Defense News

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

NATO and EU Diplomacy Enters a Critical Phase as Allies Address Security and Economic Challenges

Transatlantic diplomacy entered a delicate phase this week as the United States and its European allies moved simultaneously to reassure one another on collective security while confronting renewed tests to the international rules-based order. Political messaging from Washington and Brussels underscored continuity in NATO commitments, even as broader geopolitical and economic pressures sharpened debates over burden-sharing, strategic autonomy, and the defense of democratic values beyond Europe’s borders.

Olha PashchenkoFebruary 10, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

No More Limits: The End of the Last US-Russia Nuclear Treaty

For the first time in over 50 years, the United States and Russia are no longer bound by a formal, verifiable nuclear arms control treaty. The New START agreement stands for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty , which limited the two countries strategic nuclear arsenals. This treaty helped keep the Cold War style arms race in check but has now expired. With that brake removed, questions are mounting about how Washington and Moscow will manage their nuclear forces.

İbrahimjan AbdimutalipjanFebruary 4, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

USS Abraham Lincoln Steams Towards Iran

Tensions in the Gulf are rising sharply after the US navy ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to leave the Indo-Pacific and to set course to the Persian Gulf. This puts a powerful American naval formation on a trajectory that could bring into striking distance of Iran within days. This move signals that Washington wants visible, high-end military options on the table.

İbrahimjan AbdimutalipjanJanuary 16, 2026

Defense · Intelligence Counterintelligence

Tokayev Is Redefining the Architecture of the National Security Committee

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a landmark decree redefining Kazakhstan’s security architecture by expanding the powers of the National Security Committee. The reform centralizes control over digital and critical infrastructure, transfers key oversight functions from civilian bodies to intelligence structures, and mandates rapid legal amendments. Placed under direct presidential supervision, the initiative reflects a strategic shift toward a strong, centralized state model aimed at safeguarding national security, economic stability, and public welfare in an era of growing digital and cyber threats.

EUReflect NewsDecember 29, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

NATO’s Cold Response to the EU Army Debate

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte rejected calls for an independent EU army, stressing that European security cannot be ensured without the United States. He argued that Europe should take greater responsibility for defence, but within NATO and the transatlantic framework rather than through separate security structures.

EUReflect NewsDecember 28, 2025

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Private Military Companies: Between Law and War

Private Military Companies (PMCs) have become influential actors in contemporary conflicts, providing security, training, logistics, and in some cases combat support to states, corporations, and international organizations. Operating as profit-driven corporate entities, they blur the line between public and private use of force. While PMCs offer flexibility and specialized expertise, their expansion raises serious ethical, legal, and accountability concerns.

Faudel TaouliDecember 15, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Canada and the EU Reassert Their Strategic Ambitions at the 2025 Business Summit

Brussels hosted the sixth edition of the EU-Canada Business Summit on 27 November, drawing political representatives, industry leaders and policy specialists to the Mission of Canada to the European Union. The annual gathering once again served as a meeting point for discussions on shared economic priorities and a venue for targeted business engagement.

Olha PashchenkoNovember 29, 2025

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

The Return of Realpolitik: Bagram Air Base and US Foreign Policy

Every country wants to monitor its rival and reduces the opportunities for its foes to gain nuclear capabilities and military strength. Hence, the recent decision by the President of the United States to regain Bagram base from the authority of Afghanistan demonstrates the shifting strategic policy of the US.

Uroosa KhanNovember 23, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Militarization of Space: The Next Battlefield Beyond Earth

The militarization of space presents unprecedented risks for global security. If countries continue to develop space-based weapons, the likelihood of conflicts extending beyond Earth becomes increasingly plausible.

Uroosa KhanNovember 23, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Mandatory Military Service for Women Introduced in Scandinavian Countries

Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have introduced mandatory military service for women in response to the potential spread of the Russia-Ukraine war. Denmark will draft women aged 18 through a lottery system, while Norway and Sweden have expanded their existing conscription frameworks to include women. The Baltic states are considering similar measures. Experts view this as a major shift in European security policy, likely to strengthen NATO’s deterrence posture on its eastern flank.

EUReflect NewsNovember 22, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

New Era for European Defense: EU 'Military Schengen'

The European Commission has recently proposed the creation of a 'military Schengen zone' to drastically improve the speed and efficiency of moving military personnel and equipment within the EU. This initiative aims to remove existing barriers, harmonize procedures, and foster a secure, responsive defense network that can quickly react in times of crisis.

İbrahimjan AbdimutalipjanNovember 21, 2025

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Ukraine and France Sign Defense Agreement Enabling Transfer of Rafale Jets and SAMP/T Air-Defense Systems

Ukraine and France signed a new bilateral defense agreement in Paris to boost Ukraine’s air-defense capabilities ahead of anticipated Russian attacks this winter. The deal includes future supplies of Rafale fighter jets and SAMP/T air-defense systems, as well as cooperation on maintenance and training. France is working to speed up delivery timelines by using its own reserves. This agreement builds on earlier security cooperation between the two countries and reinforces France’s role as a key partner in Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.

Olha PashchenkoNovember 17, 2025

Defense · Intelligence Counterintelligence

Ursula von der Leyen Pushes for EU Spy Service

The European Commission plans to set up an intelligence unit to coordinate security data from EU member states, aiming to boost Europe’s autonomy and reduce reliance on U.S. intelligence. The move faces resistance from diplomats worried about overlapping powers and bureaucratic tension in Brussels.

İbrahimjan AbdimutalipjanNovember 12, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

India’s Changing Strategic Concept

Selman AltuntasNovember 11, 2025

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Post-Conflict Political Objectives of Pakistan and India Following the May Clashes

The four-day armed conflict between Pakistan and India in May 2025 generated significant repercussions in both regional and global dynamics.

Selman AltuntasNovember 11, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Germany Fields Mini Missile Against Drones

Germany has initiated the development and procurement of the Small Anti-Drone Missile (SADM), designed for integration into the Rheinmetall Skyranger 30 vehicles, as a cost-effective solution against small UAS threats. Costing €490 million, the missile extends the Skyranger's engagement range to 6 km and, informed by Ukrainian war lessons, is set to be included in the European Sky Shield Initiative.

İsmail PolatNovember 9, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

US Army's 1 Million Drone Initiative

U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll announced the goal of acquiring at least one million drones within the next two to three years, signaling a historic transformation in U.S. military procurement. The Army, which currently procures only about 50,000 drones annually, aims to position drones as "expendable ammunition" rather than "exquisite equipment" with this massive acquisition. The plan is shaped by lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine and centers on stimulating domestic production and reducing critical supply chain dependence on China.

EUReflect NewsNovember 9, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Europe Tests First Autonomous Military Convoy

Europe completed the final tests of its first autonomous military convoy in Spain under the EU-funded COMMANDS project. Coordinated by Spain’s Sener, the system uses AI, sensors, and 5G to enable autonomous navigation. The initiative marks a key step in the EU’s effort to modernize and strengthen its defense capabilities through automation and artificial intelligence.

İsmail PolatNovember 8, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

China Launches Advanced ‘Fujian’ Aircraft Carrier

China has officially commissioned its third and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, marking a milestone in its military modernization. As the first carrier fully designed and built domestically, the Fujian introduces advanced electromagnetic catapult technology (EMALS), significantly boosting China’s naval capabilities. The new vessel symbolizes Beijing’s growing ability to challenge U.S. naval dominance in the Pacific and underscores President Xi Jinping’s ambition to build a world-class military by 2049.

Botakoz UnbayevaNovember 8, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Between EU and NATO: Turkiye’s Ambivalent Security Role

Türkiye’s 2025 foreign and security posture reflects a calibrated balancing act between Euro-Atlantic commitments and Eurasian outreach. Anchored firmly in NATO but increasingly active in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) dialogue framework, Ankara is pursuing a security policy built on diplomatic depth rather than military confrontation. The aim: to consolidate its role as a regional power with global reach—capable of talking to all sides without binding itself exclusively to any bloc.

İsmail PolatNovember 6, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Türkiye – EU Foreign, Security and Defence Policy 2025 Analysis

This study examines Türkiye’s engagement with the European Union’s Common Foreign, Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/CSDP) during 2025. While political dialogue between Ankara and Brussels intensified, Türkiye’s alignment rate with EU declarations and restrictive measures fell to a historic low of 4%. Despite its substantial operational contribution to EU crisis-management missions and its active mediation efforts in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Horn of Africa, Türkiye continued to follow a selective alignment strategy that prioritised strategic autonomy, energy interdependence, and regional influence. The paper argues that in 2025 Türkiye consolidated its position as a balancing mediator within an emerging multipolar order rather than as a fully aligned partner of the European Union.

EUReflect NewsNovember 5, 2025

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

Uzbekistan’s 5G Fighter Jet Deal with China

Uzbekistan’s potential purchase of Chinese JF-17 Block 3 jets could shift the power balance in Central Asia, reducing Russia’s influence and boosting China’s role. The deal offers technology transfer, pilot training, and cost-effective modernization, making Uzbekistan the first in the region to operate fifth-generation fighters.

İsmail PolatNovember 4, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Belgium Probes Drone ‘Spy Operation’ Near Nuclear Air Base

Belgium suspects a coordinated “spy operation” behind recent drone flights over the Kleine-Brogel air base, which reportedly hosts U.S. tactical nuclear weapons. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said small drones were used first to test radio frequencies, followed by larger ones intended to destabilize the area. The incidents occurred on Nov. 1–3 and are part of a broader pattern of 14 drone sightings across Europe over the past two months, targeting military and dual-use sites, mainly at night. Analysts suggest these incursions could have political motives, with NATO countries increasingly alarmed by surveillance activities near strategic facilities.

EUReflect NewsNovember 4, 2025

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Drones Spotted Over Belgian Military Bases for Third Night in a Row

For the third night in a row, unidentified drones were spotted over Belgium’s Kleine-Brogel military base, raising security concerns across Europe. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed that interception attempts failed as the drones disappeared toward the Netherlands. Similar incidents have occurred at other Belgian bases and airports, prompting an investigation and government discussions. The events come amid wider European efforts to strengthen air defenses and develop a “drone wall” in response to suspected Russian incursions.

Olha PashchenkoNovember 3, 2025

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