillance and intelligence missions, equipped with a radar, an electro-optical system, and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.
UAE’s EDGE group and Thales signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the production and maintenance of Thales’ advanced electro-optic systems. Under the MoU, EDGE and Thales will explore the creation of dedicated capabilities in the UAE for a range of Thales’ optronic systems currently in operational service with the UAE Armed Forces.
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