NATO’s Exercise ‘REPMUS 24’ (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Unmanned Maritime Systems) tested Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C-UAV) systems. Michael Stewart, U.S. chairman of NATO Naval Armaments Group, highlighted the challenge posed by low-cost unmanned systems versus expensive countermeasures. Stewart noted NATO and the U.S. are focused on addressing this imbalance, but could not share specifics, referencing efforts to prevent both drones and their operators from launching attacks. Portuguese Navy Admiral Henrique Eduardo Passaláqua de Gouveia e Melo emphasized the economic inefficiency of using costly surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) to counter inexpensive UAVs. He suggested future solutions may involve a combination of […]
Category: NATO
Rheinmetall receives order from NATO country for mortar shells
Rheinmetall has secured a new order worth tens of millions of euros from a NATO country for a six-digit quantity of mortar shells, with deliveries set between July 2025 and July 2026. The mortar shells will be produced by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions in Spain, accompanied by additional services for the product launch. This follows previous orders from Switzerland, Spain, and a significant 100,000-round order for Ukraine in 2022. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rheinmetall has received billions in orders for artillery and mortar ammunition as NATO countries replenish their stockpiles and support Ukraine. The company recently announced an order from […]
Estonia seeks battlefield decoys to sponge up Russian missiles
Estonia has launched a $10 million procurement competition to acquire decoy equipment for luring enemy forces into attacks. The tender, issued by the Estonian Center for Defense Investments, seeks mock-ups of real weapon systems and communication equipment. Estonia’s defense initiatives are motivated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the potential threat to Baltic states. These investments are part of broader NATO defense strategies, including constructing a “drone wall” and building a fence along Estonia’s border with Russia. Estonia’s defense efforts align with other European nations, like Ukraine and Germany, which have also invested in similar decoy technology. Original news
Sweden moves to ramp up defense spending by $1.3 billion in 2025
Sweden plans to increase defense spending by 13 billion SEK ($1.3 billion) in 2025, raising its military budget to 138 billion SEK, or 2.4% of GDP, above NATO’s target. The proposal includes long-term spending increases of 170 billion SEK between 2025-2030, with defense spending expected to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2028. This move aligns with recommendations from the Swedish Defence Commission, influenced by Russia’s war in Ukraine and Sweden’s NATO membership. The government emphasizes the need for stronger defense capabilities, proposing significant resource increases for the military. Planned upgrades include expanding mechanized brigades, boosting air defense, and increasing orders […]
Ukraine Receives Major Bohdana Howitzer Boost With NATO Support
Ukraine has received 18 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers, funded by Denmark, marking the first EU-financed purchase of Ukrainian-made military equipment. The deal, announced by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, reflects deepening NATO-aligned defense cooperation during the ongoing war with Russia. The Bohdana is a highly mobile, NATO-standard 155 mm artillery system capable of rapid firing and retreating, with a range of 35 miles. Denmark’s financial support for Ukrainian arms manufacturing is part of a broader commitment, including $115 million for defense equipment. Ukraine’s ongoing military operations have slowed Russian offensives and further enhanced its defensive capabilities with the help of […]
US Air Force F-35s Touch Down on a Highway in Finland for ‘Historic’ Landing
On September 4, 2024, two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II jets landed on a Finnish highway, marking the first time fifth-generation American aircraft operated from a road in Europe. This was part of the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, aimed at enhancing NATO’s ability to operate from non-traditional airfields in response to growing global threats. The exercise took place during Finland’s annual Baana exercise, showcasing U.S. and NATO adaptability in joint operations. Finland, which regularly trains its pilots to land on highways, recently joined NATO and plans to replace its F/A-18 fleet with 64 F-35s. The U.S. and NATO […]