Analysis & Reports

Italy reported a defense budget of approximately 45 billion euros to NATO for 2025, but actual defense spending is around 31 billion euros, creating a discrepancy of 14 billion euros due to reclassification of expenditures. This situation reflects a broader issue within NATO regarding defense spending measurement and highlights the lack of improvement in Italy's military capabilities despite increased financial commitments. The Italian Armed Forces continue to face challenges, including recruitment issues and a civil-military gap.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Feb 11 2026Loading...

NATO is accelerating technological advancements to deter potential Russian aggression, as emphasized by Adm. Pierre Vandier. The alliance conducted the REPMUS 24 experiment in Portugal, deploying over 70 autonomous systems. Upcoming tests in Romania and Latvia will focus on counter-drone systems. NATO is also integrating artificial intelligence for military surveillance and aims to streamline wargame planning processes.

The European Union defense ministers will meet on February 11 in Brussels to discuss military support for Ukraine. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov is expected to attend and will request additional air defense systems for Ukraine.

The U.S. Navy announced the availability of a new dress overblouse for female sailors at select Navy Exchange locations and online. This is part of the second phase of the uniform update, with global shipments expected in summer 2026. The initiative aims to enhance fit and comfort for female personnel, reflecting modern body types and sizes.

Ukrainian President Zelensky signed a decree on February 10, 2023, permitting individuals over 60 to serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces under contract during wartime, contingent on medical approval and commander consent. The contract lasts for one year and can be extended, with provisions for early termination if wartime status is lifted.

The Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project is facing significant challenges, with disputes between Dassault and Airbus leading to concerns about its viability. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that the project is making no progress, while French officials fear the manned fighter component is dead. Despite these issues, President Macron is attempting to salvage the project, emphasizing its importance for European defense capabilities.

Switzerland procured 36 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters, citing a technological advantage over other candidates like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale. This decision reflects a broader trend in Europe, with countries like Germany and the Czech Republic also adopting the F-35, signaling a shift towards 5th-generation aircraft in NATO. The F-35's superior situational awareness and information superiority were key factors in Switzerland's choice.

The Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness (EG SSA) convened in Vienna from February 2-13, 2025, to enhance international cooperation on space traffic safety. The U.S. supports this initiative, particularly in improving data sharing with China, which has recently initiated contact regarding potential satellite collisions. The discussions aim to establish better communication protocols to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to military conflicts.

Naval Group and Thales formed a partnership on February 10, 2026, to integrate AI into defense systems in France. This collaboration aims to enhance naval capabilities and ensure algorithm sovereignty, pooling resources and expertise from both companies. The cortAIx initiative, led by Thales, involves over 800 AI experts and focuses on developing trusted AI solutions for critical military applications.

Russian forces are coercing families of Ukrainian prisoners of war to register Starlink satellite internet terminals for military use. This pressure campaign follows the deactivation of unauthorized terminals by Ukraine's Ministry of Defense. Ukrainian authorities warn that registering these terminals could lead to legal consequences for the families involved, as the equipment may be used against Ukraine. The Coordination Headquarters has urged citizens to report any coercion from Russian actors.

On February 9, 2026, the U.S. announced the transfer of NATO commands in Naples and Norfolk to European officers, responding to calls for greater European defense responsibility. However, critical military capabilities remain predominantly under U.S. control, raising concerns about Europe's readiness for independent defense. This transfer is perceived as a symbolic gesture rather than a genuine shift in military power dynamics.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Feb 10 2026Loading...

Finland is acquiring 65 F-35A Lightning II fighters to replace its F/A-18 Hornets, enhancing its air deterrence capabilities against Russia. This transition marks Finland's entry into the fifth-generation fighter realm and contributes to a broader European Joint Strike Fighter network projected to reach 700 jets by 2030. The move is part of NATO's strategy to bolster its defenses amid rising tensions with Russia.

The US delegation arrived at the Munich Security Conference, signaling a potential shift towards New American Imperialism. This event is expected to set the stage for discussions on security and defense matters.

Germany is considering joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and is exploring collaboration with Sweden for fighter jet development as an alternative to its failed joint project with France and Spain. The GCAP, involving Japan, the UK, and Italy, aims to deploy new fighter jets by 2035. Italy's Prime Minister has shown support for Germany's potential involvement in GCAP, while challenges persist in the Franco-German fighter jet project.

The Munich Security Conference 2026 will focus on major geopolitical shifts and emerging security risks, including AI and cyberattacks. The European Security & Defence (ESD) has published a special edition to contribute to the discussions, featuring insights from decision-makers and experts. The digital edition is available for free download.

Lithuania plans to allocate 4.79 billion euros for defense in 2026, representing 5.38% of its GDP, while facing challenges in military autonomy due to reliance on U.S. support. The Baltic states, including Estonia and Latvia, are recognized for their high defense spending but struggle to build substantial military capabilities independently. This situation raises concerns about the sustainability of such expenditures and their impact on other public services.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Feb 10 2026Loading...

As of February 2026, the UK-Italy-Japan GCAP program is advancing towards a 2035 service date, while the FCAS project between France and Germany is stalled due to disputes. European nations are weighing their options between continued F-35 purchases and investing in autonomous fighter programs to enhance their defense capabilities.

Germany plans to increase its defense budget to 83 billion euros by 2026, while a simulation suggests that Russia could dominate the Baltic states with just 15,000 soldiers if NATO hesitates. The E6 format, initiated by Germany and France, aims to enhance defense cooperation among major EU economies but may not resolve deeper strategic issues. The report highlights a leadership problem in European defense, indicating that increased spending alone will not ensure security.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

Germany is urged to provide military aid to Poland, including submarines and tanks, as Poland demands $1.3 trillion in WWII reparations. Poland plans to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2026, while Germany's military aid is viewed as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive solution to historical grievances. The report critiques Germany's approach to defense cooperation, emphasizing the need for a more integrated European defense strategy.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

Rising costs of the F-35 and other U.S. military aircraft are prompting Southeast Asian nations to seek alternatives, such as South Korea's FA-50. The F-35's lifetime cost is projected to reach $2 trillion, significantly impacting U.S. defense relationships. Countries like the Philippines are increasing their FA-50 fleets in response to budgetary concerns and regional tensions with China.