Switzerland to expand EU defense ties with new cyber-defense role
Swiss defense planners have balanced these new engagements with Bern’s policy of armed neutrality.
Europe
Poland, Romania lead a drone bonanza in Eastern Europe
Local companies are vying for new customers besides their national armed forces.
Japan develops new missiles designed to repel an invasion
The long-range missiles could target vulnerable parts of ships and traverse Japan’s mountainous terrains to hit land-based targets, officials said.
Greece vows $27B on defense overhaul centered on high-tech warfare
Central to the plan is a planned air defense system, “Achilles Shield,” aimed at addressing tensions with neighbor Turkey.
In first, Hegseth to skip multinational meeting on Ukraine support
The April 11 meeting will mark the first time the coalition will gather without America’s secretary of defense participating.
US approves sale of F-16s to the Philippines in $5.5bn weapons package
The move follows U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth’s trip to the Philippines last week and comes ahead of the annual, joint Balikatan exercise.
France calls for new EU ammo plan, speeding up satellite constellation
“We have to stop with the big speeches," French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said, alluding to European Union mechanics for re-arming Europe.
With nod to neighbor Russia, Finland to quit global landmines ban
Quitting the treaty would give Finland more options in adjusting to "changes in the security environment," one leader said.
UK rushes naval laser weapon, as major tank upgrade hits snag
The British government in its Spring Statement in March announced plans to spend at least 10% of the Ministry of Defence equipment budget on new tech.
Opinion
Germany can co-finance European nuclear deterrence
What Germany can offer London and Paris, however, is to contribute to the considerable costs of both countries’ nuclear capabilities.
Putin announces new submarines, but the industry is strained
Moscow’s overall naval weapons mix has leaders hesitant to rush into additional production, as combat-support capabilities are in short supply.
