F-35 partners fully committed to program, Dutch defense minister says
Some European researchers and lawmakers expressed concern in recent weeks that America might block allies from using their F-35s.
Mideast Africa
China, Iran and Russia hold joint naval drills in Mideast
The joint drills took place near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which in the past has seen Iran seize commercial ships.
China’s shipbuilding dominance a national security risk for US: Report
A report details how China has grown to be the dominant global player in shipbuilding, dwarfing the U.S., which now has only 0.1% of the global market.
US agrees to resume military aid, intel sharing with Ukraine
The U.S. and Ukraine agreed to an “immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire,” which could be extended but first hinges on Russia’s acceptance.
Germany’s military build up continues, but personnel shortages remain
The report outlined the European power’s more assertive foreign military involvement, including its navy’s first-ever shots fired in a combat situation.
Man arrested in cargo ship crash with tanker carrying US military fuel
U.K. police have opened a criminal investigation into a collision between two ships in the North Sea and have arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter.
Ukraine-US talks on ending war with Russia start in Saudi Arabia
The talks come after President Trump paused U.S. military aid to Ukraine last week, along with some intelligence sharing.
North Korea fires missiles after US, South Korea military drills
The launch happened hours after South Korean and U.S. troops kicked off their large annual combined drills, which the North views as an invasion rehearsal.
Cargo ship hits tanker carrying jet fuel for the US military
The collision set both vessels ablaze and sent fuel pouring into the North Sea.
Russian forces walked inside a gas pipeline to strike Ukrainian troops
According to a pro-Kremlin blogger, Russian operatives walked about 9 miles inside the pipeline that Moscow had until recently used to send gas to Europe.
Defense companies jack up Germany’s auto industry to make weapons fast
To overcome production bottlenecks, the argument goes, why not repurpose manufacturing capabilities of Germany’s famed, but ailing, automobile sector?
Canada awards multibillion-dollar deals for new icebreakers, warships
The federal government announced plans construct two new Arctic icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard.
US arms exports to Europe triple, boosted by Ukraine aid: SIPRI
“The new figures clearly reflect the rearmament taking place among states in Europe in response to the threat from Russia,” one analyst said.
South Korea pauses military drills after accidental bombing
South Korean and U.S. militaries halted all live-fire exercises across South Korea after South Korean jets mistakenly released bombs on a civilian area.
China bans more US defense firms
The ban aims to protect the country’s “national sovereignty and security," and it follows US tariffs against Beijing, according to the Chinese government.
Singapore raises defense budget, readies new military acquisitions
The government of Singapore announced a 12.4% defense budget hike on March 3, with major new equipment on order.
Turkish-Italian venture adds new force to Europe’s drone market
Italy has been a loyal purchaser of U.S. Predator and Reaper drones, so a purchase of Baykar platforms would mark a change in direction for Rome.
