Rudy Ruitenberg
Rudy Ruitenberg is a Europe correspondent for Defense News. He started his career at Bloomberg News and has experience reporting on technology, commodity markets and politics.
All Stories By Rudy
France mulls keeping Charles de Gaulle carrier sailing after 2038
France is studying whether the Charles de Gaulle nuclear-powered aircraft carrier can continue to sail beyond its envisaged retirement in 2038.
France to start training Ukrainian pilots on Rafale warplanes in November, minister says
France will begin training Ukrainian pilots on the Rafale fighter jet next month, Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin told lawmakers on Thursday.
France fires upgraded nuclear-capable missile from submarine for first time
France test-fired an upgraded version of its M51 strategic ballistic missile from a submarine for the first time on Tuesday.
European defense startups to raise record $10.5 billion in 2026, Dealroom forecasts
“This is Europe catching up rather than the U.S. slowing,” Dealroom said of the trend. “EU 27 funding more than doubled in a year.”
French Air Force plans loyal wingman flight in 2028 in sovereign AI push
The French Air Force plans to fly crewed fighter jets in collaboration with AI-powered combat drones in 2028, under project Hypairion.
Dutch say ASW frigate talks ongoing amid reports Belgium may quit project
Belgium is pushing to get new naval frigates on time, as a joint procurement with the Netherlands is delayed by years.
French artillery regiment reorganizes guns to survive drone threats
A French artillery formation is trialing a new organization of its gun units and support procedures, prompted by drone lessons from the war in Ukraine.
EU nails down five defense priority areas to channel common spending
Drones, counter-drone tech, air defense, seabed defense and eastern flank protection top the EU's list of desired capability areas.
