DefenseNews

Ukraine says more than 80% of enemy targets now destroyed by drones

PARIS — Ukraine says drones now account for more than 80% of enemy targets destroyed as the country’s fight against Russia’s invasion approaches the five-year mark, with most of the drones manufactured locally. Ukrainian forces recorded 819,737 video-confirmed drone hits in 2025, the Ministry of Defence said on Monday, at an event to award the most effective drone units. Almost a third of…
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DefenseNews

China appears set on militarizing another reef in the South China Sea

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Satellite imagery appears to show China is set to reclaim land on another reef in the South China Sea for yet another military base. Simultaneously, China demonstrated the use of hundreds of fishing boats to support future combat operations against Taiwan. The coral reef in question is Antelope Reef, located at 16°27’45”N, 111°35’20”E in the Paracel Islands.
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DefenseNews

Estonia nears decision on which missile defense system to buy

WARSAW, Poland — Estonia is gearing up to acquire a missile defense system, participating in broader efforts by the Baltic States to boost investments in expanding their air-defense network. The country’s authorities said they plan to select the supplier by the end of March, earmarking up to €1 billion ($1.2 billion) for the purchase. The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI), the…
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DefenseNews

Ukrainian leaders find lessons in Trump’s daring Venezuela raid

KYIV, Ukraine — As U.S. President Donald Trump started the new year by flaunting American military power in Venezuela, the episode has left Ukrainian officials wondering whether Washington would exhibit a similar brand of decisiveness in 2026 to end Russian attacks on Ukraine. The Jan.3 U.S. raid to capture Venezuelan strongman president Nicolás Maduro was over before dawn, drawing praise from…
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