RAF deploys Rivet Joint to Norway for Arctic Stone F-35 integration exercise
The Royal Air Force has deployed a Rivet Joint intelligence aircraft to Ørland, Norway, for Exercise Arctic Stone with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The exercise focuses on deepening integration between the RC-135W and F-35A platforms and expanding NATO intelligence coverage in the High North.
Norway outlines acquisition model for up to 20 P1118 standardized vessels across two parallel contracts
Norway has revealed the procurement strategy for Project P1118, which will acquire up to 20 ocean-going standardized vessels for Norway, the UK and Lithuania through two parallel contracts. Naval News reports the vessels will share a common design to reduce costs and speed delivery. The P1118 programme is intended to provide multi-role platforms for patrol, surveillance and logistics missions.
Why it matters: Three NATO navies just bet on plug-and-play hulls to scale faster than bespoke designs — if it works, expect more allies to join the production run.
UK startup Skyfly raises $10 million to develop Longbow hybrid-electric cargo drone with 400-mile range
British aircraft maker Skyfly Technologies raised $10 million to develop Longbow, a hybrid-electric cargo drone designed to carry 200 kg (440 pounds) over 640 km (400 miles) and operate from ships, fields or forward bases without a runway. The unmanned variant derives from Skyfly's two-seat electric vertical takeoff aircraft. Defence Blog reports the seed round closed on October 20.
UK Ministry of Defence publishes operational update on military support to Saudi Arabia
The UK Ministry of Defence published an operational update on British military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. No details were provided in the public announcement.
Denmark orders additional Kongsberg Naval Strike Missiles for frigate fleet under Norway government-to-government deal
Denmark is procuring additional Naval Strike Missiles from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to upgrade its frigate fleet. The deal, arranged as a government-to-government transaction with Norway, is valued at approximately €38 million. Neither the number of missiles nor the delivery timeline was disclosed.