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From Zelenskyy’s Flight Path to Nuclear Bases: Europe’s Failure to Stop Rogue Drones
Four unidentified drones breaching a declared no-fly zone along President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s flight path into Dublin should have been a sobering demonstration of European readiness. Instead, it exposed how little protection exists against a threat that Russia has already normalised…
From NATO ‘Overreach’ to Territorial Concessions: How the New US Strategy Risks Leaving Ukraine and EU Exposed
The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy sets out a markedly different approach to Europe, NATO and the war in Ukraine, placing “ending the perception of NATO as a perpetually expanding alliance” among Washington’s priorities and pairing it with sharp…
Germany raises Europe’s shield — Arrow 3 goes live at Holzdorf
Germany is to formally activate the Arrow 3 missile-shield this week — the first time Europe will field an exo-atmospheric, long-range ballistic missile interceptor system. The deployment, at the air base of Schönewalde/Holzdorf south of Berlin, marks a watershed moment…
Canada turns to Brussels to fund next-gen jets and submarines
Canada has become the first non-EU nation to join the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) — the much-vaunted €150 billion defence loan programme recently launched by the European Union. The step signals a seismic shift in transatlantic procurement allegiances, and…
Italy Stands Firm: More Military Supplies Cleared for Ukraine
Rome’s latest decision strengthens Europe’s united front against Russian aggression. The Italian government is preparing to extend authorisation for military supplies to Ukraine, underlining its enduring commitment to defending European values and resisting aggression. A confidential government document, now due…
Sarmat failure and Baikonur damage deepen questions over Russia’s high-tech ambitions
A failed test of a heavy intercontinental missile in Russia’s Orenburg region, followed within days by serious damage to the country’s only crew-rated launch pad at Baikonur, has renewed scrutiny of Moscow’s ability to modernise its strategic and space capabilities.…
Between Victory and Disintegration: Zaluzhnyi’s Stark Choices for Ukraine – and for Europe
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, now Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and formerly Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has set out one of the starkest assessments yet of the war and its political context. In a long essay for the Kyiv outlet…
Britain’s Defence Reset Falters as EU Talks Collapse: SAFE Fund Row Exposes Deeper Strategic Divide
It was meant to be the moment Britain and the European Union quietly rediscovered the habit of cooperation. After years of mutual frostiness following Brexit, the prospect of the UK joining the EU’s new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence…
Russian strategic missile test ends in mid-air explosion over Orenburg
A suspected test of a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Yasny launch area in Orenburg region on 28 November ended in a mid-air failure, with the rocket breaking up and exploding a short distance from the silo. Multiple…
Why Europe Needs a Strong Polish Defence Industry, an Interview With Mehmet Göktürk İplikçioğlu
Defence Matters editor Gary Cartwright interviewed Mehmet Göktürk İplikçioğlu, CEO of TEOMAN Corp., Representative of the Polish Chamber of National Defence Manufacturers, during a recent visit to Brussels. G.C.: How do you see Poland’s place in the current European security…