Defense tech firms are increasingly investing in factory infrastructure, with Anduril having announced a billion-dollar “megafactory” in Ohio earlier this year. Following this trend, Anduril is now exploring plans to build a new drone production and R&D facility in the UK, potentially near Oxford or Cambridge. The move would depend on securing sufficient orders, according to Rich Drake, Anduril’s general manager for the UK and Europe. This comes as other firms like Saronic also plan factories to mass-produce autonomous warships, signaling a broader industry push toward scaled manufacturing. The UK facility would further strengthen Anduril’s presence in Europe’s expanding defense […]
Category: USA
Trump Weighs Lifting Sanctions on Turkey, Reviving F-16 and Potential F-35 Fighter Jet Sales
President Donald Trump is considering lifting sanctions on Turkey and resuming U.S. fighter jet sales after talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Negotiations are ongoing for a $23 billion deal involving 40 new F-16s and upgrade kits for 79 existing jets. Trump is also open to reintroducing Turkey into the F-35 program if a solution is found to neutralize its Russian S-400 missile system, such as disassembling or relocating it. Legal and technical consultations are underway to avoid violating the CAATSA sanctions law. Erdogan’s office emphasized Turkey’s goal of ending the sanctions and completing both the F-16 and F-35 […]
Europe Races to Rearm Amid U.S. Uncertainty, Embracing Drones and Defense Startups Over Legacy Systems
In response to shifting U.S. policies and rising threats from Russia, Europe is investing €800 billion to rapidly rearm and build defense autonomy, including a €150 billion loan package and fiscal reforms to boost military spending. Traditional European defense firms like Rheinmetall and Thales have seen their stocks soar, but the Ukraine war has revealed a new kind of warfare dominated by cheap, effective drones rather than tanks or heavy systems. This shift is fueling a boom in European defense-tech startups, such as Quantum Systems and Helsing AI, which are developing AI-powered drones and other cost-effective battlefield technologies. The European […]
Sweden’s prime minister says that buying US weapons is not a security risk
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that purchasing U.S. weapons does not pose a security risk but emphasized the need for Europe to lessen its reliance on American defense equipment. His remarks come as Canada reviews its Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet contract amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, Kristersson called for bolstering Europe’s own defense industry. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed the urgency of action, urging European leaders to increase support for Ukraine. Her call follows a brief pause in U.S. intelligence sharing and arms shipments to Kyiv. Original […]
Danish Defense Chair Urges NATO to Rethink U.S. Arms Purchases
Rasmus Jarlov, chairman of Denmark’s parliamentary defense committee, warned NATO countries against buying U.S. military equipment like Lockheed Martin’s F-35s, citing security risks over American control of spare parts. Jarlov expressed regret over Denmark’s 2016 decision to procure the F-35, for which 27 units were funded in 2017 and eight have been delivered. He argued that such dependency could compromise national sovereignty. His comments come amid rising concerns in Europe, with Portugal’s defense minister also questioning U.S. reliability. The remarks add to growing skepticism across the continent regarding future U.S.-supplied defense platforms. Original news
EU Launches €150B SAFE Initiative to Boost Defense Autonomy
The European Union has introduced the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a €150 billion ($163 billion) funding program aimed at strengthening strategic autonomy and reducing reliance on U.S. weapons. Part of the broader Readiness 2030 plan, SAFE will provide defense investment loans to EU member states, as well as Ukraine, EFTA, and EEA countries, but will exclude the U.S. and the UK. European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas highlighted concerns about operational independence, citing Lockheed Martin’s F-35 as an example. The EU also released a defense white paper outlining critical capability gaps and calling for greater coordination to bolster […]
US Space Firms Expand into Europe Amid Rising Defense Investment
US space companies are accelerating their expansion into Europe, exemplified by SES’s partnership with Lynk Global to leverage MEO relays for European operations. This trend aligns with increased defense spending and a push for sovereign space capabilities, highlighted by the €10.6 billion IRIS² satellite initiative. Companies such as AST SpaceMobile and Rocket Lab have also announced European ventures, signaling growing transatlantic collaboration. Despite challenges for established players like Airbus, European space startups remain attractive to investors, securing four of the 15 largest global space funding deals last year. This shift reflects Europe’s increasing role in the global space economy, with […]
Canadian PM Mark Carney Seeks French Support Amid US Trade Tensions
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to discuss trade tensions with US President Donald Trump. Carney reaffirmed Canada’s independence, stating it would “never, ever” be part of the United States. Macron criticized tariffs for disrupting supply chains and causing inflation, signaling support for Canada’s trade position. Carney is also reviewing Canada’s purchase of US-made F-35 fighter jets due to the ongoing trade dispute. His diplomatic efforts will continue with visits to Britain and Canada’s Arctic, highlighting his broader strategy to strengthen Canada’s global alliances. Original news
MBDA Achieves Record €13.8 Billion in Orders, Pushes for European Defense Autonomy
MBDA secured a record €13.8 billion in orders for 2024, with CEO Eric Béranger emphasizing Europe’s urgent need for defense self-reliance amid shifting global alliances. The company plans to double its missile production by 2025 compared to 2023 and will invest €2.4 billion in production expansion, hiring 2,600 new employees. Additionally, OCCAR-EA and Eurosam signed an agreement to accelerate Aster missile production, reinforcing Europe’s air defense capabilities. Béranger’s remarks follow growing concerns over Europe’s reliance on non-European defense suppliers, coinciding with Canada’s reconsideration of its F-35 purchase from the U.S. As geopolitical uncertainties rise, MBDA’s push for a stronger European […]
U.S. Deploys Mid-Range Missile System in the Philippines, Drawing China’s Criticism
The U.S. Army has indefinitely stationed a Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system in the Philippines, strengthening its Indo-Pacific deterrence strategy. U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll emphasized the system’s effectiveness, stating, “We proved the MRC’s deterrent effect via a dynamic deployment in the Philippines and look forward to all future power projection opportunities!” Originally positioned for military drills, the deployment has been extended, prompting strong criticism from China. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army is also considering stationing its Multi-Domain Task Force—including MRC and Long-Range Hypersonic Weapons—in Japan. The move aligns with Washington’s efforts to counter China’s growing military presence in […]
Airbus Urges Germany to Cancel F-35A Order, Prioritize European Defense
Airbus Defense & Space chairman Thomas Pretzl has called on Germany’s new government to cancel its order for 35 Lockheed Martin F-35A jets, citing geopolitical risks under US President Donald Trump. Speaking at Airbus’s Manching facility, Pretzl urged Berlin to prioritize European defense projects, particularly the Eurofighter. Germany’s procurement plan also includes US-made Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters and P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, raising concerns about dependency on American systems. Pretzl emphasized the need to accelerate Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), warning that current timelines are insufficient to address emerging threats. His remarks reflect […]
Pentagon Dismisses F-35 “Kill Switch” Rumors Amid Global Tensions
The Pentagon has denied claims of a remote “kill switch” for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, reaffirming that all operators maintain full control over their jets. The F-35 Joint Program Office emphasized the aircraft’s joint development with global partners, ensuring sustainment and operational independence for all users. Lockheed Martin highlighted that the F-35 fleet has exceeded 1 million flight hours across 16 US and allied military services. Speculation about US control over allied F-35s has resurfaced as Canada reevaluates its fighter jet procurement amid political tensions and trade disputes with Washington. Despite concerns, the JPO reiterated the program’s strength lies […]
Europe Rethinks US Defense Reliance Amid Tensions
European leaders are reassessing their dependence on American defense systems due to growing tensions with the Trump administration. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged EU nations to invest in European alternatives, promoting the Franco-Italian SAMP/T missile defense system and Dassault’s Rafale over the US-made Patriot and F-35. Despite this push for defense autonomy, US arms exports remain dominant, with European NATO members still having nearly 500 combat aircraft on order from the US, according to SIPRI. Retired Air Marshal Greg Bagwell pointed out that no viable European alternative exists for fifth-generation stealth fighters, reinforcing American dominance in the sector. The […]
Finland Begins Construction of F-35 Engine Facilities
Finland has started building new facilities to assemble and maintain Pratt & Whitney F135 engines for its future fleet of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The project, managed by the Finnish defense infrastructure agency Defense Properties, aims to support Finland’s integration into NATO’s airpower network. These facilities will enhance Finland’s ability to maintain and sustain its fleet domestically, reducing reliance on foreign maintenance hubs. The investment reflects Finland’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities amid growing regional security concerns. Once operational, the site will play a crucial role in supporting Finland’s long-term F-35 program. Original news
U.S. Invests $188 Million in Norway’s Rygge Airbase for F-35 Expansion
The U.S. is investing $188 million to upgrade Norway’s Rygge airbase, enhancing storage and operational capacity for F-35 fighter jets under the 2021 Supplementary Defense Cooperation Agreement. Norwegian State Secretary Andreas Flåm emphasized the long-standing defense partnership, stating, “Norway and the U.S. have enjoyed close defense cooperation for more than 75 years.” The upgrades include constructing four fighter hangars and expanding ammunition storage to support NATO operations. Despite concerns about potential U.S. restrictions on F-35 deployment, Flåm reassured that U.S.-Norwegian defense ties remain strong. The investment underscores Norway’s strategic role in NATO’s northern defense posture. Original news