Modern Land Systems: Armored Vehicles and Self-Propelled Artillery
Hungary Introduces New Infantry Fighting Vehicles
Hungary has officially deployed 45 of the newest German infantry fighting vehicles. During the international Defence IQ 2025 conference in Famborov, United Kingdom, officials confirmed that 25 vehicles were manufactured in Germany while the remaining 20 were assembled in a new Hungarian production facility.
Croatia Receives Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles
On January 14, Croatia celebrated the ceremonial handover of its first Bradley infantry fighting vehicles at the barracks of the 132nd Brigade in Našice. Croatian Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić was present at the event.
The Croatian Armed Forces have taken delivery of the first four Bradley vehicles out of a total of 89 donated by the U.S. government—with an additional four scheduled for handover by the end of January. Meanwhile, training is underway at the “Đuro Đaković” facility and the Kindrovo training grounds in Slavonski Brod to prepare maintenance crews for these advanced vehicles.
Italy’s Ambitious Modernization Program
At the Defence IQ 2025 conference in Farnborough, United Kingdom, on January 27, Italy announced a major procurement initiative. The program includes 380 German KF-51 Panther tanks and 1,050 KF-41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicles, as part of a modernization effort valued at over €30 billion. These new vehicles will replace obsolete models such as the C1 Ariete tanks and will be adapted to fulfill roles including infantry support, command, reconnaissance, engineering, and anti-armor operations.
| Vehicle Type | Quantity | Role |
|---|---|---|
| KF-51 Panther Tanks | 380 | Main Battle Tank Replacement |
| KF-41 Lynx Vehicles | 1,050 | Multi-role (Infantry Fighting, Command, Reconnaissance, etc.) |
Estonia Enhances Artillery Capabilities
On January 30, Estonia received the first six out of 12 self-propelled 155mm Caesar Mk1 howitzers. These artillery systems are part of a new 3rd Division of Self-Propelled Artillery, with the remaining units expected by the end of summer. The procurement, valued at around €4.3 million per unit, marks a significant boost in Estonia’s defense capabilities.
Advances in Tank Protection and Air Defense
A recent social media video highlighted advanced protection systems for the new export version of South Korea’s K2EX tank, featuring an integrated situational awareness suite and active defense measures. In parallel, Egypt is set to become the first country to deploy self-propelled K9A1 howitzers—produced in South Korea—for its air defense network, with a deal covering 216 units.
Air and Missile Systems: Fighter Jets, Missiles, and Emerging Technologies
NATO and France: Next-Generation Fighter Jets
Recent defense developments have seen significant advancements in fighter jet capabilities. Hungary received a multi-role Rafale combat aircraft on January 23, while Croatia is poised to complete a 12-aircraft squadron by the end of April. Meanwhile, Greece concluded its order on January 9 with the final delivery of 24 Rafale fighters, which are now based at Tanagra Air Base for operations in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. On January 31, French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation unveiled the Rafale F4 fighter for the United Arab Emirates as part of a historic €16.6 billion contract for 80 advanced fighters.
China’s Innovations in Missile Technology and Stealth Aviation
China has successfully concluded extensive testing of a hydroxy-rotating detonative rocket engine, which could offer advantages for hypersonic flight and extended-range missions. On January 3, a video circulated online showing the Chinese strategic stealth bomber H-20—widely considered the Chinese counterpart to the American B-21 Raider—accompanied by advanced J-16 fighters and a variant of the Su-27. With an operational radius of 10,000 km and aerial refueling capabilities, this emerging platform is expected to be fully operational by 2030.
Iran’s Missile Exercises and Ground-to-Air Innovations
On January 4, Iran launched the “Great Prophet 19” exercises, which will continue throughout the month across multiple regions. During these drills, the Iranian military demonstrated the launch of a ground-to-air missile, known as Projectile 358, which features loitering munition characteristics and is fully domestically produced. On January 15, another exercise showcased the launch of a missile from the short-range air defense system “Tondar,” designed similarly to the American AGM-114 Hellfire Longbow and utilizing millimeter-wave radar guidance. In addition, a new loitering munition dubbed “Rizvan”—with foldable wings and container-based launch capability—was unveiled.
Turkey’s Ballistic Missile Test
On January 3, Turkey successfully conducted the third test launch of its short-range ballistic missile “Typhoon” toward the Black Sea. Capable of flying at speeds up to Mach 5 and reaching a range of 560 km in 456 seconds, the missile is expected to have its range extended to 2,000 km, according to recent announcements by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The “Typhoon” system is mounted on a Belarusian self-propelled launcher (MZKT “Volat” 8×8) that can carry two missiles.
Israeli Counter-Drone and Autonomous Launch Systems
In the realm of counter-drone technology, Israeli company Smart Shooter has unveiled its “Smash Dome” system. This integrated solution features a combat module with a gun, fire control system, active radar, and optical sensors capable of detecting and neutralizing drones up to 2 km away. Concurrently, Sper UAV has developed the Viper MCL—a multi-container launcher system that enables the rapid and autonomous launch of foldable Viper 300 drones equipped with advanced interactive sensors and obstacle-avoidance capabilities.
North Korea’s Hypersonic Missile Test
On January 7, North Korea successfully tested a new hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile, widely suspected to be the Hwasong-16B. Constructed using advanced composite materials reinforced with filament fibers, the missile’s guidance system—designed for optimal performance in adverse weather—enabled it to reach an initial apogee of 99.8 km, followed by a second at 42.5 km, before precisely striking a target in open waters at a range of 1,500 km.
They elected them. I am sure there no voter fraud with any illegal in the sanctuary state.
"Interesting weapon---a second chamber and barrel with a 410 shell would be excellent." A second chamber and barrel, mounted in…
Would be great if you had a date on the article. And your cost of RDB is way high.