Rheinmetall sells struggling auto division to focus on defense
The unit will be sold to Aequita for a provisional €350 million, subject to potential adjustment when the deal closes, expected in the fourth quarter.
Europe
US tells Europe, Canada to boost NATO air and naval forces
“Nations just need to assign the capabilities they have to NATO,” a spokesman for the alliance's military headquarters said.
At a NATO range in Latvia, hits and misses mark Europe’s counter-drone journey
Drone technology is “a couple of steps ahead” of countermeasures, one officer said, with interceptors having to work every time to prevent losses.
Future presence of US troops in Lithuania is ‘under review,’ says minister
U.S. troops presently stationed in the country are now leaving as expected, but the next scheduled group is not arriving, the defense minister said.
France restricts Israeli presence at Europe’s biggest defense show
The restrictions come amid strained relations between Paris and Jerusalem over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.
US, NATO allies to launch scaled-back Baltic Sea drills
Officials say the smaller footprint reflects operational realities rather than waning commitment.
US may consider placing nukes in Poland, Baltic States, report says
While the discussions were ongoing, an agreement to expand U.S. nuclear hosting was not imminent, an unnamed source told the FT.
Poland spends $16.5 billion in EU-backed loans on heavy army weapons
Amid political infighting over the funding mechanism, the government has tapped local companies to make fighting vehicles, howitzers and ammunition.
Norway becomes ninth country to sign up for French nuclear deterrence as trust in US falters
Meanwhile, Germany will participate in French nuclear exercises as soon as September, joining them in an observer role.
How Russia is turning Ukraine’s drones against NATO
A Russian drone wounded two civilians in Romania on Friday, days after Lithuania detailed how Moscow is also steering Ukraine's drones onto allied soil.
Nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, top UK intel chief says
The figure hardens a growing consensus among Western officials: Russia is on its heels for the first time since the Kremlin launched its invasion in 2022.
Romania says Russian drone hit apartment block, NATO vows to defend alliance territory
“I affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on X.
Ukraine would gain advantage over Russian glide bombs with Gripen-Meteor combo
Moscow has been launching record numbers of glide bombs in 2026, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, grinding down frontline positions.
At French Army FPV competition, NATO soldiers race drones and swap tips
“When I put on the mask, I no longer exist in this reality,” Chief Cpl. Clément said after completing the course.
Lithuania to buy Patria armored vehicles, eyes local industry share
A contract is expected to be signed with the Finnish producer in 2027.
Ukraine to buy 20 new Gripen jets, Sweden to donate older jets sooner
“We need these jets, and for us this is really a new page for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
Germany’s defense minister makes rare personal pitch for submarine deal in Ottawa
“Canada opting for the 212CD would mean to consistently and sustainably pursue the transatlantic path towards closer integration of our economies.”
