Argentina's draft 2027 budget includes $3.5 billion in foreign loans for submarine and frigate programmes
Buenos Aires outlined $3.5 billion in external financing in its 2027 budget draft, earmarked for naval procurement. Naval Group and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems are positioned to compete for submarine and frigate contracts.
Germany approves €5 billion for four more MEKO A-200 DEU frigates, bringing total to eight
The German Bundestag budget committee approved procurement of four additional MEKO A-200 DEU frigates from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, sources say worth roughly €5 billion. The Ministry of Defence now plans a total of eight identical ships. Germany signed its first four-ship order on 8 July.
Why it matters: Berlin is betting on hull commonality to speed production — a bet that only pays off if TKMS can actually deliver on time, which the F125 and F126 sagas suggest is far from guaranteed.
GermanyThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Hartpunkt →Europaeische Sicherheit & Technik →
Argentina selects IWI ARAD 5 and ARAD 7 assault rifles for armed forces
Israel Weapon Industries has secured a contract to supply ARAD 5 and ARAD 7 assault rifles to Argentina's armed forces. The Argentine Ministry of Defence officially introduced the weapons, which will modernize individual armament across the military. The rifles will be delivered with Meprolight M5 reflex sights.
Israel Weapon IndustriesArgentina EDR Magazine →Soldat & Technik →
French Navy tests Naval Group Rampart CIWS aboard LHD during counter-drone exercise
The French Navy evaluated Naval Group's modular Rampart multi-purpose launching system at sea aboard an amphibious assault ship during the WILDFIRE 26.2 counter-drone exercise.
Naval Group begins production of Sweden's first FDI frigate one month after contract
Naval Group held a steel-cutting ceremony for the Royal Swedish Navy's first Defence and Intervention Frigate, FDI Luleå, at its Lorient shipyard — just one month after the contract was signed. The accelerated schedule underscores Sweden's urgency to replace aging hulls.
Why it matters: One month from ink to steel is a propaganda win for Naval Group, though the real test will be whether the schedule holds once the ship moves from cutting to integration.