A mock-up of the Eurofighter EK, featuring a generic escort jammer pod, was showcased at the ILA Berlin Air Show in 2022. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

The Luftwaffe has selected the Saab Arexis electronic warfare (EW) suite for its Eurofighter Elektronischer Kampf (EK) requirement, the Swedish company confirmed on 16 June.

Saab and its German partner for the project, Helsing, confirmed a Der Spiegel report from 13 June that said the selection will see the two companies provide the suite for the Luftwaffe's Eurofighter EK electronic attack (EA) escort jammer aircraft by 2030. Integration will be done by Airbus as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the Eurofighter in Germany.

News of the selection came six-and-a-half months after the Luftwaffe told Janes it had delayed its decision that was due by the end of 2022, saying in early January that an announcement would not be made until July “at the earliest”.

Saab first told Janes

The Swift is a hydrogen-powered propeller-driven aircraft whose design has been supported by the MoD's Project Monet. (Swift Aircraft)

Swift Aircraft and GKN Aerospace have showcased their conceptual design for a new light training aircraft that is geared to help the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) achieve its goal of net zero emissions.

Revealed at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget on 19 June, the Swift is a hydrogen-powered propeller-driven aircraft whose design has been supported by the MoD's Project Monet, a joint initiative between the Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) and industry, for the development of two experimental flying test aircraft to showcase the capabilities and potential of a range of sustainable technologies.

“Focus on large-scale aircraft has been significant in the race to a sustainable aviation future; now the collaboration of Swift Aircraft and GKN Aerospace under Project Monet puts the light aircraft industry into the spotlight,” the partnership announced.

As noted in the announcement, GKN Aerospace, which is leading the way in the development of a liquid hydrogen propulsion system, is teaming with Swift Aircraft to develop design concepts for the integration of this technology for light aircraft.

Both Japan and Singapore plan to acquire the Lockheed Martin F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. (Lockheed Martin Aeronautics)

Japan's new defence trade agreement with Singapore – signed early June – is indicative of how Tokyo is trying to expand defence equipment and technology ties with countries across Southeast Asia, the Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) told Janes .

The MoD confirmed that under Japan's new pact with Singapore, which is named the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology Agreement, the two countries are exploring opportunities to collaborate on the research, development, and production of defence capabilities.

The spokesperson for the MoD did not disclose the areas of likely co-operation under the agreement. However, they are likely to include non-lethal technologies related to maritime security, patrol, surveillance, communications, navigation, and logistics.

It is also possible that co-operation could feature fighter aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability. Japan plans to procure 147 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, a mix of F-35A conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft and F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) versions. Singapore plans to acquire 12 F-35Bs.