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 […]
Tag: News
Hanwha Aerospace Launches $2.5 Billion Stock Sale to Fund Global Expansion
Hanwha Aerospace announced plans to raise 3.6 trillion won ($2.5 billion) through a record stock sale approved by its board on Thursday. The capital will support investments in the defense, maritime, and aerospace sectors. The company aims to establish strategic production bases in regions such as Europe and the United States. Hanwha targets 70 trillion won in sales and 10 trillion won in operating profit by 2035. CEO Son Jae-il stated the initiative will position the company as a “global top-tier” player. Original news
MBDA to Expand Italian Operations to Meet Rising Defense Demand
MBDA plans to boost production capacity in Italy to keep pace with growing defense needs and increasing competition from firms like Lockheed Martin and Saab. The investment includes expanding research labs in Rome and opening new production lines near Naples and Parma. MBDA Italy Managing Director Giovanni Soccodato stressed the importance of strengthening Italy’s role in the European defense industry. The company also aims to hire 300 new employees by 2025 to support the expansion. The move reflects a broader push to enhance European defense capabilities amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Original news
Sweden Boosts Air Defense with New Meteor Missile Deal for Gripen Jets
Sweden’s FMV has signed a third procurement agreement with MBDA for Meteor missiles to equip the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. The missiles will be delivered by MBDA UK through the international Meteor program, with deliveries beginning in 2025. FMV’s Martin Anderberg emphasized that the deal strengthens Sweden’s national and NATO-integrated air defense capabilities. MBDA CEO Éric Béranger highlighted increased production to meet surging demand, noting the company’s €37 billion backlog. He described the current climate as a “historic” era for European rearmament. Original news
France to Acquire More Rafale Jets and Upgrade Luxeuil Air Base for Nuclear-Capable Operations by 2035
French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to purchase more Dassault Rafale fighter jets and invest approximately €1.5 billion to upgrade the Luxeuil Saint-Sauveur air base. The investment aims to prepare the base for hosting nuclear weapons and equipping French Air Force squadrons with advanced nuclear missile capabilities. Although Macron did not specify the number of jets to be ordered, the base is expected to host two squadrons of F5-standard Rafale jets. These jets will be armed with ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missiles, developed by MBDA France. The upgrades and deployments are planned to be completed by 2035. Original news
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
Ukraine Claims Operational Laser Air Defense System “Tryzub”
Ukraine has reportedly developed a laser anti-aircraft weapon named “Tryzub,” according to Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi. The system, allegedly used against Iranian-made Shahed drones, was first mentioned in December and confirmed operational in February. Although no images or independent verification have emerged, Ukrainian officials claim it is capable of striking aerial targets. Industry experts believe Tryzub may be an indigenous development, given Ukraine’s expanding military-industrial base. If confirmed, Ukraine would join a select group of nations deploying laser-based air defense technology. 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 […]
Thales Secures €100M Sonar Contract for Dutch Orka-Class Submarines
Thales has won a multimillion-euro contract from France’s Naval Group to supply integrated sonar suites for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Orka-class submarines. The deal, valued at over €100 million ($109 million), was announced on March 19. Naval Group previously secured a €5.6 billion contract in September 2024 from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to build four conventionally powered submarines at its Cherbourg facility. The Thales sonar suite, based on the French Navy’s Barracuda-class technology, will include multiple arrays and advanced sonar systems. This contract strengthens France-Netherlands defense cooperation and enhances the Dutch Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities. Original news
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 […]
UK Seeks Inclusion in EU’s €800 Billion Defense Plan Amid Macron’s Opposition
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is pushing for Britain to be treated as an EU member state in the bloc’s €800 billion defense initiative, despite resistance from French President Emmanuel Macron. The plan, designed to boost European defense spending and manufacturing in response to Russian aggression, includes a “buy European” clause that could exclude the UK due to Brexit. While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and some EU members support UK participation, Macron favors limiting the initiative to EU countries. The UK government argues that closer defense cooperation with the EU and NATO is essential for European […]
Germany Amends Constitution to Boost Defense Spending and Aid Ukraine
Germany’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment on Tuesday to increase defense spending, passing the measure by a 512 to 206 vote. The decision, backed by the Green Party and the incoming coalition of conservatives and social democrats, enables a new €3 billion aid package for Ukraine. Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who previously opposed government debt, led the effort amid growing European military investment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Union is also preparing loans worth approximately €150 billion for military expenditures, which could support up to €800 billion in new defense investments. This shift marks Germany’s deeper commitment to […]
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
France to Boost Defense Spending, Expedite Rafale Orders, and Upgrade Nuclear Capabilities
President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to accelerate Rafale warplane orders and invest €1.5 billion in air base upgrades to support advanced nuclear missile technology. France aims to increase defense spending to 3-3.5% of GDP, up from the current 2%, reinforcing its strategic autonomy. The investment will fund the deployment of the Rafale S5 fighter jets, equipped with ASN4G hypersonic nuclear-armed cruise missiles, set to enter service by 2035. Macron’s initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance France’s military readiness and reduce dependence on U.S. security guarantees. As geopolitical tensions rise, France positions itself as a key independent defense […]