OHB secures first major IRIS² contract worth nearly €1 billion to build 18 MEO platforms for Europe’s secure communications network
German space company OHB has secured a contract worth nearly €1 billion from SES to develop and manufacture 18 medium Earth orbit satellite platforms for the European Union’s IRIS² secure connectivity programme.
Spain clears €5.4 billion Airbus A330 MRTT framework with Poland, paving the way for orders covering at least seven tanker aircraft under the EU’s SAFE instrument
Spain’s government has approved a seven-year framework agreement with Poland for the joint procurement of at least seven Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft.
Von der Leyen says EU approves €6.1 billion for Ukraine air and missile defence as Russia steps up ballistic and drone attacks
The European Commission has approved €6.1 billion in new defence procurement for Ukraine.
Estonia receives €351.6 million first SAFE payment to accelerate €2.3 billion defence investment programme on EU eastern flank
Estonia has received €351.6 million in its first payment under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, defence instrument.
EU expands IRIS² secure satellite constellation to 348 spacecraft, adding 66 satellites for defence, security and emergency services
The European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium have signed an implementation agreement to move the IRIS² secure-connectivity programme into full-scale deployment.
EU defence spending jumps 20% to €418 billion in 2025, with budgets projected to approach €550 billion by 2029
Defence spending by the European Union’s 27 member states rose 20% to €418 billion in 2025, according to the European Defence Agency.
European Commission launches EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance to expand joint drone and counter-drone production
The European Commission has launched the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance at the third EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv.
European Commission launches Ukraine defence industry partnership, Drone Deal and €1 billion drone funding under support loan
The European Commission and Ukraine have signed a new defence industrial partnership aimed at integrating Ukrainian and European defence industries more closely.
European Commission proposes five joint defence projects to strengthen EU capabilities, industry and Ukraine cooperation under EDIP
The European Commission proposed five large-scale European Defence Projects of Common Interest on 3 July 2026 to help EU countries jointly strengthen key defence capabilities.
European Commission releases €3.9 billion for Ukraine drones as first step in wider €90 billion support loan
The payment is the first under the initial tranche of around €6 billion dedicated to drones, which the Commission described as a key capability for Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s war of aggression.
Lithuania receives first €956.3 million SAFE payment under EU plan to accelerate defence investment and strengthen eastern flank
Lithuania received its first payment of €956.3 million under the Security Action for Europe defence financing instrument on 24 June.
EU breaks ground on Cologne GOVSATCOM hub to strengthen secure satellite communications for government users across Europe
Europe’s secure satellite communications programme advanced last week with the groundbreaking of the GOVSATCOM site in Cologne, Germany.