DefenseNews

Italy turns away Middle East-bound US military aircraft from Sicily stopover

ROME — U.S. military aircraft heading from the United States to the Middle East have been refused permission to stop off at an air base in Italy, an Italian government source has told Defense News. The request to land at Sigonella air base in Sicily was issued to Italian authorities after the aircraft had already taken off from the U.S., Italian daily Corriere della Sera reported on…
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DefenseNews

Japanese destroyer can now fire Tomahawk missiles, extending nation’s combat punch

MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese destroyer JS Chokai is now capable of launching U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles, making it the first Japanese warship that can strike targets beyond 1,000 kilometers. This development marks a key shift in the country’s defense strategy. Japan committed to acquiring 400 Tomahawks last year to equip its eight Aegis destroyers as part of a larger standoff…
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DefenseNews

Japan sprinkles fresh missiles across its islands to fend off would-be attackers

MANILA, Philippines — Japan has deployed advanced missiles across various strategic locations amid what the government considers a volatile and complex security environment. The Ministry of Defense had begun transporting upgraded versions of the Type 12 anti-ship guided missiles to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces’ Kengun Camp in central Kyushu Island as early as March 9, with troop…
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DefenseNews

France to boost munitions spending by nearly $10 billion through 2030

PARIS — France plans to spend an additional €8.5 billion (U.S.$9.8 billion) to buy munitions through to 2030, with the return of high-intensity warfare in the Middle East and Ukraine showing a need for more mass, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu told parliament on Wednesday. The country plans to set up a platform called France Munitions that will serve as an ammunition wholesaler for the…
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