From Russia with nukes? Sifting facts from speculation about space weapon threat

From Russia with nukes? Sifting facts from speculation about space weapon threat
From Russia with nukes? Sifting facts from speculation about space weapon threat

“Nuclear weapons in space are a really, really dumb idea,” said Jessica West of Canadian non-profit Ploughshares, but experts note that with Russia, nothing can ever be fully ruled out.

Key decision points for Ukraine in the year ahead

Key decision points for Ukraine in the year ahead
Key decision points for Ukraine in the year ahead

Analyst Joshua Huminski asks, “What, in the end, is the balance Kyiv is willing to strike between what it wants to achieve (and at what cost) and what it actually can?”

‘Multiple’ countries’ NATO-trained troops successfully recruited by China: General

‘Multiple’ countries’ NATO-trained troops successfully recruited by China: General
‘Multiple’ countries’ NATO-trained troops successfully recruited by China: General

But the US and its NATO allies have brought some of those service members back, according to Gen. James Hecker.

Worldwide ‘deteriorating security landscape’ sparks record $2.2 trillion global defense spending: IISS

Worldwide ‘deteriorating security landscape’ sparks record $2.2 trillion global defense spending: IISS
Worldwide ‘deteriorating security landscape’ sparks record $2.2 trillion global defense spending: IISS

The analysis also reveals that Russia has lost over 3,000 tanks since fighting with Ukraine started in 2022, as many as Moscow held in its pre-war inventory — a trend Moscow will be unlikely to sustain for three more years.

Defense Secretary Austin no longer Europe bound, will virtually attend meeting on Ukraine

Defense Secretary Austin no longer Europe bound, will virtually attend meeting on Ukraine
Defense Secretary Austin no longer Europe bound, will virtually attend meeting on Ukraine

Austin’s medical emergency comes at a time of a new leader for Ukraine’s military, the inability of Washington to fund new weapons and former president Donald Trump inviting Russia to invade NATO territory.

China makes presence felt at Saudi Arabian defense show, outpacing US, Russia

China makes presence felt at Saudi Arabian defense show, outpacing US, Russia
China makes presence felt at Saudi Arabian defense show, outpacing US, Russia

The wide range of equipment on display by China was dominated by armed and unarmed drones, but also covered fighter jet models, air-to-air missiles, long-range air and missile defense systems, anti-tank and C4ISR kit.

Baltic nations prepare 600-strong bunker defensive line, with Russian threat in mind

Baltic nations prepare 600-strong bunker defensive line, with Russian threat in mind
Baltic nations prepare 600-strong bunker defensive line, with Russian threat in mind

The new bunkers, similar to “underground cellars” commonly found in Estonia, are expected to be 35 square metres (377 square feet), hardened to withstand artillery strikes and house up to 10 soldiers.

Pacific Fleet chief Paparo on China’s big lesson from Ukraine: Win quickly

Pacific Fleet chief Paparo on China’s big lesson from Ukraine: Win quickly
Pacific Fleet chief Paparo on China’s big lesson from Ukraine: Win quickly

“Instead of seeing the Ukraine conflict and deciding ‘this is too hard,’ [China’s] intention, on the other hand, is to take note of the actions of Russia in order to effect a short, sharp, fait accompli conflict,” Adm. Samuel Paparo told lawmakers.

EU agrees to $54B economic package for Ukraine to deliver ‘steadfast,’ ‘predictable’ funding

EU agrees to $54B economic package for Ukraine to deliver ‘steadfast,’ ‘predictable’ funding
EU agrees to $54B economic package for Ukraine to deliver ‘steadfast,’ ‘predictable’ funding

European Council documents show that the funding, allocated to support reconstruction and boost immediate economic needs, is split between €33 billion ($36 billion) in loans and €17 billion ($18 billion) of “non-repayable support.”

As Baltics see spike in GPS jamming, NATO must respond

As Baltics see spike in GPS jamming, NATO must respond
As Baltics see spike in GPS jamming, NATO must respond

Dana Goward, president of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation, argues in this op-ed that Russia could be putting civilians at risk with suspected jamming in Eastern Europe.

White House’s Sullivan warns China over aid to Russia’s defense industrial base

White House’s Sullivan warns China over aid to Russia’s defense industrial base
White House’s Sullivan warns China over aid to Russia’s defense industrial base

“We have been clear and direct about our concerns. And I noted in my remarks that, as we’ve watched this happen, we’re prepared to take steps to respond to that kind of activity …,” said President Joe Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, while otherwise lauding progress with Beijing.

After historic shoot-down, why Russia will struggle to replace its A-50 AEW&C plane

After historic shoot-down, why Russia will struggle to replace its A-50 AEW&C plane
After historic shoot-down, why Russia will struggle to replace its A-50 AEW&C plane

As rumors swirl about an alleged cagey Ukrainian operation, sanctions are likely to hurt any chances at new A-50s rolling off Russian lines with enough specialists to man it, experts told Breaking Defense.

Getting ahead: Ukraine Defense Contact Group forms 2 coalitions

Getting ahead: Ukraine Defense Contact Group forms 2 coalitions
Getting ahead: Ukraine Defense Contact Group forms 2 coalitions

Latvia is heading up a new drone coalition while Poland will helm another focusing on armor, according to US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander.

Turkish parliament votes in favor of Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing key hurdle

Turkish parliament votes in favor of Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing key hurdle
Turkish parliament votes in favor of Sweden’s NATO bid, clearing key hurdle

NATO members Turkey and Hungary cleared the way for Finland’s formal accession in April 2023 but left Sweden behind at the time.