Flight-tracking data shows continued Russian air bridge to sub-Saharan Africa
A recent report from the Center for Advanced Defense Studies found that Russian state-aligned military forces flew at least 75 flights in Central Sahel.
Europe
US Army general in Europe suddenly removed from command
The Army abruptly removed Lt. Gen Charles Costanza from command of V Corps.
How North Korean forces are bolstering Russia’s war against Ukraine
North Korea has deployed troops, weapons and now, according to a Ukrainian intelligence official, a missile unit to support Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Rheinmetall scales down 2026 sales outlook on scrapped frigate program
German defense company Rheinmetall lowered its 2026 sales outlook on Thursday after the German government canceled a delayed frigate program.
France’s drone production shifts from policy ambition to factory floor
France’s push to enlist its car industry to produce military drones is moving to industrial implementation.
Ukraine’s Fire Point starts to integrate European tech into missile defense system
Ukrainian drone and missile maker Fire Point has secured agreements from European defense companies for the Freyja missile defense project, its CEO said.
Poland readies Ukraine ‘Coalition of Willing’ drills, eyes NATO support for border defense
Poland is preparing to host the first military drills for the 'Coalition of the Willing,' a group of nations established to provide support for Ukraine.
Denmark begins extended military conscription in response to Russia, Trump
Around 1,600 military recruits kicked off Denmark's new extended conscription, as the country seeks to reinforce defenses amid Arctic security pressures.
Ukraine’s F-16s are being worn out from intercepting Russian drones
Ukrainian F-16s have destroyed more than 2,500 one-way attack drones, but repeated interceptions are wearing out the country's small fleet.
Pentagon has ‘kicked off’ review of US force posture in Europe
The review follows repeated calls by Trump administration officials for European allies to assume greater responsibility for NATO’s conventional defense.
Trump, Zelenskyy discuss Patriot deal and reviving talks with Russia
Zelenskyy later told Fox News’ “Hannity” show that Trump had “accepted that he will give us licenses” to produce the Patriot interceptors.
Finland closes airspace, restricts maritime traffic near Russia over drone risk
Finland’s military said it closed a section of Finnish airspace and restricted maritime traffic off the country’s southern coast near the Russian border.
French wildfires threaten nuclear deterrence industry, Rafale assembly
Wildfires raging west of the French city of Bordeaux are threatening a number of France’s key defense-industrial sites.
Austria plans to extend military service in light of Ukraine war
Austria’s coalition government plans to extend military service to nine months from six.
Iran says Ukrainian attack on vessel in Caspian Sea killed sailor
Tehran described the attack on its vessel as an act of aggression while accusing Kyiv of seeking to expand the war in Ukraine.
From steppe to sea, a Ukrainian drone unit hunts Russian ships
Drone units operating far behind the front line on Ukraine’s sweeping steppe have hit more than 180 vessels and other sea-borne targets in recent weeks.
With no Iran war end in sight, Germany pulls back two navy ships eyed for Hormuz mission
German defense leaders have little hope for peace in Iran soon, pulling back two navy ships meant to support a post-war mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
