Europe

Turkey hints at potential Hurkus aircraft sale to Azerbaijan

Earlier this year, Niger became the first foreign customer of the Hurkus.

Commentary

How might allies respond if Russia invades Ukraine?

NATO needs to plan beyond efforts to deter another Russian invasion of Ukraine and recognize that its actual response may differ depending on the extent of Russian military operations.

NATO chief: The alliance is charting its path forward amid a changed security environment

NATO will engage even more closely with partners that share our values and interests, including countries, organizations, private companies and academic institutions. Preserving peace, the global rules and our democratic way of life is a collective effort.

European Commission VP: Embrace the EU’s ‘Strategic Compass’

The European Union has to be ready to defend our interests and values in this increasingly contested world order.

Polish defense minister: Here’s how NATO must adapt

Addressing the high dynamics of the global and regional situation will not be effective unless we continuously adapt. Our laws, institutions and mindsets must adapt. Our military must adapt. NATO must adapt.

Latvia’s defense minister: The importance of securing the supply chain

Keep some redundancy in EU defense and dual-use programs to help guarantee a steady supply during crises, argues Artis Pabriks.

Estonia’s defense minister: Strengthening NATO, from a 2030 perspective and beyond

A crisis, fabricated by dictator Alexander Lukashenko’s regime, no doubt with the Kremlin’s knowledge and support, could have long-term consequences for Europe’s security.

Almaz-Antey director: Air and space capabilities will decide tomorrow’s conflicts

One of the main trends in the development of armed conflicts in the 21st century is the expansion of multidomain battle.

UK defense secretary: In 2022, let’s focus on our resolve

The global outlook may darken in the months ahead, but it is how we act that will determine the outcome next year.

Lithuania’s defense minister: How to tackle threats bleeding into the new year

We must take into account the new emerging challenges such as cyberthreats; emerging, disruptive technologies; climate change; and strategic dynamics related to outer space.

Eurodrone engine candidates tout wares as decision draws near

As Airbus awaits a sign-off on its new European drone, a U.S.-owned Italian firm and a French company are on tenterhooks to discover who has been picked to supply the engine.

Airbus looks to keep portfolio flying in Europe through 2060 — with wider ambitions abroad

Despite growing competition in its backyard, Airbus is laser-focused on keeping its military aircraft in Europe’s skies — and hoping to soon make it across the Atlantic.

France signs $18B weapons deal with UAE

The deal aims to boost military cooperation in the Persian Gulf amid shared concerns about Iran.

U.S.-EU leaders to unveil new forum for defense, security talks

Top U.S. and European Union officials are readying a new channel for dialog on defense and security issues, as both sides of the Atlantic stare down similar challenges, a senior EU military official said.

Commentary

How an adversary could take advantage of Europe’s data releases

We underestimate the significance of the available information that a potential adversary can easily acquire.

Airbus: Eurodrone project ready for takeoff – as soon as the contract is signed

“We have the green light from Germany, from Italy and from France, and we are in the waiting phase, basically every day now, on Spain,” one company executive said.

Leaked crash video of British F-35B shows jet dropping off carrier ramp

The video shows the jet attempting to take off from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in the eastern Mediterranean.

Croatia buys used Rafale fighters, as France eyes 12 new jets

During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Croatia, Defence Minister Mario Banožić and his French counterpart Florence Parly signed a deal under which the Croatian Air Force will acquire 12 second-hand Rafale F3-R fighter jets.

Turkish, Ukrainian companies team up for Mi-8 helicopter upgrades

Military electronics specialist Aselsan will work with Ukraine’s Motor Sich and Ukroboronprom to perform electro-optical and missile upgrades on the Mi-8s.

British Air Force chief envisions synthetic fuel produced on deployments

Adopting eco-friendly jet fuel is the key element in the Royal Air Force achieving its green targets, but Air Marshal Sir Mike Wigston also pointed to potentially significant operational gains from development of the technology.

Incoming German government commits to NATO nuclear deterrent

“The good news is that we are at least staying the course,” said Christian Mölling, a senior analyst at the Berlin-based German Council on Foreign Relations.

Estonia’s envoy to NATO talks Russia, Afghanistan and US nuclear policy

Jüri Luik spoke to Defense News twice for this interview: First on Oct. 21, at NATO headquarters in Brussels after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited the Black Sea region, and then by phone on Nov. 23, as tension between Russia and the West was hitting a new peak.

Commentary

Prioritize NATO’s core task: collective defense

The risk of conflict by miscalculation or by escalation of an incident is greater today than at any time since the end of the Cold War. NATO’s deterrent posture needs to be strengthened in both the Baltic and Black Sea area to reduce this risk.

Italy air force F-35B makes first time landing on Italian carrier

The exercise was officially about F-35Bs from different countries working together, but the big breakthrough was the sight of Italian Navy and Air Force jets flying alongside each other after a slow start to cooperation between the forces.

Commentary

If the Russian military crashes through a forest, will NATO hear a sound?

The question now confronting NATO is whether and how to react to a Russian invasion of Ukraine.