Global

US to boost military presence in Europe for Russia threat

Biden announced the permanent basing of a U.S. military garrison in Poland. He also said the U.S. is sending two additional F-35 fighter jet squadrons to the U.K. and more air defense and other capabilities to Germany and Italy.

Turkey lifting objections to Sweden, Finland joining NATO

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted Sweden and Finland to abandon their long-held nonaligned status and apply to join NATO. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had blocked the move, insisting the Nordic pair change their stance on Kurdish rebel groups that Turkey considers terrorists.

Commentary

The NATO summit is chance to wean Europe off US military might

In Madrid, Biden ought to drive a hard bargain with America’s European allies.

NATO to boost readiness numbers, approve new Ukraine aid at Madrid summit

The increase to more than 300,000 on-alert troops will be matched with more prepositioned equipment and supplies stockpiles, notably air defense capabilities, said Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Russia to provide nuclear-capable missiles and fighter jets to Belarus

The latest development comes as the two countries are tightening their military cooperation in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Commentary

How to set defense spending when inflation is volatile

During periods with volatile inflation, policymakers have different outlooks on the accuracy of the inflation forecast.

Vehicle makers court Europe’s militaries with hybrid, electric rides

While the civilian vehicle world has successfully deployed hybrid and electric cars onto city streets, the defense sector is just getting started.

Having visited Pakistan and China, is Argentina ready to buy the JF-17 jet?

Here's what we know about Argentina's progress so far in acquiring the JF-17 fighter, and its related goals for supporting local industry.

South Korea develops robot for autonomous tunnel exploration

The robot can explore underground tunnels without topographic information, detecting risks and generating a 3D map of the exploration area, a government agency says.

South Korea is trying to double the range of its K239 rocket launcher

The Agency for Defense Development announced its effort, a key part of which is the application of ducted rocket propulsion technology.

Spain finalizes $2.1 billion deal for 20 Eurofighters to replace old F-18s

Eurofighter had something of a lock on replacing the oldest of Spain's American-made planes, stationed on the popular tourist island of Gran Canaria. The government in Madrid had cleared the purchase in late 2021.

Mobile howitzers take center stage at Eurosatory as artillery battles intensify in Ukraine

On the Eurosatory defense exposition floor, artillery was king as the Russian invasion of Ukraine evolves from missile attacks and close combat to daily artillery barrages.

Defense agencies among worst for disclosing contracting needs

General Services Administration received the highest score. Marine Corps Systems Command and Naval Information Warfare Systems Command won honorable mentions.

France requests Switchblade loitering munition to fill ‘urgent’ capability gap

The French Army has started the process of quickly procuring American-made loitering munitions as part of a longer-term effort to field remotely operated weapon systems, according to officials.

New F-35A base in Italy to open by end of year

The Italian Air Force is to get a second air base ready to host the F-35A by the end of this year as deliveries of the aircraft ramp up, according to officials.

Commentary

Face it, NATO: The North Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are linked

The new Strategic Concept should be able to address challenges posed by China robustly and implement some structural changes without undermining European concerns.

Panel rejects plan to close Georgia military pilot training center

Run by the Air National Guard, the center in Savannah conducts air-to-air combat training missions for reservist and active-duty fighter pilots.

Manned-unmanned teaming at core of French Army’s future helicopter programs

As the French Army moves ahead to field three new rotary-wing platforms by 2025, the ability to partner those systems with autonomous and semiautonomous technology will be a gamechanger, a senior military official said.

Industry deal moves Poland closer to acquiring South Korean artillery system

Poland is accelerating efforts to acquire South Korean defense equipment, looking to take advantage of the Asian nation’s mass production capacity and lenient policy toward technology transfers.

Marine Pacific commander vows to bolster Japanese defenses against China, Russia

The U.S. Marine presence is focused on the so-called first island chain in the western Pacific.

Ukraine war videos draw a crowd at Eurosatory weapons show

A video showing the military weapons Ukraine is relying on to defend itself against a Russian invasion attracted crowds at the Eurosatory conference.

China launches third aircraft carrier

China has launched its third and largest aircraft carrier to date at a shipyard in Shanghai, the first of its type there to feature a catapult aircraft launch system.

Ukraine could partake in EU defense-cooperation projects after war ends

Ukraine is one of a handful of nonmember states that have negotiated so-called administrative arrangements with the European Union, an entry requirement into the bloc’s sprawling bureaucracy for jointly developing military capabilities.

France qualifies Griffon medical evacuation vehicle variant

While VBMR Griffon vehicles have been rolling off the production line since 2019, the first Griffon SAN — indicating “sanitary” — will be delivered in 2023, the company said in a press release. Nexter, Arquus, and Thales are co-building the Griffons for the French army.

Rafael pitches latest Spike variant for US Army’s long-range weapon for helos

Israeli defense company Rafael is offering its sixth-generation Spike NLOS munition, unveiled at Eurosatory, for a forthcoming U.S. Army competition, with plans for U.S.-based production if chosen.