The contract, which must still be approved by the US Congress, covers Bucharest’s purchase of 32 F-35A aircraft and related equipment, produced by the US aerospace and defense giant Lockheed Martin.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political and economic stability in Europe,” a State Department statement said.

The contract announcement comes as Ukrainian pilots began training this week at a special center in Romania on F-16s, US-made fighter jets that Washington has approved Kyiv to use to repel Russia’s invasion.

Romania occupies a strategic position at the gateway to Ukraine and the Black Sea, and aims to become an international hub for F-16 training.

It inaugurated an F-16 training center at its Fetesti air base in November 2023, pledging to also train Ukrainians there.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Romanian counterpart Luminita Odobescu on Thursday, thanking Bucharest for delivering a Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine.

The State Department also announced the approval on Friday of a $4.1 billion sale to Japan of a KC-46A aerial refueling tanker.

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A comprehensive investigation into the UK’s military support for Kyiv found that the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) prioritized transferring items that were due to be scrapped or replaced.

For example, in March 2022, the MoD shipped more than 17,000 pairs of unused military boots that were nearly slated for disposal.

“Had the MoD been unable to sell this surplus stock, it would have been sent to landfill,” the report noted. “In some cases, donating supplies has reduced waste or costs relating to disposal.”

Despite transferring obsolete items, the NAO reported that the MoD believed these supplies still had immediate military value for the Ukrainian forces.

$225M From Stockpiles

As of March 2024, the UK had donated 171.5 million pounds ($225 million) in military equipment coming from its stockpiles.

Though not specified, the items were reportedly valuable military assets that would help Kyiv’s forces survive on the frontline.

However, in mid-2023, Britain sharply reduced its donations from stockpiles due to “unacceptable risks” to the UK’s military readiness.

The NAO has already found that the British Army’s ongoing training of Ukrainian troops has affected its capacity to train its own soldiers.

A quarter of the army’s training facilities are reportedly being utilized by Ukrainian military recruits, resulting in reduced access for some British soldiers.

“As the MoD plans its future support, it must continue to balance the UK’s strategic interests with maintaining the UK’s own military capabilities,” NAO head Gareth Davies said.

The post UK Flooded Ukraine With Obsolete Military Gear: Report appeared first on The Defense Post.

Oslo has an existing order for eight radars signed in 2022, bringing the total number to 11.

According to company VP for Radar & Sensor Systems Chandra Marshall, the next-generation TPY-4s are crucial components of Norway’s ground-based air defense capability.

They are also well-suited for supporting multi-domain deterrence in the Nordic region.

“The additional order and the completion of the Critical Design Review mark major steps forward, confirming that our radar meets the stringent requirements of [Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency] (NDMA) and ensuring the security and sovereignty of Norway,” she said.

Lockheed and the NDMA have not disclosed specific delivery timelines for the new order.

‘Eyes in the North’

The TPY-4 radar is designed to provide military customers with critical capability to detect and track current and emerging threats.

It can reportedly operate in congested electromagnetic environments, ensuring effective functions despite the presence of jammers and other electromagnetic interference.

It also boasts an open system architecture to enable seamless integration of future capabilities.

The TPY-4 is available in both fixed and mobile variants and is transportable via a C-130 transport plane or helicopter.

Once delivered, the radar will enhance the Norwegian Air Force’s capability to track and classify aerial threats, providing critical situational awareness.

It is also expected to act as NATO’s “eyes in the north” amid increasing regional tensions.

The post Norway Buys More TPY-4 Multi-Mission Radars From Lockheed appeared first on The Defense Post.

In a recent report, the public spending watchdog revealed that over a quarter of the army’s training facilities are being used by Ukrainian military recruits undergoing basic infantry training.

As a result, British Army units bidding for training areas were reportedly rejected eight times more often in 2023 than the previous years.

The issue also nearly affected the Royal Marines, but they refused to compromise their own training needs, forcing the Ukrainian Marines to train in the Netherlands instead.

NAO head Gareth Davis has called on the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to balance its support for Ukraine with its own strategic and defense needs.

“This includes making sure there are appropriate stocks of equipment and sufficient training provision for UK forces,” he noted.

Still Lacking

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the UK has trained more than 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers on its soil, according to the MoD.

Most of the trainees reported feeling better prepared for the battlefield.

Despite the significant resources allocated, some Ukrainian soldiers have found the training lacking in some areas such as counter-drone tactics and strategic vehicle use.

The MoD explained that they are unable to meet Ukraine’s counter-drone training requirements due to the existing military and civil aviation restrictions in the UK.

It also noted that the training does not include exercises involving military vehicles due to associated risks.

‘Outdated Training’

This is not the first time UK military training has been scrutinized publicly.

In July, senior air force official Blythe Crawford claimed that the country’s military training program is a decade out of date, affecting its preparedness for a full-scale war.

He further said nobody in the British Armed Forces is training for modern battlefield scenarios similar to what is observed in Ukraine.

The post UK’s Ability to Train Own Troops ‘Constrained’ by Ukraine Support: Report appeared first on The Defense Post.

Roger Hausen, now a national security expert in Brussels, told local media that the lack of ground-based air defense systems has left the country vulnerable to modern threats.

The issue could have serious implications for NATO, as Belgium hosts key infrastructure for the military alliance.

In the event of a large-scale conflict with Russia, the European nation may serve as a key logistics hub for transferring supplies from the US through the Antwerp seaport in northern Belgium.

This makes the second-largest seaport in Europe susceptible to Russian air strikes.

An ‘Urgent’ Need

The lack of air defense systems appears to be a long-standing problem in Belgium, with politicians and the public reportedly divided on the importance of addressing it.

Bart De Wever, the country’s potential next prime minister, said acquiring enough air defense weapons is an “urgent need” for Brussels.

Should Belgium decide to invest more in air defense, many experts suggest adopting a multi-layered system similar to Israel’s renowned “Iron Dome.”

They argued that while such systems are costly, they are more effective against threats like small drones compared to other air defense systems, such as the Patriot.

Potential Conflict With Russia

Earlier this year, a leaked German military document outlined a worst-case scenario of the ongoing Ukraine war, in which Moscow is pictured to win then wage another large-scale war with a NATO member.

A subsequent intelligence report claimed that Russia may launch an invasion as early as 2026, in time for the reorganization of its army.

The claim was supported by recent reports indicating that the Russian Navy has been training to launch nuclear-capable weapons deep into Europe.

While no specific country was mentioned, Belgium could be a likely target, given its substantial military aid to Ukraine.

The post Belgium Lacks Air Defense Weapons, Relies on F-16s: Ex-Military Official appeared first on The Defense Post.

Citing data from the federal budget, local media outlet Important Stories claimed that 166,000 people had signed up for the Russian armed forces in the first half of 2024.

This is significantly higher than the 26,700 it recruited during the same period in 2023.

The number is expected to increase further to 190,000 by July 2024, according to Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev.

The alleged increase in Russian military strength comes amid reports that it is now struggling with a depleted force, as Moscow has reportedly lost more than 350,000 troops since launching its invasion in February 2022.

Enticing Offers

The massive rise in Russian military recruitment is largely credited to the staggering bonuses offered by the government for those willing to fight in Ukraine.

In July, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin issued a new decree that would give a 2 million rubles ($22,000) sign-on bonus to city residents who voluntarily join the military for at least one year.

Potential recruits are also promised to receive a monthly income of up to 700,000 rubles ($8,961), more than 10 times the average wage of 63,060 rubles ($807).

In case of death or injury, soldiers and their families can receive up to 3 million Russian rubles ($34,000) in compensation.

In total, Moscow reportedly spent 3 trillion rubles ($32.9 billion) so far in payments to soldiers participating in the war starting June 2023.

The post Russian Army’s Tempting Offers Paying Off as Recruitment Surges Sixfold appeared first on The Defense Post.

Dubbed the “Dragon Drone,” the low-flying UAS disperses a mixture of aluminum powder and iron oxide, which burns at an intense 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,200 degrees Celsius).

The mixture can easily burn through almost anything, including trees and vegetation that typically provide cover to Russian troops.

This capability enables Ukrainian troops to expose enemy positions and neutralize them more effectively.

A video shared by the Ukrainian defense ministry shows the drone releasing hot thermite onto wooded terrain, creating a fiery effect that mimics dragon’s breath.

“Strike drones are our wings of vengeance, bringing fire straight from the sky!” Kyiv’s 60th Mechanized Brigade wrote on X. “They become a real threat to the enemy, burning his positions with an accuracy that no other weapon can achieve.”

A "dragon drone" in the Kharkiv direction.

: 42nd Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/4M1qAJdx3o

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 4, 2024

‘More Psychological Than Physical’

Former British Army officer and current defense analyst Nicholas Drummond noted that while the drone is “quite innovative,” its primary impact may be more psychological than physical.

With its promising capabilities, the platform can create fear among Russian soldiers who rely on bush for cover.

This approach can also give enemy forces another reason to be wary of Ukrainian drones, though Drummond believes it will still not change the course of the war.

“I understand that Ukraine only possesses a limited capacity to deliver a thermite effect, so this is a niche capability rather than a new mainstream weapon,” he told CNN. “But I would not have liked to have been on the receiving end.”

Is It Legal?

The mixture coming from the “Dragon Drone” could be considered an incendiary weapon, something used by Germany during the First World War.

Similar to napalm and white phosphorus, use of the weapon is discouraged because it can cause massive destruction and environmental damage.

The fires it produces are hard to contain and can affect the civilian population if not controlled or regulated.

Under international law, direct use of thermite on civilian targets or in populated areas is prohibited due to its severe impact on human health.

UK-based anti-war organization Action on Armed Violence said Kyiv only uses the incendiary weapon on military targets.

The post Ukraine Unveils New Drone That Fires Molten Metal, Ignites Hidden Targets appeared first on The Defense Post.

Russia’s ministry of defense said in a statement it had shot down 144 Ukrainian drones overnight – “72 UAVs over Bryansk region, 20 over Moscow region, 14 over Kursk region, 13 over Tula region,” and 25 more over five other parts of the country.

Moscow regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said in a Telegram post that a 46-year-old woman had been killed and several people wounded in the strikes.

But an earlier statement in which he reported the death of a 9-year-old child was still “not confirmed,” he added.

As a result of the attack, four airports servicing Moscow – including major hubs Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo – had canceled or delayed flights on Tuesday morning, according to state media.

In Bryansk, which borders Ukraine, “the enemy carried out a massive terrorist attack,” regional Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz said on Telegram, adding “there were no casualties or damage, all attacks were repelled.”

Ukraine and Russia routinely carry out nighttime drone attacks on each other’s territory.

Advances in East

The latest wave of drones came as Moscow continued to claim incremental gains in Ukraine’s east more than 30 months into its offensive, and as Kyiv’s forces pressed their incursion into Russia’s region of Kursk.

Russia on Monday said its forces had captured another Ukrainian village, Memryk, seen as a stepping stone to the Kyiv-held logistics hub of Pokrovsk some 20 kilometers (12 miles) away.

Pokrovsk lies on the intersection of a key road that supplies Ukrainian troops and towns across the eastern front and has long been a target for Moscow’s army.

Kyiv had launched its Kursk offensive on August 6 aiming to force Russia to redeploy troops pressing forward in the east, but Moscow has appeared to intensify its attacks there.

Moscow has also kept up its own aerial attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, including on key energy infrastructure ahead of winter.

Three Russian drones were shot down above Ukraine’s Sumy overnight, the regional military administration said early Tuesday, while air defenses were also activated around Kyiv.

The military administration in the capital later said there were “no consequences after the Russian UAV attack.”

United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities on Monday.

Ukraine’s population was enduring “ongoing attacks by the Russian Federation striking civilian facilities like hospitals, schools, and supermarkets, and repeated waves of targeting of energy infrastructure,” Turk told the UN Human Rights Council.

“I fear for Ukrainians this coming winter,” he said.

The post Ukrainian Drone Wave Grounds Flights, Kills One Near Moscow appeared first on The Defense Post.

Designed to meet the evolving demands of modern combat, the M107A1 is capable of delivering precision and rapid fire on targets up to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) away.

The weapon is also suppressor-capable, reducing its signature to support covert operations.

According to Barrett chief executive Bryan James, the contract will help ensure that the Norwegian military is equipped with the “latest advancements in long-range firepower.”

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the Norwegian Armed Forces by providing the M107A1, a rifle that embodies our dedication to precision, reliability, and innovation,” he said.

The M107A1 will replace Oslo’s aging 82A1 sniper rifles, which were also manufactured by Barrett.

Aimed at Modernization

Norway’s decision to update its aging sniper arsenal is part of a broader effort to modernize its military and bolster defense capabilities.

The M107A1 is lighter than the 82A1, with the former weighing 28.7 pounds (13 kilograms), while the latter weighs 32.7 pounds (14.8 kilograms).

It also has an advantage in range as the older variant can only reach targets as far as 1,800 meters (5,905 feet).

“The M107A1 will significantly enhance the Norwegian Armed Forces’ capabilities to engage targets at extreme ranges, destroy valuable enemy assets, and secure tactical advantages on the battlefield,” Barrett stated.

The company did not disclose the total value of the contract, nor the timeline for delivery.

The post Norway Selects Barrett M107A1 Rifles to Boost Sniper Arsenal appeared first on The Defense Post.

Announced at the International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce, company senior director Tim Flood said the 47F Block II version would support Warsaw’s defense needs with its ability to transport 31 combat troops and up to 16,000 pounds (7,257 kilograms) of cargo.

It would also help enhance the country’s cooperation with allied forces, as the chopper is operational in nine NATO member states.

“The Chinook has been a key part of the European defense and humanitarian relief missions for more than five decades,” Flood said. “[It] would deliver additional benefits to Poland through job creation … and greater autonomy for the Polish defense industry.”

Powered by two Honeywell engines, the CH-47F Block II can achieve a maximum speed of 302 kilometers (187 miles) per hour and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet (6,096 meters).

Potential Competitor

Although Boeing has already publicized its offering, Poland has yet to decide whether to purchase this option or initiate a tender to explore other alternatives.

But if a competition occurs, Lockheed Martin is expected to participate with its CH-53K King Stallion.

This would be a repeat of the battle for Germany’s next heavy-lift helicopter, where Berlin chose to purchase 60 Chinooks over the Lockheed-manufactured choppers.

Originally developed for the US Marine Corps, the King Stallion can carry 34 soldiers or up to two light armored vehicles not exceeding 27,000 pounds (12,247 kilograms).

Unlike the Chinook, the CH-53K is powered by three turboshaft engines that enable it to reach speeds up to 315 kilometers (196 miles) per hour.

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