US troops doubled in Syria before Assad’s overthrow, Pentagon says
The surge of 1,100 troops to the country has been going on for months without being disclosed publicly.
Europe
Germany triples submarine order to six boats in joint buy with Norway
The extra boats are in line with Germany's expanded defense and naval aspirations.
India commissions Russian-built warship amid enduring ties with Moscow
India has been trying to diversify its weapons portfolio, as Russian-made equipment permeates the country's armed forces.
Italy bristles at prospect of Russia moving ships from Syria to Libya
Leaders in Rome fear Moscow's warships could be parked "two steps" from Italian shores, as Defense Minister Guido Crosetto put it.
Slovakia buys Black Hawk helicopters, leaving Vipers up for grabs
Ukrainian officials have long had their eyes on a dozen Viper attack helicopters for which the U.S. government has yet to find a customer.
Lithuania pushes Leopard 2A8 tank acquisition under new government
The envisioned purchase will constitute the Lithuanian military's biggest-ever purchase, officials said, though no price tag was given.
German Navy tests BlueWhale underwater drone for covert ship tracking
“This a capability currently only available via manned submarines, which makes it significant for maritime surveillance,” officials said.
North Korean troops killed fighting against Ukraine, Pentagon confirms
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency claimed Monday that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded while fighting alongside Russian troops.
US Navy warship will make its first port call in 8 years in Cambodia
The littoral combat ship Savannah will dock at the port of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand on Dec. 16-20.
Kurdish forces in Syria accidentally shot down US Reaper drone
The U.S. recovered parts of the downed Reaper and destroyed the rest.
Trilateral joint venture to manage GCAP warplane work from London
Basing the firm in the UK is meant to ensure “maximum alignment" with the UK-based government organization driving the 6th-gen fighter development.
Japan selects the T-6 Texan II as its new trainer aircraft
The aircraft will be built in the United States rather than license-produced in Japan.
Poland buys Sky Guardian drones as it readies to launch ‘Drone Force’
The country's new military branch dedicated to unmanned aerial vehicles will launch on Jan, 1, 2025.
NATO chief warns that Putin wants long-term confrontation with Europe
“It is time to shift to a wartime mindset,” Mark Rutte told security experts and analysts at the Carnegie Europe think-tank in Brussels.
Defense firms follow Lithuania’s allure of making ammo sans red tape
Foreign companies can short-circuit the permitting process and other bureaucratic steps if their plans fall under a new national-security provision.
Slovakia, Brazil discuss military transport aircraft, howitzer buys
Slovakia could buy Embraer C-390 aircraft from Brazil while selling Zuzana 2 howitzers to the South American country.
British troops test laser weapon as cheap option to fry drones
The British Army’s experimental laser weapon uses advanced sensors and tracking systems to maintain lock on target.
