The US Navy just fielded a 460 km air-to-air missile. Europe has no equivalent and no plan.
Top story
US Navy unveils AIM-424 Malice air-to-air missile with 250+ nm range. The U.S. Navy and Raytheon publicly revealed the AIM-424 LRAAM, nicknamed ‘Malice’, at the Tailhook Symposium in Reno, Nevada on 22 August 2026. The weapon is designed to engage targets beyond 250 nautical miles (460+ km) and is intended for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35C and the upcoming F/A-XX programme. The missile addresses a long-stated need to extend engagement range in contested airspace and protect high-value assets. Why it matters: Europe will face pressure to respond: a Pacific-first missile with 460 km reach changes the calculus for air dominance investments from FCAS to Tempest, and widens the transatlantic capability gap in long-range air-to-air. (Corroborated) The War Zone → · Naval News → · Opex360 → · The Aviationist →
The rundown
MUNITIONS — Britain has approved the release of classified UK missile technology to support France and Ukraine in establishing local assembly of the Storm Shadow long-range cruise missile within Ukraine. The move follows repeated Ukrainian requests for licensed production to accelerate deliveries and reduce reliance on Western inventory transfers. (Single source) UK Defence Journal →
NAVAL — BAE Systems Maritime Australia officially laid the keel of NUSHIP Hunter on 24 August 2026 at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, marking the formal start of hull assembly. The Hunter-class is derived from the British Type 26 design. Twenty of 22 hull blocks are now under construction, with delivery planned for the early 2030s. (Corroborated) Naval News → · Defence Blog → · UK Defence Journal → · Defence Industry Europe →
PROCUREMENT — The European Commission approved €6.1 billion ($7.12 billion) in new defence procurement funding for Ukraine on 24 August 2026, Ukraine’s Independence Day. The package covers air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tied the announcement directly to the day and the ongoing war. (Corroborated) Defence Blog → · Defence Industry Europe →
PROCUREMENT — The U.S. Department of State approved a possible foreign military sale of up to 21 UH-60M Black Hawks to Norway, along with spares and associated equipment, for an estimated $2.3 billion. The decision comes months after Norway cancelled plans to acquire nine HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters, a deal approved by the U.S. in 2025. (Single source) The Aviationist →
NAVAL — The UK is examining Australia’s CEAFAR active electronically scanned array radar technology for possible use by the Royal Navy and in land-based applications. The radar could become part of the future hybrid fleet, but adoption would raise questions about Britain’s own naval radar industrial sovereignty and the future of domestic capabilities. (Single source) Navy Lookout →
NAVAL — Britain expects workforce demand across its Defence Nuclear Enterprise to reach around 65,000 by 2030, up from an estimated 47,600 jobs currently supported by the sector. The expansion is driven by the Dreadnought ballistic missile submarine programme, SSN-AUKUS attack submarine work and £15 billion in warhead investment. (Single source) Defence Industry Europe →
NAVAL — The Dreadnought Alliance says a new £8.4 billion funding phase will move Britain’s nuclear submarine replacement programme from construction towards operational delivery. The funding is intended to underpin long-term industrial capacity and support delivery of the UK’s continuous-at-sea nuclear deterrent. (Single source) Defence Industry Europe →
Signals
PROCUREMENT — Estonia plans to make a preliminary decision in September on the supplier and scale of its planned ballistic-missile defence acquisition, potentially worth more than €1 billion. The options under consideration include Patriot, SAMP/T and David’s Sling systems. (Single source) Defence Industry Europe →
By the numbers
9 events in this issue · 3/9 corroborated · €19.0bn in stated deal values · 8/9 European · busiest beat: procurement
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