Defence News – Early May 2026

Increased global defence spending keeps BAE Systems on target for strong year.

UK defence giant BAE Systems has delivered a strong start to 2026, it said in a market update ahead of its annual general meeting today.

The group, which employs thousands of people in processes ranging from warship design to cyber warfare at its sites in Bristol, Yeovil, Weymouth and Dorchester, said it remain on track to achieve its full-year guidance after a strong operational and financial performance in the first four months of the year.

It said around the world, security threats continue to grow, leading governments to increase defence spending.

Sourced from The Business Desk

                                              ____________________

Defence contract for European joint venture set to create 100 jobs in Telford.

A total of 72 Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) will be procured under a contract worth nearly £1bn, which includes initial training and in-service support.

The contract has been awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the British Army to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS and German defence giant Rheinmetall.

The weapon systems – the barrel, breech, recoil system and trunnions – will be manufactured at Rheinmetall’s large-calibre production Telford facility. Sourced from Business Desk