Amid Houthi threats, a mysterious airstrip appears on Yemeni island
The runway is likely built by the United Arab Emirates, which has long been suspected of expanding its military presence in the region.
Europe
Sweden unveils drone swarm to be paired with ground troops
In a demonstration video, a formation of 10 quadcopters is seen taking off and relaying video footage from above snowy forests to ground operators.
France slams ‘unacceptable’ Russian targeting of Baltic patrol flight
A French Atlantique 2 aircraft patrolling international airspace over the Baltic was targeted by the fire-control system of a Russian S-400 launcher.
Norway, France vow closer defense ties as Naval Group eyes frigate biz
France is on Norway’s shortlist to supply five or six frigates in what would be the biggest Norwegian defense investment ever.
Turkish navy touts strategic ambitions with Mavi Vatan 2025 drill
Ankara's naval doctrine is seen by Greece and Israel as a major geopolitical challenge.
Japan passes record defense budget, while still playing catch-up
Approved on Dec. 27, 2024, the upcoming defense budget beginning April 1 is up 9.4% to a record 8.7 trillion yen, the equivalent of $55.1 billion.
Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire deal
The deal promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
India launches submarine, warships to counter China in Indian Ocean
The move underscores the importance of protecting the Indian Ocean region through which 95% of the country’s trade moves amid a strong Chinese presence.
With torpedo firm buy, Fincantieri eyes $100bn undersea-defense market
Italian state shipyard Fincantieri has completed the purchase of Italian torpedo firm WASS for a price that could reach €415 million ($428 million).
Report: Chinese scientists have dabbled in undersea cable-cutting tech
Reporters at Newsweek uncovered two patent applications Chinese researchers filed for towed undersea cable-cutting devices.
Slovakia considers CV90120, Leopards to replace Soviet-era tanks
The lighter tank, made by BAE Systems Hägglunds, is said to be cheaper than traditional main battle tanks but the exact finances are murky.
NATO launches Baltic patrol mission, eyes standard for detaining ships
The operation, dubbed “Baltic Sentry,” will dispatch national contributions as well as joint assets to the strategically located body of water.
China pushing Philippines ‘to the wall’ with sea aggression: Manila
A Philippine security official warned “all options are on the table” for Manila’s response to growing South China Sea aggression, including lawsuits.
Sweden joins NATO push to boost Baltic Sea naval presence
The Swedish military will also contribute one of its ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, made by Saab, and the country’s coast guard will deploy four ships.
Denmark flies home more F-35s for patrols to buffer upgrade delays
Denmark has a total 27 aircraft on order, and the plan is for the F-35 to gradually take over all the tasks from the F-16s in coming years.
As Biden exits, European allies huddle on joint drills, Ukraine aid
European leaders try to reimagine the continent's defensive muscles amid a Trump White House that could be downright hostile to their concerns.
NATO intercepts of Russian aircraft stable in 2024 over prior year
The alliance keeps jets on duty around the clock to scramble in case of suspicious or unannounced flights.
