NATIONAL FORCES
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After the Paris Declaration: Can Europe Deploy Troops in Ukraine?
Europe’s discussion of a multinational military presence in Ukraine has intensified after a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on 6 January produced a “Paris Declaration” on security guarantees for Ukraine. Issued by France, the declaration sketches…
Neutral, Rich, and Defenceless: Switzerland’s Strategic Failure
In the cloistered corridors of Switzerland’s defence circles, a blunt admission this weekend by the outgoing head of the armed forces should have echoed far beyond the country’s mountains and lakes. Lieutenant-General Thomas Süssli — a soldier accustomed to discretion…
How China Is Systematically Undermining Western Security
For years, Washington preferred euphemism to clarity when discussing China’s military rise. It spoke of “modernisation”, of “regional ambitions”, of a power merely seeking its place in the world. That indulgence has now evaporated. In unusually blunt language, the Pentagon…
Paris: Macron Commits to Next-Generation Carrier
Macron’s bold naval investment signals renewed confidence in French power projection. France has formally committed to building a new generation aircraft carrier, a decision President Emmanuel Macron unveiled this week during a visit to French troops stationed in the United…
Europe’s Strategic Leap Forward: Embracing a “Military Schengen” for Collective Defence
In a forward-looking move this week, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted overwhelmingly in favour of laying the groundwork for what has been dubbed a “military Schengen” — a bold vision to enhance European defence capabilities and respond more…
School Strikes Sweep Germany in Response to New Military Service Law
Germany’s Bundestag has approved a far-reaching reform of military service designed to expand the Bundeswehr over the next decade, while leaving open the option of a return to conscription if voluntary recruitment fails to meet targets. The decision has triggered…
Finland Draws New Lines in the Ice: Arctic Defence Strategy Signals a Northern Wake-Up Call
In a stark recognition of shifting geopolitics and growing tension in Europe’s High North, Finland this week unveiled a sweeping new Arctic defence strategy — one that reshapes Helsinki’s historic posture of cautious neutrality into a posture of firm readiness…
Armed with Signals: How Britain’s Soldiers Are Mastering Jungle-Tech to Secure the Future
In the steamy undergrowth of Belize, a small team of soldiers from 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron — part of the UK’s 16 Air Assault Brigade — recently undertook a demanding mission. But it wasn’t one of assault or rescue. Instead,…
Germany’s Bold Step Toward Building Europe’s Most Capable Army
Germany has taken a decisive stride toward bolstering its national defence, unveiling a new military service framework designed to rejuvenate the Bundeswehr and place the country firmly on course to develop Europe’s strongest conventional army. After months of careful negotiation…
Belgium orders military to shoot down unidentified drones over bases
Belgium’s armed forces have been instructed to shoot down any unidentified drones detected over military bases, following three consecutive nights of incursions above sensitive sites including the Kleine-Brogel air base. The order was issued by Chief of Defence Frederik Vansina…