Romania's government signed a contract for the procurement of 12 Airbus H225M helicopters under the European Commission's Security Action Plan for Europe (SAFE). The agreement was concluded with the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) and will strengthen cooperation with IAR.

Ireland's Ministry of Defence has agreed with French defense contractor Thales to modernize its air surveillance capabilities. Under the procurement agreement coordinated through the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), Dublin will acquire 4 Ground Master 400 Alpha and 1 Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission All-in-one radar systems.

Germany has signed a contract for the integration of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system onto its F125-class frigates. The agreement between Diehl Defence and the Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support Federal Office (BAAINBw) covers system adaptation and firing tests.

France's Defense Ministry announced the successful first test launch of the new-generation M51.3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capability. The operation was conducted off the coast of Brittany using the Le Vigilant nuclear submarine, with the missile launched without a warhead.

Turkey's defense and aerospace sector exports increased 10.7% year-over-year in September, reaching $634 million. Annualized exports approached $11 billion, with nine-month exports up 15.6% to $6.92 billion.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Athens is expected to focus on weapons systems procurement for the Hellenic Air Force. Discussions on AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile and AIM-120D AMRAAM acquisition for F-35 and F-16V platforms are anticipated.

Global defense demand enters a structural phase amid geopolitical tensions and rising military spending. Turkey's defense sector exports reached $10 billion in 2025, with localization rates in missile and rocket production exceeding 90 percent. The sector employs approximately 176,700 people.

Turkish defense and electronics company ASELSAN is pursuing partnerships with Japan on air defense systems and underwater unmanned vehicles as part of its expansion strategy into Asian markets. The company's CEO aims to leverage operational data to enter regional markets.

According to the Defense Industry Agency, the sector achieved $634 million in exports in September 2026, representing a 10.7% increase compared to the same month last year. The nine-month export volume reached $6.926 billion, marking a 15.6% increase year-over-year.

A significant milestone has been achieved in autonomous aerial systems for U.S. defense. Northrop Grumman's YFQ-48A Talon Blue unmanned combat aircraft successfully completed its first fully autonomous flight, encompassing taxi, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers, and landing phases.

Turkey's premier technology and aviation event Teknofest wrapped up its Southeast edition in Şanlıurfa. Leading defense companies including Baykar, ROKETSAN, and Turkish Aerospace Industries showcased their platforms and future deliveries.

Defense Industry Agency President Haluk Görgün announced at TEKNOFEST that Turkey ranks 11th globally among defense export nations. The sector achieved 10.1 billion dollars in exports last year and signed approximately 18 billion dollars in new contracts.