Week 43, 2025 was marked by several significant events in Nordic and European defence policy, covering historic aircraft deals, alliance politics, industrial mergers, and new defence capabilities. Below is a comprehensive overview of the week's most important defence news.

Domains

Air

  • First JAS 39 Gripen E delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces: Skaraborg Wing F 7 (central Sweden) received the first example of the JAS 39 Gripen E, marking a milestone for the Swedish Air Force. The aircraft carries a heavier payload and is adapted to operate in threat environments without air superiority, and will be used alongside existing C/D variants. Read more
  • Sweden and Ukraine sign letter of intent on Gripen: Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent regarding the future export of the JAS 39 Gripen to Ukraine at a press conference held at Saab's premises in Linköping (southern Sweden). Kristersson described it as "the beginning of a long journey". Read more
  • Nordic countries coordinate drone procurements: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden signed a joint agreement in Helsinki (Finland) on cooperation regarding the procurement of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Two specific procurements of micro and mini drones are to be initiated, supported by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and Denmark's Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (FMI) respectively. The cooperation also covers research, training, and information sharing. Read more
  • Norway installs counter-drone system at Ørland: Norway has received and begun installing a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) system at Ørland Air Base (central Norway), delivered by British firm Operational Solutions Ltd. (OSL). The framework agreement, signed in August 2025, is worth up to 938 million Norwegian kroner. The system will be integrated with existing air defence systems at the base. Read more
  • Saab receives order for Arthur radar system for Spain via NATO: Saab signed an agreement with NATO's procurement organisation, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), for a life extension of the artillery location system Arthur for the Spanish Army. The order value amounts to approximately 540 million Swedish kronor and covers the upgrade of four radar stations, spare parts, documentation, and training. This is the first order for Saab's radar systems to be processed through NSPA. Read more

Space

  • Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales form new European space company: The three companies signed a letter of intent to merge their space activities, covering satellite and space systems manufacturing as well as space services, but excluding launch vehicles. The new company is expected to become operational in 2027, with a turnover of approximately 6.5 billion euros and a workforce of 25,000 people. The aim is to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy and competitiveness in the space sector. Read more

Policy and Strategy

  • Zelenskyy visits Sweden: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Sweden for talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The meeting, held in Linköping (southern Sweden), included several Swedish ministers and party leaders and resulted in, among other things, the letter of intent on Gripen exports. Read more
  • European leaders call for a strong Ukraine ahead of peace talks: Several European leaders, including Nordic prime ministers Jonas Gahr Støre (Norway), Ulf Kristersson (Sweden), and Mette Frederiksen (Denmark), as well as President Alexander Stubb (Finland), published a joint statement calling for continued support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia, while emphasising the importance of Ukraine standing strong ahead of any potential peace talks. Read more
  • Italy joins NATO's enhanced forward presence in Finland: Italy confirmed its participation in Forward Land Forces (FLF) Finland at a bilateral meeting between Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen and Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. Sweden leads the initiative as the framework nation, with Finland as the host nation. Read more

Industry

  • MilDef inaugurates new facility in Rosersberg: MilDef has inaugurated the Bastionen (The Bastion) facility in Rosersberg (central Sweden), a premises covering 6,500 square metres of office and production space. The investment represents a fourfold increase in the company's systems integration capacity and aims to meet growing demand from defence and security customers. Read more

Week 43 illustrates the breadth of ongoing European defence efforts, spanning bilateral agreements and alliance reinforcement to industrial consolidation and new operational capability. All events reflect the continued high level of activity within Nordic and European defence policy.