The three countries will finance with eight million euros the second phase of an initiative that took its first steps in 2022 with the support of Spain and Germany. The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched a second phase of its automatic in-flight refuelling project, in which Spain, Germany and Belgium will work to move towards the transfer of fuel to unmanned aircraft during flight. The initiative has an estimated budget of eight million euros and gives continuity to the work started in 2022 to automate refueling operations using the hose and basket system. The incorporation of Belgium expands on the cooperation initiated by Spain and Germany, which led the first phase of the programme. The aim is to develop technologies that allow the automation of a manoeuvre that requires high precision: the receiving aircraft must approach the tanker, maintain a stable position and establish contact with the fuel basket under variable flight conditions. In this new stage, the work will focus on transferring these advances to the resupply of unmanned aerial systems. The capability would allow the autonomy of drones compatible with this procedure to be extended and facilitate their use in longer missions, without relying exclusively on their initial fuel reserves. The initiative is part of EDA's activities to strengthen European air capabilities through multinational research and development projects. The agency considers in-flight refueling a force multiplier that allows expanding the range, persistence and operational flexibility of military aircraft. From fighter tests to unmanned systems The first phase of the project, launched in 2022 with Spain and Germany, had a budget of four million euros and an expected duration of two years. The programme brought together Airbus Defence and Space, GMV, the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and AES Technology to develop and evaluate technologies aimed at automating hose and basket refuelling. The tests included the use of an Airbus A330 MRTT tanker and a German Tornado fighter, in addition to Spanish participation in the tests with an F-18. The work focused on technologies to locate and track the fuel basket, improve the stability of the system during flight and facilitate the approach of the receiving aircraft.  

The company is participating for the first time in the Marrakech Air Show with a specific space for the aircraft, while Moroccan media point to a possible interest from Rabat in acquiring the aircraft Morocco is reportedly studying the acquisition of the FA-50 from South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to renew part of its advanced training capabilities and have a light combat platform. The possibility of an operation between Rabat and the South Korean manufacturer has gained strength coinciding with KAI's first participation in the Marrakech Air Show 2026, although at the moment there is no official confirmation of a procurement contract by the Moroccan authorities or the company. KAI has attended the show, which will be held from 7 to 10 October, with the FA-50 as one of its main proposals for the Moroccan market. The company has reserved a specific space for this aircraft taking into account, according to the company itself, the programme for the acquisition of advanced training aircraft being carried out by the Moroccan Air Force. Information published on October 8 by KAI confirms that the company is using the show to present the capabilities of the FA-50 to the Moroccan government and establish contacts with military and government officials. The South Korean manufacturer says that it seeks to take advantage of the fair as a platform to generate new business opportunities both in Morocco and in other African markets.

Romania has signed a purchase order with France’s arms procurement agency for 12 Airbus H225M multi-mission helicopters. Valued at approximately 757 million euros ($847 million), the order is funded under the European Union’s SAFE program and includes an initial logistics support package and personnel training. The deal will partially replace Romania’s aging IAR-330 Puma fleet, which is used for conventional and special operations. The H225Ms will be configured for ground-attack missions and equipped to conduct attack, reconnaissance, surveillance, tactical protection, and specialized airborne assault operations during day and night. SAFE Funding The helicopter order is Romania’s second project approved under the European Commission’s SAFE program. The first covers the procurement of 12 Thales Ground Master 200 MM/A air-surveillance radars for approximately 247 million euros ($277 million). Part of Thales’ Ground Master family, the GM200 MM/A is a 4D active electronically scanned array radar capable of detecting and tracking drones, aircraft, and missiles at ranges of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles). Thales will also establish a Radar Competence Centre to strengthen Romania’s long-term industrial capacity and radar expertise, with the first system expected to be delivered in 2027.

Indonesia has inaugurated six regional military commands (Kodam) to expand its armed forces’ administrative reach, while drawing scrutiny from civil society groups over potential military encroachment into civilian governance. Announced by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the restructuring adds headquarters across Yogyakarta, Riau Islands, East Nusa Tenggara, North Maluku, Central Papua, and West Nusa Tenggara. The expansion brings the nationwide total of commands to 27, while incorporating 204 new units across the force. Those units include 30 territorial development infantry brigades, 150 territorial development infantry battalions, and three combat support units. Additional units are one marine brigade and four battalions under the Indonesian Navy, as well as 10 units, including a Rapid Action Forces division and radar sites, under the Indonesian Air Force. ‘Necessary’ Changes Officials framed the expansion as an essential move to secure the Southeast Asian country’s archipelago and enhance disaster response capabilities.

British off-road vehicle manufacturer INEOS Automotive has secured its first supply orders for military versions of its Grenadier 4×4 from the Italian Army and the Austrian government. Italy is the first NATO member to order the vehicles, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2027. The Austrian government has awarded a contract for enhanced-protection versions of the Grenadier, with local armoring and conversion specialist Valentin Tusch adapting them for the Austrian Defense and Interior security forces. Initial deliveries and trials are scheduled to begin by the end of this year. INEOS said the Grenadier was selected for its versatility, easy maintenance, and robust axles suited to heavy loads and challenging terrain, without disclosing further details. The company is also in advanced talks with other European and NATO forces for the vehicle. The Team Grenadier consortium, including SMT Defence and NMS UK, has entered trials for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle program. Armored Grenadier 4×4 INEOS has developed the Grenadier-based Enhanced Protection Vehicle (EPV), an armored variant designed to protect troops from bullets, shell fragments, and blasts. The EPV features an integrated armored cabin reportedly meeting NATO STANAG Level 2 protection requirements. Imagery shows a fully enclosed body, snorkel, and front-mounted recovery winch.  

A Raytheon-Rafael Advanced Defense Systems facility in Camden, Arkansas, has delivered its first fully US-made Tamir interceptor to Israel, marking a milestone in efforts to establish a second production source for the Iron Dome air defense system. The US has supplied components for Tamir production for years, but the Camden facility is the first outside Israel capable of producing complete Iron Dome interceptors. The plant is intended to accelerate deliveries and strengthen US-Israeli missile defense capabilities. It will also produce SkyHunter, the US version of Tamir, for the US Marine Corps’ Medium-Range Intercept Capability system. Developed by Rafael with Raytheon support, the Tamir intercepts rockets and other short-range threats at ranges of 4 to 70 kilometers (2 to 43 miles) using radar guidance, a command datalink, and a blast warhead.

Greece has reached a deal with the US worth up to $4 billion for weapons purchases and F-16 upgrades, Reuters reported. The package would upgrade older F-16s to the Viper configuration and supply advanced missiles and bombs for the country’s F-16 Vipers, planned F-35 fleet, and Black Hawk helicopters. Greece spends nearly 3.5 percent of its GDP on defense, according to Reuters, and plans to invest approximately 28 billion euros ($31 billion) in modernizing its armed forces through 2036. European Defence Agency figures put the country’s defense expenditure last year at 6.9 billion euros, equivalent to 2.8 percent of GDP. Greece’s F-16 Upgrade Program Greece received its 60th F-16 Viper in September, as Lockheed Martin and Hellenic Aerospace Industry continue converting the country’s existing fighters to the upgraded configuration. The aircraft feature APG-83 electronically scanned radars, new mission computers, and updated cockpit displays. Conversion work takes place at Hellenic Aerospace Industry’s Tanagra facilities, north of Athens, with technical support from Lockheed Martin. Deliveries of upgraded fighters are scheduled to continue through 2027. Greece received its first two Vipers in September 2022, four years after approving the conversion program.

Thailand has approved 3.5 billion baht ($104.4 million) in emergency defense funding to replenish military equipment, repair combat-damaged gear, and reinforce defenses along the Cambodian border. The decision comes as the Joint Information Center on the Thailand-Cambodia Situation raised its border risk assessment to level 1.5 on a 5-point scale, signaling heightened vigilance in the region. The frontier remains closed following recent military skirmishes and historical disputes over overlapping territorial claims near ancient border temples. The military allocation includes long-range Rampage standoff missiles and “bunker-buster” bombs for the Royal Thai Air Force, alongside artillery upgrades for the Royal Thai Army, local media reported. Officials also tightened monitoring of unmanned aerial system imports due to the increase in unauthorized airborne reconnaissance along the border. Bangkok reiterated that overall conditions remain placid amid military readiness measures. Infrastructure Rehabilitation To support civil defense in seven border provinces, the Thai Cabinet separately approved 433.5 million baht ($12.9 million) for the Interior Ministry. The funds cover the construction of 1,669 public shelters, 143 village broadcasting towers, and upgraded digital radio communications.

The Czech model is emerging as the main candidate to replace the three C-212 Aviocars withdrawn from service, with the possible acquisition of two units The Colombian Army (EJC) has formally opened a process to acquire new light transport aircraft aimed at bolstering the movement and maneuvering capabilities of its Air Assault Aviation Division (Davaa). Although the program is still in the pre-contractual phase, its background points to the possible incorporation of two L-410 NGs from Aircraft Industries, a subsidiary of the Czech group Omnipol. Process 070-SAMC-DIADQ-TRANS-2026, called "Acquisition of multipurpose light aircraft for the National Army", was published on October 4 through the abbreviated selection modality of minor amounts. It has a formal budget of $34,492,120 and a contractual term of two months, while bids are scheduled for 26 October. Although the procedure does not yet identify the L-410 NG as a selected model, the program's track record places it as a prime candidate. In August, the Army had made a request for information for light fixed-wing aircraft, using the CO1 process. REQ.10810902, which received responses from three vendors. The possible choice of the Czech model would also be related to its industrial availability. Aircraft Industries maintains production and deliveries of the L-410 NG and would have in its inventory the units needed by the Colombian Army.  

Morocco has officially asked the US government to train pilots from its Royal Air Forces to operate the fifth-generation F-35A fighter, according to information published on 8 October by the Moroccan media outlet Assahifa. The request, if confirmed, could represent a breakthrough in contacts for an eventual acquisition of the Lockheed Martin fighter jet, although so far there is no public confirmation of the request or of a purchase agreement by the authorities in Rabat or Washington. Assahifa assures, citing his own sources, that the petition has already been submitted to the US side. The media does not specify the number of pilots who would participate in the program or the planned dates for their training. It also links the alleged request to preparations for a possible acquisition of the F-35A, the variant designed to operate from conventional runways and used by the U.S. Air Force. The information comes at a time of special visibility in military cooperation between Morocco and the United States. Two US Air Force F-35As flew over the Royal Air Force base in Marrakech on 7 October during the opening of the Marrakech Air Show 2026, held from 7 to 10 October. The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the participation of the fighters, belonging to the 48th Fighter Wing, deployed at the British base RAF Lakenheath. However, the presence of the aircraft at the fair does not in itself constitute a contractual indication of a future sale. Nor does the alleged request for training, on which no official documents have been published, allow an acquisition to be initiated.