The Defence industry briefing
The month in defence in news, views and numbers
In numbers
$740.5bn
Defence funds authorised in the 2021 National Defense Authorisation Act passed by the US Senate
75,000
The weight of France’s planned future aircraft carrier in tonnes
€2.5bn
Value of Greek's order of 18 Rafale fighter jets under a contract signed with France
406
The number of battle force ships the US Navy aims to have by 2045
From our sites
US lawmaker warn of Open Skies withdrawal
US State Department confirmed that the US had formally withdrawn from the Open Skies surveillance, provoking concern from lawmakers in the country.
Investment in STEM needed to win space race
Speaking after the Defence Space Conference, Viasat UK managing director Steve Beeching called for investment in STEM and diversity in the space domain.
ULA launches spy satellite
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) has launched a satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office, a US Government agency tasked with managing spy satellites.
Type 31 frigate assembly hall unveiled
The Royal Navy’s module hall for the construction of the Type 31 frigates has been unveiled in Rosyth, Scotland.
In quotes
Our strategic future, too, goes through the nuclear industry. I have decided that the future aircraft carrier which will equip our country and our Navy will be, like the Charles de Gaulle, nuclear powered.
French President Emmanuel Macron announces the country’s next aircraft carrier will be nuclear powered
Some tough choices will still have to be made. But those choices will allow us to invest in new domains, new equipment and new ways of working.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to RUSI during a speech on the UK’s defence reform
On TWitter
In Pictures
US Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing fly in a formation over the flight line during exercise Forest Light Western Army at Camp Soumagahara, Japan. Credit: USMC
RAF and German Typhoon aircraft fly over Eastern Europe, supported by an RAF Voyager which provided the air-to-air refuelling capability throughout the flight. Credit: MOD
Soldiers from the British Army's 4th Battalion The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment pose for a photo after an early morning attack on Salisbury Plain Training Area. Credit: MOD
For the first time in Scotland, the 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS) participate in a new way of infantry training using virtual reality equipment. Credit: MOD
An RAF photographer captures images of the A68 iceberg near the island of South Georgia, South Atlantic from the open ramp of an RAF A400M Atlas aircraft. Credit: MOD
The British Army has sent almost 2,000 troops to Liverpool to help with the mass testing of residents for Covid-19. Image: Crown Copyright / MOD