Daily News Roundup

Lukashenko: Russian nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles now in Belarus

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that the Oreshnik will enter combat duty this month but didn’t give any other details.

Opinion

Winning the long game: Sustaining sea power as our enduring advantage

"America does not want a fair fight — we want a fleet so capable, so ready and so forward that the fight never begins," CNO Adm. Daryl Caudle argues.

Turkish defense ministry describes tricky shoot-down of wayward drone

The Turkish armed forces have previously had to neutralize unmanned surface vessels and drifting sea mines arriving from across the Black Sea.

How a US-led peace plan in Ukraine is reshaping global alliances

The latest on U.S.-led Ukraine peace talks — and how leaks, deadlines and shifting drafts are already reshaping battlefield planning.

Denmark buys Kongsberg missile systems to defend strategic coastlines

Denmark controls some of Europe’s most strategically important maritime choke points, including access to the Baltic Sea via the Danish Straits.

US preps massive weapons package for Taiwan valued at over $10 billion

China’s Foreign Ministry attacked the move, saying it would violate diplomatic agreements between China and the United States.

EU flagship defense R&D in 2026 covers hypersonic defense, future tank

The bloc's research strategy, backed by €1 billion, includes a secret project aimed at testing a hypersonic glide vehicle demonstrator.

Germany to spend almost $60 billion in latest military funding package

One of the envisioned projects is a satellite-based reconnaissance suite for detecting hostile activity near Germany's deployed brigade in Lithuania.

Senate passes major policy bill authorizing $900 billion for Pentagon

The National Defense Authorization Act now heads to the desk of President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it.

Germany to increase Arrow 3 interceptor and launcher deal with Israel

Germany will sign an expansion of its Arrow 3 interceptors and launchers deal with Israel by $3.1 billion Thursday, the Israeli Defense Ministry says.

CNO dishes on sailor wellbeing, US Navy success in era of competition

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle sat down with Military Times to discuss his ambitions for maritime dominance in 2026 and beyond.

KNDS, maker of Leopard battle tank, plans stock-market listing in 2026

Shares in Europe’s publicly traded defense companies have surged since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Vietnam nears completion of militarized South China Sea outposts

Vietnam has revved up South China Sea land reclamation efforts this year, beginning construction on eight previously untouched Spratly Islands features.

Lithuania eyes state defense holding to steer all weapons needs

Vilnius is positioning energy company EPSO-G as the backbone of Lithuania’s future defense industry, involving it in partnerships with foreign vendors.

Norway plans to introduce military police on remote Arctic island

The proposed legal change comes amid the possibility of a future increase in Norwegian and allied presence in the area.

Air Mobility Command head nominated to be next US Air Force vice chief

If approved, the Air Force vice chief and JAG nominees would fill roles that have been vacant since President Trump fired their predecessors in February.