More money is being spent on military buildup in the Balkans. Belgrade is investing heavily in new systems and plans to accelerate the automation of its armed forces. However, there are doubts about the motives behind its arms procurement policy.
By Frank Stier
Over the weekend, al-Qaida-linked terrorists and separatists from the Front de Libération de l’Azawad (FLA) launched coordinated attacks on several major cities in Mali. The defense minister was killed in Bamako. The military government has remained tight-lipped, and its future appears uncertain.
By Lucia Weiß
The new record high in military spending is alarming churches and nongovernmental organizations. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Europe is the main driver of the global arms race.
By Markus Bickel
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is scheduled to travel to France this week. A face-saving solution to move the stalled FCAS project forward would be to opt for two different fighter jets.
By Gabriel Bub
According to several diplomats, there are discussions within the military alliance about no longer holding annual summits. One diplomat said that some countries are pushing for a two-year cycle.
By Redaktion Table
Germany’s ports are underfunded. Yet, they play a central role in supplying the population and for defense purposes in times of national crises. Port representatives are calling on the federal government to do more ahead of the National Maritime Conference in Emden.
By Florian Keisinger and Tino Klemm
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil will also attend Tuesday’s roundtable event at the Bendlerblock on strengthening German-Ukrainian arms cooperation. The German government wants to encourage private investors to increase their investment in Ukraine’s defense industry.
By Robert Wallenhauer and Markus Bickel
Israel’s military has so far been unable to disarm Hezbollah. The Lebanese government is reluctant to take on the task, citing a lack of resources and fears of civil war. International support could help.
By Laura Hülsemann
Since Olaf Scholz declared a “Zeitenwende,” the German government has signed 47,000 defense contracts. However, it declined to say how many of the systems procured under those contracts have already entered service with the Bundeswehr.
By Redaktion Table
Europe would not be able to withstand a protracted war at present because modern warfare relies on mass-produced, low-cost technology. Without rapid adjustments to procurement, industry and strategy, military superiority over adversaries in a war of attrition could quickly evaporate.
By Fabrice Pothier
