Chinese hold on solar-power tech raises fresh sabotage fears in Europe
After a news report about undeclared circuitry in Chinese solar components, European experts fear the bloc may be vulnerable to blackmail.
Europe
Dutch NATO math portends uphill battle for Europe on defense spending
The alliance's Capability Targets 2025, to be formally set at a summit in June, will significantly increase the requirements compared to previous goals.
Germany vows to underwrite Ukraine’s long-range missile production
Investing in Ukraine will enable Kyiv to have a “substantial” number of long-range weapons this year, the German defense ministry said in a statement.
French Navy tests unmanned beach assault, expands drone tactics
In the exercise called Dragoon Fury, the French Navy used its amphibious helicopter carrier Tonnerre as a drone platform.
Germany’s Merz lifts range limit on weapons donated to Ukraine
Merz did not mention Taurus cruise missiles in his announcement, casting fresh mystery on the practical implications of the apparent policy shift.
Italy to double missile interceptor production as Ukraine runs out
That will be little relief to Kyiv, as the production boost is projected for next year.
Europe is plagued by too many naval yards, French Navy chief says
The Naviris joint venture between Italy’s Fincantieri and France’s Naval Group has failed to spur vendor consolidation, said Adm. Nicolas Vaujour.
With Iveco Defence up for sale, Italy may lose a key military supplier
Numerous firms from around the world are reportedly ready to put in offers for IDV, with Spanish media suggesting Spain’s Indra is ready to pay €1 billion.
Switzerland to expand EU defense ties with new cyber-defense role
Swiss defense planners have balanced these new engagements with Bern’s policy of armed neutrality.
Poland, Romania lead a drone bonanza in Eastern Europe
Local companies are vying for new customers besides their national armed forces.
Turkey’s STM targets Southeast Asian market with new ship design
The pitch aligns with Turkey’s growing focus on Asian defense markets.
British Army tests lightweight Javelin antitank weapon at record range
The successful shot involved engaging a target at a distance of four kilometers, a first for the smaller and lighter weapon system.
Estonia-Russia ship standoff portends a harsher tone on the Baltic Sea
Incidents in the Baltic Sea are ripe with the potential for escalation, one analyst cautioned.
Opinion
Europe’s defense investments signal big wins for American industry
A significant amount of investment opportunities will be open to U.S. companies, writes Jovita Neliupšienė, the EU ambassador to the United States.
Romania’s new pro-European president puts it back on a Western course
As a member of the EU and one of the easternmost members of the NATO military alliance, Romania plays a pivotal role in Western security infrastructure.
Britain to upgrade military pilot training with $400 million package
The investment will result in a four-fold increase in mission aircrew trainees to 140 per year, according to thy Ministry of Defence.
EU, UK agree defense partnership as prelude to tighter cooperation
The pact is meant to align London's defense policy more closely with that of mainland Europe, with potential avenues for accessing common financing.
