Philippines orders 12 more FA-50 combat jets from South Korea

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ defense department sealed the order for 12 FA-50 light combat aircraft in a $700 million package with Korea Aerospace Industries, the company said in a statement released Wednesday. The export contract includes 12 FA-50s set to arrive around 2030. The upgraded jets are capable of aerial refueling and will be … Read more

European rearmament: Shuffling fake money around a monopoly board?

Amid calls for Europe to rearm, competing ideas are circulating around how to ensure European nations can take on Russia in a possible future war without U.S. backing. While the idea of a rearmament bank may carry some appeal, it’s less clear that there’s any new money for what is likely to be a very … Read more

President Karis: Larger EU nations must hike their defense spending | News

The larger EU nations must increase their defense spending, President Alar Karis said Thursday. At the same time, there is growing understanding among countries farther from this region that Russia’s aggression could affect them too. These countries increasing their spending would have a much greater effect than even a large hike by Estonia, given the … Read more

Unleashing Steroids: The Dangers of Escalating European Militarism

Archyde Europe’s New Wave of Militarism: A Risky Path? A surge in bellicose sentiment is gripping Europe’s elite, pushing the continent towards increased militarization with potentially damaging consequences.This shift is especially pronounced in Germany, where political leaders and self-proclaimed “military experts” are fueling each other’s hawkish views. Germany at the Forefront Germany’s renewed focus on … Read more

Indonesia Buys 60 Turkish-Made Bayraktar TB3 Drones

Indonesia has placed an order for 60 Bayraktar TB3 drones from Turkey to enhance its ability to conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. The deal was signed between Turkish firm Baykar and Indonesian defense company Republikorp during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent visit to Jakarta. It also follows an agreement between the two countries to … Read more

Hard Numbers: New records set in global defense spending and journalist deaths, Danes joke about buying California, Japan may u-turn on nuclear energy

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Philippines shores up defenses with increased military spending

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — As the Philippines beefs up its defensive posture, pivoting from internal security to territorial defense, the government has lined up a series of acquisitions in line with the new plans. The Philippine Marine Corps requires roughly 60 armored vehicles, but it is getting the ball rolling with seven vehicles from South … Read more

NATO’s Defense Dilemma: Rising Costs, Reluctant Nations

U.S. President Donald Trump expects Washington’s NATO allies to spend more on bombs and bullets. Trump’s proposal for members to devote 5 percent of GDP to defense was widely rejected, but the demand for bigger budgets is real and is not expected to go away. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said spending might need to … Read more

* Friday’s front pages

Front Page Headlines: Irish Papers Focus on Storm Darragh Delays, Royal Links, and More Front Page Headlines: Irish Papers Focus on Storm Darragh Delays, Royal Links, and More Here’s a look at the top stories grabbing headlines across Ireland and Britain today: Irish News: Storm Darragh Delays, Kyran Durnan Case Dominate Headlines Irish newspapers are … Read more