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Brussels Retreats: The €6.7bn Price-Tag on UK’s Seat at EU Defence Table Is Slashed
In a dramatic turn of events, Brussels has quietly whittled down its demand for British entry into its €140 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund — from a staggering €6.7 billion to a much more palatable €2 billion.…
Trump signals approval for sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia
President Donald Trump has said the United States will sell advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, signalling a major shift in Washington’s approach to sharing its most sophisticated combat aircraft with the kingdom and opening a fresh debate in…
Rome Bets on Tanks and Hungary — But Can Europe Trust Its Eastern Partner?
Rome’s plan to use EU “SAFE” loans for German-built tanks, in collaboration with Hungary, highlights both Italy’s ambition and the fragility of European defence, however Orbán’s Kremlin ties fuel scepticism. Italy’s striking proposal to channel European Union “SAFE” defence loans…
Hegseth urges NATO allies to fund more U.S. arms for Ukraine as Kyiv courts Tomahawk maker
The United States on Wednesday pressed NATO partners to finance additional American weaponry for Ukraine, signalling a harder-edged posture towards Moscow as senior Ukrainian officials held talks with U.S. defence manufacturers, including the producer of Tomahawk cruise missiles. Speaking in…
US media reject new Pentagon press rules on access and reporting
At least 30 major US news organisations have refused to accept new Pentagon rules governing press access and reporting, risking the loss of accreditation and workspace at the Department of Defence. The move follows the introduction of a policy requiring…
Commission to Extend ‘Drone Wall’ into EU-Wide Defence Network
BRUSSELS — The European Commission plans to expand its proposed “drone wall” on the EU’s eastern flank into a continent-wide scheme, rebranded the European Drone Defence Initiative, according to officials briefed on the draft. The move is set to appear…
Spain in Trump’s Crosshairs as NATO Tensions Flare Over 5% Military Target
U.S. President Donald Trump is suggesting that NATO should consider expelling Spain from the alliance due to its refusal to meet the newly agreed defence spending targets. This proposal has sparked a significant debate about the future of NATO, burden-sharing…
Alona Lebedieva: Delays in implementing reforms could undermine Ukraine’s financial stability
Ukraine is preparing to enter 2026 with a record state budget deficit and a critical dependence on external financial assistance. The draft has been prepared under the same priorities as the current budget — concentrating resources on defence and…
NATO weighs rules of engagement after Russian sorties near Alaska and over Estonia
U.S. and Canadian aircraft were scrambled overnight on 24–25 September after radar tracked two Russian Tu-95 bombers accompanied by two Su-35 fighters operating inside the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said the aircraft…
Poland moves to let its forces shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine without NATO sign-off
Poland is advancing legislative changes that would allow its armed forces to intercept Russian drones and missiles over Ukrainian territory without prior approval from NATO or the European Union. The proposal, first drafted by the Ministry of National Defence in…