Iranians worry over American military buildup as last-chance round of talks with US nears
As Iranians await the outcome of the Geneva talks on Thursday, many fear the outbreak of a war that could surpass Iran’s bloody 1980s conflict with Iraq.
Europe
Russia’s defense-spending surge tapers off in 2025, analysts find
Russian defense spending could potentially fall this year from “a very, very high point,” said Fenella McGerthy, an expert on defense economics at IISS.
China’s new nuclear submarine breaks cover amid shipbuilding spree
The U.S. Navy's submarine capabilities are still considered superior, but Beijing is working hard to catch up.
Thanks but no thanks: Greenland declines Trump’s offer to send Navy hospital ship
Both of the U.S. Navy’s hospital ships are currently docked at a shipyard in Alabama.
Could MQ-9B drones draw Canada and Denmark closer in Arctic surveillance?
Both countries have ordered MQ-9B drones from General Dynamics, a hardware choice that some experts believe offers cooperation prospects in the High North.
Massive US Air Force warplane movements in Bulgaria raise stakes for Iran talks
The U.S. buildup coincides with high-stakes nuclear diplomacy over Iran's nuclear program.
Danish military evacuates US submariner who needed urgent medical care off Greenland
The U.S. crew member was retrieved from the submarine about 8 miles off the coast of Nuuk, Greenland, by a Danish Seahawk helicopter.
Experts worry about nuclear quid pro quo in Russia-North Korea alliance against Ukraine
Analysts differ on the question of whether Moscow would trade away highly sensitive nuclear submarine technology in exchange for battlefield support.
Estonia begins buying hundreds of pop-up bunkers to fortify border with Russia
The Baltic nations are installing a variety of border security features meant to repel an invasion from Russia or Belarus.
Airbus open to two-fighter option for FCAS to keep program alive
“The deadlock of a single pillar should not jeopardize the entire future of this high-tech European capability, which will bolster our collective defense."
US-led artillery drill combines NATO nations’ firepower for mass effect
Combined fires are meant to create a deterrence effect, with strikes “so unrelenting” that no adversary would dare to attack, one commander said.
BAE says its Eurofighter pipeline is filled until first GCAP assembly
Europe accounted for 32% of the BAE order book at the end of December, while accounting for 11% of sales in 2025, the company said.
Envoys signal no breakthrough on bridging Russia and Ukraine’s military, political differences
The negotiations in Switzerland were the third round of direct talks organized by the U.S. Expectations for significant progress in Geneva were low.
Germany won’t build nukes but could flash French, UK weapons to deter foes, Merz says
Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested examining whether France and the U.K. could be elevated to the same level as the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
US to send more missile launchers to the Philippines despite China’s alarm
The addition of missile launchers comes as treaty allies condemned what they called China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities.”
Australia prepares for next batch of ‘Ghost Bat’ warplane buddy drones
The Royal Australian Air Force is on track to have 10 operational Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft by 2028.
Saudi Arabia buys C-27 cargo planes fitted for armed maritime patrols
Candidates for weaponry aboard the Saudi aircraft could be the MBDA Marte-ER anti-ship missile and MU-90 lightweight torpedo made by Leonardo-owned WASS.
