Finland’s government has proposed raising defense spending from $6.8 billion in 2025 to $11.5 billion by 2032, reaching 3.3% of GDP and exceeding NATO’s 2% guideline. Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen cited unpredictable security risks and the possibility of large-scale conflicts as key reasons for the increase. An updated Defense Report, presented to the Eduskunta on December 19, outlined threats from Russia as a major concern. Finland’s defense budget has seen significant growth since 2020, including an $8.8 billion acquisition of 64 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters. These measures underscore Finland’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities in response to evolving security […]
Category: NATO
NATO Frontline Leaders Call for Enhanced European Defense Readiness
Leaders from Latvia, Estonia, and Finland have voiced concerns about Europe’s ability to counter Russia without U.S. support, emphasizing the need for stronger defense capabilities. Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics stated, “We are not ready,” while Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal urged allies to prioritize defense spending over prolonged debates. Though two-thirds of NATO members meet the 2% GDP defense spending target, experts warn this is insufficient compared to Russia’s projected 6.3% by 2025. Finland has bolstered its military with a £7.5 billion acquisition of 64 F-35A fighter jets, showcasing its commitment to modernization. Finnish President Alexander Stubb highlighted Europe’s dependence […]
Italy inks deal to buy up to 24 more Typhoons
Leonardo announced that Italy will purchase up to 24 additional Eurofighter Typhoons to replace its Tranche 1 Eurofighters. The agreement, facilitated by the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium, which includes Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, was made in collaboration with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency. These new aircraft will feature advanced avionics, enhanced weapon systems, and improved connectivity. Simon Ellard, general manager of the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, emphasized that the order will strengthen Italy’s air combat capabilities and support the security of Italy, Europe, and NATO. This acquisition underscores Italy’s commitment to modernizing its defense forces and […]
Lockheed Martin UK CEO Defends F-35 Amid Criticism from Elon Musk
Lockheed Martin UK CEO Paul Livingston defended the F-35 program after Elon Musk claimed it was obsolete due to advancements in unmanned drones. Livingston highlighted the F-35’s unmatched capabilities, its critical role in NATO’s defense, and its economic impact, projecting £45 billion in contributions to the UK economy by 2046. He emphasized the aircraft’s ability to handle complex missions with fewer planes while integrating with unmanned systems, countering Musk’s remarks as lacking informed context. Livingston stated, “By 2035, there’ll be 650 of them flown by European nations,” adding that the F-35 continues to dominate European fighter competitions. His comments underscore […]
The US Air Force needs to learn the way of the Finns for the war of 2027
Finland, a NATO member since 2023, has ordered 64 F-35 stealth fighters to replace its aging F/A-18C/D Hornets. Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen emphasized that Finland’s proximity to Russia requires a unique defense strategy, including the use of civilian airfields and highways as airstrips to evade Russian missile strikes. The F-35’s advanced stealth capabilities are seen as vital for air safety, though its high maintenance demands pose challenges for Finland’s austere operational bases. In September, U.S. F-35s successfully landed on Finnish highways, demonstrating the fighter’s adaptability to unconventional locations. This acquisition highlights Finland’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and ensuring […]
NATO air policing missions around Estonia see F-35 and Rafale jets intercept multiple Russian aircraft
NATO air policing missions near Estonia have involved Dutch F-35s and French Rafale jets intercepting Russian aircraft in the Baltic region. On Friday, French Rafales scrambled for the first time since their deployment in Lithuania, intercepting a Russian Ilyushin Il-18 near Estonia’s coast. Last week, Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, according to the Dutch defense ministry. These missions highlight NATO’s ongoing efforts to monitor and secure Baltic airspace amid rising tensions with Russia. Original news
US Explores Partner Missile Stockpiles to Boost Ukraine’s ATACMS Supply
The Biden administration is engaging with third countries to secure additional long-range ATACMS missiles for Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the discussions. While the U.S. does not plan to send more of its own Army Tactical Missile Systems, it is encouraging allies and partners to donate their missiles or variants. These efforts aim to address Ukraine’s limited supply of the high-demand weapon. The discussions highlight the sensitive nature of arms transfers amid the ongoing conflict. This strategy reflects continued international collaboration to support Ukraine’s defense needs. Original news
European next-generation rotorcraft programme moves closer to reality through new MoU
Launched in 2020, the NATO-managed Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program aims to replace medium multi-role helicopters reaching the end of their life cycle by 2035. Five European nations—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the program, with concept design work expected to start in 2026. The countries aim to select a single replacement solution by 2027, targeting development by 2030. In 2024, NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded contracts to Airbus, Leonardo, and Sikorsky for integrated platform concept studies, with final reports due in October 2025. The NGRC will replace […]
NATO Scrambles Fighters, Ups AWACS Flights to Protect Romania from Russian Incursions
NATO has increased its air defense efforts on the Eastern Flank in response to airspace violations by drones likely linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. On October 18, NATO officials emphasized the importance of air and missile defense, particularly following an incursion into Romania’s airspace, which prompted a scramble of fighter jets. The U.S. and NATO allies have enhanced their air policing, deploying additional E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft to monitor the region. These efforts, directed by NATO Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Christopher Cavoli, are aimed at improving surveillance and readiness against Russian military activities. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin […]
NATO’s European Members Struggling With Rebuilding Militaries Following Decades Of Drawdowns
#analysis According to a graphic-intensive report from Bloomberg Business, NATO’s European members are increasingly preparing for the possibility of a full-scale land war on their own territory after decades of focusing on counter-insurgency operations. A key concern among Europeans is the potential threat posed by Donald Trump, who has pressured NATO members to increase defense spending, warning that the U.S. may not assist them in a conflict. Trump’s comments reflect a broader sentiment in Washington, transcending party lines, that Europe should build stronger militaries. This view suggests that European nations can no longer rely solely on their mutual defense pact […]
NATO To Push For Common Munitions Standards
NATO is pushing for common munitions standards to reduce costs and improve battlefield efficiency, Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced ahead of a NATO defense ministers meeting. This effort stems from lessons learned from Russia’s war in Ukraine, where interoperability has proven crucial for effective defense. Rutte emphasized the need to increase defense production and standardization to enhance NATO’s deterrence capabilities. A senior NATO official highlighted the priority of standardizing battle-decisive ammunition, such as artillery shells, which Ukraine has been using at a rapid pace. Around 10 allies, including the U.S. and Germany, will sign a letter of intent to advance the […]
NATO holds annual nuclear exercise: Steadfast Noon
NATO’s annual nuclear exercise “Steadfast Noon” began on October 14, 2024, involving over 60 aircraft conducting training flights across western Europe. The two-week exercise focuses on testing NATO’s nuclear deterrence capabilities without the use of live weapons, emphasizing preparedness and defense. It involves 2,000 military personnel operating from eight airbases, and features a variety of aircraft, including nuclear-capable jets, bombers, and reconnaissance planes. This year’s exercise includes participation from thirteen Allies, with flights over Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK, and the North Sea. NATO continues to enhance its nuclear deterrent, highlighted by the readiness of Dutch F-35A fighters for […]
NATO Plans Space System Targets by October
NATO is working through its Defense Planning Process to set space system targets for its 32 member countries by October next year. Currently, the focus is on assigning capability targets, with member nations expected to give feedback by the end of the month. Maj. Gen. Devin Pepper from NATO’s Strategic Warfare Development Command noted that they are in Step 3, where nations are reviewing the assigned targets. Additionally, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Frank Calvelli has directed program managers to engage with subcontractors to resolve delays in GPS modernization efforts. These efforts include upgrades to the GPS Next-Generation Operational […]
Trump wants NATO to hit 3 percent GDP on defense
Donald Trump has pledged to push NATO allies to increase their defense spending target from 2% to 3% of GDP if he wins the 2024 election. While increasing NATO’s defense budgets would strengthen the alliance, Trump’s proposal also raises concerns about the U.S. defense budget, which currently struggles to meet a 3% threshold. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that hitting a 3% of GDP goal would require a significant budget increase for the U.S. military, potentially reaching $1.03 trillion by the end of a second Trump administration. Additionally, inflation and rising defense costs could diminish the Pentagon’s buying power, […]
European militaries rush to catch up on space traffic mapping
#analysis The rapid growth of space activity has led European militaries to increase their focus on space traffic mapping to address emerging threats. The number of active satellites has more than tripled in the last four years, and most of this activity is occurring in low Earth orbit, creating new challenges for military surveillance systems designed for geostationary orbits. Companies like Safran, Vyoma, and True Anomaly are working with defense departments to improve space awareness and tracking capabilities. Military leaders stress the importance of collaboration between civilian, commercial, and military sectors to enhance space-domain awareness and avoid potential crises. As […]