L3Harris Technologies recently secured a significant contract valued at $2.26 billion to supply modified Bombardier Global 6500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Republic of Korea Air Force. This project includes partnerships with Bombardier, Israel Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems, and Korean Air. The aircraft will enhance South Korea’s mission readiness by enabling longer, faster flights at higher altitudes with advanced radar coverage for better threat detection. The integrated communications suite promises interoperability with the U.S., NATO, and coalition forces, fostering a networked battlespace conducive to fifth-generation aircraft and beyond. Concurrently, Germany and the Netherlands are deepening their defense cooperation by signing a €4.5 billion contract via OCCAR for 222 new SCHAKAL infantry fighting vehicles. This expands their joint Boxer vehicle fleets, enhancing NATO’s protected mobility and battlefield resilience. The SCHAKAL variant integrates the advanced PUMA RCT30 remote turret equipped with a high-performance 30mm cannon and modern optics, mounted on the Boxer 8×8 chassis. Production and support will follow the newest BOXER drive module standards to ensure lifecycle efficiency and interoperability across OCCAR partners. Furthermore, the Netherlands has recently joined the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative, focusing on AI-enabled next-generation drones designed to operate alongside F-35 fighters. This collaboration further integrates Dutch defense efforts within emerging autonomous air combat technologies. Additionally, BAE Systems unveiled their new M109A7 52-caliber self-propelled howitzer, combining the M109A7 Paladin chassis with Rheinmetall’s L52 155mm cannon, enhancing range and rate of fire to fill the U.S. Army’s long-range fires gap following the ERCA program halt. This quick-turn upgrade preserves existing logistics compatibility while significantly boosting artillery capabilities. Together, these contracts and partnerships reflect an increasing emphasis on advanced, interoperable, and network-centric defense capabilities among allied nations in 2025.
