Raytheon preparing rapid restart of MALD decoy production to meet NATO demand
Raytheon is preparing to quickly resume production of the MALD miniature air-launched decoy, an air-breathing expendable system designed to mimic crewed aircraft and saturate or deceive hostile air defenses. The company cited surging demand from the United States and NATO allies driven by proliferation of integrated air-defense systems and lessons from Ukraine. MALD production was halted in recent years; Raytheon did not specify a restart date or customer orders.
Why it matters: MALD's comeback reflects the post-Ukraine reality that Western air forces now expect to penetrate contested airspace, not merely dominate it — a doctrinal shift with large procurement consequences.
Zelenskyy says US decisions on Ukraine arms shipments 'hard to explain' as delays continue
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters that recent US decisions on military aid to Ukraine are difficult to justify, pointing to delayed shipments and unmet requests. The Trump administration has approved intercept missile transfers but not yet shipped them, according to Washington Post reporting. Zelenskyy's remarks come amid sustained Russian ballistic and cruise missile strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and cities.
Why it matters: The gap between announced US policy and actual deliveries is widening while Russia hammers Ukraine's grid — Europe is watching how much Atlantic solidarity costs in practice.
UkraineUnited StatesVolodymyr Zelenskyy Defense News →Defence24 →
NATO plans to buy six portable jammers that black out GPS for 11 km during training exercises
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, plans to procure six portable kits capable of jamming satellite navigation signals and drone radio links. The systems will be used to expose ships, aircrews, and drone operators to realistic electronic interference during training exercises. The jammers are designed to disrupt GPS signals and drone control links out to 11 kilometers.
New Zealand confirms purchase of five MH-60R SeaHawk helicopters for over $930 million
New Zealand has confirmed the acquisition of five MH-60R SeaHawk anti-submarine warfare helicopters from the United States for more than $930 million. The order will replace the Royal New Zealand Navy's aging ASW helicopter fleet operating from its two ANZAC-class frigates. Three defense ministers have handled the procurement over the past year.
Putin reportedly proposes trilateral summit with Trump and Xi on Ukraine, Zelenskyy excluded
Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed a trilateral meeting with Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not participate. The summit could take place in China in November, though no agreement has yet been reached.
Why it matters: Moscow is testing whether Trump will negotiate Ukraine's future without Kyiv in the room—Europe's nightmare scenario, and a preview of how alliance commitments unravel when Washington wants out.
RussiaUnited StatesChinaUkraineVladimir PutinDonald J. TrumpXi JinpingVolodymyr Zelenskyy Defence24 →