DefenseNews

Baltic nations brace for impact of Iran war delaying US weapons shipments

WARSAW, Poland — The United States government has flagged possible delays linked to the Iran war in deliveries of weapons and ammunition to the three Baltic States, the prime ministers of Estonia and Lithuania announced during an April 17 joint press conference. “Yes, the U.S. has informed us of the situation, and we understand the reasoning and the circumstances. And we are in close contact…
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DefenseNews

Australia refines its defense strategy and investment plan

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Australia issued updates for two pivotal planning documents this week – its National Defence Strategy 2026 and Integrated Investment Program 2026 – while simultaneously promising a boost in defense spending. Defence Minister Richard Marles…
DefenseNews

‘Actively shrinking’: Guard generals push Congress for 100 new fighters a year

The nation’s Air National Guard adjutants general are making their most unified push yet to recapitalize the U.S. Air Force’s fighter fleet, with 22 generals signing a letter to Congress this month calling for multiyear funding to buy between 72 and 100 new fighters annually. The letter, sent April 1 to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Appropriations committees and their…
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DefenseNews

Iran war exposes weakened state of Britain’s armed forces

LONDON — The Iran war has left Britain’s armed forces exposed, heaping pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to act on his promises to invest in defense, after years of warnings from military bosses about the U.K.’s shrinking capabilities. When a British military…
DefenseNews

EU pumps over $1 billion into defense R&D, centered around Ukraine war lessons

GRAZ, Austria — The European Commission this week unveiled the results of its 2025 European Defence Fund call for proposals, selecting 57 collaborative research and development projects for a combined €1.07 billion ($1.26 billion) in EU funding − a package that makes clear where the bloc’s defense priorities lie: drones, autonomy, and an increasingly institutionalized partnership with…
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DefenseNews

Estonia raids combat-vehicle funds to buy more drones, air defenses

WARSAW, Poland — Estonia’s government has decided to put on hold its planned acquisition of new infantry fighting vehicles. The Baltic nation will instead direct the funds toward drones, counter-drone measures and air-defense systems, while squeezing more service life out of the country’s existing fleet of second-hand CV90 vehicles. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur announced the move…
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