Elbit Systems America rebrands as Twenty-Six Defense to emphasise U.S. identity
The U.S. arm of Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems has rebranded as Twenty-Six Defense, a name emphasising American manufacturing and workforce. The subsidiary employs 3,300 people across ten states and supplies the Pentagon with systems including night vision, artillery fuzes, and vehicle electronics.
Why it matters: Elbit is scrubbing the Israeli branding to duck Buy American scrutiny and keep Pentagon dollars flowing—the same playbook BAE used when it became 'American as apple pie' after buying United Defense.
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 →
Elbit Systems wins $235 million European contract for PULS launchers and EXTRA-MR rockets
Elbit Systems has secured a contract worth approximately $235 million to supply PULS rocket artillery systems and EXTRA-MR precision-guided rockets to an unnamed European customer. The deal includes integrated logistics support. Neither the customer identity nor quantities were disclosed.
Why it matters: A European army is buying Israeli long-range strike quietly—likely a NATO member hedging on U.S. HIMARS delivery timelines or looking for shorter-notice procurement outside the Patriot queue.
Elbit SystemsIsrael EDR Magazine →Army Technology →Defence Industry Europe →
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 →