Japan’s new 3,000-ton submarine with Harpoon missiles poses threat to China
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra
Fri, March 7, 2025
Japan has commissioned a new hunter-killer submarine that can operate in shallow seas to protect borders. Called Raigei or Thunder Whale, the diesel-electric submarine is initially planned to operate around waters near the country's mainland where Chinese and Russian vessels operate.
Built at Kawasaki Heavy Industry’s shipyards in Kobe, the 3,000-ton submarine is the fourth vessel in the country's Taigei class of vessels.
Prepared at a cost of $470 million, the submarine is powered by diesel-electric engines generating 6,000 hp and has a maximum underwater speed of 20 knots.
Better detection and anti-detection capabilities
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) revealed that Raigei has better detection and anti-detection capabilities compared to the older Taigei class of submarines.
Equipped with lithium-ion batteries in place of lead-acid ones, the vessel uses new Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engines that are suitable with a new snorkel system for enhanced power generation efficiency.
At 84 meters from bow to stern, a displacement of 3,000 tons, and a crew of 70, the Raigei has an ultra-quiet diesel-electric propulsion system that combines a diesel engine and lithium-ion batteries. Its six torpedo tubes can fire the MSDF’s Type-18 torpedoes and also launch the Harpoon all-weather anti-shipping missiles from below the surface, reported SCMP.
Although the submarine isn't nuclear powered, however, reports revealed that the vessel can meet Japan's maritime needs.
New combat management system
The submarine also employs a new combat management system (CMS) combining advanced integrated sensors, command-and-control, and weapon engagement systems. In addition, it adopts an enhanced snorkel system to reduce signatures, and a new-generation sonar system based on fiber-optic array technology to enhance detection capability, reported Naval News.
Additionally, the Taigei-class is the first being equipped with a new domestically produced non-penetrating periscope manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric.
Lithium batteries used in the submarines also improves its operational flexibility, underwater endurance when compared to conventional vessels.
Six torpedo tubes bolsters vessel's offensive capabilities
The submarine has ZQQ-8 sonar suite, which is an upgraded version of the ZQQ-7 system used in the preceding Soryu-class submarines.
The vessel has six 533mm HU-606 torpedo tubes that can launch Type 18 torpedoes and UGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, which have a range of approximately 248 kilometers. With such weapon systems, the submarine can hit the targets beyond visual range.
Electronic warfare and countermeasure systems
The vessel's offensive capabilities against both surface and subsurface threats could pose a major challenge to China. The submarine is also equipped with electronic warfare and countermeasure systems that bolsters its survivability against attacks and detection.
The Raigei has been assigned to the 1st Submarine Squadron of Submarine Flotilla 1, stationed at the Kure Base in Hiroshima Prefecture. It will play a critical role in Japan's maritime security strategy, particularly in response to increasing naval activities in the region.
With the Chinese Navy expected to expand its presence in the Western Pacific, Japanese submarines, known for their stealth capabilities, are anticipated to play a key role in monitoring and deterring potential threats.
Meet the defense giants that will rearm Europe as the EU eyes a massive military buildup
Stuart Dyos
Sun, March 9, 2025
The European Union will implement the ReArm Europe Plan and boost its defense spending by €800 billion. Fortune compiled some of the European defense contractors that might pick up European needs.
The European Union announced plans to increase its defense spending by €800 billion ($867 billion), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this week, unveiling the ReArm Europe plan.
The plan includes €150 billion in loans to help member states buy air defenses, artillery, missiles, “ammunition drones,” and anti-drone systems as well as address other needs like cybersecurity and mobility.
“Europe is ready to massively boost its defense spending. Both, to respond to the short-term urgency to act and to support Ukraine but also to address the long-term need to take on much more responsibility for our own European security,” von der Leyen said in a statement.
The E.U. has felt added pressure from the Trump administration’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine war. Last week, a conversation at the White House between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky turned sour, and the White House has reportedly halted military aid.
As Europe plans to build up its military in preparation for a potential world without U.S. assistance, Fortune has compiled some of the largest European defense players that may take on a larger role to rearm Europe.
BAE Systems
Led by CEO Charles Woodburn, the Camberley, United Kingdom-based company’s revenue reached £26.3 billion in 2024. Its military sectors include air, land, cyber security and intelligence, electronics, and sea systems.
Within its air sector, BAE Systems is a partner in the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet consortium and the F-35 stealth fighter, whose prime contractor is Lockheed Martin.
BAE’s land division makes tracked, untracked, and amphibious combat vehicles. Additionally, the company produces ammunition, precision munitions, artillery systems, missile launchers, precision imaging, and targeting solutions.
In electronics, its repertoire includes flight and engine controls, electronic warfare, night-vision systems, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors, mobile networked-communication equipment, systems integration, and environmentally-friendly energy management systems.
Kuwaiti Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft fly over during an airshow commemorating Kuwait's 64th Independence Day in Kuwait City on February 25, 2025. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP) (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images)More
Thales
Helmed by CEO Patrice Caine in Meudon, France, Thales specializes in aerospace, defense, digital identity and ground transportation. In 2024, the company generated €20.58 billion in revenue.]
While the company is famous for its space systems, Thales does a wide variety of military work, such as designing smart sensors and connecting soldiers on the digital battlefield.
In January, Thales announced its leadership in the SEACURE program to enhance Europe’s underwater warfare capabilities.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Caine said the flood of EU military spending should stay in Europe.
“If you want to be autonomous, if you want to give meaning to the word sovereignty, you need to be independent from third parties and be as self-sufficient as possible in this type of capability,” he said.
VILLEPINTE, FRANCE - JUNE 21: The FZ602 - Thales Belgium SA Rocket System 70mm, on display at the Eurosatory Defense and Security expo, on June 21, 2024, in Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition center, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. Eurosatory, held biennially in Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, is the largest international exhibition for the land and air-land defense and security industry. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)More
Rheinmetall
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, the automotive and arms manufacturer saw revenue of €8.83 billion under the guidance of CEO Armin Theodor Papperger.
Rheinmetall manufactures tanks, air defense systems, autonomous ground vehicles, guns, missiles, and bombs. Most notably, it produces the Panther KF51 main battle tank.
Rheinmetall also offers flight surveillance systems and aircraft cannons.
The company’s naval division supplies weapons, sensors, and air defense to ships, along with military simulation and training.
14 July 2022, Lower Saxony, Unterlüß: An "infantryman of the future" stands next to a Panther KF51 main battle tank from the Rheinmetall armaments group during a tour of the Rheinmetall plant in Unterlüß on the occasion of the summer trip of Lower Saxony's Economics Minister. The newly developed Panther is one of the most advanced weapons systems in the world. Photo: Julian Stratenschulte/dpa (Photo by Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance via Getty Images)More
Leonardo
Led by CEO Roberto Cingolani, the Rome, Italy-based company generated more than €20.9 billion in sales last year.
The company is most famously known for its helicopter production, such as the TrekkerM multi-role platform.
The company is part of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), which includes BAE Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan. The GCAP is working to produce the next-generation of fighter aircraft
On Thursday, Leonardo announced a joint partnership with Turkey’s Baykar to produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), in response to the European military spending spike.
The two companies estimate that the European UAV market will reach $100 billion over the next 10 years.
Aside from aviation, Leonardo also specializes in cyber security, electronics, space, and aerostructures.
A person walks past the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) 6th generation fighter jet concept design on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, south west of London, on July 22, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)More
Saab
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the company serves civilian and military markets. Under the guidance of CEO Micael Johansson, Saab’s revenue reached nearly $6 billion in 2024.
Saab makes missiles, submarines, sensors, electronics, the Gripen fighter jet, and is developing future unmanned systems.
Additionally, Saab has over 100-years of experience building submarines. In February, Saab announced its remodel of the HMS Halland submarine, adding upgraded sensors and command systems.
“The launch of the HMS Halland is a testament to Saab’s ability to upgrade and deliver advanced submarines with the capabilities the Swedish Navy requires,” said Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s Kockums business unit. ”With HMS Halland, the Swedish Navy, and by extension NATO, is given additional muscle to defend and monitor the Baltic Sea.”
A Swedish Air Force Gripen fighter jet during the Ramstein Flag 24 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military air defense training exercise, at Andravida Airbase near Andravida, Greece, on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. Ramstein Flag 24 is a new NATO 'flag series' exercise which will bring together 4th/5th gen fighter jets from 13 Allies, Naval and Land forces to train on sophisticated high-end air defence tactics. Photographer: Hilary Swift/Bloomberg via Getty Image
Airbus
The company famous for its planes used in civilian air travel also serves the defense industry. Led by CEO Guillaume Faury, the aerospace giant generated €69.2 billion in revenue last year, €12.4 billion of which came from defense endeavors.
Within the defense unit, Airbus serves the land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains. Based in Toulouse, France, Airbus is a partner on the Eurofighter Typhoon while other planes in its portfolio include the A400M Atlas transport aircraft and the A330 MRTT refueling tanker.
It’s also developing advanced technologies in manned and unmanned platforms, such as Europe's Future Combat Air System.
24 August 2023, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Barth: A Bundeswehr Airbus A 400 transport aircraft lands at the Baltic Sea airport. The A 400 will take the paratroopers of Regiment 31 from Seedorf (Lower Saxony) on board and transport them into the air for a jump. Some 85 jumpers from Parachute Regiment 31 are taking part in the ten-day "Tactical Free Fall Training" exercise, which is being held in Barth for the fourth time this year. Photo: Bernd Wüstneck/dpa (Photo by Bernd Wüstneck/picture alliance via Getty Images)More
Safran
Helmed by CEO Olivier Andriès, the Paris-based company generated €27.3 billion in revenue in 2024.
Safran offers navigation technologies, electro-optical systems, targeting systems, parachutes, the Patroller tactical drone, and missile propulsion systems.
17 juin 2024. Une délégation étrangère se fait expliquer les aptitudes techniques du drome Patroller de SAFRAN. Le Patroller arrive enfin dans les armées françaises avec 5 ans de retard. (Photo by Patrick Robert/Getty Images)More
Fincantieri
Headquartered in Trieste, Italy, Fincantieri is a top shipbuilder under the leadership of CEO Pierroberto Folgiero. The company has yet to report full-year results but has estimated 2024 revenue will top €8 billion.
As European governments look to boost the defense industry, Fincantieri told Fortune it is poised to significantly expand its presence in naval defense, including submarine and underwater technology.
“We are investing in unmanned systems, AI-driven decision-making for autonomous underwater missions, and advanced communication networks to connect subsea assets with surface and space-based systems,” the company said in a statement.
An employee of Naval Group (formerly DCNS), a French industrial group specialised in naval defence and marine renewable energy, works in front of a FREMM "European multi-purpose frigate" under construction, a class of multi-purpose frigates designed by DCNS/Armaris and Fincantieri for the navies of France and Italy, in the group's shipyards on March 29, 2018 in Lorient, western France. / AFP PHOTO / LOIC VENANCE (Photo credit should read LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)More
Dassault Aviation
Led by Éric Trappier, Dassault Aviation makes military aircraft and business jets. Headquartered in Paris, France, it raked in €6.2 billion in revenue in 2024.
Dassault is most famous for its Mirage and Rafale fighter jets. In addition, Dassualt holds the prime contract under the French government for the nEUROn, an unmanned aircraft.
A Rafale jet fighter is towed on the flight deck of the French Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during its first-ever port call in Indonesia as part of the Clemenceau 25 mission, a four-month deployment covering the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions to enhance cooperation with allied navies, at Lombok Island, about 35 km east of Bali, on January 28, 2025. Before the port call, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle took part in the La Perouse 25 multinational naval exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, involving several countries, focusing on maritime security and air operations in the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits.
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra
Fri, March 7, 2025
Japan has commissioned a new hunter-killer submarine that can operate in shallow seas to protect borders. Called Raigei or Thunder Whale, the diesel-electric submarine is initially planned to operate around waters near the country's mainland where Chinese and Russian vessels operate.
Built at Kawasaki Heavy Industry’s shipyards in Kobe, the 3,000-ton submarine is the fourth vessel in the country's Taigei class of vessels.
Prepared at a cost of $470 million, the submarine is powered by diesel-electric engines generating 6,000 hp and has a maximum underwater speed of 20 knots.
Better detection and anti-detection capabilities
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) revealed that Raigei has better detection and anti-detection capabilities compared to the older Taigei class of submarines.
Equipped with lithium-ion batteries in place of lead-acid ones, the vessel uses new Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engines that are suitable with a new snorkel system for enhanced power generation efficiency.
At 84 meters from bow to stern, a displacement of 3,000 tons, and a crew of 70, the Raigei has an ultra-quiet diesel-electric propulsion system that combines a diesel engine and lithium-ion batteries. Its six torpedo tubes can fire the MSDF’s Type-18 torpedoes and also launch the Harpoon all-weather anti-shipping missiles from below the surface, reported SCMP.
Although the submarine isn't nuclear powered, however, reports revealed that the vessel can meet Japan's maritime needs.
New combat management system
The submarine also employs a new combat management system (CMS) combining advanced integrated sensors, command-and-control, and weapon engagement systems. In addition, it adopts an enhanced snorkel system to reduce signatures, and a new-generation sonar system based on fiber-optic array technology to enhance detection capability, reported Naval News.
Additionally, the Taigei-class is the first being equipped with a new domestically produced non-penetrating periscope manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric.
Lithium batteries used in the submarines also improves its operational flexibility, underwater endurance when compared to conventional vessels.
Six torpedo tubes bolsters vessel's offensive capabilities
The submarine has ZQQ-8 sonar suite, which is an upgraded version of the ZQQ-7 system used in the preceding Soryu-class submarines.
The vessel has six 533mm HU-606 torpedo tubes that can launch Type 18 torpedoes and UGM-84L Harpoon Block II anti-ship missiles, which have a range of approximately 248 kilometers. With such weapon systems, the submarine can hit the targets beyond visual range.
Electronic warfare and countermeasure systems
The vessel's offensive capabilities against both surface and subsurface threats could pose a major challenge to China. The submarine is also equipped with electronic warfare and countermeasure systems that bolsters its survivability against attacks and detection.
The Raigei has been assigned to the 1st Submarine Squadron of Submarine Flotilla 1, stationed at the Kure Base in Hiroshima Prefecture. It will play a critical role in Japan's maritime security strategy, particularly in response to increasing naval activities in the region.
With the Chinese Navy expected to expand its presence in the Western Pacific, Japanese submarines, known for their stealth capabilities, are anticipated to play a key role in monitoring and deterring potential threats.
Meet the defense giants that will rearm Europe as the EU eyes a massive military buildup
Stuart Dyos
Sun, March 9, 2025
The European Union will implement the ReArm Europe Plan and boost its defense spending by €800 billion. Fortune compiled some of the European defense contractors that might pick up European needs.
The European Union announced plans to increase its defense spending by €800 billion ($867 billion), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this week, unveiling the ReArm Europe plan.
The plan includes €150 billion in loans to help member states buy air defenses, artillery, missiles, “ammunition drones,” and anti-drone systems as well as address other needs like cybersecurity and mobility.
“Europe is ready to massively boost its defense spending. Both, to respond to the short-term urgency to act and to support Ukraine but also to address the long-term need to take on much more responsibility for our own European security,” von der Leyen said in a statement.
The E.U. has felt added pressure from the Trump administration’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine war. Last week, a conversation at the White House between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky turned sour, and the White House has reportedly halted military aid.
As Europe plans to build up its military in preparation for a potential world without U.S. assistance, Fortune has compiled some of the largest European defense players that may take on a larger role to rearm Europe.
BAE Systems
Led by CEO Charles Woodburn, the Camberley, United Kingdom-based company’s revenue reached £26.3 billion in 2024. Its military sectors include air, land, cyber security and intelligence, electronics, and sea systems.
Within its air sector, BAE Systems is a partner in the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet consortium and the F-35 stealth fighter, whose prime contractor is Lockheed Martin.
BAE’s land division makes tracked, untracked, and amphibious combat vehicles. Additionally, the company produces ammunition, precision munitions, artillery systems, missile launchers, precision imaging, and targeting solutions.
In electronics, its repertoire includes flight and engine controls, electronic warfare, night-vision systems, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors, mobile networked-communication equipment, systems integration, and environmentally-friendly energy management systems.
Kuwaiti Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft fly over during an airshow commemorating Kuwait's 64th Independence Day in Kuwait City on February 25, 2025. (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP) (Photo by YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images)More
Thales
Helmed by CEO Patrice Caine in Meudon, France, Thales specializes in aerospace, defense, digital identity and ground transportation. In 2024, the company generated €20.58 billion in revenue.]
While the company is famous for its space systems, Thales does a wide variety of military work, such as designing smart sensors and connecting soldiers on the digital battlefield.
In January, Thales announced its leadership in the SEACURE program to enhance Europe’s underwater warfare capabilities.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Caine said the flood of EU military spending should stay in Europe.
“If you want to be autonomous, if you want to give meaning to the word sovereignty, you need to be independent from third parties and be as self-sufficient as possible in this type of capability,” he said.
VILLEPINTE, FRANCE - JUNE 21: The FZ602 - Thales Belgium SA Rocket System 70mm, on display at the Eurosatory Defense and Security expo, on June 21, 2024, in Paris-Nord Villepinte exhibition center, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. Eurosatory, held biennially in Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, is the largest international exhibition for the land and air-land defense and security industry. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)More
Rheinmetall
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, the automotive and arms manufacturer saw revenue of €8.83 billion under the guidance of CEO Armin Theodor Papperger.
Rheinmetall manufactures tanks, air defense systems, autonomous ground vehicles, guns, missiles, and bombs. Most notably, it produces the Panther KF51 main battle tank.
Rheinmetall also offers flight surveillance systems and aircraft cannons.
The company’s naval division supplies weapons, sensors, and air defense to ships, along with military simulation and training.
14 July 2022, Lower Saxony, Unterlüß: An "infantryman of the future" stands next to a Panther KF51 main battle tank from the Rheinmetall armaments group during a tour of the Rheinmetall plant in Unterlüß on the occasion of the summer trip of Lower Saxony's Economics Minister. The newly developed Panther is one of the most advanced weapons systems in the world. Photo: Julian Stratenschulte/dpa (Photo by Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance via Getty Images)More
Leonardo
Led by CEO Roberto Cingolani, the Rome, Italy-based company generated more than €20.9 billion in sales last year.
The company is most famously known for its helicopter production, such as the TrekkerM multi-role platform.
The company is part of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), which includes BAE Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan. The GCAP is working to produce the next-generation of fighter aircraft
On Thursday, Leonardo announced a joint partnership with Turkey’s Baykar to produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), in response to the European military spending spike.
The two companies estimate that the European UAV market will reach $100 billion over the next 10 years.
Aside from aviation, Leonardo also specializes in cyber security, electronics, space, and aerostructures.
A person walks past the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) 6th generation fighter jet concept design on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, south west of London, on July 22, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)More
Saab
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the company serves civilian and military markets. Under the guidance of CEO Micael Johansson, Saab’s revenue reached nearly $6 billion in 2024.
Saab makes missiles, submarines, sensors, electronics, the Gripen fighter jet, and is developing future unmanned systems.
Additionally, Saab has over 100-years of experience building submarines. In February, Saab announced its remodel of the HMS Halland submarine, adding upgraded sensors and command systems.
“The launch of the HMS Halland is a testament to Saab’s ability to upgrade and deliver advanced submarines with the capabilities the Swedish Navy requires,” said Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s Kockums business unit. ”With HMS Halland, the Swedish Navy, and by extension NATO, is given additional muscle to defend and monitor the Baltic Sea.”
A Swedish Air Force Gripen fighter jet during the Ramstein Flag 24 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military air defense training exercise, at Andravida Airbase near Andravida, Greece, on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. Ramstein Flag 24 is a new NATO 'flag series' exercise which will bring together 4th/5th gen fighter jets from 13 Allies, Naval and Land forces to train on sophisticated high-end air defence tactics. Photographer: Hilary Swift/Bloomberg via Getty Image
Airbus
The company famous for its planes used in civilian air travel also serves the defense industry. Led by CEO Guillaume Faury, the aerospace giant generated €69.2 billion in revenue last year, €12.4 billion of which came from defense endeavors.
Within the defense unit, Airbus serves the land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains. Based in Toulouse, France, Airbus is a partner on the Eurofighter Typhoon while other planes in its portfolio include the A400M Atlas transport aircraft and the A330 MRTT refueling tanker.
It’s also developing advanced technologies in manned and unmanned platforms, such as Europe's Future Combat Air System.
24 August 2023, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Barth: A Bundeswehr Airbus A 400 transport aircraft lands at the Baltic Sea airport. The A 400 will take the paratroopers of Regiment 31 from Seedorf (Lower Saxony) on board and transport them into the air for a jump. Some 85 jumpers from Parachute Regiment 31 are taking part in the ten-day "Tactical Free Fall Training" exercise, which is being held in Barth for the fourth time this year. Photo: Bernd Wüstneck/dpa (Photo by Bernd Wüstneck/picture alliance via Getty Images)More
Safran
Helmed by CEO Olivier Andriès, the Paris-based company generated €27.3 billion in revenue in 2024.
Safran offers navigation technologies, electro-optical systems, targeting systems, parachutes, the Patroller tactical drone, and missile propulsion systems.
17 juin 2024. Une délégation étrangère se fait expliquer les aptitudes techniques du drome Patroller de SAFRAN. Le Patroller arrive enfin dans les armées françaises avec 5 ans de retard. (Photo by Patrick Robert/Getty Images)More
Fincantieri
Headquartered in Trieste, Italy, Fincantieri is a top shipbuilder under the leadership of CEO Pierroberto Folgiero. The company has yet to report full-year results but has estimated 2024 revenue will top €8 billion.
As European governments look to boost the defense industry, Fincantieri told Fortune it is poised to significantly expand its presence in naval defense, including submarine and underwater technology.
“We are investing in unmanned systems, AI-driven decision-making for autonomous underwater missions, and advanced communication networks to connect subsea assets with surface and space-based systems,” the company said in a statement.
An employee of Naval Group (formerly DCNS), a French industrial group specialised in naval defence and marine renewable energy, works in front of a FREMM "European multi-purpose frigate" under construction, a class of multi-purpose frigates designed by DCNS/Armaris and Fincantieri for the navies of France and Italy, in the group's shipyards on March 29, 2018 in Lorient, western France. / AFP PHOTO / LOIC VENANCE (Photo credit should read LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)More
Dassault Aviation
Led by Éric Trappier, Dassault Aviation makes military aircraft and business jets. Headquartered in Paris, France, it raked in €6.2 billion in revenue in 2024.
Dassault is most famous for its Mirage and Rafale fighter jets. In addition, Dassualt holds the prime contract under the French government for the nEUROn, an unmanned aircraft.
A Rafale jet fighter is towed on the flight deck of the French Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle during its first-ever port call in Indonesia as part of the Clemenceau 25 mission, a four-month deployment covering the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions to enhance cooperation with allied navies, at Lombok Island, about 35 km east of Bali, on January 28, 2025. Before the port call, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle took part in the La Perouse 25 multinational naval exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, involving several countries, focusing on maritime security and air operations in the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits.
(Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP)
Constantine Atlamazoglou
Sat, March 8, 2025
Russia's weapons exports have plummeted amid the Ukraine conflict.
France overtook Russia last year as the second-largest arms exporter globally.
Russian weapons makers face a range of challenges that have emerged following the Ukraine invasion.
It has been three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the conflict has had a profound effect on the Russian weapons industry, causing its arms exports to plummet.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIRPI), which researches conflict and arms, calculates that Russian arms exports decreased by half from 2019 to 2023 compared to the previous five-year period.
Other estimates paint an even bleaker picture.
Pavel Luzin, a non-resident senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, a DC think-tank, calculated that Russian arms exports tallied less than $1 billion from January to December 2024. They had stood at $14.6 billion in 2021; they dropped to $8 billion in 2022 before falling further to about $3 billion in 2023.
Tellingly, France has surpassed Russia as the world's second-biggest arms exporter.
"We see that Russia, as an arms exporter, has generally failed," Luzin said last November.
The staggering drop in sales is partially the result of a shift by Russian arms manufacturers away from export contracts and toward producing more weapons for the Russian military fighting in Ukraine.
What is Russia rushing to replace?
The Russian military has suffered very high matériel losses in the war.
Open-source intelligence website Oryx indicates Russia has lost 3,773 tanks, 1,933 armored fighting vehicles, 5,531 infantry fighting vehicles, 615 armored personnel carriers, nearly 2,000 artillery pieces of all types, and many other pieces of equipment.
Since the above are only the losses that could be verified via photographs or videos, Oryx estimates that true Russian losses are significantly higher.
Russian arms companies have been working overtime to replace them. (Moscow has also been tapping into its inventory of older, Soviet-era equipment; however, 2025 may be the last year it can rely on stored weapons, Luzin wrote in January.)
Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the Uralvagonzavod factory in Russia in February 2024Ramil Sitdikov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
Although the credibility of official Russian data is suspect, "production of new military equipment increased substantially in 2023," as a result of domestic demand, SIRPI said, with Rostec and Tactical Missile Corp's, Russia's two biggest arms companies, seeing their combined revenues increase by 40% that year.
However, that momentum may not be sustainable.
Increased production has put pressure on Russian arms companies, which face manpower and financial shortages and growing costs due to sanctions imposed by Western countries, Luzin wrote. They, therefore, struggle to keep churning out the necessary equipment and have largely paused foreign contracts.
Where has everyone gone?
Russian companies are also losing customers. In 2019, Russia sold weapons to 31 countries — in 2023, that number had fallen to 12, according to SIRPI. This is a function of supply chains and geopolitics.
Since the purchase of weapons is often a statement of alignment, several countries who used to buy Russian arms have turned to Western, domestic, or other alternatives.
Additionally, due to sanctions imposed on Russia, maintaining Russian weapons is becoming increasingly difficult for buyers. Therefore, to safeguard themselves from uncertain maintenance, countries are seeking safer sellers.
In Asia and Oceania, which had accounted for nearly 70% of overall Russian weapons exports between 2018 and 2023, the US is now the biggest seller. And in sub-Saharan Africa, where Russia used to be the biggest seller, the number one spot is now held by China.
"Russia's arms export categories in the last two decades [have mainly] included air defense systems, combat aircraft/helicopters and their parts (including engines), and some naval systems like diesel-electric submarines, corvettes and anti-ship missiles," Luzin, who is also a visiting scholar at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, told Business Insider.
These weapons, however, have been far from excellent, he added.
Research published in The National Interest indicates that China has begun challenging Russia in the lower-value end of the arms spectrum,what is known as the "value arms market."
At the higher end of the spectrum, South Korea has been making significant strides to Russia's detriment thanks to its quick production times and NATO-compatible weapons.
Besides shifting the production focus of its weapons manufacturers, the war in Ukraine has damaged Russian arms exports in more ways, with some of the country's more publicized systems (like the S-400) proving to be more vulnerable on the battlefield than initially touted by Moscow.
Reputational losses are also influencing the downturn of the country's arms exports, Luzin told Business Insider.
Further, the dependency of Russian companies on "import electronics and machine tools on the manufacturing stage" has also had an impact, he added. Access to these components is harder to come by due to international sanctions.
And even when the war ends, things may not go back to business as usual for the Russian arms industry. Covering the lost ground will be "hard enough if not impossible at all," Luzin said.
Business Insider
No comments:
Post a Comment