NATO won’t offer Ukraine alliance membership timeline, but promises greater interoperability

NATO won’t offer Ukraine alliance membership timeline, but promises greater interoperability
NATO won’t offer Ukraine alliance membership timeline, but promises greater interoperability

While the agreement comes with a number of gifts to Ukraine, including the promise to waive standard requirements for NATO membership in the future, it falls well short of the goal set by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that NATO members lay out a clear path forward for his country to join the alliance. 

Germany approves $769M weapons package for Ukraine, clears huge Boxer deal with Australia

Germany approves $769M weapons package for Ukraine, clears huge Boxer deal with Australia
Germany approves $769M weapons package for Ukraine, clears huge Boxer deal with Australia

“We are proceeding [with additional funding] because we are convinced it is necessary and the only right thing to do is support Ukraine for as long as it takes,” said Boris Pistorius, Germany’s minister of defense.

Neutral nations Austria and Switzerland agree to join European Sky Shield Initiative

Neutral nations Austria and Switzerland agree to join European Sky Shield Initiative
Neutral nations Austria and Switzerland agree to join European Sky Shield Initiative

Switzerland made clear that it will “examine” areas where co-operation can be strengthened, with a plan to specifically address information exchange and training for the US-made Patriot air defense system, of which it ordered five units in June 2021. 

Eurofighter consortium sees up to 200 aircraft sales over next 2 years

Eurofighter consortium sees up to 200 aircraft sales over next 2 years
Eurofighter consortium sees up to 200 aircraft sales over next 2 years

Gaincarlo Mezzanatto, CEO of the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium, talked about potential sales to Spain and, after a recent meeting, Poland, among others.

FCAS? SCAF? Tempest? Explaining Europe’s sixth-generation fighter efforts

FCAS? SCAF? Tempest? Explaining Europe’s sixth-generation fighter efforts
FCAS? SCAF? Tempest? Explaining Europe’s sixth-generation fighter efforts

In which the Breaking Defense team attempts to explain the differences between the UK-led FCAS, the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS, the UK-Italian-Japanese GCAP and all the other sixth-generation fighter development efforts in Europe.

Historic German national security strategy sees beyond military

Historic German national security strategy sees beyond military
Historic German national security strategy sees beyond military

Wide-ranging document states bold ambition but lacks details for implementation, analysts say.

Germany starts funding Israeli Arrow-3 missile defense system procurement

Germany starts funding Israeli Arrow-3 missile defense system procurement
Germany starts funding Israeli Arrow-3 missile defense system procurement

Germany is moving ahead with purchasing the Israeli made air defense system, in a major win for contractor IAI.

In Germany, Austin gets update on Abrams program, praises ‘successive miracles’ in equipping Ukrainians

In Germany, Austin gets update on Abrams program, praises ‘successive miracles’ in equipping Ukrainians
In Germany, Austin gets update on Abrams program, praises ‘successive miracles’ in equipping Ukrainians

Some 200 Ukrainians, a mix of veteran tankers and other “well-trained” soldiers, are in their third week of training on the American main battle tank.

Germany buys 18 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks to replace those sent to Ukraine

Germany buys 18 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks to replace those sent to Ukraine
Germany buys 18 Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks to replace those sent to Ukraine

The contract includes an option for an addition 105 tanks, in what would reportedly be a $3.2 billion purchase should the government proceed with the whole lot.

At Edge 23, the US Army and international partners break down data-sharing barriers

At Edge 23, the US Army and international partners break down data-sharing barriers
At Edge 23, the US Army and international partners break down data-sharing barriers

During the three week exercise, data sharing started off “slow,” but as the event progressed and formatting was brought in line, “growth was exponential”, said Maj. Donald Irwin with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

US greenlights F-16 fighter jet training for Ukrainian pilots in Europe

US greenlights F-16 fighter jet training for Ukrainian pilots in Europe
US greenlights F-16 fighter jet training for Ukrainian pilots in Europe

“As the training takes place over the coming months, our coalition of countries participating in this effort will decide when to actually provide jets, how many we will provide, and who will provide them,” an administration official wrote.

Zelenskyy’s EuroTrip: German billions, UK weapons, but no jets coming

Zelenskyy’s EuroTrip: German billions, UK weapons, but no jets coming
Zelenskyy’s EuroTrip: German billions, UK weapons, but no jets coming

Berlin’s new arms package for Ukraine, Germany’s largest to date and valued at  €2.7 billion ($2.95 billion), covers 200 reconnaissance drones, 30 Leopard 1 A5 tanks, 20 Marder armored personnel carriers, over 100 combat vehicles, 18 self-propelled Howitzers and four IRIS-T SLM medium range air defense systems.

German military inks $1.2 billion deal for 50 Puma infantry fighting vehicles

German military inks $1.2 billion deal for 50 Puma infantry fighting vehicles
German military inks $1.2 billion deal for 50 Puma infantry fighting vehicles

The deal comes as the Bundeswehr looks for ways to modernize its force and now has permission to buy more IFVs, which may mean billions more for the program.

US clears $8.5 billion Chinook sale to Germany, skis included

US clears $8.5 billion Chinook sale to Germany, skis included
US clears $8.5 billion Chinook sale to Germany, skis included

The Boeing helicopters would come with a laundry list of additional systems, from electronic counter-measures and missile warning systems to skis and life rafts.