Europe

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

French army honing requirements for future ‘Vulcain’ robotic capability

The Vulcain study is intended as a bridge between the army’s two behemoth modernization programs, Schuster said. The ongoing Scorpion program aims to replace the service’s light- and medium-weight tactical vehicles and implement a new unified combat information system and UHF radios through 2030, while the future Titan program will focus on replacing heavy-lift vehicles — weighing more than 25 tons — along with artillery and combat helicopters through 2045.

Army equipment stored in Europe being looked at by inspector general

The pre-positioned stocks are being used for the first time ever, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Michiganders can hold up their hand and point: The supply chain you need is here.

Tucked among giant booths for drones and armored vehicles is an unexpected slogan: “Michigan. Pure Opportunity.”

NATO ministers discuss boosting eastern front forces

NATO defense ministers are discussing ways to bolster forces and deterrence along the military alliance’s eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning further aggression.

Six NATO countries sign agreement to collaborate on next-gen helo

Six NATO nations signed an agreement to collectively develop concepts for a future helicopter in Brussels on June 16.

Hensoldt may get a new customer for its stealthy radar kits: the Luftwaffe

A purchase decision by the German air force would thrust the service into a growing and still-secretive technology field that is making inroads into ground-based air defense setups.

Sweden commits to buying more Archer 155mm howitzers

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration and BAE Systems Bofors took the first step to establish an additional artillery battalion in line with Sweden’s defense strategy, which runs through 2025.

Half-autonomous ships and space systems top European Defence Fund’s 2023 wish list

The EU wants to “massively” lower the barrier of entry for non-traditional industry partners and startup companies to contribute to European defense efforts, one official said.

Poland reveals plan to buy AW149 helos in deal potentially worth over $1B

A medium-lift, multirole helicopter launched in 2006, AW149 customers include Thailand and Egypt. Leonardo is currently marketing the type to the United Kingdom.