New Zealand has announced plans to double its defense spending over the next eight years, starting with a $9 billion NZD investment in the first four years. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon cited escalating global tensions and China’s military expansion as key motivators. Defense Minister Judith Collins pointed to a recent Chinese missile launch in the Pacific as a wake-up call. The funding will support upgrades to the Royal New Zealand Navy, bolster surveillance, and improve cybersecurity. The initiative aims to reinforce New Zealand’s role as a reliable member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Original news
Tag: News
European Defence Agency Expands Role with Boosted Budget and Strategic Mandate
European Defence Agency (EDA) is entering its third decade with an expanded mandate and increased funding following a major Long-Term Review endorsed by EU defense ministers. Now overseeing around 200 projects worth €681 million, the EDA plays a key role in joint procurement efforts, including artillery supplies for Ukraine. Recent milestones include four major letters of intent, notably on building a continental air and missile defense system. EDA chief Jiří Šedivý highlighted joint purchasing as a path to savings and strategic autonomy. However, EU defense research investment still trails far behind U.S. and Chinese levels. Original news
France Develops Domestic Rocket Artillery System to Rival HIMARS
France plans to test its new indigenous rocket artillery system by mid-2026 as an alternative to the U.S.-made HIMARS. The project, led by the French Directorate General for Armament, involves defense firms Safran, MBDA, Thales, and ArianeGroup. The system is expected to have a 150-kilometer range and replace the Lance-Roquettes Unitaire by 2027. France has earmarked €600 million for development and aims to acquire at least 13 units by 2030. The move positions France in competition with other European rocket systems, including the U.S.-German GMARS project. Original news
Europe Seeks Alternative to SpaceX Amid Concerns Over Starlink Dependence
European governments are increasingly aware of the need to reduce reliance on Elon Musk’s SpaceX for satellite communications. Alarm was sparked in February when the U.S. threatened to cut Ukraine’s access to Starlink, a critical asset in its defense against Russia. A new white paper now urges the European Commission to fund Ukraine’s satellite needs through domestic providers. European satellite companies have confirmed ongoing discussions with officials to offer backup connectivity. The move signals a push for strategic autonomy in space-based infrastructure. Original news
Czech Republic Considers Discounted Gripen Lease Extension Ahead of F-35 Transition
The Czech Republic is reviewing a new lease extension offer from Sweden for its fleet of Gripen C/D fighter jets. The proposed agreement, running from 2027 to 2035, is intended to bridge the gap until the arrival of F-35s beginning in 2031. The revised deal includes a 25% discount, bringing the cost to 16.65 billion CZK ($732 million). It covers maintenance, pilot training, and continued operation of 12 Gripen aircraft. An additional 3.9 billion CZK may be allocated for potential modernization efforts. Original news
Trump Unveils $1 Trillion Defense Budget Proposal, Aims for Historic Military Investment
President Donald Trump has announced plans for a $1 trillion defense budget, marking an unprecedented milestone for Pentagon funding. Speaking Monday, Trump called it the largest military budget ever proposed by his administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the announcement, emphasizing spending focus on “lethality and readiness.” The proposal will face congressional scrutiny, with analysts predicting a contentious appropriations process. Significant cuts to non-defense programs are expected, setting the stage for political clashes with Democrats. Original news
Lithuanian Shipyard Begins Building Offshore Patrol Vessels for Singapore Navy
Lithuania’s Western Baltic Shipyard has laid down the first two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Republic of Singapore Navy. The construction marks the beginning of a maritime security project unveiled by Singapore on April 7. Each vessel will feature a flight deck capable of supporting a 12-tonne helicopter. They are also equipped to deploy two interceptor boats and carry up to five 20-foot containerized mission modules. The OPVs are intended to enhance Singapore’s maritime patrol and response capabilities. Original news
Space Force Launches Orbital Watch to Alert Commercial Operators of Space Threats
The U.S. Space Force has introduced a new program called Orbital Watch to share unclassified threat data with over 900 commercial space operators. Managed by Space Systems Command, the initiative is supported by U.S. Space Command, the Intelligence Community, and the Pentagon’s Space Policy office. Orbital Watch aims to provide early warnings about evolving threats in orbit, including cyberattacks, electronic warfare, and hostile satellite behavior. The program enhances collaboration between military and commercial space sectors. Officials say the goal is to help companies build more resilient systems against growing space-based threats. Original news
Belgian PM Announces €1 Billion Aid Package for Ukraine Including Fighter Jets
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has pledged a new €1 billion aid package to Ukraine for 2025. Speaking alongside President Zelensky in Kyiv, De Wever expressed his ambition to maintain this annual support throughout his term. The package includes military support, with Belgium reaffirming its commitment to deliver promised fighter aircraft. Two F-16s for spare parts will be sent this year, with two operational jets expected next year. Deliveries hinge on the arrival of Belgium’s new F-35s, which are experiencing delays. Original news
Rheinmetall Acquires Nitrocellulose Maker to Boost Ammunition Supply Chain
Rheinmetall has purchased Hagedorn-NC, a German producer of industrial nitrocellulose, to strengthen its supply of artillery propellant. The move is part of a broader European effort to secure ammunition and explosives production amid rising defense demands. The company will convert Hagedorn-NC’s operations to focus on military-grade nitrocellulose in the coming months. Existing civilian customers will still be served temporarily during the transition. Rheinmetall said the acquisition addresses a key strategic gap in its production chain. Original news
U.S. Officials Push for Streamlined Space Regulations Amid Industry Growth
Regulators and officials emphasized the urgent need to modernize U.S. space law to match the pace of innovation in the sector. At the Space Symposium, experts from agencies like the FAA, NOAA, and FCC highlighted the relevance of Article Six of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. They stressed that current overlapping and fragmented regulations hinder efficient oversight and growth. The U.S. government is being urged to create a more unified legal framework for space activity. Balancing national responsibility with industry flexibility remains a key challenge moving forward. Original news
Japan Boosts F-35 Fleet in Response to Russian Military Activity
Japan is expanding its F-35A stealth fighter force as a response to ongoing Russian military operations near its borders. The country has procured 147 F-35 jets from the U.S., including 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs. This fiscal year, seven F-35As will be deployed to Komatsu Air Base, with 29 more scheduled between 2026 and 2029. Komatsu becomes Japan’s second F-35A base after Misawa, reinforcing nationwide air defense coverage. The move follows recent U.S. deployments of F-35s to Japan, highlighting deepening bilateral military cooperation. Original news
Ukrainian Pilots Fly F-16s Daily in Strikes on Eastern Russia, U.S. General Confirms
Ukrainian Air Force pilots are conducting daily operations with F-16 fighters, focusing on neutralizing missile threats and executing strikes in eastern Russia. U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli testified before the Senate that the Ukrainian pilots have successfully intercepted numerous cruise missiles. He also emphasized their role in delivering extensive offensive bombing missions. Cavoli confirmed that most of Ukraine’s F-16s originated from northern European allies, specifically the Netherlands and Denmark. Exact figures on aircraft or missions remain undisclosed for security reasons. Original news
EU Considers Joint Defense Fund to Reduce US Dependence by 2030
Reuters reports that EU finance ministers will discuss launching the European Defence Mechanism (EDM), a joint intergovernmental fund, during a meeting in Warsaw. The proposed fund would acquire and own defense equipment, charging EU members for usage while offering loans to support procurement. The EDM could also include non-EU members like the UK and Ukraine, aiming to reduce European reliance on US military support by 2030. A Bruegel think tank paper emphasized that this model could promote a unified European defense market without inflating national public debts. The initiative represents a major step toward EU defense integration amid growing geopolitical […]
US Yemen Campaign Costs Nearly $1 Billion Amid Limited Strategic Gains
CNN reports that the US military’s offensive against Houthi militants in Yemen has cost nearly $1 billion since launching on March 15, with limited effectiveness in reducing the group’s core capabilities. The operation has involved high-end weaponry, including B-2 bombers and long-range cruise missiles, raising concerns over financial sustainability and munitions stockpile impacts. While the campaign has lowered Houthi missile attacks on Israel, it has not curtailed their threats to US drones or Red Sea shipping lanes. Vice President JD Vance criticized the effort as a strategic misstep, questioning its long-term value. Some officials worry the drain on advanced munitions […]