Germany unveils strategy for becoming Europe’s strongest military by 2039
The Bundeswehr will move away from rigid hardware quotas − the number of tanks, aircraft or ships − toward a flexible, effects-based planning model.
The Americas
US Southern Command stands up autonomous unit
Once fully operational, the new command will be tasked with engaging autonomous, semi-autonomous and unmanned platforms to “counter threats across domains.
US commander warns Taiwan not to ‘starve the chicken’ on defense
Adm. Samuel Paparo stressed the importance of Taiwan passing its stalled defense budget.
Denmark to receive first SAMP/T NG air-defense system in 2028
Copenhagen in September picked the European system over the American-made Patriot.
Canadian military aims to show it can go it alone in the Arctic
Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed to ensure that Canada can protect the Arctic without any outside help.
Opinion
Trump’s madman diplomacy isn’t working on Iran
Compounding the problem is Trump’s misapplication of the madman theory itself, argues CATO Institute analyst Benjamin Giltner.
Australia signals greater defense investment, but is urgency still lacking?
“All the things are positive, but I think what we’ll need to do is move faster and acquire capability more quickly," one analyst commented.
Opinion
For Germany, the plot thickens toward a US-optional nuclear deterrent
All discussion formats must be expanded to include other European states as soon as possible, argues guest author Karl-Heinz Kamp.
Baltic nations brace for impact of Iran war delaying US weapons shipments
Delays in ammunition deliveries could reopen a thorny question for Baltic HIMARS users: Would the U.S. permit non-Lockheed rockets to be loaded?
US Navy destroyer fires on cargo vessel attempting to sail to Iranian port
The USS Spruance "disabled Touska’s propulsion by firing several rounds from the destroyer’s 5-inch MK 45 Gun into Touska’s engine room," CENTCOM stated.
Vessels report being hit by gunfire as Iran says Strait of Hormuz shut again
Merchant vessels attempting to cross the strait on Saturday received radio messages from Iran’s navy telling them they were not allowed to pass.
China turns Taiwan’s own voices against it in information war
As Chinese warships and fighter jets staged massive drills around Taiwan in December, a parallel action was unfolding on smartphone screens.
Indra to make Spanish variant of amphibious vehicle used by US Marines
Indra has struck its deal with Italy’s IDV, which is the design authority, intellectual property owner and supplier of core components on the vehicle.
Dutch broadcaster tracks carrier-group frigate with Bluetooth gadget
The MoD has made adjustments in response to the reported incident, including no longer allowing greeting cards with batteries to be sent.
Australia refines its defense strategy and investment plan
The government has laid out an aim for defense spending to reach 3% of GDP by 2033-34.
France nears rocket artillery decision, plans ballistic missile by 2035
French defense leaders are treating the acquisition of a new rocket artillery weapon as priority for the land forces.
How the US military could clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz
An arsenal of drones, explosive‑laden robots and helicopters can help reduce risk, though de‑mining crews could still be vulnerable to Iranian attacks.
