Turkey begins 2026 with defense-spending numbers trending up
The higher-than-projected increase reflects not only inflation adjustments but also Ankara’s commitment to sustained defense investment.
Europe
Babcock, Frankenburg plan launcher for ‘smallest’ anti-drone missile
Tallinn, Estonia-based Frankenburg says it aims to develop missile systems that are ten times cheaper and a hundred times faster to produce.
Ukraine’s allies praise major progress on defense guarantees
Plans discussed at a key meeting in Paris included having the U.S. lead an effort to monitor any ceasefire.
After US move on Venezuela, analysts see rules-based order at risk
Defense News asked analysts in Europe and elsewhere to comment on the impact on the global rules-based order, the NATO alliance and Europe.
Trump’s Venezuela takeover fuels fresh angst about a US Greenland grab
The transatlantic dispute has taken on a new flavor after U.S. forces conducted a daring overnight raid in the capital of Caracas over the weekend.
Zelenskyy names Ukraine’s head of military intel as his chief of staff
Kyrylo Budanov is one of the country’s most recognizable and popular wartime figures. He has led Ukraine’s military intelligence agency since 2020.
Germany to host small-drones production line for Ukrainian forces
Production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and is envisioned to reach 10,000 units of Zoom and Linza drones per year later on.
Europe’s 2025 defense winners include Saab, Rheinmetall; FCAS falters
The rising tide of higher defense budgets in Europe lifted most industry boats, though some more than others.
Nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles enter active service, Russia says
Russia's claim comes as negotiators continue to search for a breakthrough in peace talks to end Moscow's war in Ukraine.
Ukraine peace plan ‘scares the bejesus out of us,’ officials say
The U.S.-led plan caps Ukraine's military end-strength at a smaller number than it currently stands, while doing little to check Russian hostilities.
Swedish air chief talks next-gen warplane, Gripen’s anti-drone role
The year 2026 promises to be a time of decisions, as the Swedish air force strives to keep its options open when it comes to a new fighter design.
Sweden hastens Gripen deep-strike punch with Taurus missiles
Sweden's air chief now expects Taurus integration "considerably earlier than previously planned," he said in an interview with Defense News.
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.
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.
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.
