DefenseNews

Europe can’t rely on US for air-defense missiles, top EU official says

PARIS — Europe can’t rely on the United States to supply the continent with sufficient quantities of air-defense missiles, and needs to step up local production of interceptors, European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said at the Paris Defense and Strategy Forum on Tuesday. Kubilius is on a “missile tour” of Europe to discuss with manufacturers how the European…
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DefenseNews

Chinese corvette recently trained its weapons on Philippine frigate, officials confirm

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy has confirmed that an armed Chinese corvette engaged its fire control radar against a Philippine frigate this month, marking the latest escalation between the two nations in contested areas in the South China Sea. The guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar was conducting a routine sovereignty patrol near Sabina Shoal, located 75 nautical miles from…
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DefenseNews

US Army to demo first crew-free Black Hawk

The Army has taken a step toward pilot-optional flight, receiving its first Black Hawk helicopter equipped with autonomy systems that allow it to fly without a human crew. The service received the aircraft, designated H-60Mx, and said the Black Hawk variant will begin…
DefenseNews

The ‘simple maneuver’ of opening Hormuz strait carries great risks, analysts say

PARIS — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday called NATO allies “cowards” for their unwillingness to help secure maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which he said would be a “simple military maneuver” with little risk. Analysts studying military matters and geopolitics disagree. While countries including the U.K. and France have said they’re ready to “contribute to appropriate…
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DefenseNews

Dutch armed forces to add drone operators to combat brigades

PARIS — The Netherlands will add specialized drone operators and counter-drone units to its combat brigades starting in April, according to Dutch Chief of Defence Gen. Onno Eichelsheim, who said the country is the first to take that step. The Dutch armed forces already incorporate drones in their operations, and will expand that capability “significantly” by deploying 1,000 to 1,200…
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