India’s MQ-9B buy from the US caps fruitless push for homemade drone
Defense leaders in News Delhi believe their drone needs are too urgent to wait for domestic developments that have yet to mature.
Asia Pacific
North Korea launches long-range missile, signaling tech improvements
The launch was likely meant to meant grab American attention days before the U.S. election and respond to condemnation over the North’s role in Ukraine.
Leaders wrestle with a potent mix: AI and weapons of mass destruction
New technologies can lower the bar for manufacturing dangerous weapons, while also helping watchdog organizations in detecting treaty infractions.
‘Significant’ fire reported at UK shipyard building nuke-powered subs
But there is “no nuclear risk,” local police said Wednesday.
Italian Navy tasks Fincantieri to design drone-laden warships
“It means looking at how best to handle storage, maintenance and loading ammunition,” an Italian Navy official said.
Croatia to buy 50 German Leopard tanks under Ukraine discount
The tanks are to be purchased under a reduced price to compensate the Croatian Army for its planned transfer of used equipment to Ukraine.
Financing becomes a hurdle in Argentina’s quest for new submarines
A letter of intent for a purchase from Naval Group is in the works, but the country's bad credit history is holding up a financing arrangement.
Israel says it will field Iron Beam air-defense lasers in a year
A contract with manufacturers Rafael and Elbit will accelerate the laser-defense system, which is meant to relieve pressure from traditional interceptors.
Czech Republic picks Embraer C-390 cargo planes for its air force
Prague secured participation of local companies in the deal with the Brazilian vendor to the tune of $80 million, officials said.
Israel launches military strikes against Iran
Israeli military officials said the attacks were in retaliation for Iran's Oct. 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.
Opinion
Getting more out of US-Australian defense cooperation
Canberra and Washington tend to view challenges in the Indo-Pacific through different ends of a strategic telescope.
Polish president rules out sending brand new weapons to Ukraine
Duda was asked during a visit to South Korea whether Warsaw would give Ukraine some of its newer weapons made in the Asian country.
France, Germany to hammer out next steps for delay-prone FCAS warplane
A top French acquisition official stresses the aircraft's envisioned role in nuclear deterrence.
Boeing machinists reject labor contract, extending strike
The labor standoff comes during an already challenging year for Boeing, which became the focus of multiple federal investigations earlier this year.
Dutch military faces a tough mission: finding space to prepare for war
It's hard to replicate large-scale ground combat in a densely populated country that takes 10 minutes to cross by super-cruising jet.
Engine maker Renk opens shop in Italy ahead of armor spending frenzy
The move to Italian tank hub La Spezia will put Renk in “a strategically important region,” close to “Italian customers and partners,” said the firm.
Attack on Turkish defense firm clears the halls of local arms fair
Turkish government and industry officials were rushed out of Saha Expo in Istanbul, an arms fair representing Turkey's growing weapons industry.
