All articles tagged with #defence
Poland, Germany, France, Italy and the UK agreed at a Kraków summit to jointly develop LEAP—Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms—aimed at fielding affordable drones and air-defense systems to counter Russian threats, boost NATO readiness, and share burdens. The first LEAP project is expected by 2027, with the five nations pledging defence spending toward roughly 5% of GDP.
Sunak relays Zelensky’s Munich assessment that drones have reshaped warfare, with unmanned weapons responsible for about 80% of Ukraine’s casualties; the piece argues Europe must adapt by massively scaling drone production, training, and procurement, tackling defence-plant fragmentation, and boosting SME and UK manufacturing to become a leading supplier while planning a Baltic drone wall.
Russia’s FSB alleges Polish intelligence aided last week’s attempt on General Vladimir Alexeyev, deputy head of Russia’s GRU, in Moscow, claiming the operation was ordered by Ukraine’s SBU; Kyiv denies involvement and Poland has not commented. A suspect, Lyubomir Korba, was detained in Dubai and handed to Russia, along with accomplice Viktor Vasin in Moscow; the FSB says both admitted their roles and that Korba’s Polish son Lubos helped recruit via Polish intelligence. No independent evidence has been released and Poland has yet to respond.
A Sunday Times investigation finds Russia’s sanctioned oil is shipped through the English Channel by a vast, opaque 'shadow fleet', netting about £239bn since 2022; with many vessels flouting sanctions, Britain is weighing unmanned drone-boat patrols to shadow and seize tanker loads, and debates a broader maritime ban to curb this revenue while warning of spill risks.
Greece is pushing to move from a defense customer to a co- producer of Israeli systems, approving the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery units and forming committees to negotiate three more Israeli missiles for its Shield of Achilles. Officials say talks include government-to-government deals to bypass bids and expand a broader “360” security approach with Israel (and Cyprus) that could include drones and joint development, even as critics warn arming during Gaza’s crisis raises humanitarian concerns.
Ukraine appointed Mykhailo Fedorov, a tech-savvy reformist, as defence minister and ordered fast, technology-driven changes to strengthen air defence, frontline supplies, and battlefield connectivity (including drones and Starlink). Zelenskiy pushed for broader mobilisation reforms as parliament extended martial law, amid a grinding Russian offensive and ongoing corruption concerns in the energy sector.
Denmark sent an advance contingent to Greenland and plans a larger, permanent military presence to bolster Arctic defense and NATO cooperation; Greenland is self-governing but defense policy is Danish, and the U.S. hosts a base there. The report notes the move as a response to Arctic challenges, and adds that former U.S. President Trump has floated acquiring Greenland.
Sweden will spend 15 billion Swedish crowns ($1.6 billion) on short-range air defence aimed at protecting civilians and critical infrastructure, a move tied to lessons from Russia's invasion of Ukraine; Defence Minister Pal Jonson says the systems will defend cities, bridges and power plants, while Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticizes U.S. rhetoric on Greenland and Denmark.
The UK Ministry of Defence is launching a paid 12-month 'gap year' scheme for under-25s to experience military life and develop skills, aiming to boost recruitment and diversity in the armed forces, with applications opening in spring 2026.
European countries are significantly increasing their military budgets in response to Russian threats and American unpredictability, with the European Commission launching a €150bn fund that has attracted applications from 19 countries, including Poland requesting €43.7bn.
The EU aims to have a fully operational anti-drone system by 2027 to strengthen defenses against Russia, amid ongoing tensions and fears of conflict, with plans to enhance border security and develop air and space shields in coordination with NATO.
A helicopter crash in Ghana has resulted in the deaths of all eight onboard, including the defence and environment ministers, amid ongoing regional security concerns. The incident has prompted national mourning and condolences from the government.
The UK's recent Spending Review has sparked mixed reactions, with some newspapers criticizing it as a reckless splurge and others highlighting benefits to NHS and defence, while warnings of future tax hikes and economic challenges persist.
Singapore’s defence minister highlighted the absence of China’s defence chief at the Shangri-La Dialogue, noting that most attendees wished for China’s presence to prevent misunderstandings, as the forum continues to serve as a key platform for security discussions.
The EU aims to reduce its long-term defence dependency on the US while maintaining a strong transatlantic partnership, according to EU officials. The European Commission is focusing on enhancing the EU's defence industry independence, with plans to require a significant portion of defence components to be sourced within the bloc for funding eligibility. Despite internal disagreements on the conditions for foreign access to EU defence funds, the EU is not adopting a protectionist stance, allowing member states to procure from non-EU suppliers. The European Defence Industry Programme is under negotiation, with a goal to finalize it by year-end.