European countries are denying concerns that the U.S. has a “kill switch” for F-35 fighter jets, which are critical to their defense. The issue resurfaced after former President Donald Trump’s suspension of military aid to Ukraine, raising fears over European nations’ operational control of their F-35 fleets. Joachim Schranzhofer of German defense firm Hensoldt stated that while there is no direct kill switch, the U.S. could block access to essential software, effectively grounding the aircraft. As Germany prepares to receive 35 F-35s in 2026, concerns are mounting over U.S. control of critical defense technology. The debate underscores Europe’s growing push […]
Category: Europe
Latvian President Urges European Nations to Reinstate Conscription Amid Russian Threat
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has called for European countries to introduce conscription, warning of the growing threat from Russia. Speaking on Sunday, he emphasized that Latvia reinstated compulsory military service in January 2023 due to its proximity to Russia and urged other nations to follow suit. Rinkēvičs also confirmed that Latvia is debating whether to extend conscription to women, reflecting broader discussions on military readiness. While acknowledging public concerns, he stressed that reassurance must be backed by concrete defense actions from Latvia and other European governments. His remarks highlight Europe’s increasing focus on military preparedness amid uncertainty over the war […]
UK Defense Firms Prepare to Expand Production Amid Rising Military Demand
British defense manufacturers, including BAE Systems, Babcock, Leonardo UK, and Chemring, are preparing to ramp up production as European nations seek greater defense independence. The surge in demand follows Russia’s war in Ukraine and shifting U.S. policies, prompting 24-hour production lines, weekend shifts, and new manufacturing investments. BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn confirmed that the company has been scaling up in recent years but emphasized the need for clear government direction. The UK government has pledged to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next Parliament. Defense firms are now awaiting procurement details, with […]
Leonardo and Baykar Form Joint Venture to Tap $100B European Drone Market
Italy’s Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar have announced a joint venture to develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), targeting the $100 billion European drone market over the next decade. The JV will be based in Italy, utilizing both companies’ existing facilities, with discussions already underway with their national military forces. The first drone, expected in 18 months, will be based on Baykar’s high-altitude, heavy-lift Akinci and customized for customer needs. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani confirmed the venture will not compete with Europe’s MALE drone program, developed with Airbus and Dassault Aviation. The deal underscores Europe’s expanding UAV market and deepening defense cooperation […]
Eutelsat Stock Surges 500% Amid EU Defense Spending Boom
Eutelsat’s stock has skyrocketed over 500% this week, adding more than $3 billion in market capitalization due to heightened expectations for EU defense initiatives. The surge was influenced by geopolitical tensions following a disagreement between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and former President Trump regarding military aid, alongside the EU’s proposal to invest €800 billion ($861 billion) in defense programs. A spokesperson for Eutelsat stated that the company is “actively collaborating with European institutions” to enhance satellite communication capabilities, particularly in light of uncertainties surrounding Starlink’s support for Ukraine. Original news
Germany Loosens Debt Rules to Fund €1 Trillion in Defense and Infrastructure
Germany’s next government has agreed to ease constitutional borrowing limits, enabling over €1 trillion ($1.08 trillion) in defense and infrastructure spending. This marks a major policy shift from Germany’s traditionally debt-averse stance, with leaders from the Union bloc and Social Democrats backing the change. The agreement exempts military spending exceeding 1% of GDP from the country’s debt restrictions. Economists predict the move could boost GDP by up to 0.7% over two years, fueling economic growth. The decision reflects Germany’s increasing focus on defense readiness and modernization amid global security concerns. Original news
European Defense Stocks Surge as Investors Bet on Military Spending Boom
European defense stocks are experiencing a sharp rally, drawing comparisons to past investment bubbles like the tech boom. Six of the top 10 performers in the Stoxx 600 this year are defense firms, while a Goldman Sachs industry basket has surged over 60% in 2025. Investors are pouring money into the sector, expecting a major increase in military spending as European leaders boost defense commitments to support Ukraine. The rally shows no signs of slowing, with continued pledges for expanded military budgets across Europe. The surge reflects growing demand for defense capabilities amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Original news
NATO Tensions Under Trump Create Defense Opportunities for India
Rising tensions between President Donald Trump and NATO over defense spending could open new opportunities for India in the global defense market. During high-level White House talks, Trump questioned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Europe’s ability to defend itself against Russia without U.S. support. The dispute is expected to push European nations to boost defense budgets, with Starmer already announcing increased UK military spending. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius have emphasized India’s potential role in European defense supply chains. India aims to expand its defense exports and further integrate into global […]
EU Pushes for UK Nuclear Umbrella Amid Fears of U.S. Security Shift
EU governments are urging Britain to extend its nuclear deterrence to Europe, fearing a reduced U.S. security commitment under Donald Trump. Friedrich Merz, expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, is negotiating a €200 billion emergency defense fund with the Social Democrats. A European diplomat stressed that Britain and France must lead European security discussions, as they are the continent’s only nuclear powers. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski echoed the sentiment, stating that Europe’s defense is unimaginable without the UK. The push reflects growing European efforts to strengthen defense capabilities amid global uncertainty. Original news
Ukraine Secures Over $10 Billion in Aid on Third Anniversary of Russian Invasion
On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine received over $10 billion in aid from European, Nordic, Spanish, and Canadian sources. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a €1 billion military aid package as part of a 10-year agreement with Ukraine. The European Union will provide €3.5 billion in March, while Canada pledged $5 billion from Russia’s frozen assets along with 25 LAVIII infantry vehicles, artillery shells, and F-16 flight simulators. Meanwhile, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand imposed new sanctions on Russia, targeting its military and energy sectors. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged the G7 to take […]
Eutelsat Conducts World’s First 5G Satellite Trial, Shares Surge 9%
Eutelsat successfully completed the world’s first 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) trial using OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, boosting its shares by 9% on Monday. The trial is part of the European Commission’s IRIS² program, which aims to expand global internet access through satellite investments. The initiative will deploy 270 LEO satellites and 18 medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, with full operation expected by 2030. The test involved equipment from Airbus, MediaTek, Sharp, and Rohde & Schwarz, demonstrating potential cost reductions in satellite broadband for 5G devices. The breakthrough underscores Europe’s push for independent satellite connectivity and global 5G expansion. […]
Airbus CEO Pushes for Space Merger with Thales and Leonardo
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed interest in forming a European space alliance with Thales and Leonardo, similar to the MBDA missile consortium. Speaking during an earnings call, he urged EU antitrust regulators to adopt a more flexible approach to enable the merger. Faury emphasized that Europe has strong space technology, but greater scale is needed to stay competitive. He also noted the growing demand for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, where U.S. and Chinese companies dominate the market. The proposal reflects Europe’s push to strengthen its space industry amid rising global competition. Original news
Leonardo Expands Production as European Defense Orders Surge
Italian defense giant Leonardo is preparing to boost production through joint ventures and industrial alliances amid rising European military spending. The company reported an 11% revenue increase in 2024, reaching €17.76 billion, driven by higher defense orders and cost-cutting measures. CEO Roberto Cingolani emphasized the need for expanded production to meet growing demand. Leonardo’s Defense Electronics and Security division led the year with €10.33 billion in orders, while the company is exploring alliances and acquisitions for its Aerostructures division. The strong performance positions Leonardo for further expansion in the European defense market. Original news
European Defense Start-Ups See 24% Surge in Investment Amid Rising Security Concerns
Investment in European defense and security start-ups jumped 24% in 2024 to $5.2 billion, outpacing AI venture capital growth on the continent over the past two years. A report by the NATO Innovation Fund and Dealroom highlighted growing investor confidence in companies like defense AI firm Helsing and drone maker Tekever, despite a broader downturn in European VC funding. Germany overtook the UK as the leading destination for defense tech investment, with Munich attracting nearly $1 billion in funding last year. The NATO fund, launched in 2022 with €1 billion, aims to bridge Europe’s funding gap in defense innovation, as […]
India gets an observer seat in the Eurodrone program
India has gained observer status in the Eurodrone program, a collaborative effort involving Italy, France, Germany, and Spain under OCCAR’s management. The program focuses on developing a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) missions. Key contributors include Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo, with components like the mission computer and radar reviewed during an October visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Italy. The Eurodrone, led by Airbus, will feature a 2.3-ton payload, 40-hour autonomy, and the ability to operate in non-segregated airspace. This marks a significant step for India in advancing its collaboration with […]