Techno

F-35 costs have been declining. That’s about to change.

F-35 costs have been declining. That’s about to change.

Correction: A previous version of this story misinterpreted a BAE Systems statement.

US military in decline, threats from China ‘formidable,’ report says

US military in decline, threats from China ‘formidable,’ report says

WASHINGTON — U.S. military power was weaker this year than the year prior, according to a new report by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that each year analyzes the strength of the armed forces and the threats to America.

Industry cluster forms around European patrol corvette program

Industry cluster forms around European patrol corvette program

ROME — Shipbuilders from France, Italy and Spain have announced the creation of a consortium to ramp up design work on a new European corvette and coordinate cooperation on the program with dozens of firms around the continent.

Lithuania boosts defense budget to buy HIMARS, trucks, drones

Lithuania boosts defense budget to buy HIMARS, trucks, drones

WARSAW, Poland — The Lithuanian government has decided to allocate additional funds for the country’s Defence Ministry this year, paving the way for the purchase of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, Oshkosh joint light tactical vehicles (JLTVs) and Switchblade drones from the United States.

French 2023 defense budget adds $3 billion to fund ‘war economy’

French 2023 defense budget adds $3 billion to fund ‘war economy’

STUTTGART, Germany — Propelled by an edict to make deep investments in its defense industrial base, France’s Ministry of Defense has unveiled a 2023 budget worth billions more than the previous year to launch a new “war economy.”

Soldiers manning HIMARS head to Latvia for exercises

Soldiers manning HIMARS head to Latvia for exercises

The Army is dispatching two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems to Latvia for the country’s national combat readiness exercises, according to a statement from U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

Use us for combat zone tests, Ukraine minister tells US war industry

Use us for combat zone tests, Ukraine minister tells US war industry

AUSTIN, Texas — Mobility tactics, advanced technology and a workshop mentality for fixing battlefield problems all point to Ukrainian success fighting the Russian invasion.

Kyiv officials lay out vision for security, digital future at DC event

Kyiv officials lay out vision for security, digital future at DC event

WASHINGTON — As Ukrainian forces battle back a stalling Russian invasion, government officials hailing from Kyiv told a conference in Washington, D.C., that they are eyeing a future defined by digital innovation, defense know-how and high-tech investments.

Ukraine arms maker finds export interest in ‘combat-proven’ missiles

Ukraine arms maker finds export interest in ‘combat-proven’ missiles

KIELCE, Poland — Ukraine’s defense industry is observing a spike in demand from foreign customers interested in securing weapons proven in combat against Russia’s invasion, according to representatives of leading Ukrainian defense group Ukroboronprom.

Poland buys more howitzers as local defense exhibit kicks off

Poland buys more howitzers as local defense exhibit kicks off

KIELCE, Poland — Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has awarded a contract worth more than 3.8 billion zloty ($800 million) to buy 48 Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzers and related gear from local company Huta Stalowa Wola, a subsidiary of the country’s defense giant PGZ.

Russia to buy rockets, artillery shells from North Korea, US says

Russia to buy rockets, artillery shells from North Korea, US says

WASHINGTON — The Russian Ministry of Defense is in the process of purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea for its ongoing fight in Ukraine, according to a newly downgraded U.S. intelligence finding.

Tempest program, Russian invasion drive growth in Italy’s defense budget

Tempest program, Russian invasion drive growth in Italy’s defense budget

ROME — Italy has hiked defense spending again as it showers cash on the Tempest fighter program in 2022 and radically upgrades its forecast for its total spending on the sixth-generation program.

Latvia requests HIMARS weapon to bolster Baltic defense

Latvia requests HIMARS weapon to bolster Baltic defense

WARSAW, Poland — Latvia has sent a letter of request to buy an undisclosed number of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems from the United States, with the potential acquisition to be carried out as a joint initiative of the three Baltic states, which also include neighboring Estonia and Lithuania.

European Defence Fund unveils first round of awardees

European Defence Fund unveils first round of awardees

STUTTGART, Germany — The European Union revealed last week the awardees of its first batch of European Defence Fund (EDF)-supported projects, reflecting a cumulative €1.2 billion (U.S. $1.23 billion) going to 61 defense research and development projects.

NATO touts country pairings as key to defending the eastern flank

NATO touts country pairings as key to defending the eastern flank

WASHINGTON — NATO officials at the Madrid summit revived a Cold War-era concept of spelling out which alliance countries are responsible for securing specific, vulnerable European members situated closer to Russia.