Spain's Indra unveils Squall low-cost cruise missile for mass swarm attacks
Spanish defence company Indra launched Squall, a low-cost cruise missile it claims will cost one-tenth the price of current European cruise missiles. The system is designed for mass swarm tactics and is being positioned for the European market as nations seek to replenish stocks and field affordable deep-strike options. Indra did not disclose unit cost, range, or warhead specifications, but described the weapon as suitable for rapid production and integration with existing command systems.
Why it matters: Spain just entered the low-cost cruise missile race with a sub-MBDA price point — if the cost claim holds, this undercuts Storm Shadow replacement assumptions and forces a European procurement rethink.
Rheinmetall opens medium-caliber ammunition production line in Albacete, Spain, under Project Firepower expansion
Rheinmetall Expal Munitions inaugurated a new medium-caliber ammunition facility at its Albacete site in Spain, attended by Spanish State Secretary for Defense Amparo Valcarce and German Ambassador Heiko Thoms. The plant is part of Rheinmetall's multi-site Firepower expansion programme and will nearly double the Albacete footprint. Production is scheduled to begin within October 2026.
Why it matters: Albacete joins Unterlüß and other nodes in Rheinmetall's distributed-production hedge against supply shocks—medium-caliber lines are cheaper to replicate than 155mm forges, so Spain becomes a fallback if German capacity is directed east.
RheinmetallSpainGermanyAmparo ValcarceHeiko Thoms Hartpunkt →Soldat & Technik →
France to develop next-generation combat aircraft domestically after FCAS collapse
France will proceed with a domestic next-generation fighter, following the collapse of the joint Future Combat Air System programme with Germany and Spain earlier this year. The French armed forces ministry confirmed on October 15 that it has no plans for "structural" international cooperation on the Avion de combat du futur. Paris had previously signaled openness to partners such as Sweden or India, but has now opted for full autonomy.
Why it matters: Europe's second sixth-generation fighter programme in two years has fragmented. GCAP is now the Continent's only multi-national sixth-gen effort, and France—Europe's only operational carrier air wing—will field its next fighter alone. Workshare disputes killed FCAS; the lesson for GCAP is blunt.
Navantia signs contract to modernize two Mandume-class patrol vessels for Angolan Navy
Spanish shipbuilder Navantia signed a contract with Angola on October 15 to repair and modernize two Mandume-class patrol boats. The work will take place at Navantia's San Fernando (Cádiz) shipyard. No value was disclosed.
Belgium joins Spain and Germany in Airbus A330 MRTT automatic air-to-air refuelling programme
Belgium has joined Spain and Germany in a programme to equip Airbus A330 MRTT tankers with the A3R automatic air-to-air refuelling system. Airbus received full certification of A3R from Spain's aerospace technology institute INTA in February following cooperation with Singapore. The programme allows receiver aircraft to connect to the tanker boom without manual pilot control.