German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall Group will supply Ukraine with artillery ammunition worth about $153 million, a procurement from an unnamed NATO ally supporting Kyiv against the Russian invasion. The new contract follows a German-funded Rheinmetall deal announced in November to supply Ukraine with 32 battle tanks, driver-training tanks and armored recovery vehicles. The...
Tag: Defense Security Cooperation
Italian Navy Officially Assumes Command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two
The United Kingdom has officially handed command of the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two to Italy. The change of command took place in Taranto, Italy, on the outgoing flagship Royal Navy HMS Duncan. Present during the event were Royal Navy Cmdr. Paul Stroude, who led SNMG2 over the past five months, and Rear Adm. Pasquale Esposito...
Military Allies Convene in Finland Symposium for Defense Against Hybrid Threats
NATO’s Counter Hybrid Support Teams gathered in Finland last week for a training session on responses to conventional and non-conventional tools that the alliance’s adversaries use to pursue their hostile objectives. According to David van Weel, NATO assistant secretary general for emerging security challenges, the NATO Hybrid Symposium discussions “focused on how to better prepare...
UAS Purchases To Sharpen New Zealand Army’s Surveillance Capabilities
The New Zealand Army will deploy uncrewed aircraft systems and remote ground sensors starting in 2024, with the country’s Ministry of Defence awarding purchase contracts for the equipment to three companies. The ministry announced on Thursday that the contracted suppliers include EPE New Zealand for backpack portable quadcopter micro UAS and remote ground systems. U.S.-based...
US Expects Canada’s Defense Bill Update to Increase Military Spending
The United States is confident that Canada’s upcoming defense policy update will increase military spending to boost capabilities and meet its responsibilities as part of NATO. David Cohen, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, shared in a recent interview that sources from Ottawa made assurances that the policy change will address concerns among military officials over...
Rheinmetall Secures $314M Contract From Hungary to Develop Next-Generation Tank
Rheinmetall will work with the government of Hungary to develop the next-generation tank, Panther KF51. The German arms and land systems manufacturer recently signed a development contract valued at $314.5 million in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary. “The Panther KF51 is the world’s most advanced main battle tank. It sets a new standard for the combat effectiveness of...
US Signs Defense Cooperation Agreement With Finland
The United States and Finland signed a defense cooperation agreement in Washington on Monday, a pact that U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken said would enable the two countries’ militaries “to collaborate more efficiently and more effectively.” According to the official, the DCA opens more opportunities for joint troop training and bolsters NATO’s interoperability. Under the agreement,...
Sweden-Denmark Pact Aims at More Armored Vehicle Donation to Ukraine
The defense ministers of Sweden and Denmark signed a letter of intent in Copenhagen on Monday to extend further support to Ukraine via a donation of additional Swedish-made Combat Vehicle 90s. Sweden donated 50 CV90s to Kyiv in early 2023 and signed a preliminary agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in August for the production...
Czech Republic Partners With Germany for Joint Acquisition of Leopard 2A8 Tanks
The Czech Republic has initiated discussions with Germany about a joint acquisition of Leopard 2A8 tanks. Defence Minister Jana Cernochova told local news media CZDefence that the talks with the German government are in an advanced stage. “The negotiations are ongoing at the moment, and we anticipate that there should be clarity over the course...
Japan Announces Plans to Ship Patriot Interceptor Missiles to US
Japan has announced plans to send Patriot air defense missiles to the United States following the government’s decision to revise its arms export policy, according to a Reuters report. In a statement, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the imminent weapons shipment will bolter Japan’s security and improve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region....