Poland picks Kongsberg-PGZ consortium to build anti-drone ‘wall’
The purchase comes in response to incursions by Russian drones that Moscow has perpetrated against Poland alongside Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The Americas
Russian cargo plane arrives in Cuba, echoing frantic Caracas buildup
In Venezuela, Russian-made air defenses failed to repel the U.S. raid that captured strongman president Nicolás Maduro.
‘Madness’: Italy’s Crosetto slams British secrecy on GCAP fighter jet
“It’s a huge favor to the Russians and the Chinese,” the defense minister told Defense News.
Russia to showcase new MLRS at Saudi weapons show, seeking local ties
The decision to premiere the system in Riyadh underscores Rosoboronexport’s continued interest in Middle Eastern markets.
Fragile Bosnia pops up as test case for Europe acting without the US
With backing from Washington, separatists in Bosnia could be emboldened like they haven’t been in decades.
Turkey’s STM lays the keel of the first ship for the Portuguese navy
This marked Turkey’s first military ship export to a European Union and NATO member state.
Norway picks Hanwha to supply rocket artillery in $2 billion deal
None of the other commercial bidders could deliver a comparable range, Norway said.
Germany proposes ‘two-speed’ EU to hasten defense buildup
The initiative reflects a strategic recalibration in Berlin’s European partnerships.
Otokar moves to buy Romanian military-vehicles partner Automecanica
The takeover is meant to facilitate the Turkish manufacturer's work on a $1 billion contract to make Cobra II vehicles for Romania's armed forces.
Casualties in Ukraine war could hit 2 million, report warns
A new report warns that the number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides of Russia’s war on Ukraine could hit 2 million by the spring.
Flags honoring Danish troops at US embassy reinstalled after outcry
Flags honoring Danish veterans killed in Afghanistan had been removed by staff at the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen, sparking public outcry.
Ukraine says more than 80% of enemy targets now destroyed by drones
One Ukrainian innovation has been a system to verify drone strikes that awards points to successful operators, with an online marketplace for bonus kit.
Italy gets first Lynx fighting vehicles, due to reshape the army
“This is a strategic signal,” said Björn Bernhard, Rheinmetall’s European vehicles head.
NATO’s Rutte says Europe can’t defend itself without US; France balks
The NATO chief prompted pushback from France, the European Union’s only nuclear power, as analysts call for a distinct European pillar within the alliance.
Elbit bets on UK as its European drone sales hub
Elbit’s full ownership of UTACS comes about a year after the British government decided to gradually phase its Watchkeepers out of military service.
Estonia nears decision on which missile defense system to buy
Officials plan to pick an offer this spring, with Patriot, SAMP/T and David's Sling among the likely contenders.
Ukrainian leaders find lessons in Trump’s daring Venezuela raid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dared the West to act against the Kremlin in his speech on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
