Analysis & Reports

Europe is increasing its defense spending and capabilities in response to security threats, particularly from Russia. In February 2026, the five largest European defense powers announced a joint program for affordable air defense systems. Germany plans to boost its defense budget significantly, aiming for 3.5% of GDP by 2029. Poland has contracted with Hyundai Rotem for 820 K2 tanks, with production moving to Poland. The European Defense Fund is investing 8.8 billion euros in joint R&D projects.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

Ukrainian company Aerobavovna has adapted aerostat systems for modern warfare, delivering specialized platforms for surveillance, communications relay, and electronic monitoring to Ukrainian forces. These systems are designed to support the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles on the battlefield. The technology is gaining interest beyond Ukraine, with plans for export to the EU, reflecting a shift towards using aerostats for persistent communication in areas where ground infrastructure is vulnerable.

The U.S. military is repurposing legacy equipment, including the B-52H Stratofortress and Apache helicopters, to enhance operational capabilities amid the 2026 Iran conflict. This modernization effort includes integrating new technologies and capabilities into existing platforms to maintain military readiness. Key developments involve the B-52's strategic flexibility and the Apache's adaptation for drone interception, among other upgrades across various branches of the armed forces.

Russia continues to sustain its military operations in Ukraine, with elite airborne and naval infantry units redeployed to the southern frontline in March 2026. On March 7, Russia launched a significant strike involving over 400 drones and missiles targeting critical infrastructure across multiple Ukrainian regions. Despite recruitment challenges, the Kremlin maintains a robust defense budget and is actively modernizing its military capabilities, indicating a long-term commitment to the conflict.

Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

U.S. and Israeli forces conducted strikes against Iran on March 1, 2026, prompting NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise in Norway starting March 9. European nations are grappling with defense spending increases, with commitments to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035, while the Czech Republic plans to cut military funding. The European Sky Shield Initiative aims to improve collective air defense capabilities amid rising tensions.

Alexandra ReevesTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

Germany plans to procure up to 500 MARS 3 rocket launchers and artillery rockets with ranges of 150 to 500 kilometers by March 2026. This initiative is part of a broader transformation of the European defense landscape, driven by increased military spending and NATO's new defense spending goals. The procurement aims to enhance Germany's military capabilities and redefine European defense architecture in response to security concerns from Russia.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Mar 10 2026Loading...

Thales UK is set to launch the Storm 2 individual C-UAS system at Future Soldier 2026 in London from March 09-11, 2026. This system is designed to counter RF-controlled drones and FPVs, featuring a power output of 10 W and operating across two frequency bands. The Storm 2 represents a significant advancement in electronic warfare capabilities, allowing for selective jamming of drone signals.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers arrived at RAF Fairford from March 6 to 9, 2023, as part of intensified strike operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury. The U.K. Ministry of Defence confirmed the base's use for defensive operations to prevent Iranian missile launches. B-1Bs have conducted airstrikes targeting missile sites deep inside Iran, with reports indicating nearly 200 targets hit.

U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers arrived at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, as part of intensified strike operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury. The U.K. Ministry of Defence confirmed the base's use for defensive operations to prevent Iranian missile launches. B-1Bs have conducted airstrikes on missile sites in Iran, targeting nearly 200 locations in the first 72 hours of the operation. Additionally, three B-52H bombers joined the B-1Bs at Fairford.

Ukrainian Air Force employs F-16s and Mirage 2000s for airstrikes and drone interceptions against Russian forces as of March 2026. The F-16s utilize the APKWS II for precision strikes, while the Mirage 2000s engage both aerial and ground targets with MICA missiles and AASM bombs. Ukraine's air fleet includes nine F-16s and two Mirage 2000-5Fs, enhancing its operational capabilities against the Russian Air Force.

European states committed to the 'ReArm Europe' plan on March 6, 2025, initiating an €800 billion defense mobilization initiative. This includes discussions on a European nuclear umbrella independent of U.S. guarantees and a commitment to a 5% of GDP defense spending target by 2035. The U.S. expects Europe to take majority control of NATO's conventional defense capabilities by 2027, marking a significant shift in European defense strategy.

Alexandra ReevesMon Mar 09 2026Loading...

Switzerland reduced its F-35 acquisition to 30 jets due to rising costs and confirmed plans to buy additional air defense systems. The Israeli Air Force achieved its first air-to-air kill with an F-35 over Tehran, while British F-35s shot down drones in Jordan. Canada is currently reviewing its F-35 purchase decision, considering alternatives like the Gripen.

The U.S. Navy faces a significant reduction in strike capacity as 2,080 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells will be phased out by 2027 due to the retirement of four Ohio-class SSGNs and Ticonderoga-class cruisers. This loss of missile capacity raises concerns about the Navy's ability to respond effectively in potential conflicts, particularly with China. The Virginia Payload Module may offer some replacement, but the overall reduction in Tomahawk missile availability poses a strategic challenge.

Europe increased arms imports significantly from 2021 to 2025, driven by security concerns regarding Russia. Ukraine, Poland, and the UK emerged as the largest importers, with the US supplying nearly half of the arms. European NATO members' imports surged by 143% compared to the previous five years, while Russian arms exports declined by 64%.

In 1997, the U.S. Military purchased 21 MiG-29 fighter jets from Moldova, including 14 nuclear-capable MiG-29C variants, to prevent Iran from acquiring them. This acquisition was part of the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program and aimed to neutralize a potential nuclear threat from Iran. The jets were subsequently sent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for evaluation and training.

Mirai Robotics raised $4.2 million on March 9, 2026, to develop autonomous maritime systems aimed at enhancing surveillance and patrolling capabilities. The company, based in Puglia and Milan, Italy, focuses on integrating advanced robotics and AI to address operational challenges in the maritime domain. This funding will accelerate technology development and pilot projects with industrial partners.

SITEP ITALIA and SMA-RTY conducted an operational experimentation campaign for the Italian Navy in the Gulf of Taranto in October 2025, showcasing private 5G network technology. The campaign involved several naval vessels and tested various operational scenarios, demonstrating the technology's effectiveness in enhancing communications and operational capabilities. This initiative represents a significant advancement in naval operations and technology integration.

Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system near Melitopol using an FP-2 strike drone. The drone traveled approximately 90 kilometers to reach the target near the village of Nove. The strike resulted in significant damage to the air defense system, including the destruction of its radar and launcher.

European NATO countries reduced their reliance on U.S. arms imports from 64% to 58% between 2021 and 2025, increasing acquisitions from South Korea, France, and Israel. This shift is driven by heightened defense spending in response to threats from Russia. The U.S. remains the largest global arms exporter, while Ukraine emerged as the largest weapons importer during this period.

European NATO countries reduced their reliance on U.S. arms imports, decreasing from 64% to 58% in the past year. They are increasingly sourcing weapons from South Korea, France, and Israel amid rising defense spending due to threats from Russia. Twelve European nations have 466 F-35 fighter jets on order, reflecting a significant shift in military procurement strategies.