Rudy Ruitenberg
Rudy Ruitenberg is a Europe correspondent for Defense News. He started his career at Bloomberg News and has experience reporting on technology, commodity markets and politics.
All Stories By Rudy
France readies AI-powered combat data-management similar to US ‘Maven’
The system could be available within a few months, and available for exercises in September 2027, a top general said, declining to provide specifics.
MBDA to double Aster air-defense missile output in 2026
The company's Aster family of missiles is used in the SAMP/T air-defense system, the only European alternative to the American Patriot system.
France to boost munitions spending by nearly $10 billion through 2030
The country plans to set up a platform called France Munitions that will serve as an ammunition wholesaler for France, allies and export clients.
Europe can’t rely on US for air-defense missiles, top EU official says
Kubilius is on a “missile tour” of Europe to discuss with manufacturers how the European Commission can help with missile production.
Indra teams up with Hanwha for Spain’s $5.3 billion artillery order
Indra signed a binding agreement with Hanwha to produce 280 tracked vehicles based on the South Korean company’s K9 155mm self-propelled howitzer.
Netherlands plans $1.1 billion rush order for extra Patriot system
The Netherlands has been a loyal Patriot user, being one of first European countries to adopt the system in 1987.
The ‘simple maneuver’ of opening Hormuz strait carries great risks, analysts say
U.S. President Donald Trump has characterized an operation to unblock the economically vital passage as too simplistic, according to issue experts.
Dutch armed forces to add drone operators to combat brigades
The Dutch military will expand that capability “significantly” by deploying 1,000 to 1,200 personnel specifically for drone and counter-drone operations.
UK, Netherlands, Finland in talks to set up defense investment bank
The multilateral mechanism can include non-EU partners such as the U.K., according to Dutch officials.
European allies tell Trump ‘nein,’ ‘non’ and ‘no’ on help to force open Hormuz Strait
Trump in recent days explicitly linked U.S. involvement in NATO and support to Ukraine to efforts by allies to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
