NATO has announced a 12 percent increase in its 2024 military spending, setting a budget of $2.2 billion to support defense operations across the globe. NATO member states also agreed to allocate $480.1 million for the alliance’s civil budget next year, providing for an 18.2 percent hike to cover personnel, operating costs and program expenditures...
Hello, Guest!
Category: National Security
Post
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...
Post
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...
Post
Treasury Sanctions Entities for Export of US-Made UAV Components to Iran
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control is imposing sanctions on companies and individuals based in the Middle East and East Asia for the export of American and foreign-made components to support Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicle production. In a notice published Tuesday, OFAC named Iran-based Hossein Hatefi Ardakani, Mehdi Dehghani Mohammadabadi...
Post
Canada Acquires MQ-9B SkyGuardian ISR Aircraft Fleet From General Atomics
Canada has purchased MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. Quebec recently signed a contract with GA-ASI for the acquisition of a fleet of next-generation remotely piloted aircraft systems and associated certified ground control stations. SkyGuardian is capable of conducting persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, including law enforcement, defensive counter air, airborne early...
Post
Spain Purchases $1.86B Worth of Airbus’ C295 Aircraft for Maritime Patrol, Surveillance
Spain is purchasing Airbus C295 aircraft for maritime patrol and surveillance. The Spanish Ministry of Defence placed an order valued at about $1.86 billion for a fleet of 16 C295 in the Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Maritime Surveillance Aircraft configuration. The maritime patrol version of the new aircraft is capable of conducting anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, and...
Post
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...
Post
Rheinmetall Sets 2024 Delivery of First Hungarian-Made Lynx Fighting Vehicle
Rheinmetall is now commissioning the first Hungarian-built Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle following development, production and testing at its Rheinmetall Hungary unit’s plant in Zalaegerszeg. The locally made IFVs will be delivered to the Hungarian army in mid-2024, according to the company. Hungary’s Lynx KF41 order totals 209 units in seven variants. The production of the...
Post
Japan Patriot Missile Sale to US Boosts Indo-Pacific Stability, Envoy Says
Japan’s efforts to boost its military capability and ease military equipment sales will enhance Indo-Pacific stability, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said in a meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara on Wednesday. According to Military.com, Emanuel lauded Tokyo’s recent approval of the shipments of Japanese-manufactured Patriot missiles to the United States to replenish...
Post
British Troops To Spearhead 2024 NATO Rapid Response Task Force
The United Kingdom’s 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team will be deployed in 2024 as the core of the British leadership role in NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force starting Jan. 1. The brigade, dubbed “Desert Rats,” led NATO’s Strategic Reserve Force when it was activated in Kosovo in 2022. Its components include a...