Driven by the rise of biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies such as cell and gene treatments, demand for specialized air cargo solutions is accelerating. These products require strict temperature control, real-time monitoring, and compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards, making air freight the preferred mode of transport. As a result, the pharma air freight segment is projected to grow at over 6% annually, outpacing broader cargo market expansion.

In parallel, the global air freight market is forecast to grow steadily, reaching over $225 billion by 2031, with pharmaceutical cold-chain logistics identified as a key driver. Increasing investments in cold-chain infrastructure, digital tracking technologies, and certified pharma corridors are further strengthening this segment’s reliability and scalability.

However, 2026 also presents structural challenges. Capacity constraints, geopolitical disruptions, and rising costs are testing supply chain resilience. Recent global events have highlighted the vulnerability of pharma logistics to airspace disruptions and route volatility, reinforcing the critical role of air cargo in ensuring continuity of essential medicines.

Despite these headwinds, pharma remains a premium, non-discretionary cargo segment. Its reliance on speed, precision, and compliance positions it at the forefront of air cargo’s transformation—shifting the industry toward specialized, high-yield logistics. As global healthcare demand expands, “pharma at altitude” is set to remain a cornerstone of sustainable air cargo growth in 2026 and beyond.

Julian Sutch, Head of Cool Chain Products, Emirates SkyCargo

How does the pharma segment fit into Emirates SkyCargo’s overall strategy and growth plans for 2026 and beyond?

Our pharmaceutical business is arguably one of the most important segments for us—by volume, by yield, and in terms of our broader strategic objectives. At the heart of our efforts is a clear goal: to ensure that vital medicines reach patients, no matter the complexity of the journey. That purpose drives everything we do.

We first launched our dedicated pharma product in 2016, and since then, we have evolved it into five distinct sub-segments. This development has been guided by close collaboration with our customers, a deep understanding of market dynamics, and careful analysis of the types of products being transported.

Today, we are witnessing a new wave of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the area of personalized or individual patient treatments. These therapies are uniquely designed for a specific patient and are not mass-produced or available off the shelf at pharmacies. They are tailored to the individual, making them extremely valuable—indeed, often priceless.

Many of these treatments are biologics, involving living cells or organisms. As such, they require strict temperature control and extremely fast transit times. In response, we are continuously designing and refining specialized solutions to ensure these highly sensitive and time-critical shipments are handled with the utmost precision and care.

How is Emirates SkyCargo enhancing its cold chain infrastructure for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals?

There are three key aspects to our pharma cold chain strategy. First, and most importantly, is our infrastructure in Dubai. Operating in a region with consistently high temperatures has allowed us to build robust, year-round temperature-controlled facilities that operate 24/7, 365 days a year. This ensures that shipments remain within the required temperature range at all times, a capability that is often lacking in other parts of the world.

Equally critical is our collaboration with global partners. While our Dubai hub runs seamlessly, we depend on carefully selected handling partners worldwide. In markets where pharmaceuticals are a significant commodity, we prioritize partners with the right infrastructure, trained personnel, and compliant processes to meet GDP standards, ensuring sensitive shipments are managed reliably.

Finally, in certain markets, we form strategic partnerships to develop new capabilities. For instance, our Chicago facility, opened in 2019, was a collaborative effort where we provided expertise in design and implementation, while our partner invested in the infrastructure. Today, Chicago is a leading destination for pharmaceuticals, particularly shipments originating from India, demonstrating the success of this approach.

How do digital tracking, real-time monitoring, and data transparency build trust with pharma shippers, and are there new tech solutions?

Digital tracking and real-time temperature monitoring are vital for building trust with pharmaceutical shippers. Most shipments now include temperature loggers from manufacturers—one inside to monitor the product and another outside for ambient conditions—often supplemented by forwarders’ own devices. Traditionally, data from these loggers was only reviewed after arrival, limiting the ability to act during transit. Today, advancements allow live, real-time monitoring, greatly improving transparency and enabling proactive intervention.

At Emirates SkyCargo, our control center in Dubai monitors shipments carefully not only in Dubai but also outstations, working closely with our handling and forwarding partners. If a shipment’s temperature begins to deviate, the control center communicates immediately to locate the shipment and determine whether corrective action is possible. For cargo still on the ground, we can coordinate with handling partners to address issues quickly.

While operational constraints may limit intervention at times, real-time data significantly enhances responsiveness. With hundreds of approved loggers in use globally, we focus on leveraging this technology to maintain shipment integrity and provide reliable, high-quality service for our pharmaceutical customers.

How is Emirates SkyCargo supporting pharma exports from India and emerging markets, and are there dedicated trade lanes or partnerships

India is by far our most important origin market for pharmaceuticals, accounting for approximately 30 to 35% of our weekly pharma uplift. As the largest single-country source of our global pharma shipments, it remains a key focus. With significant freighter capacity from cities like Ahmedabad and Mumbai—and additional freighters coming online as well as capacity offered on our passenger flights from other pharma hubs such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai—we are well placed to support pharma exports from India.

However, outbound capacity from India is only part of the solution; onward connectivity from Dubai to global markets is equally critical. We are able to offer this through our global network from Dubai covering more than 150 destinations.

Consistency at transshipment points is vital. By deploying the same trained handling partners at key hubs, we minimize risk and ensure shipment integrity. We have proven that collaboration with partners who follow rigorous product- and process-driven standards is highly reliable. This strategy maximizes our network capacity while leveraging partner networks, supporting pharma growth from India and other emerging markets.

How is Emirates SkyCargo preparing to handle next-generation therapies requiring precise temperature control, faster transit, and efficient last-mile delivery?

We have already addressed this challenge with one of the fastest-growing segments of our business by developing a dedicated product called Emirates Vital. This solution is specifically designed for highly specialized shipments such as cell and gene therapies, clinical trials, bio-samples, and individual patient treatments, where speed and precise temperature control are critical.

Traditional handling—offloading a pallet, moving it into a warehouse, breaking it down, and reloading—can take six to eight hours, which is far too slow for these sensitive products. To overcome this, Vital shipments, which are usually around 25 kilograms, are hand-carried and loaded directly into the aircraft’s bulk hold, which is temperature-controlled.

Upon arrival in Dubai, a fleet of dedicated vans transports each shipment directly from one aircraft to the next without delay. This ensures minimal handling time and maximizes speed, taking full advantage of Dubai’s high frequency of flights. At the origin airport, shipments often come directly from labs, and our frequent flight schedules allow them to be dispatched quickly—even if a flight has just departed, another is usually available within an hour or so.

Because these shipments are small, they are not constrained by capacity limitations, allowing us to reliably move them faster than many direct carriers. This system—combined with multiple daily frequencies through Dubai and onward connections—ensures that next-generation therapies reach their destinations faster, more reliably, and under strict temperature control. Speed and reliability are the key advantages we offer for these highly sensitive pharmaceutical products.

How frequently are ground staff re-certified in pharma handling, and how is real-world compliance ensured?

We take extensive measures to ensure all staff handling pharmaceutical shipments are fully trained. Anyone who books, handles, hand-carries, or operates equipment with pharma cargo must complete our comprehensive GDP training program at our Dubai academy and undergo periodic re-certification. For outstation teams, we provide an online platform to stay updated on products, systems, processes, and operational procedures. Beyond training, we monitor real-world compliance across our global network. Among our 45 key pharma destinations, ground teams are fully certified under GDP or CEIV standards, with the necessary infrastructure and expertise to handle pharmaceuticals safely and efficiently. Rigorous training and certification are vital to ensuring compliance and maintaining customer trust.

What tangible innovations will shape Emirates SkyCargo’s pharmaceutical offerings over the next 3-5 years, and what are your plans to further enhance them?

From a technological perspective, everything begins with the booking process. If a shipment is booked incorrectly, it can fail, no matter how efficient the logistics. Over the past few years, we have made significant progress—today, around 80% of our shipments are booked online, either through our platform, third-party platforms, or via direct links with key customers. We actively educate our customers to ensure that shipments are booked correctly, which allows them to move seamlessly throughout our network.

Another major innovation is our control center in Dubai, which allows us to track and trace shipments in real time. We work closely with forwarding partners who use trackers and temperature loggers, enabling them to alert us immediately if a shipment shows signs of deviation. Our teams can then locate the shipment and intervene if necessary, enhancing reliability and safety.

Looking ahead, we are focused on addressing the biggest risks at origin and destination airports—particularly the ramp, where temperature-sensitive shipments are most vulnerable. For example, in India, high heat and humidity during summer pose significant challenges. While innovations like Cool Dollies have been helpful, their availability is still limited. We are now developing next-generation solutions to better control the origin-to-destination segment, providing a fully integrated airport-to-airport solution.

These advancements will offer multiple benefits, including improved sustainability, reduced packaging and thermal material usage, and enhanced efficiency. Combined, these innovations will make our pharma cargo offerings faster, safer, and more reliable, while setting new benchmarks for the industry.

Challenge Group

How do you ensure temperature integrity across the entire journey—including first mile, airport handling, flight delays, and last mile—without relying solely on passive packaging?

Pharmaceutical logistics has become one of the fastest growing and most demanding segments of the air cargo industry. It requires a fundamentally different operational mindset compared to standard freight. The biggest challenge is not transport itself but maintaining uninterrupted temperature integrity across the entire logistics chain.

Speaking of temperature control, it is managed across the entire chain, not by packaging. It starts with route risk assessment, followed by controlled loading at origin, storage in temperature-controlled warehouses, minimizing tarmac exposure, pre-cooling the aircraft, and reversing the process for the last mile. We also continuously monitor flight schedules to adjust operations if delays or changes occur.

Under what shipment profiles do you mandate active containers, and how do you validate their performance across long-haul routes?

Active containers are typically used for high-risk, high-value, or temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments. The final decision to use them is made by the pharmaceutical company based on product stability data, risk assessment, and internal quality requirements. Container performance and internal temperature are continuously monitored throughout the transport both in warehouses and during transit—to ensure the required temperature is maintained during flights and truck transport.

How do you handle pharma shipments through non-CEIV or limited cold-chain stations, while ensuring CEIV Pharma standards are maintained across all locations?

Before approving pharmaceutical handling at any station, we conduct an audit and risk assessment covering infrastructure, storage conditions (including mapping and calibration), handling processes, and emergency preparedness. For shipments that pass through non-CEIV stations or locations with limited cold chain infrastructure, we mitigate risks through detailed risk assessments, pre-approved routings, strict transfer time limits, defined escalation procedures, and backup options such as alternative cold storage or rapid transfer solutions. To ensure CEIV Pharma standards are applied consistently across all stations—not only certified hubs—we rely on standardized SOPs, mandatory pharma handling training, regular internal audits, KPI monitoring (such as deviations and dwell times), and centralized quality oversight with CAPA management.

How often are ground staff re-certified in pharma handling, and how do you measure real-world compliance vs classroom training?

CEIV/GDP Pharma certification is renewed every three years, while sales, logistic and W/H employees receive handling training annually or biennially depending on regulatory requirements, with additional refreshers when processes change. Real-world compliance is measured through internal and external audits, ramp and warehouse observations, temperature-excursion monitoring, and KPI tracking. Any deviations trigger corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), ensuring operational practice aligns with classroom training.

Who owns shipment data, how can pharma customers access raw temperature and handling data for audits, and what real-time visibility is provided during transit?

Ownership of shipment data depends on the source: the airline controls flight and ground handling data, while pharmaceutical companies often install own data loggers to monitor the shipment independently. Customers can receive operational temperature and handling data for road transport, air transport, and warehouse handling. Detailed reports are available on request too. Some customer loggers provide real-time temperature and location visibility during ground handling and record during the flight.

During peak seasons or global health emergencies, how do you prioritize pharma shipments against higher-yield cargo?

During peak seasons or global health emergencies, we give pharmaceutical and vaccine shipments Priority or “must-load” status, ensuring they are handled before higher throughput cargo. This prioritization reflects their sensitivity, temperature requirements, and critical importance to public health.

How do you design pharma corridors for high-volume markets like India, what sets them apart, and how do you balance hub-and-spoke efficiency with fewer handoffs?

Pharma corridors for high volume origin markets like India are planned based on market demand, shipment volumes, and regulatory requirements. Routes are differentiated by capacity, transit time, and connectivity to major distribution hubs. At the same time, hub and spoke efficiency is balanced with the pharmaceutical industry’s preference for fewer touchpoints, ensuring faster, reliable, and compliant deliveries.

How do you audit and control pharma handling standards among your appointed GSAs and freight forwarders?

As an airline, we ensure compliance with pharma handling standards through regular audits in line with IATA CTR (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in ~Pharmaceutical Logistics/ Cool Chain Regulation). We have established SLAs (Service Level Agreements) and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) with our GSAs and freight forwarders to ensure consistent practices.

• GSA (Ground Handling Agent): We ensure that all GSA personnel handling pharma shipments are trained in pharmaceutical handling and GDP (Good Distribution Practice) standards.
• RFS (Freight Forwarders): Audits are conducted according to IATA regulations, and we ensure that all forwarders follow our SLAs and SOPs for pharma shipment handling.

This approach allows us to maintain high standards, monitor compliance, and ensure the integrity of pharmaceutical shipments throughout the supply chain.

How do you balance sustainability with the energy demands of temperature-controlled pharma transport, and prepare for stricter regulations on biologics and ultra-low-temperature cargo?

As an airline, we work closely with our pharmaceutical customers to meet both sustainability and temperature-control requirements. We optimize transport through efficient routing, modern temperature-controlled equipment, and appropriate packaging solutions that maintain required conditions while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Pharmaceutical companies define the transport conditions, but as an airline we prepare by working closely with them to meet evolving regulatory requirements. This includes risk assessment, staff training, certified handling processes, and the use of validated packaging and temperature-controlled solutions suitable for biologics, cell and gene therapies, and ultra-low temperature shipments.

What tangible innovations will define your pharma cargo offering over the next five years?

Over the next five years, our pharma cargo offering will focus on next-generation active and passive temperature-controlled containers and advanced packaging, real-time shipment visibility through sensors, AI-driven risk management during air transport. We will also expand certified pharma solutions and invest in more cold-chain solutions. These innovations will strengthen reliability, compliance, and end-to-end integrity for time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.

Royal Air Maroc Cargo Scales Up Cold Chain to Power Pharma Expansion

As global demand for temperature-sensitive healthcare logistics accelerates, Royal Air Maroc Cargo is making a decisive move to position itself as a key player in pharmaceutical airfreight across Africa and beyond. The carrier’s ongoing expansion and modernization of its cold chain infrastructure at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport marks a strategic investment aimed squarely at meeting the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical sector.

At the heart of the upgrade is a redesigned temperature-controlled facility featuring five specialized cold chambers, covering a total area of 590 m². The new layout has been carefully configured to accommodate a wide spectrum of pharmaceutical products, from vaccines and biologics requiring strict 2°-8°C conditions to ambient healthcare goods maintained at 15°-25°C, as well as frozen medical shipments. With three import chambers and two export chambers, the facility ensures seamless handling across both inbound and outbound flows — critical for maintaining product integrity throughout the supply chain.

This development comes at a time when pharmaceutical logistics in Morocco and across Africa are experiencing rapid growth. Driven by improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to medicines, and rising demand for specialized treatments, the region is becoming an increasingly important market for global pharma distribution. Royal Air Maroc Cargo’s enhanced capabilities are designed to support this trajectory, offering reliable, compliant, and efficient temperature-controlled logistics solutions.

Beyond capacity expansion, the upgrade also incorporates advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability. The modernized facility will benefit from improved cooling technologies and is set to integrate solar energy, aligning operational performance with environmental responsibility—an increasingly important consideration for pharmaceutical manufacturers and logistics partners alike.

Importantly, Casablanca serves as the airline’s primary hub, enabling strong connectivity across its network. Complemented by cold storage facilities at key Moroccan airports including Fès, Rabat, Agadir, and Marrakesh, Royal Air Maroc Cargo is building a robust national cold chain ecosystem capable of supporting pharmaceutical and perishables flows across multiple gateways.

While perishables remain a core business segment, the airline’s growing focus on pharmaceuticals signals a strategic shift toward higher-value, time- and temperature-critical cargo. With its upgraded infrastructure and forward-looking approach, Royal Air Maroc Cargo is well-positioned to become a trusted partner in Africa’s evolving pharmaceutical logistics landscape.

The post Pharma at Altitude: The New Growth Engine for Air Cargo appeared first on Commando.

Upon arrival, they were received by the Commander of Baghdad Operations, the Commander of the 17th Infantry Division, and Staff Officers. Then they received a detailed briefing on the Division’s missions, duties, unit deployments, and formations within its area of ​​responsibility, as well as the mechanism for deploying checkpoints.

The Chief of Staff was also briefed on the main obstacles hindering operations in order to develop appropriate solutions, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

He then inspected the Command Headquarters, visited the photo gallery and the Memorial to the Fallen, where the Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran) was recited in remembrance of their souls.

He was also briefed on the achievements of the Division’s personnel and the development it has undergone since its formation. The tour also included visits to several facilities belonging to the Command’s personnel and the “Sand Table” hall, where the Chief of Staff commended the significant efforts made in organizing the exhibition and documenting the Command’s record of achievements.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Chief of Staff of the Army directed the Commanders and Officers to exercise caution and vigilance to thwart the terrorist gangs, to intensify intelligence and proactive efforts, and to focus on fortifying and securing the fighters’ positions with all modern equipment and technologies.

Last week, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah also visited on Tuesday 21 April 2026 the Staff College, accompanied by the Assistant Chiefs of Staff for Training and Operations, the Military Inspector General, the Commander of the Ground Forces, and the Secretary of Training at the Army Staff Headquarters.

They were received by the President of the National Defense University for Military Studies, the Dean of the Staff College, and a number of Staff Officers.

Afterwards, His Excellency attended the exercise (Be Reasonable and Trust/ 85), which is a two-sided war game exercise at the level of a mechanized infantry division. Upon his arrival, His Excellency was briefed on the sand table that was designed according to sound military principles, praising the self-efforts made by the College’s members.

During his attendance at the exercise, the Chief of Staff listened to a detailed explanation of the objectives and goals of the exercise, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the Iraqi army and keep pace with developments in modern warfare technologies.

After that, the participating officers began to carry out the exercise segments, and the opportunity was given for discussions, interventions, and the presentation of opinions by those present.

The Chief of Staff of the Army presented a set of directives aimed at utilizing this type of exercise in the field to increase the combat experience of officers, according to scientific principles and precise military contexts. (Source & Photo © Iraqi Ministry of Defense)

The Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, visited Monday the 17th Infantry Division Command, accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Operations, the Commander of Ground Forces, and the Secretary of Intelligence for the Army Chief of Staff.

Upon arrival, they were received by the Commander of Baghdad Operations, the Commander of the 17th Infantry Division, and Staff Officers. Then they received a detailed briefing on the Division’s missions, duties, unit deployments, and formations within its area of ​​responsibility, as well as the mechanism for deploying checkpoints.

The Chief of Staff was also briefed on the main obstacles hindering operations in order to develop appropriate solutions, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

He then inspected the Command Headquarters, visited the photo gallery and the Memorial to the Fallen, where the Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Quran) was recited in remembrance of their souls.

He was also briefed on the achievements of the Division’s personnel and the development it has undergone since its formation. The tour also included visits to several facilities belonging to the Command’s personnel and the “Sand Table” hall, where the Chief of Staff commended the significant efforts made in organizing the exhibition and documenting the Command’s record of achievements.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Chief of Staff of the Army directed the Commanders and Officers to exercise caution and vigilance to thwart the terrorist gangs, to intensify intelligence and proactive efforts, and to focus on fortifying and securing the fighters’ positions with all modern equipment and technologies.

Last week, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah also visited on Tuesday 21 April 2026 the Staff College, accompanied by the Assistant Chiefs of Staff for Training and Operations, the Military Inspector General, the Commander of the Ground Forces, and the Secretary of Training at the Army Staff Headquarters.

They were received by the President of the National Defense University for Military Studies, the Dean of the Staff College, and a number of Staff Officers.

Afterwards, His Excellency attended the exercise (Be Reasonable and Trust/ 85), which is a two-sided war game exercise at the level of a mechanized infantry division. Upon his arrival, His Excellency was briefed on the sand table that was designed according to sound military principles, praising the self-efforts made by the College’s members.

During his attendance at the exercise, the Chief of Staff listened to a detailed explanation of the objectives and goals of the exercise, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the Iraqi army and keep pace with developments in modern warfare technologies.

After that, the participating officers began to carry out the exercise segments, and the opportunity was given for discussions, interventions, and the presentation of opinions by those present.

The Chief of Staff of the Army presented a set of directives aimed at utilizing this type of exercise in the field to increase the combat experience of officers, according to scientific principles and precise military contexts. (Source & Photo © Iraqi Ministry of Defense)

The post Chief of Staff of Iraqi Army Visits 17th Infantry Division Headquarters and Staff College appeared first on Commando.

The activities of the Egyptian-Pakistani joint training exercise “Raad-2” have concluded, following several days conducted at the combat training ranges of the Special Forces in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The exercise, which started on 09 April, was carried out with the participation of elements from the Egyptian Paratroopers and the Pakistani Special Forces, within the framework of the Armed Forces’ joint training plan with brotherly and friendly nations.

The drill aims to support prospects of military cooperation and enhance the combat efficiency of both Egyptian and Pakistani special operations forces, the Egyptian Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

Throughout its duration, the exercise included the execution of a number of theoretical and practical training activities designed to unify operational concepts and facilitate the exchange of expertise between both sides. These activities also contributed to maximizing the combat capabilities of participating personnel, enabling them to operate jointly in a professional manner under various conditions.

The final phase of the exercise involved the execution of several joint practical demonstrations in the fields of counterterrorism and confronting non-conventional threats. These activities highlighted the high level of coordination, precision, and combat proficiency demonstrated by both sides, as well as their ability to effectively execute missions of a specialized nature.

The main phase of the exercise was attended by Major General Mohamed Saad, Commander of the Egyptian Paratroopers, and Major General Ahmed Jawad, Commander of the Pakistani Special Forces. (Source & Photo © Egyptian Ministry of Defense)

The post Egyptian, Pakistani Forces Conclude “Raad-2” Joint Training Exercise appeared first on Commando.

• The company is leading the SCEPTER project, funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF), which strives to design, develop and validate a technology demonstrator based on AESA technology and hardware components already available on the market

• The application of artificial intelligence and cognitive architectures in managing the electromagnetic spectrum is one of SCEPTER’s major differentiating factors, which will enable future platforms to operate with greater efficiency, resilience and adaptability

Madrid, April 27, 2026. – Indra Group, through its innovation centre for next-generation sensors, is working on the evolution of European multifunction radio frequency (RF) systems, a strategic technology that enables the integration of advanced radar, electronic warfare and communications functions for air, naval and land platforms into a single intelligent architecture.

Among other actions, the company is leading the European RDI project SCEPTER (European Multifunction System Concept applied to Communications, Electronic Warfare and Radar), an initiative financed by the European Defence Fund (EDF) aimed at boosting the development of this type of new generation system based on AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) electronic scanning technology, which replaces traditional architectures based on different sensors to handle each function.

In this project, as previously in the CROWN project, both funded by the European Commission and led by Indra Group, the technological foundations of Multifunction Radio Frequency Systems (MFRFS) are being built, in key areas such as broadband AESA antennas, direct signal digitization and advanced resource management. The goal is to respond to the increasing complexity and saturation of the electromagnetic environment, multi-domain scenarios, and the need to reduce the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of defence platforms, especially critical in aircraft, to provide an operational advantage against the enemy.

SCEPTER represents a decisive step towards more compact, efficient, adaptable and sovereign systems, reinforcing European technological autonomy in critical defence capabilities and placing Europe, and Spain, among the few global actors with the capacity to design, manufacture and integrate advanced next-generation radio frequency technologies. It is developing a truly multi-function European system capable of, simultaneously and in a coordinated manner, carrying out detection, electronic protection and communications missions, significantly improving the situational awareness, resilience and operational effectiveness of European armed forces.

The project is coordinated by Indra Group and brings together a consortium of 14 organizations from nine European countries, including large defence companies, technology centres, universities and specialized SMEs, with extensive experience in multifunction radar, radio frequency component design and electronic warfare systems: BPTI (Lithuania), CAFA Tech (Estonia), CNIT, Elettronica and Leonardo (Italy), Fraunhofer and Hensoldt (Germany), TNO (Netherlands), ONERA and Thales (France), SAAB and FOI (Sweden) and XY Sensing (Poland).

Indra Group is also leading the design and validation of a technology demonstrator that uses AESA technology and COTS components, in other words, commercially available hardware, which allows for cost reduction and speeds up development.

“SCEPTER is a key project for the future of European defence systems, as it enables a technological leap in the integration of radar, electronic warfare and communications into a single multifunction solution, more efficient and prepared for the most demanding operational scenarios. “At Indra, we are leading this initiative with the aim of strengthening European technological sovereignty and consolidating our own strategic capabilities in advanced radio frequency,” said Daniel Gonzalez, Head of R&D Programs in the Innovation Department of Indra Group.

AI, gallium nitride, and digital twin

The application of artificial intelligence and cognitive architectures in managing the electromagnetic spectrum is one of SCEPTER’s major differentiating factors and will enable future platforms to operate with greater efficiency, resilience and adaptability.

Among its main lines of work, SCEPTER envisions the development of multifunction ultra-wideband AESA radars and high-efficiency radio frequency modules, the use of advanced gallium nitride (GaN) technologies that enable more powerful, compact and energy-efficient devices, as well as a digital back-end and advanced resource management systems supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.

The project also incorporates adaptive and cognitive design approaches that facilitate dynamic waveform optimization, threat detection and classification, and operation in complex electromagnetic environments, along with advanced modelling, simulation, and digital twin methodologies aimed at accelerating system development and validation.

The initiative will culminate in the design and demonstration of the system’s main functional blocks, including radiating panels, RF transmission and reception modules, digital back-end solutions, and an advanced intelligent resource management component.

About Indra Group Indra Group (www.indracompany.com) is the foremost Spanish multinational and one of the leading European companies in the areas of defence and advanced digitization. It is at the forefront of the defence, space, air traffic management, mobility, and transformational technology businesses through Minsait, and it integrates its sovereign AI, cybersecurity, and cyberdefence capabilities into IndraMind. Indra Group is paving the way to a more secure and better-connected future through innovative solutions, trusted relationships, and the very best talent. Sustainability is an integral part of its strategy and culture in order to overcome current and future social and environmental challenges. At the close of the 2025 financial year, Indra Group posted revenues totaling €4.843 billion and had a local presence in 46 countries and business operations in over 140 countries.

The post INDRA GROUP CONSOLIDATES ITS LEADERSHIP IN MULTIFUNCTION RADIO FREQUENCY SYSTEMS FOR DEFENCE AND SPEEDS UP THEIR DEVELOPMENT IN THE EUROPEAN SCEPTER PROJECT appeared first on Commando.

General Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Algerian Minister of National Defense and Chief of People’s National Army Staff, presided over the opening of a national seminar entitled “Protecting the Country’s Vital Installations Against New Threats: Realities and Prospects for Improvement” on Tuesday, at the National Army Circle in Béni Messous.

Participating in this seminar, alongside the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, Ministers, and the Advisor to the President of the Republic in charge of Security and Defense Affairs, were the Lieutenant General Commander the Land Forces, the Secretary General of the Ministry of National Defense, and the Commanders of the Forces and the Republican Guard.

The Chief of the Ministry of National Defense Staff, the Commander of the National Gendarmerie, the Commander of the 1st Military Region, the Chiefs of Departments, the Inspector General of the Army, the central directors of the Ministry of National Defense and the General Staff of People’s National Army, as well as executives and university professors, also attended the seminar.

The seminar began with an opening address by General Chanegriha, in which he first welcomed the guests and participants before emphasizing that critical infrastructure has become a vital artery of life, sustaining the modern state with security and stability, and constituting an essential component of the national defense apparatus and a pillar of overall security, the Algerian Ministry of National Defence said in a statement.

“Critical infrastructure is no longer simply an economic asset, as its role has been consolidated to become a vital artery of life, sustaining the modern state with security and stability, driving the dynamics of integrated development, and contributing to the promotion of national security in all its dimensions,” he said.

“Therefore, the protection of critical infrastructure is a strategic and rational choice, constituting an essential component of the national defense apparatus and lying at the heart of overall security,” he added.

General Chanegriha affirmed that the People’s National Army makes a vital contribution to securing critical infrastructure and ensures the continuous updating of intervention plans for intervention teams, their training, and coordination among the various stakeholders.

“In this context, the People’s National Army, guided by the directives of the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Minister of National Defense, plays a fundamental and central role, contributing through its operational units and security apparatus to securing strategic infrastructure by implementing protection and intervention plans to counter various threats, whether terrorist, sabotage-related, cyber, or what are now called hybrid threats,” he stressed.

“The People’s National Army also ensures the ongoing updating and development of intervention plans for intervention teams and their training, as well as planning and coordination methods between different sectors, within the framework of a comprehensive approach based on anticipation rather than reaction, prevention rather than treatment, while strengthening the complementarity between the human factor and modern technologies,” he explained.

The General then officially opened the seminar. Subsequently, presentations were given, during which the participating professors and experts addressed various aspects of the topic, including the strategic and conceptual foundations of the protection of sensitive installations, the responsibilities of stakeholders and coordination mechanisms, the evolution of threats against sensitive infrastructure, the protection framework combining technology and the human factor, and the link between sensitive infrastructure and national defense: What strategic directions for sovereign protection against future threats?

The presentations were also punctuated by debates and contributions from experts and executives, who presented visions and ideas that helped enrich the work of the seminar and its recommendations. (Source & Photo © Algerian Ministry of National Defence)

The post Algerian Army Chief Chairs Seminar on “Protecting the Country’s Vital Installations against New Threats” appeared first on Commando.

De violents affrontements ont repris ce dimanche 26 avril à Kidal, dans le nord du Mali. Ils opposent l’armée malienne, appuyée par des mercenaires russes d’Africa Corps, à des groupes rebelles touareg alliés à des organisations jihadistes. Quelques heures plus tard, des habitants ont également signalé une reprise des combats à Kati, bastion de la junte au pouvoir. 

Depuis la veille, le Front de libération de l’Azawad (FLA), en coordination avec des groupes jihadistes, mène des offensives dans plusieurs villes du pays et affirme notamment avoir pris le contrôle de Kidal. 

Les points essentiels 

Le Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans (Jnim), affilié à al-Qaïda, a revendiqué une série d’attaques coordonnées menées avec le FLA contre des positions stratégiques du régime militaire malien. 

Le ministre de la Défense, Sadio Camara, a été tué samedi 25 avril lors d’une attaque suicide au camion piégé visant son domicile. 

Le chef de la junte, Assimi Goïta, a été évacué en urgence de sa résidence à Kati, également ciblée. Il ne s’est pas exprimé depuis. 

Les attaques ont touché plusieurs zones clés du pays, notamment la périphérie de Bamako, ainsi que les villes de Kidal, Gao, Sévaré, Mopti et Kati. 

Après une nuit marquée par des combats intermittents, les affrontements ont repris avec intensité dimanche à Kidal et dans l’ensemble de la ville de Kati, selon des témoignages locaux. 

Le FLA affirme contrôler Kidal après les combats et annonce poursuivre les opérations. Un porte-parole touareg a indiqué vouloir chasser les derniers combattants russes retranchés dans un camp. 

The post EN DIRECT – Mali: le ministre de la Défense Sadio Camara tué dans les attaques jihadistes appeared first on Commando.

Les équipages de l’escadron d’hélicoptères 1/67 « Pyrénées » ont une nouvelle fois démontré leur capacité d’intervention rapide et leur efficacité dans des situations d’urgence en mer. Engagé dans le cadre des missions permanentes de Search and Rescue (SAR – recherche et sauvetage), le H225M Caracal de la base aérienne 120 de Cazaux est intervenu, le 13 avril, à deux reprises au large de la côte atlantique.

Deux interventions coup sur coup

La première opération s’est déroulée aux alentours de 13 heures. Alerté pour porter assistance à un marin victime d’une chute à bord de son bateau au large de Mimizan (Landes), l’équipage a décollé en moins de 35 minutes, accompagné d’une équipe médicale de la base. Une fois sur zone, le blessé a été hélitreuillé avec précision, avant d’être acheminé vers le stade de Louga, à Bayonne, où il a été pris en charge pour une évacuation vers le centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU).

Quelques heures plus tard, à 23 heures, une seconde alerte mobilise à nouveau l’équipage. Cette fois, il s’agit d’un marin britannique en situation d’hypothermie, à bord d’un voilier en difficulté à proximité du Banc d’Arguin. Malgré des conditions nocturnes plus exigeantes, les équipes parviennent à sécuriser la victime, qui est ensuite évacuée, après son hélitreuillage, vers l’hôpital d’Arcachon pour y recevoir les soins nécessaires.

Une réactivité éprouvée en conditions réelles

Ces deux interventions illustrent pleinement le rôle essentiel assuré par l’escadron « Pyrénées » dans le dispositif national de sauvetage en mer. Placé sous la responsabilité du Commandement de la Défense aérienne et des opérations aériennes (CDAOA), ce dispositif garantit une capacité d’intervention rapide sur l’ensemble du territoire, de jour comme de nuit.

Au-delà de ces missions SAR, l’escadron 1/67 « Pyrénées » est également engagé dans les opérations spéciales, confirmant la polyvalence et le haut niveau d’exigence de ses équipages. La réactivité, la coordination avec les équipes médicales et la maîtrise technique démontrées lors de ces deux sauvetages ont été saluées, rappelant l’engagement constant des Aviateurs au service de la protection des vies humaines.

The post Deux opérations de secours réussies en moins de douze heures pour le Caracal de Cazaux appeared first on Commando.

Presque 300 ans plus tard, c’est dans cette commune que les stagiaires de la préparation militaire Marine (PMM) Bougainville ont reçu leurs insignes, en présence de leurs familles et de nombreux marins, dont l’équipage A du BSAOM Bougainville, mais aussi de la classe de défense du collège d’Hitia’a.

Présidée par le contre-amiral Pinget, commandant supérieur des Forces armées en Polynésie française (FAPF), la cérémonie s’est déroulée en présence de M. Benet-Chambelland, procureur général près la cour d’appel de Papeete, descendant de Maxime Destremau, glorieux marin qui s’est illustré aux commandes du patrouilleur côtier La Zélée durant la Première Guerre mondiale en luttant contre le bombardement de Papeete. Des représentants des « tavanas » de la communauté de communes de Hitia’a o te ra et de la commune de Hitia’a, ainsi que Mme Véronique Larcade, professeur à l’université de la Polynésie française, étaient également présents.

Créé spécialement pour l’occasion par les collégiens de la classe de défense d’Hitia’a, un spectacle de chant et de danse a été réalisé par les élèves après les remise d’insignes et de distinctions aux stagiaires de la PMM. 

Pour les nouveaux brevetés de la PMM, cette cérémonie marque l’aboutissement d’une année de formation militaire et maritime exigeante. Certains stagiaires poursuivent leur engagement avec les « marins du ciel » au sein de la PMM Aéronautique Alfred Helme, au sein du groupement aéronautique militaire (GAM) de Faa’a. D’autres embrasseront une carrière militaire ou rejoindront la réserve opérationnelle. Tous auront développé leur esprit d’équipage, leur curiosité et leur sens de l’engagement durant cette année de formation :  autant de valeurs cardinales pour la Marine nationale.

The post Cérémonie de la PMM Bougainville et 400 ans de la Marine à Tahiti appeared first on Commando.

Une architecture modulaire pour une résilience accrue

Le corps d’armée s’affirme alors comme un instrument de puissance, de dissuasion et de gestion de l’escalade. Cette posture exige des structures de commandement mobiles et résilientes, capables de se déplacer sans jamais perdre la conduite des opérations. 

Du 07 au 17 avril, le 1^er corps d’armée (1^er CA) a déployé sa nouvelle structure de commandement articulée en trois PC distincts. Un premier, projeté au plus près des zones de contact, structure blindée légère et ultra-mobile, a progressé au gré de l’avancée des troupes, opérant pas moins de six bascules en dix jours d’exercice. Le 2^e PC, mobile et lui aussi projeté sur le théâtre d’opérations, joue un rôle central de facilitateur avec la nation hôte. Enfin, son 3^e PC, déployé sur le territoire national, conçoit, planifie et conduit les opérations selon les remontées d’informations des deux PC projetés.

La 1^ère Division (1^ère DIV) de Besançon a, elle aussi, opéré une bascule de son PC principal et projeté un échelon avancé au plus proche de la zone des combats, afin de pouvoir, là aussi, s’adapter au terrain de façon réactive et pertinente.

Cette manœuvre de PC en terrain libre confirme la capacité des plus hauts commandements tactiques à se projeter et à assurer une conduite des opérations qui soit adaptée, cohérente et discontinue.

Une synergie interarmées et multinationale

La pleine intégration des capacités interarmées a permis une réactivité accrue du commandement de l’opération, grâce à une complémentarité et une synchronisation des effets. La supériorité informationnelle a été consolidée par la contribution de l’Armée de l’air et de l’espace, qui a assuré la sécurisation de l’espace aérien, et par celle de la Marine nationale, dont les capacités de frappe dans la profondeur – simulées dans le cadre du scénario — ont pleinement été intégrées à la manœuvre terrestre.

L’opération militaire conduite dans le scénario d’ORION, placée sous commandement OTAN avant le début de cette ultime phase, a consolidé l’aptitude d’emploi du 1^er CA au titre de corps d’armée de combat (Warfighting Corps) au sein de l’Alliance, placé à la tête d’une force multinationale opérant dans un contexte de haute intensité.

Vers l’engagement : la phase O42

Cette validation des structures de commandement prépare le terrain pour la phase de déploiement des troupes en terrain libre, du 20 au 30 avril ; cette séquence, marquée par une participation interalliée importante, fera la part belle à la conduite des opérations terrestres par le système divisionnaire de l’armée de Terre, autour de la 1^ère DIV et la 7^e brigade blindée.

The post ORION 26 : La manœuvre des postes de commandement au cœur de la haute intensité appeared first on Commando.

Commander of King Abdulaziz Military Academy Major General Staff Fahd Al-Qahiz delivered a speech in which he welcomed the defense vice minister and expressed his appreciation for patronizing the graduation ceremony of the 84th batch of cadets.

The graduates completed their military and academic training. They received advanced instruction, including field exercises and parachute and commando courses, qualifying them to join the armed forces and perform their duties with efficiency and competence.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Vice Defense Minister honored outstanding cadets, the graduates received their military ranks, a commemorative photo was taken, and the ceremony concluded with the playing of the royal anthem, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

King Abdulaziz Military Academy in Riyadh City is the first military academy established in the Kingdom and specializes in war studies and military training for the Saudi Army. It falls under the Royal Saudi Land Forces.

The origins of the Academy trace back to a military school established by the Saudi Army in Makkah al-Mukarramah in 1935, which was later relocated to Taif City in 1939.

On December 22, 1955, a royal order was issued to establish a military academy named King Abdulaziz Military Academy in Riyadh City. King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the new facilities of King Abdulaziz Military Academy in al-Uyaynah, northwest of Riyadh, on May 15, 1984.

The post Saudi Vice Minister of Defense Patronizes Graduation Ceremony at King Abdulaziz Military Academy appeared first on Commando.