The Cook Barracks infrastructure project commenced in 2021 as part of Canberra’s bilateral cooperation with the South Pacific island nation to reinforce security in Oceania and support the partner’s commercial activity and local economy.

Through the effort, the site now incorporates modern accommodation and training facilities, engineering and vehicle workshops, roads, a medical center, a fire station, and a chapel.

The facilities will be managed by the Vanuatu Mobile Force and Police Force once it reaches operational capability.

Demonstrating ‘Commitment’

Cook Barracks’ launch followed the reopening of Vanuatu’s Tiroas Barracks in Espiritu Santo Province in March 2024 under the same framework.

The base includes a new armory and medical facilities for the nation’s defense forces as well as critical infrastructure for Vanuatu’s inter-island emergency network.

At the project announcement, Canberra noted that the entirety of the initiative planned to support approximately 200 employment opportunities.

“These major projects demonstrate the importance of Australia and Vanuatu’s longstanding relationship and continuing commitment to working together,” Australian Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated.

“Australia and Vanuatu’s security is intertwined and our partnership enhances the peace, prosperity, resilience and safety of our region for future generations.”

The post Australia Reopens Upgraded Port Vila Barracks for Vanuatu appeared first on The Defense Post.

The Defence Cooperation Agreement(DCA) had been signed by the Finnish government in December.

Aimed to strengthen Finland’s security and defence capabilities, the agreement comes after the Nordic country joined NATO in April 2023, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Finland’s relations with neighboring Russia, with whom it shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border, have become increasingly tense after Finland joined the alliance last year.

The deal gives the United States access to 15 military bases in Finland and enables the presence and training of US forces, and prepositioning of defense material in Finnish territory.

It also strengthens cooperation between the two countries in crisis situations.

When Sweden adopted its DCA-agreement on June 18, the vote was preceded by a heated debate with critics saying the treaty opened a door to the deployment of nuclear weapons in the country.

While also a controversial topic in Finland, lawmakers ensured that the treaty applies national law to nuclear weapons, whose import and transit is prohibited on Finnish territory.

The defense agreement is based on respect for Finland’s sovereignty, legislation, and obligations under international law, says both the government and foreign affairs committee which submitted its report on the treaty last week.

The Foreign Affairs Committee’s chairperson, MP Kimmo Kiljunen (Social Democratic Party) described the adoption of the DCA-agreement as a “historic moment” at the plenary session on Monday.

“The task of this agreement is just as the task of NATO membership was, to strengthen the security of Finland and the Finnish people,” he said.

The US has concluded similar DCA-agreements with 11 other NATO countries, including Finland’s Nordic neighbors Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.

The post Finland Approves Defense Treaty With US appeared first on The Defense Post.

A first set of about 100 Russian advisors had arrived in Niger on April 10 along with air defense systems.

Two military transporters arrived Saturday, according to Tele Sahel that said Russia has now sent three cargo planes of military material and instructors in the past month.

The Africa Corps, seen as the successors of the Wagner paramilitary group in Africa, confirmed the instructors’ arrival in a posting on the group’s Telegram account.

On Saturday, it said more trainers, equipment, and food products had arrived.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indicated Thursday that Russian troops were now installed at a Nigerien air base near the Niamey airport that also houses US troops.

Niger’s military regime, which took power in a July 2023 coup, expelled French troops based in the country and then denounced a military cooperation agreement with the United States. It said this had been “unilaterally imposed” by Washington.

Washington agreed in April to withdraw its roughly 1,000 soldiers in the country.

Negotiations are underway between the United States and Niger about the the withdrawal.

US forces have a key drone base near Agadez, built at a cost of about $100 million.

Niger’s military leaders have moved closer to Russia, as have neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso which also have military coup leaders and are fighting rebel groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

In April, Idrissa Soumana Maiga, head of the private L’Enqueteur newspaper, was imprisoned after an article mentioned the “presumed” installation of Russian listening devices in official buildings.

The post Niger Gets New Russian Advisors, Equipment After Asking US Troops to Leave appeared first on The Defense Post.

Senior Filipino and American defense officials met in Washington this week to discuss ways to fast-track the sealing of the agreement as tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to rise.

According to a joint statement, a decision on the so-called General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) is expected to be released later this year.

“They’re hoping to be able to finish that before the end of the year…” Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said. “I think they’re working overtime because it’s very important to our defense strategy.”

Negotiations for the GSOMIA began as early as 2021, but finalization of the pact has been pushed back several times.

Once implemented, the agreement will formalize intel-sharing between the two countries and create protocols for safeguarding top-secret military information.

Growing Ties

Long-standing allies, the US and the Philippines are said to have a common enemy in China.

They have improved diplomatic and military ties amid Beijing’s aggressive act in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

This week, the two nations began a large-scale military exercise known as “Balikatan,” with the French military joining for the first time.

To deepen their ties even further, Washington is eyeing the Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act, which will grant Manila a total of $2.5 billion over five years to support its military modernization efforts.

The post US, Philippines Want to Share Military Intelligence Amid China Row appeared first on The Defense Post.

Known as the Kaplan (Tiger), the armored vehicles were handed over by President-elect Prabowo Subianto during a recent ceremony.

According to the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, the tanks are equipped with 7.62-millimeter machine guns and two-man lightweight turrets.

They also boast laser warning systems, as well as increased ballistic and landmine protection.

Indonesia's military welcomes Turkish-made tanks, a result of joint development between Ankara and Jakarta. Partnership also extends to ANKA drones. A testament to bilateral cooperation in defense. #Türkiye #Indonesia https://t.co/0SFANz6aQv@tkucukcan pic.twitter.com/GzrduyCBr9

— Asya-Pasifik Araştırmaları (@Asyabulten) March 26, 2024

Turkish manufacturer FNSS said the “versatile” tanks will bridge the gap between main battle tanks and light armored vehicles, “offering a balanced solution” for modern military operations.

The first batch of Kaplan tanks was delivered to Jakarta in March 2022 as part of an agreement signed in 2015.

Increased Cooperation

In addition to the Kaplan tanks, Indonesia said it had inked a joint production deal with Turkey for 12 ANKA drones.

The unmanned platforms are expected to improve the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities of the Indonesian military.

The cooperation also reflects Jakarta’s acknowledgment of Turkey’s expertise in building cutting-edge systems for the military, the embassy said.

Previously, Indonesia signed a contract with Turkish missile manufacturer Roketsan for the supply of Khan tactical ballistic missiles.

The post Indonesian Army Receives Turkish-Made ‘Kaplan’ Tanks appeared first on The Defense Post.

Once completed, the base will cover 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) and have a total perimeter of 19 miles (30 kilometers).

The expansion is estimated to cost 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) and will be completed by 2030.

57th Air Base Commander Nicolae Crețu revealed that the facility will include maintenance hangars, fuel stores, canteen facilities, accommodation, and other vital equipment needed to support the operations of a larger base.

The area will be able to host up to 10,000 NATO soldiers and their families, providing supporting facilities such as schools, kindergartens, and a hospital.

The 57th Air Base currently functions as a hub for NATO policing activities by the Black Sea, hosting various inter-allied forces to protect the port country of Constanța from potential Russian attacks.

Russia’s Response

News of the air base development has been received negatively by Russian politicians and other key figures.

Russian Senator and Foreign Affairs Committee Vice President Andrei Klimov said the base represents a “threat to Bucharest.”

“The NATO suicide club drags ordinary civilians into such adventures that can end very badly for their families and children. I’m not trying to scare anyone, I’m just reasoning logically. There won’t be any benefit for Romania from this and there will be more threats, this is a fact,” he said in a discussion reported by local media.

Klimov added that the “closer it is to Russia’s borders, the more likely it is to be among the first targets for retaliatory strikes.”

NATO continues to survey Romania’s eastern flank, employing airborne warning and control system aircraft in its patrols to monitor Russian military activity.

The post Work on Largest NATO Europe Base Begins in Romania appeared first on The Defense Post.

The project supports the “uninterrupted presence” of Washington’s capabilities in Vilnius as part of Lithuanian-US strategic cooperation in the Baltic region.

Future upgrades to the European state’s infrastructure, not yet specified, are expected to secure affairs with other partner nations in addition to American warfighters.

“You have come in the times of tensions and multiple challenges in our region. We can feel your support and presence and our cooperation has never been closer,” Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anušauskas stated.

“Soon, when the military infrastructure is expanded, we look forward to being able to better meet the military readiness needs of the Lithuanian and Allied troops. We will provide better conditions and new infrastructure to the US troops.”

Lithuania’s defense agency wrote that the forthcoming projects will amplify its bilateral relations with the US, enabling Vilnius to continue military capability development while sustaining deterrence across the region.

“It was a pleasure to meet with Minister Anušauskas and reaffirm to him the strength of the US commitment to the transatlantic security and our Ally Lithuania,” US Ambassador to Lithuania Kara McDonald said.

“We welcome Lithuania’s investment in Armed Forces modernization and the significant assistance to Ukraine. We also appreciate the Host Nation Support hospitality of Lithuania to the rotational US Army units deployed in the Pabradė Training Area.”

Latest Lithuania-US Military Projects

Lithuania and the US have recently partnered in various projects to strengthen security in the Baltics.

In January, Vilnius received the final batch of its Boxer infantry fighting vehicles procured from Washington in 2016.

The US government approved a separate sale last year to for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles to Lithuania.

In December 2022, the Lithuanian defense ministry invested 45 million euros ($48.7 million) to obtain Switchblade loitering munitions. The same month, the Baltic state signed a $495-million contract to acquire a fleet of HIMARS from America.

To boost its airborne capabilities, Lithuania also bought four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the US in 2020.

The post Vilnius to Upgrade Military Infrastructure for US Troops in Lithuania appeared first on The Defense Post.

The donation of 12 million euros ($12.9 million) will support infrastructure upgrades to the 80-year-old installation built during the Soviet era.

Tallinn gained control of the base in 1994 following the socialist republic’s dissolution. In 1998, the Estonian Air Force Surveillance Wing was launched and stationed at the site.

After Estonia joined NATO in 2004, the base was adopted as one of the alliance’s multinational bases.

According to Tallinn, the total cost of the Ämari base modernization will be $19.9 million. Work on the project will begin in March and continue for seven months.

“With this contribution from Luxembourg, we will improve the quality of our air base, which will help us better support and service allied fighter jets and our own planes in Ämari,” Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur stated.

“This is an excellent example of Allies contributing directly to the security of the whole region. We are very grateful to our Allies in Luxembourg for strengthening the security of Estonia and the wider region.”

Supporting NATO Air Policing

Ämari operates NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission established in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

Authority over the operation rotates between the Baltic states every four months, with Latvia recently in command.

Due to the renovation at Ämari Air Base, Riga’s armed forces will take over the air policing leadership for nine months. Allied troops supporting the mission will be transferred to Lielvārde Air Base, Ämari’s counterpart in Latvia.

“The Baltic Air Policing mission is an essential activity to maintain peace and security in NATO’s airspace and Luxembourg is proud to already contribute via the provision of refuelling capabilities and now through the renovation of the Ämari Air Base,” Luxembourg Defense Minister Yuriko Backes said.

“With this financial contribution, Luxembourg is not only supporting our ally Estonia, it is also an investment into our common effort of securing NATO airspace and therefore an investment into our very own security.”

The post Estonian Air Base Renovation Secures Additional Funds From Luxembourg appeared first on The Defense Post.

The deal was struck during French President Emmanuel Macron‘s visit to New Delhi for India’s 75th Republic Day on January 26.

Among the key security pacts signed is the joint production of military helicopters to support combat and reconnaissance missions.

Airbus will also establish India’s first private-sector helicopter assembly line in partnership with Mumbai-based firm Tata.

In addition, French engine maker Safran is willing to transfer “100 percent technology” for building fighter jet engines in the South Asian country.

Defense Space Agreement

According to a report by Hindustan Times, India and France signed an ambitious Defense Space Agreement to develop military satellites with both offensive and defensive capabilities.

A letter of intent was inked by French Defense Minister Sebastien Locornu and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

The collaboration’s aim is to enhance the two countries’ operational capabilities through better global situational awareness.

It would also help protect the national security interests of India and track advesaries’ movements. India has long been in fatal border disputes with neighbors Pakistan and China.

Apart from co-producing the satellites, the recently signed agreement will see Paris and New Delhi jointly launch the space assets into orbit.

‘No Limits’

During his visit, President Macron conveyed to Indian defense officials that French support for India in defense production will have “no limits.”

This means France will collaborate with New Delhi in designing, developing, producing, as well as securing certifications for the new platforms to be produced.

“India and France have decided to invest in a long-term relationship with the two countries on the same page politically on Houthis, and the Gaza war, with nuanced differences over the Ukraine war given that France is part of the EU,” a top official from India told Hindustan Times.

The post From Choppers to Satellites: India, France Ink Key Security Deals appeared first on The Defense Post.

According to the Australian Department of Defence, the deal was struck between Canberra’s Defense Science and Technology Group and Tokyo’s Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency.

It said the two entities will pursue advanced research in underwater robotic and autonomous systems, though no specific platforms were mentioned.

It further stated that the collaboration will enhance undersea communication and interoperability between two of America’s closest allies.

“This project will build a foundation for future joint research on robotic and collaborative autonomy, aiming to deliver advanced capabilities to support asymmetric advantage,” the department noted.

Maintaining Technological Edge

Australia’s chief defense scientist Tanya Monro said the agreement illustrates the increasingly strong defense science and technology relationship between Japan and Australia.

She also stated that the collaboration aims to deliver science and technology products that Canberra cannot achieve alone.

Additionally, the partnership will enable the two nations to “maintain a technological edge in our rapidly changing strategic environment.”

This is not the first time Australia and Japan have inked a defense cooperation pact.

In October 2022, the two Indo-Pacific nations agreed to share sensitive intelligence and deepen defense cooperation to counter China’s military rise.

They also participated in joint naval drills to boost the collective planning and employment of advanced warfare tactics.

Canberra and Tokyo’s increasing military ties have resulted in China cautioning the world’s 16th most powerful military about trusting Japan, given its attacks on Australia during World War II.

The post Australia, Japan Agree to Collaborate in Undersea Warfare appeared first on The Defense Post.