NATO says all allies to meet 2% defense-spending target this year
Including the U.S., the alliance is expected to spend around US$1.6 trillion on defense in 2025, up from $1.45 trillion in 2024.
Europe
Israeli defense ministry withdraws from major UK arms exhibition
Israeli defense companies still plan to come to the DSEI defense show in London in September.
South Korea pumps new energy into US shipbuilding efforts
Hanwha Group, South Korea’s seventh largest business conglomerate, announced on Aug. 27 a $5 billion investment in Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia.
Russian attack includes strikes on center of Kyiv, killing at least 19
Russia launched a major air attack early Thursday on Kyiv that included a rare strike on the city center, killing at least 19 people and wounding 48.
Saab develops drone-killing missile in scramble for low-cost counters
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine kicked off a drone-innovation race, with both sides now deploying thousands of drones daily that often cost less than $1,000.
Britain expands training program for Ukraine forces
Ukrainian forces will receive additional training from the British military as part of the expansion of the United Kingdom-led Interflex warfare program.
Canada shortlists German, South Korean yards for massive sub program
The new Canadian boats will be expected to operate in the Arctic under ice for weeks at a time as well as in demanding conditions on Canada’s other coasts.
Denmark summons US envoy over report of Greenland influence operations
Denmark, a NATO ally of the U.S., and Greenland have said the island is not for sale and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there.
Turkish warship’s Benghazi port call cements new tack on Libya
The visit marked the first time a Turkish naval vessel had entered a port under Gen. Haftar’s control.
Finland seeks demining robots amid exploding focus on combat robotics
Manufacturers of unmanned ground vehicles have seen new contracts mushroom within and outside of Europe.
China debuts new warship, boosts South Pacific presence
The South Pacific has been the scene of skyrocketing tensions in recent months as China seeks to expand its maritime dominance.
Norway to help Germany pay for Patriot air-defense systems for Ukraine
Germany will provide Ukraine two complete Patriot systems from its inventory, and Norway will help pay for their replacement.
New Zealand adds Sikorsky and Airbus platforms to boost air capability
“This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet,” Defence Minister Judith Collins said.
Limited options may force Europe to pay US for security in Ukraine
Trump's transactional diplomacy could involve Europe paying up to $90 billion to ensure U.S. assistance to avoid another Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Israeli companies blocked from joining Netherlands defense exhibit
The ban marks the second European defense exhibition that has taken actions to restrict Israeli companies amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
Should America’s military plan for a retreat from the Pacific?
In the face of growing Chinese military power, America needs to relearn how to conduct a fighting retreat in the Pacific, a U.S. Army officer warns.
Fire extinguished aboard USS New Orleans
U.S. and Japanese crews extinguished a fire that affected multiple decks aboard the USS New Orleans.
