Belgium braces for first F-35 delivery this fall
Deliveries of the Lockheed Martin-made jet were initially slated to begin in late 2023.
Europe
NATO chief calls for 400% boost in the alliance’s missile defenses
Secretary-General Mark Rutte is due to meet U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing St. ahead of a NATO summit in the Netherlands.
Israel enters final phase to deliver Arrow-3 missile shield to Germany
Initial steps toward a system handover are expected to happen in the coming months, according to the Israeli government.
German defense boss teases changes for global Ukraine defense group
The idea is to better integrate the group’s work with NATO's Ukraine aid mission and the smattering of so-called capability coalitions.
Trump taps senior Air Force commander for European Command boss
Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich would also take over as the supreme allied commander Europe if his nomination is confirmed by the Senate.
Tech transfer pledge steers Thailand to pick Sweden’s Gripen warplane
Bangkok now gains intellectual property rights for Link-T’s unrestricted use and expansion.
Philippines orders 12 more FA-50 combat jets from South Korea
Manila has actively purchased frigates, corvettes, aircraft and weapons from South Korean defense firms to modernize its armed forces.
Israel announces defense export record: $15 billion in 2024
The announcement comes amid the Defense Ministry’s directive to Israeli defense companies to prioritize local needs over global obligations.
Trump names nominees to take over Middle East, Africa commands
If confirmed, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper would be the second Navy officer to lead U.S. Central Command.
Ukraine ‘well prepared’ for Russian response to drone stunt: Pistorius
The scope and timing of a potential Russian counterattack was still unclear as of Wednesday afternoon, the German defense minister said.
Poland, Baltic states eye new submarines, attack boats to deter Russia
Talks continue, but Polish defense-acquisition officials have deemed three submarine vendors as front runners.
UK defense firms heap praise, mostly, on Britain’s up-armament drift
Some industry insiders say they will wait to see the money before they give a standing ovation.
Allvin calls Ukraine drone strikes a wake-up call for US air defense
The Air Force's top uniformed leader said that planners need to consider vulnerabilities at military sites once thought untouchable by enemy forces.
Vendors line up to fill Japan’s F-35 pilot training gap
Tokyo is currently mulling its options for new advanced jet trainers.
Balkan military leaders summit signals calm in a conflict-prone region
In the Balkans, nationalist tensions can smolder for years and quickly spiral out of control.
Starmer vows ‘battle-ready’ Britain with 12 new attack submarines
It’s part of an ambitious industrial expansion program that also entails building new munitions factories.
Philippines defense boss throws cold water on large F-16 buy from US
“As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing on the table for me to consider,” Gilberto Teodoro said in an interview.
