The Australian government will invest up to $11.83 billion over the next 10 years to upgrade military bases and defense capabilities in the Northern Territory. The investment under the 2024 Integrated Investment Program supports the latest National Defence Strategy. Pat Conroy, Australian minister for defense industry, said the government is increasing defense spending to provide...
Category: National Security
US Indicts Russian National Over Role in LockBit Ransomware Campaign
The United States has unmasked and indicted a Russian national allegedly involved in the creation of the LockBit ransomware, which has targeted over 2,000 victims and collected millions of dollars in ransom money. On Tuesday, the Department of Justice unsealed a 26-count indictment against Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, also known as “LockBitSupp” and “putinkrab.” “As part...
Finland Moving Military Equipment Out of Russia’s Reach
Finland has been long planning to store some of its military equipment and defense capabilities out of Russia’s reach, according to Finnish officials. Jarmo Lindberg, a member of the parliament and formerly chief of defense, told Breaking Defense on Monday that the decision to store war materials in Norway and Sweden was prompted by Moscow’s...
US Condemns Russia-Backed 2023 Cyberattack Targeting German Political Party
The United States has condemned the malicious cyber operations launched by Russia’s General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate against Germany and other European targets. “We join Germany in attributing specific malign activity carried out by APT28 that targeted a German political party,” the Department of State said in a statement Friday. “We call on Russia to...
Hensoldt to Supply Radars for British Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ships; Peter Dillon Quoted
Germany-based defense contractor Hensoldt announced that its U.K. unit has booked task orders to provide sensors for three new Fleet Solid Support ships that the Team Resolute consortium is building for the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Navantia UK-led consortium is developing the vessels under a $2 billion contract disclosed in January. Hensoldt UK will...
Lithuania Defense Minister Invites US Defense Contractors to Invest in the Country
Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasciunas has invited American defense companies to invest in his country. During a recent meeting with William LaPlante, U.S. undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, Kasciunas mentioned Rheinmetall’s plan to build an ammunition factory in Lithuania and added that he hopes other defense companies will follow suit. “We...
Brunei Selects Airbus H145M Helicopters to Replace Retired Bolkow Fleet; Bruno Even Quoted
Brunei’s Ministry of Defence has ordered six Airbus H145 M helicopters to replace the deactivated Bolkow Bo 105. The Southeast Asian nation intends to deploy the aircraft mainly for close air support and aerial observation operations. Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said the H145M boasts high performance and versatility, a well-regarded helicopter that will improve...
Monthlong Multinational Exercise to Demonstrate US Army Cooperation With NATO Allies in Nordic Region
About 10,400 U.S. soldiers and over 12,750 multinational service members from more than 12 allied and partner nations will test interoperability in Exercise Immediate Response 24, scheduled from April 30 to May 31. The American contingent includes 1,600 U.S. Army soldiers from the Fort Johnson, Louisiana-based 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, according...
South Korea Signs Off on 4 New Weapons Programs Worth $4.6B
South Korea is looking to invest around $4.6 billion to build its defense capabilities by acquiring new weapons systems through the late 2030s. On Friday, the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration approved defense spending plans for new SM-3 missiles and four frigates and the local development of an air-to-air missile. While DAPA said the two...
US State Department Seeks Public Comment on Arms Sales Rule Exemptions to Australia, UK
The United States is seeking public input on its plan to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to grant a rule exemption to Australia and the United Kingdom, U.S. partners in the AUKUS trilateral security agreement. According to a Federal Register notice posted on Wednesday, the planned ITAR amendment will exempt from State Department...