Global

Taiwan adds minelaying ships to defenses against China

Such technologies are part of a strategy to deter any possible invasion from China, with its huge military and vast superiority in numbers of aircraft, ships and other weaponry.

EU readies key guides for its defense, space postures during French presidency

Defense ministers met this week in Brest, on the tip of western France, to make headway on an upcoming proposal dubbed the “Strategic Compass.”

India, China talks on border standoff end in stalemate

The previous round of commander-level talks in October also ended in a stalemate, with China accusing India of sticking to “unreasonable and unrealistic demands, adding difficulties to the negotiations.”

Boeing pledges expanded German industry involvement if the nation buys the F-18

While prospective local partners remained unnamed, Boeing claims its outreach effort would amount to deals worth about $4 billion.

Lithuania accelerates rocket artillery buy amid Russian military buildup

The Lithuanian government has decided to accelerate its planned purchase of a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) amid Russia’s military buildup on its border with Ukraine.

Indian, Chinese army commanders discuss border impasse

The 14th round of talks is being held on China’s side of the Moldo meeting point and is likely to conclude late Wednesday or Thursday, the Indian Army says.

New UK military air traffic management suite falls far short of savings goals

The first element of a major overhaul of Britain’s military air traffic management system has gone fully operational, but the Ministry of Defence has admitted the projected savings expected from the program are drastically reduced.

In Russia talks, US floats deal to limit missiles and war games

U.S. officials have raised the possibility of limiting missile deployments in Eastern Europe and the size and scope of its military exercises

New German government revisits Tornado replacement options

Germany is once again weighing its options for replacing the country’s aging Tornado aircraft fleet, which could put the F-35 back on the table.

President nominates new chief for National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

If confirmed by the Senate, the current director of intelligence for the Joint Staff would take over the NGA, the intelligence agency in charge of analyzing and distributing geospatial intelligence for the national security community.

Commentary

Inflation is the silent cyberthreat jeopardizing our workforce

The inflation expectations in 2022 are the highest in decades, which will directly impact the cost to attract and retain a cyber workforce.

For their next acts, former Trump administration DoD officials look beyond traditional defense contractors

The moves align with an increased focus by the Defense Department on transformative technologies — from artificial intelligence to 5G networks to hypersonic weapons.

Iran seeks to grow naval power as it prioritizes asymmetric warfare

Experts say the buildup of naval forces in Iran represents a rising threat to its neighboring countries.

India’s Navy, private shipyards flounder as government gives preference to state-owned firms

The Indian Navy is unlikely to meet its goal of having a 175-ship fleet in the next five years due to a lack of funds and the government’s preference to award contracts to state-owned shipyards over private businesses, service officials have told Defense News.

New in 2022: A changing outlook for air warfare in US Central Command

The Air Force is pivoting to a longer-range role in the Mideast that depends on drones.

Blinken warns Russia ahead of talks on Ukraine

Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Friday that the west is ready to respond “forcefully” if Russia steps up its aggression.

UK documentary shows Russian submarine dinging British warship in 2020

A towed array sonar deployed by a Royal Navy frigate hit a Russian submarine during operations in the North Atlantic in 2020, the British Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

Israeli subsidiary inks first public deal with UAE for work on A330 aircraft

The Elbit Systems subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates has signed a $53 million deal to supply direct infrared countermeasures and airborne electronic warfare systems for A330 tanker aircraft.

US, Japan agree to two defense pacts amid China worries

The U.S. and Japan are close to signing a new five-year pact for Japan to support U.S. military forces in the country and a new agreement to research and develop new defense technologies.

XVIII Airborne Corps commander set to be next CENTCOM boss

Lt. Gen. Erik Kurilla has been nominated for the military's top Middle East job.

South Korea grounds F-35A fleet after belly landing

A landing gear malfunction with the advanced fighter jet led to the emergency landing, and an investigation is now in the works.

China denies US report it’s rapidly growing its nuclear arms

A senior Chinese arms control official denied Tuesday that his government is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal.

Norway swaps in its F-35s for NATO quick-reaction mission in the High North

Norway’s has designated its F-35 aircraft for a NATO quick-reaction alert mission in the High North, ending a 42-year run of the country’s F-16s for that job, the government announced.

Japan, Australia ink deal to make military drills run more smoothly

This is the first such agreement Japan has signed with a country other than the United States.

North Korea says it has tested hypersonic missile, launched from Russian-made vehicle

It’s the second known test-flight of a hypersonic missile since North Korea first tested such a weapon last September.