Saab announces new Sirius Compact R-ESM sensor for fixed applications

On 19 May 2026 Saab unveiled the Sirius Compact L24R, the latest member of its Sirius Compact R-ESM passive sensor family, at the AOC EW Europe symposium in Helsinki.

Designed for fixed installation on purpose-built masts or by exploiting existing infrastructure, the Sirius Compact L24R detects, tracks, classifies and localises radar emissions from threats such as fighter aircraft, surveillance radars and surface vessels.

Unlike the previous sensors in the Sirius Compact range, which are typically designed for installation on masts or tactical platforms and use five antennas to provide 360° coverage, the Sirius Compact L24R has an azimuth coverage of 120° and uses four antennas on the same linear plane, giving a more refined direction-finding accuracy of less than 1° root mean square (RMS). While a couple of Sirius Compact L24Rs can be used to determine the location of a target, triangulation from three sensors provides the most accurate range and location fix.

The Sirius Compact L24R covers a frequency range of 1-18 GHz (allowing the system to pick up air surveillance radars operating between 1-2 Ghz as well as other radar systems), measures 450×170×170 mm, weighs 8 kg and has a relatively low power consumption of 65 W. The sensor does not contain a power supply, as it is platform and datalink agnostic, and does not contain a threat library of radar emissions, which means that if the sensor is lost, the sensitive threat library is not lost with it.

In an online briefing to a select cadre of journalists on 15 May, Saab officials noted that the Sirius Compact L24R is expected to be used as part of strategic widescale distributed sensor networks to provide a 24/7 passive surveillance capability, rather than the other, more tactical-focused sensors in the Sirius Compact family.

One example of a Sirius Compact L24R application given by Saab officials was the tracking of Russian shadow fleet vessels in the Baltic Sea, which, despite having turned of their AIS transmitters, could still be tracked by picking up emissions from their navigation radars.

The Saab officials noted that the Sirius Compact L24R, which was developed out of Saab’s facilities in Finland, is already under contract for a NATO customer. Production of the system is currently being finalised, with Saab aiming to deliver the first systems in mid-2027.

JFD achieves CE certification with its Stealth Multi-Role rebreather

Specialist UK marine systems provider James Fisher Defence (JFD) announced on 18 May 2026 that it has achieved Conformité Européenne (CE) certification for its Stealth Multi-Role (SMR) rebreather, marking an important milestone in the continued advancement of the company’s military diving capability.

The SMR has been engineered with a compact and improved ergonomic design to support mobility and usability throughout extended-duration operations, allowing divers to focus on their mission with confidence that their equipment will remain fully operational. Its modular, multi-role configuration is intended to enable operators to adapt the system across different mission profiles while maintaining consistent performance in challenging operating environments.

You can read the press release here.

BDT UK partners with London Proof House for advanced testing of Project Grayburn solutions

Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK) announced on 19 May 2026 that it has signed an exclusive agreement with the London Proof House, the UK’s statutory authority for the testing and safety certifications of small arms, to provide the advanced testing and proofing for the rifles it is putting forward to replace the UK armed forces’ current SA80 rifle as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Project Grayburn.

The agreement will mean that, should BDT UK secure the Project Grayburn requirement, the London Proof House will provide all weapon proofing to ensure either the Beretta NARP or Sako ARG40 – which BDT is bidding for Project Grayburn – is ready for frontline service.

Rohde & Schwarz and Ukrainian partner to develop new EW capabilities

German electronics company Rohde & Schwarz and Ukrainian electronic warfare (EW) specialist Infozahyst signed a memorandum of partnership on 20 May 2026 that will combine the German firm’s EW technology with Infozahyst’s combat experience and market knowledge to promote a new line of defence products.

The agreement sets out a collaborative framework for the joint promotion, adaptation and marketing of three types of advanced system: a high‑power jamming capability, a counter‑unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) system, and a multifunctional mobile EW platform.

Saab receives Lithuanian order for Carl-Gustaf M4

Saab has received an order from Lithuania for the Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle and training equipment, the company announced on 20 May 2026. The order is valued at SEK 460 million (EUR 42.4 million), with deliveries planned for the 2026-2029 timeframe.

The order is part of a newly signed contract between Saab and Lithuania that allows for potential options collectively valued up to a total of SEK 640 million. The agreement is valid for 10 years and includes Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons, sub-calibre adapters for the use of training ammunition and Carl-Gustaf outdoor trainers.

The agreement also includes co-operation with the Lithuanian defence industry in accordance with Lithuanian regulations.

You can read the press release here.

FN Herstal unveils latest tactical variant of its FN MAG GPMG

Belgian small arms manufacturer FN Herstal unveiled the latest tactical variant of its widely used FN MAG general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) on 21 May 2026.

The key features of the FN MAG Tactical include:

• A long 11 inch (28 cm) monolithic Picatinny type top rail designed for accepting approximately 14 inches (36 cm) of operational space for in-line day, night or thermal optics while maintaining the use of original iron sights;
• An enhanced feed cover retention mechanism;
• A long, articulated carrying handle that ensures balanced transport and is fully compatible with barrel changes when full size in-line optics are fitted;
• An adjustable tactical buttstock that enhances user ergonomics and target acquisition through a three-position length and six-position cheek rest adjustment.

You can read the press release here.

Leonardo signs major contract with ADSB for Kuwait’s Al Dorra missile boat programme

Leonardo announced on 20 May 2026 that it has signed a major contract with EDGE Group’s naval arm, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), to provide next-generation naval combat systems for the Falaj 3 configuration for the Kuwait Naval Force’s Al Dorra missile boat programme.

With an estimated value of around EUR 320 million, the contract represents a significant milestone in Leonardo’s strategic partnership with EDGE and ADSB, the company stated, adding that it “reinforces a well-established and successful collaboration that has already led to the delivery of more than 25 naval units, demonstrating a proven track record of excellence and reliability in more than 20 years of fruitful collaboration”.

You can read the press release here.