NATO is evaluating Ukraine’s Delta battlespace management system for potential use in joint military operations. US Navy Lieutenant Commander Danielle Moser stated on January 17 that while Delta has not yet been adopted, it shows promise due to its alignment with NATO standards. The system has been tested in NATO’s Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise (CWIX), with Ukraine actively participating for five years to refine its interoperability. Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Boiko highlighted Delta’s ability to transmit operational data using NATO Vector Graphics and Multilateral Interoperability Programme formats, essential for seamless communication between command-and-control systems. This development underscores Delta’s potential to enhance […]
Month: January 2025
Lithuania and Estonia pledge to meet Donald Trump’s 5% target on defence spending
Lithuania and Estonia have pledged to raise their defense spending to at least 5% of GDP in response to pressure from US President Donald Trump. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys stated the country plans to fund the increase through borrowing and European financial instruments, while Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted potential public sector cuts. Romania is also considering a defense spending increase and has already invested €6 billion in acquiring 32 F-35 fighter jets. These commitments reflect the growing influence of US demands on NATO allies to enhance their defense budgets. The moves highlight the Baltic region’s emphasis on […]
Cyprus Can Now Buy U.S. Arms
The Biden administration has authorized Cyprus to purchase American military equipment, signaling a significant shift in its defense strategy. This decision allows Cyprus to modernize its National Guard, although specific armament purchases remain uncertain, according to senior fellow George Tzogopoulos. The US arms embargo imposed on Cyprus in 1987 had previously driven the country to procure military supplies from Russia and France. Recently, Cyprus has sought to diversify its defense sources and align more closely with Western and NATO-compatible weaponry. This move underscores Cyprus’s growing strategic ties with the United States and its shift toward modernized defense systems. Original news
US arms exports hit record in 2024 on Ukraine-related demand
US military equipment sales to foreign governments reached a record $318.7 billion in 2024, marking a 29% increase, according to the State Department. This surge is driven by countries replenishing stockpiles sent to Ukraine and preparing for potential conflicts, significantly benefiting US defense contractors like Lockheed Martin. The Biden administration expects continued growth in weapons sales, further boosting the shares of defense manufacturers amid global instability. Notable deals in 2024 included $23 billion in F-16 jets and upgrades for Turkey, $18.8 billion in F-15 fighter jets for Israel, and $2.5 billion in M1A2 Abrams tanks for Romania. These figures underscore […]
German Patriot units in Poland will be operational by Monday
Two German Patriot air defense units in southeastern Poland will be fully operational by Monday, according to German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. These units are deployed to protect Jasionka, a vital hub for military and humanitarian supplies to Ukraine, and will remain near the Polish-Ukrainian border for six months. Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted Jasionka’s critical role, with over 90% of aid to Ukraine passing through it. Germany will also send Eurofighter jets to Poland this summer for air policing, further strengthening regional defense. This deployment complements Norway’s December stationing of F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems […]
South Korean Space Agency Unveils R&D Budget Boost
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) plans to invest 806.4 billion won ($562.5 million) in research and development projects in 2024, representing a 43.3% increase in R&D spending. Established in May, KASA aims to position South Korea among the top five nations in aerospace technology. Key investments include 187.4 billion won ($130.5 million) for research at national aerospace institutes, 150.8 billion won ($105 million) for a new rocket, and 45 billion won ($31.3 million) for lunar spacecraft development. KASA is also collaborating with NASA on the Lunar Space Environment Monitor for a 2025 mission, with 7.3 billion won ($5.1 million) allocated […]
Rolls-Royce Gets $11.1 Billion Contract to Supply Nuclear Reactors for U.K. Submarines
Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd has secured a £9 billion ($11.12 billion) contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to design, build, and support nuclear reactors for the Royal Navy’s next-generation submarines. The eight-year Unity contract will create over 1,000 jobs, primarily at Rolls-Royce’s manufacturing facility in Derby. By consolidating multiple projects into a single portfolio, the deal is expected to save £400 million through improved efficiency. UK Defense Secretary John Healey reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increased defense spending, citing the need to address rising global threats. This contract highlights the UK’s strategic focus on strengthening its naval capabilities and defense […]
NASA Issued Study Contracts to Examine Logistical Issues for a Long-Term Human Presence on the Moon
NASA has awarded $24 million in contracts to nine companies to study logistics for future human missions to the moon. These studies, part of the NextSTEP-2 program, aim to address gaps in NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture, focusing on logistics carriers, surface cargo mobility, and trash management. Deputy Associate Administrator Nujoud Merancy emphasized the importance of these contracts for developing critical capabilities for the Artemis missions and supporting long-term lunar exploration. The studies are expected to conclude in about a year, offering solutions for the everyday needs of astronauts on the lunar surface. This initiative proceeds amid speculation about potential […]
Space venture firm predicts industry shakeup
Space Capital predicts that Boeing (BA) and Airbus (AIR.PA) will divest their space divisions in 2025, according to its investment trends report released on January 23. These divestitures are expected to reshape the competitive landscape, creating new opportunities and risks within the space economy. The report highlights 2025 as a transformative year for the space industry, bolstered by the Trump administration’s pro-growth policies and Elon Musk’s influential role. Increasing global defense spending, driven by concerns over China’s expanding space capabilities, is identified as a major factor shaping the industry’s future. Space Capital emphasizes that these changes will redefine industry dynamics […]
Finland Joins the Artemis Accords to Expand Space Strategy
Finland became the 53rd nation to sign the Artemis Accords, marking its commitment to international space cooperation and becoming the first nation to join under Trump’s second term. This move reflects Finland’s strategic focus on space as a defense priority, particularly as climate change drives increased activity in the polar region. In December, Finland adopted a new space strategy aimed at boosting commercial space capabilities in defense, telecommunications, and climate monitoring, with expectations of significant financial benefits. Wille Rydman, Finland’s minister of economic affairs, highlighted the growing importance of space activities for security and defense policy. He emphasized that space […]
NATO Strengthens Baltic Defense Amid Undersea Cable Sabotage
NATO has initiated Operation Baltic Sentry to address suspected Russian sabotage of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. An international flotilla, supported by elite divers, submersible drones, and advanced aircraft such as F-35 fighter jets, has assembled near Tallinn, Estonia, to protect critical gas pipelines and internet cables. The UK has deployed P-8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft and Rivet Joint spy planes, following the Royal Navy’s tracking of the Russian spy ship Yantar. Finnish authorities have accused the Eagle S tanker of damaging cables, adding to growing tensions in the region. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned of consequences for any threats […]
Norway And France Enhance Defense Cooperation
Norwegian and French defense ministers agreed to enhance defense cooperation, with a focus on maritime surveillance, during a meeting on January 16. The collaboration was formalized through a letter of intent signed by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram to address hybrid threats and improve situational awareness in the high north. Norway plans to invite the US, UK, France, and Germany to discuss partnerships for acquiring new frigates to replace its aging fleet. The US Navy is collaborating with Fincantieri Marinette Marine on the Constellation-class frigate, based on the French and Italian FREMM frigate […]
Cyber Defense Experts Share Warnings at Hearing
U.S. congressional hearing on cybersecurity addressed the need to strengthen U.S. defenses against foreign cyber threats. Committee chair Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) expressed concern over vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, calling for immediate action. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery described recent Chinese cyber incursions as “war-making actions” and proposed countermeasures such as disabling foreign cyber capabilities and increasing public-private cybersecurity investments. Adam Meyers of CrowdStrike reported a 150% rise in cyber intrusions over the past year, underscoring the urgency of raising the cost of cyberattacks for adversaries. The hearing highlighted bipartisan support for improving cybersecurity to protect national security and critical […]
US Urged To Build Strategic Supercomputer For Defense
Aaron Ginn, CEO of Hydra Host and co-founder of the Foundation for American Innovation, advocates for U.S. investment in a state-of-the-art supercomputer to strengthen military and industrial capabilities. He emphasizes that such a system would deter adversaries by providing superior computing power, enhancing national security, and supporting civilian applications. Ginn underscores the urgency of this investment as China advances its computing power and Taiwan faces growing threats. The proposed supercomputer would also boost American manufacturing and job creation, aligning with national semiconductor goals and the defense priorities of the new Trump administration. He notes that the cost of the supercomputer […]
Six HIMARS rocket launchers to arrive in Estonia by mid-2025
Lockheed Martin has delivered six M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Estonia, as announced by the Estonia Centre for Defence Investments (EDCI). These systems are expected to arrive in the coming months for immediate deployment by the Estonian Defence Forces. Major Tanel Tatsi highlighted the transformative impact of HIMARS, stating that they provide long-range precision strike capabilities to enhance Estonia’s defense. The delivery is part of a $200 million agreement signed in 2022, which represents one of Estonia’s largest defense investments. The project also includes ammunition, training, logistics, and communication solutions to support the new systems. Original news