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, […]
Tag: News
UK defence release ITTs as part of the Drone Capability Coalition
The British government has issued tenders for specific drone capabilities as part of the international Drone Capability Coalition (DCC) to support Ukraine’s continued use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The first phase focuses on procuring Large First-Person View (FPV) drones and Operational Drone Interceptors, with a goal to establish a reliable Western-based supply chain and ensure Ukraine outpaces Russian drone capabilities. The FPV tender aims to deliver 300 drones for initial testing, while the interceptor tender targets systems to counter opposing UAS threats. This initiative forms part of the broader global sustainment program, launched by the UK and Latvia, and […]
Ukraine To Receive Mirage 2000 Fighters From France In 2025
France has confirmed it will upgrade surplus Mirage 2000 jets with air-ground combat and electronic warfare systems before delivering them to Ukraine. The jets will likely be armed with French-made SCALP-EG cruise missiles and Hammer glide bombs, providing precision-strike capabilities at distances of up to 155 miles, reinforcing Ukraine’s aging Su-24 bombers. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s acquisition of F-16s will bolster its air force alongside its MiG-29 and Su-27 jets. The Mirage 2000s could potentially form a new bomber brigade to operate alongside the battle-hardened 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade, which has expanded significantly during the war. Ukrainian pilots and ground crews are […]
Trophy System Gets Upgrade to Counter Top-Attack Threats
Israeli defense contractor Rafael has upgraded its Trophy active protection system to defend against top-attack threats, addressing vulnerabilities posed by drones and missiles targeting vehicles from above. This enhancement was showcased in a live-fire test video, where the system intercepted a drone descending toward a vehicle’s turret. The upgrade is available through a software update for existing Trophy systems, though specific details of the new capabilities remain undisclosed. Trophy uses sensors, radar, and physical interceptors to destroy incoming projectiles and is already deployed on Israeli Merkava tanks, American Abrams tanks, and has been tested on Stryker APCs and Bradley Fighting […]
US Forces Europe Commander Compiles List Of American Weapons Systems To Help Ukraine
General Chris Cavoli, the top US military commander in Europe, compiled a list of advanced weapons systems that could significantly bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Among these systems are the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Link 16, a NATO data-sharing network that enhances battlefield communication, especially for air and missile defense. Ukraine has repeatedly requested these capabilities, but US officials are concerned about sensitive technology falling into Russian hands. While the Biden administration has provided substantial aid, it has so far refrained from supplying certain long-range missile systems that might provoke deeper Russian retaliation. The future of US support […]
Romania Selects Otokar’s Cobra II Armored Vehicle In $940 Million Deal
Romania has selected the Turkish Cobra II armored vehicle for its land forces, ordering 1,059 units in a deal valued at around $940 million. The first 278 vehicles will be produced in Turkey by Otokar, with the remaining units built in Romania through local partnerships. Romania’s Ministry of National Defence assigned state-run company Romtehnica to oversee the procurement. This acquisition is part of Romania’s broader efforts to modernize its military, including plans to purchase tracked infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, and self-propelled howitzers. The ongoing war in Ukraine has prompted Romania to strengthen its defense capabilities and revive its domestic defense […]
Saab secures additional mobile air defence order from Lithuania
Lithuania has awarded Saab a $116 million contract to deliver a second Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) system, building on an initial order from July 2024. The new system will enhance Lithuania’s defense against short-range air threats, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2029. This deal strengthens Lithuania’s strategic focus on mobility and rapid response, especially important given its proximity to Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave. Saab’s MSHORAD system, which combines the Giraffe 1X radar and RBS 70 NG missile system, offers 360-degree situational awareness and is designed for fast deployment. This partnership highlights Lithuania’s growing defense capabilities as it […]
DefendTex attack UAV operational in Ukraine after UK-Latvia Drone Coalition selection
Australian company DefendTex has launched its first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called the Vengeance FPV, with some units already shipped to Ukraine for evaluation. The quadrotor UAV is designed for mass production and was showcased in a recent fly-off event in Latvia, part of the UK-led Drone Coalition supporting Ukraine. Following the event, 20 unarmed Vengeance FPV UAVs were delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces for testing. DefendTex is now awaiting feedback on the UAV’s performance in the field. The Drone Coalition focuses on supplying Ukraine with drones and components from Ukraine Defense Contact Group countries. Original news
‘We haven’t done that much’: Former President of Estonia says US fears of escalation with Putin are unwarranted
In an interview with Fox News Digital, former Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid stressed the global stakes of the war in Ukraine, urging Americans to recognize the minimal cost of supporting Ukraine compared to the value of securing the “freedom-loving world.” She emphasized the importance of continued aid, stating that a modest increase in Western spending could lead to Ukraine’s victory. Kaljulaid also supported lifting restrictions on long-range missile systems to enable Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, dismissing fears of escalation. She criticized Russia as a “terrorist regime” that does not follow traditional Cold War rules of engagement. Kaljulaid […]
Poland To Upgrade Northeastern Defenses Before 2025
Poland will begin constructing the first elements of its enhanced defense lines along the borders with Russia and Belarus by the end of 2024. This project, driven by security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, involves a 10 billion zloty ($2.6 billion) investment in fortifications, surveillance, and anti-drone systems by 2028. Initial tests of the “East Shield” elements will be conducted within weeks, with cooperation from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and allied forces from the UK and the US. Poland’s defense spending is set to rise to 4.2% of GDP in 2024 and 4.7% in 2025. Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed concerns […]
Lithuania Signs Deals With Saab, Kongsberg For MSHORAD, NASAMS, Air Defense Systems
Lithuania has placed a second order with Saab for Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems, valued at SEK 1.2 billion, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2029. The country had previously placed an order in July, worth SEK 1.3 billion, with deliveries starting next year. Lithuania is also strengthening its air defense by acquiring additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units from Kongsberg, with a €193 million contract for upgrades and new systems. These efforts are part of a broader modernization of Lithuania’s air defense in response to regional security concerns. The contracts follow similar moves by other countries […]
Ukrainian Pilots Face Challenges Transitioning To F-16s
Ukrainian pilots are quickly adapting to flying F-16 jets, transitioning from Soviet-era aircraft in a challenging process. Air-warfare experts note the difficulty in retraining muscle memory, especially moving from hydraulic systems to the F-16’s fly-by-wire technology. Typically requiring three years of training, Ukrainian pilots have condensed this process into just nine months due to wartime urgency. Despite these challenges, retired US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Davis emphasized the immediate impact of Ukraine’s F-16s. More jets are expected to arrive, further enhancing their effectiveness in combat. Original news
Widespread Drone Ops Drive U.S. Army Airspace Reforms
The US Army plans to deploy thousands of small hand-launched drones, including the Skydio RQ-28A short-range reconnaissance quadcopter, to support small units. This initiative aims to quickly equip soldiers with enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. As the Army accelerates drone deployment, a separate division is focused on addressing the challenge of managing the increased airspace traffic. The rapid introduction of these drones is part of broader efforts to modernize the force and enhance battlefield situational awareness. Effective airspace management will be crucial to ensure safe and efficient operation of these unmanned systems in tactical environments. Original news
CSG signs deal for Ukrainian production of artillery shells
Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has signed an agreement with Ukrainian arms manufacturer Ukrainska Bronetechnika to begin local production of 155mm artillery shells in Ukraine. The collaboration, formalized on October 2, 2024, aims to produce 100,000 shells in 2025, with a target of over 300,000 annually by 2026. This initiative will strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities by reducing costs and ensuring local production capacity. CSG has been supporting Ukraine’s defense needs since 2018, with increased military equipment deliveries following Russia’s 2022 invasion. The Czech Ministry of Defence and AMOS played key roles in facilitating this cooperation to enhance Ukraine’s long-term defense industry. Original […]
Czech Republic Set To Sign C-390 Contract
The Czech government is set to sign a contract with Embraer in November to purchase two C-390 Millennium aircraft, becoming the fifth European country to acquire the Brazilian-made airlifter. The deal, valued at 11.3 billion Czech koruna ($490 million), includes equipment for aerial firefighting, medical evacuation, and refueling capabilities. This procurement is driven by global security concerns and will enable the Czech Air Force to support a range of operations. The contract also strengthens Czech industry, with Aero Vodochody playing a key role in manufacturing C-390 components, and it will deepen collaboration between Embraer and Czech organizations. Delivery of the […]