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Defense NewsFranceFrench artillery manufacturer Nexter, a key player in the defense sector, is bolstering its production of self-propelled howitzers. The company, a part of the KNDS group, is notably ramping up the manufacturing of the CAESAR artillery systems.During a visit to the Nexter facility on April 2, French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu announced the company's efforts to increase CAESAR production. This move is directly tied to France's support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.Previously capable of producing two CAESAR howitzers per month in 2022, Nexter has now tripled its output, reaching a level of 6 howitzers monthly. Minister Lecornu revealed that the company aims to further double this rate, reaching 12 CAESAR howitzers per month, though he didn't specify an exact timeline for achieving this goal, only mentioning it would occur "soon".The increase in production has been made feasible by reducing the time needed to manufacture the artillery system. Currently, the production cycle for a CAESAR howitzer spans 44 months, but Nexter plans to slash this to just 18 months. The CAESAR, a 155mm caliber artillery system, has proven its effectiveness in real combat situations, notably in Ukraine.According to official information from the French Ministry of Armed Forces, France has supplied the Armed Forces of Ukraine with 30 CAESAR howitzers on a 6×6 chassis configuration. Additionally, Denmark has contributed to Ukraine's defense efforts by delivering 19 howitzers on an 8×8 chassis.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 16:15:06

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Defense NewsU.SThe United States officials have categorically denied any involvement in the Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consular annex building in Damascus, Syria. The strike, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the deaths of over a dozen individuals, including senior members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards.According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, the US had no role in the strike and was not informed about it beforehand. Kirby dismissed Iran's foreign minister's claims that the US, as Israel's main supporter, was responsible for the attack as "nonsense."Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh echoed Kirby's statement, confirming that US forces were not involved in the strike. Singh emphasized that the US conveyed this message to Tehran through private channels.Iranian state media reported that 13 people, including seven members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards and six Syrian nationals, were killed in the airstrike. Among the casualties were two high-ranking commanders of the Revolutionary Guards, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Brigadier General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi.Singh stated that while the US believes senior Revolutionary Guards leaders were among those killed, they have not been able to independently confirm their identities.Israel has refrained from commenting on the airstrike. Tehran has vowed to retaliate for the attack, which has heightened tensions in the region. However, the US maintains that it had no involvement and seeks to communicate this message to Iran through diplomatic channels.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 16:11:57

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Defense NewsUkraine Russia WarNATO is debating a plan to provide more predictable military support to Ukraine in coming years as better armed Russian troops assert control on the battlefield, the organisation's top civilian official said Wednesday. "We strongly believe that support to Ukraine should be less dependent on short-term, voluntary offers and more dependent on long-term NATO commitments," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said before chairing a meeting of the alliance's foreign ministers in Brussels.Earlier on Wednesday, Ukraine lowered the military conscription age from 27 to 25 to help replenish its depleted ranks after more than two years of war. A shortage of infantry combined with a severe ammunition shortfall has helped hand Russian troops the initiative."The reason why we do this is the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is serious," Stoltenberg told reporters. "We see how Russia is pushing, and we see how they try to win this war by just waiting us out."The plan is to have NATO coordinate the work of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group - a forum of around 50 countries that has regularly gathered during the war to drum up weapons and ammunition for Ukraine - rather than the US European Command.US Gen Christopher Cavoli is NATO's top military commander as well as the head of US European Command, so the person in charge would not change. But Stoltenberg said a formal "institutional framework" is needed as the war drags on and that NATO can provide it.While the move would not see NATO directly providing weapons to Ukraine - as an organisation with 32 members that functions by consensus, the allies only agree to send non-lethal aid like demining equipment, fuel and medical supplies -- it would mark a new phase in its involvement in the war.NATO is desperate to do more for Ukraine, particularly while Russia holds a military advantage, but its members are not ready to offer the country their ultimate security guarantee: membership. Nor do they want to be dragged into a wider war with a nuclear-armed military power like Russia.Under the new plan, which is expected to be endorsed by US President Joe Biden and his counterparts at their next summit in Washington in July, NATO would coordinate the military side of Ukraine support efforts by assessing Ukraine's needs, collecting pledges and running meetings.The Financial Times newspaper reported that the multi-year plan could involve up to USD 100 billion, but Stoltenberg declined to provide details.Western pledges of support to Ukraine have been marred by broken promises. A European vow to provide 1 million rounds of ammunition fell woefully short, and financial aid meant for Ukraine's war-stricken economy was delayed by political infighting in Europe and is still blocked in the US."It's dangerous to make promises that we can't keep," Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib told reporters when asked how much her country might be willing to contribute to a USD 100-billion fund. She said the plan requires more discussion.Stoltenberg again urged Congress to overcome its differences and pass a supplemental spending bill, which includes roughly USD 60 billion in military aid for Ukraine, saying that the continued delay "has consequences" on the battlefield."That's one of the reasons why the Ukrainians have to ration the number of artillery shells, why they have problems standing up against the Russian force with overwhelming military power," he said. Russian troops, he added, "are able to outgun them with more ammunition and more artillery."

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 16:08:28

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Defense NewsU.SKratos Defense and Security Solutions recently showcased the electronic warfare prowess of the XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned aerial system for the US Marine Corps at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.During the demonstration, the XQ-58A flew alongside two F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft and executed an integrated electronic attack.Equipped with electronic warfare payload, the tactical drone identified, tracked, and geolocated multiple targets. It then relayed coordinates to collaborative equipment and successfully delivered non-kinetic effects against simulated threats without human intervention.The successful completion of all flight evaluations during the trial paves the way for the Marines to proceed with the next stages of the program. The US Air Force's 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing, provided additional support for the demonstration.Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, expressed excitement about the mission capability demonstrated during the flight. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the technology, the elimination of risk to human pilots, and the protection of expensive manned platforms.The Eglin activity marked the conclusion of the initial phase of the Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer – Portfolio (PAACK-P) initiative. This program aims to establish collaboration between "wingman" drones and piloted fighter jets for various military missions.The XQ-58A Valkyrie, with its maiden flight for PAACK-P conducted at the same site in October 2023, plays a pivotal role in this initiative. Fendley emphasized the importance of these technologies in achieving effective, survivable, and affordable mass for modern military operations.The XQ-58 Valkyrie boasts impressive specifications, including a length of 30 feet, a wingspan of 27 feet, a cruise speed of 476 knots, and a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles. With a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds and an altitude capability of 45,000 feet, it stands as a versatile asset for military missions.In collaboration with Northrop Grumman and the Marine Corps, Kratos continues to pioneer advancements in unmanned aerial systems, contributing to the development of critical capabilities for 21st-century warfare.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 15:57:05

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Defense NewsGermanyThe German Deployable Control and Reporting Centre (DCRC), nicknamed Red Hawk, is now fully operational at Ämari Air Base in Estonia. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Sebastian S., the DCRC is set to enhance NATO's command and control capabilities in the Baltic Sea region starting April 1, 2024.Germany's contribution to NATO's enhanced Air Policing in the Baltic includes four Eurofighters from the 74th Tactical Air Wing at Neuburg, Germany, along with the ground-based DCRC from the 3rd Control and Reporting Area at Schönewalde, Germany.Equipped with state-of-the-art radar systems tightly integrated into the BALTNET data network and NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence System (NATINAMDS), the DCRC is tasked with surveilling and identifying air movements in its designated airspace. Additionally, it can provide tactical control to Allied weapon systems like the German Eurofighters stationed in Lielvarde, Latvia, during alert and training scrambles under NATO Air Policing.Following completion of preparations and construction in March, the DCRC team, operating under the call sign Red Hawk, conducted integration tests to confirm readiness for their NATO mission until the summer. From monitoring civil air traffic to detecting unidentified aircraft in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, the radar systems of Red Hawk provide comprehensive coverage.The DCRC operates through collaboration among specialists utilizing various technologies to create, identify, and evaluate a detailed air picture. Its primary objectives include monitoring airspace on NATO's eastern flank and supporting the tactical leadership of air operations for NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission.Safety in air operations is paramount, with close coordination maintained with military air defense units of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as civil air traffic control agencies in the Baltics.In addition to airspace surveillance, the German DCRC at Ämari also facilitates training and exercises, conducting simulations of various scenarios internally and with allied forces. This includes drills focused on identifying unknown aircraft and controlling fighter jets during training intercepts.Overall, the deployment of the German DCRC "Red Hawk" marks a significant step in bolstering NATO's air surveillance capabilities in the Baltic region, ensuring the security and stability of allied airspace.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 15:52:42

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Defense NewsRussiaRussia said on Wednesday that NATO had returned to a Cold War mindset as the alliance marks its 75th anniversary this week."Today, in relations with Russia, the bloc has returned to Cold War settings," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters.She said NATO has no place in the "multipolar world" that Moscow says it seeks to build in order to end U.S. dominance, but that it remains the focus of Russian attention.President Vladimir Putin launched what he called his "special military operation" in Ukraine in 2022 with the stated aim of preventing NATO from expanding its footprint close to Russia. But the war has served to galvanise the alliance, which has expanded to 32 members by admitting Finland and Sweden.NATO foreign ministers were meeting in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss proposals that would give the alliance a more direct role in coordinating the supply of arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine.Western governments say they are helping Ukraine fight for its survival in the face of Russia's invasion. Zakharova said NATO's history was "full of aggressive adventures that brought wars and destruction to many nations", and its anniversary was no cause for celebration.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 15:49:28

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Defense NewsU.SA recent review by the US Navy has revealed significant delays in nine of its crucial shipbuilding projects, with some falling behind schedule by up to three years.The delivery of the navy's first Columbia-class submarine, vital for strategic deterrence, is now expected to be delayed by 12 to 16 months. Originally slated for launch by October 2027, the submarine, dubbed the "USS District of Columbia," is being constructed by General Dynamics.Similarly, the third Gerald Ford-class aircraft carrier faces a delay of up to 26 months, despite construction beginning in 2022 under manufacturer Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).The review highlights that the navy's first Constellation-class frigate, being built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine, is already 36 months behind schedule. Additionally, delays of 36 and 24 months are projected for the fourth and fifth blocks of the Virginia-class submarine program, respectively.In total, these delays amount to over 11 years, posing a significant challenge to the navy's efforts to modernize its fleet promptly in preparation for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.Nickolas Guertin, the Navy's senior acquisition executive, acknowledged the need to address these issues urgently. While plans of action and initiatives are yet to be fully developed, Guertin emphasized the importance of looking ahead, particularly in terms of procuring shipbuilding materials.The delays were largely attributed to disruptions in the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Guertin stressed the necessity of adopting a longer-term perspective in procurement practices to mitigate such challenges in the future.The US Navy faces substantial setbacks in its shipbuilding programs, necessitating immediate attention and proactive measures to address the underlying issues and ensure timely completion of vital projects.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 15:47:08

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Defense NewsSwedenSaab has secured a significant contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the procurement of extra LITENING 5 target designator pods, alongside maintenance capabilities. The deal, valued at SEK 390 million, underscores the importance of these pods in modern air combat.LITENING 5 pods play a crucial role in the precise targeting of objectives through laser guidance and tracking. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, these pods are utilized on fighter jets to enhance target identification and designation during missions.The latest version of LITENING 5 offers several key features: Improved Sensors: Higher resolution short and medium-wave infrared cameras enhance image quality and target recognition range.All-Weather Capability: Effective functionality during day, night, and adverse weather conditions.Laser Targeting: Ability to designate targets with a laser for precise strikes using laser-guided bombs.Synthetic Aperture Radar: Provides a radar image of the target area with a range of 100 km, aiding pilots in understanding the surroundings.Platform Compatibility: Integration with Gripen and Typhoon aircraft.Saab's provision of maintenance capabilities ensures that the Swedish Armed Forces can maintain these pods domestically. The pods and maintenance capabilities are set to be delivered to FMV in 2026.This recent contract follows a previous order placed by FMV for LITENING 5 pods for Gripen fighter jets, highlighting the increasing importance of these systems in modern air warfare.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 15:38:44

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Defense NewsNorth KoreaNorth Korea has announced the successful testing of a new solid-fuelled hypersonic intermediate-range missile (IRBM), as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster its weapons program. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the test, which occurred shortly after South Korea and Japan detected the launch of a missile from North Korea towards the east.Photos released by KCNA showed leader Kim Jong Un alongside military commanders, showcasing the Hwasong-16B missile. Kim praised the missile as a demonstration of North Korea's defense capabilities, stating that Pyongyang has developed nuclear-capable solid-fuel systems for various types of missiles.The Hwasong-16B reportedly flew approximately 1,000km (621 miles) with a peak altitude of 101km (62 miles), before splashing down in the sea between South Korea and Japan. North Korea's focus on solid-fuel weapons is attributed to their ease of concealment, mobility, and quick launch capabilities compared to liquid-propelled weapons.Hypersonic weapons, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound and are maneuverable in flight, have been a priority for North Korea's missile development. Analysts suggest that if perfected, these weapons could potentially reach remote US targets in the Pacific, such as Guam.Tensions in the region have heightened since 2022, with North Korea using distractions such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine to accelerate its missile testing. In response, the US and South Korea have intensified their combined training and cooperation with Japan, aiming to strengthen deterrence against North Korean threats.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 15:32:45

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Defense NewsRussiaThe head of Russia's national security council on Wednesday contended that the United States shares blame for the attack by gunmen on a Moscow concert hall that killed 144 people, even though a branch of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility. Since the March 22 attack at the Crocus City Hall, the deadliest on Russian soil in two decades, Russian officials including President Vladimir Putin have repeatedly claimed, without presenting evidence, that it was organized by Ukraine, which has been fighting a Russian invasion for more than two years.An affiliate of the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack and Kyiv has consistently denied involvement."They are trying to impose on us that the terrorist act was committed not by the Kyiv regime, but by supporters of radical Islamic ideology, perhaps members of the Afghan branch of IS," security council head Nikolai Patrushev said at a meeting in the Kazakhstan capital Astana of security councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.The SCO is a nine-country regional security and economic bloc that includes China, India and Iran."However, it is much more important to quickly establish who is the customer and sponsor of this monstrous crime. Its traces lead to the Ukrainian special services. But everyone knows that the Kyiv regime is not independent and is completely controlled by the United States," Patrushev said.Four suspected gunmen were captured the day after the attack in the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. Putin and other officials claim that the gunmen had arranged for passage into Ukraine. Six other suspected accomplices have also been arrested.The attack came two weeks after the United States Embassy in Russia issued a warning that it was monitoring reports of planned terrorist attacks on public targets. The US State Department said information about the planned attacks was passed on to Russian officials.Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday declined comment in a conference call on a report in the Washington Post that US officials had specifically identified Crocus City Hall as a potential target, saying that was a matter for security services.Also Wednesday, the Russian prosecutor-general's office sent information requests to the US, Germany, France and Cyprus over Western countries' potential involvement in terrorist attacks on Russia, state news agency Tass reported.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 15:21:44

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Defense NewsSpainRheinmetall has secured another substantial order from the Spanish government, valued in the higher double-digit million euro range. The contract entails supplying the Spanish army with a total of 104,000 mortar rounds in various calibres (60mm, 81mm, and 120mm) by the end of 2025. This agreement, finalized in the first quarter of 2024, marks the second such deal and includes an option for extending the contract by two additional years.These mortar rounds are designated for use by the Spanish army's infantry units, offering variants such as high explosive, smoke, and illumination ammunition. Depending on the calibre and specific mortar system employed, these rounds exhibit ranges between 2.59 km (for 60mm rounds) and 8.25 km (for 120mm rounds).Rheinmetall's mortar ammunition boasts extended range, improved precision, and enhanced effectiveness on target. These attributes enable forces to engage targets effectively, particularly in challenging terrains or urban environments.This latest order underscores Rheinmetall's prominent position as a systems supplier in the realm of steep-fire systems. The company, recognized as one of the world's largest ammunition manufacturers, recently clinched a separate contract worth over EUR 200 million to provide the Spanish army with 155mm artillery ammunition.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 15:13:08

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Defense NewsEuropeElbit Systems, a leading defense technology company, has secured a significant contract with an undisclosed European nation to upgrade its artillery capabilities. The agreement involves the integration of Elbit's Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) suite into the country's 155mm artillery battalions.What Is C4I Suite ?The C4I suite, which includes the Torch-X Fires application, is designed to enhance the digital fire capabilities of the artillery units. Torch-X Fires enables effective coordination across different military forces, facilitating quick and precise planning and execution of operations. The suite's open system architecture allows for the integration of third-party applications and accommodates future growth.In addition to Torch-X Fires, the suite features the E-LynX Software Defined Radio, ensuring fast, resilient, and secure communications with simultaneous voice, data, and video capabilities in various terrains.Haim Delmar, General Manager of Elbit Systems C4I & Cyber division, emphasized the importance of this contract in empowering the customer to command their artillery battalions more effectively. The integration of Elbit's C4I solution is expected to enhance operational efficiency and maximize the performance of artillery platforms through a fully digitized process.Furthermore, the agreement facilitates the integration of the customer's artillery forces with Elbit Systems' Networked Warfare Systems, ensuring seamless interoperability with other assets within the nation's army.This contract marks the second order for Elbit's C4I suite from a European country within a year, underscoring the company's expertise and the value of its solutions in modernizing military capabilities.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 08:23:37

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Defense NewsIndonesia & FranceIndonesia has finalized a deal with France's Naval Group for the procurement of two Scorpene-class attack submarines, announced the company on Tuesday. This agreement, which stems from a defense cooperation pact signed in 2021, marks a significant step in enhancing Indonesia's maritime defense capabilities.According to Naval Group, the submarines will be constructed at the PT PAL shipyard in Indonesia. The diesel-electric vessels boast a capacity of carrying 18 torpedoes and missiles, providing a boost to the Indonesian Navy's operational capabilities.Naval Group emphasized that the transfer of technological expertise will accompany the construction process. Additionally, the management, operation, and maintenance of the submarines will be carried out by Indonesians, contributing to the creation of thousands of skilled jobs in the country.Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, highlighting its importance in strengthening the strategic alliance between Indonesia and France. He emphasized that the submarines will play a crucial role in bolstering Indonesia's maritime sovereignty and supporting the country's naval superiority in the region.Furthermore, the collaboration between Naval Group and PT PAL is expected to foster the development of Indonesia's defense industry, particularly in preparing for future naval warfare scenarios.This procurement adds to Indonesia's recent defense acquisitions from France, including the purchase of Dassault-made Rafale fighter jets in 2022. The broader defense partnership between the two countries is seen as a response to evolving strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, including the establishment of the AUKUS alliance by the United States, Britain, and Australia in 2021.Overall, the acquisition of these submarines underscores Indonesia's commitment to enhancing its maritime security and defense capabilities through strategic partnerships with international allies.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 08:18:58

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Defense NewsIndiaTaiwanese soldiers stationed on Erdan island, part of the Kinmen Island chain, have been placed on heightened alert following provocations by Chinese civilian drones. The island, situated just five kilometers off the Chinese coast, faces ongoing military pressure from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.The Taiwan military has reported increased activity of Chinese civilian drones surveilling and harassing its troops. In response, soldiers on Erdan island have been instructed to increase vigilance in surveillance. Additionally, the Kinmen Defence Command announced plans to enhance drone training for soldiers, including appropriate countermeasures against potential threats.Recent incidents include the posting of a video on YouTube allegedly showing drone footage of Taiwanese soldiers and military facilities on Erdan island. The caption accompanying the video claimed that Taiwanese soldiers were "scared away by a Chinese drone."This isn't the first time Taiwanese soldiers have encountered such drones. In 2022, soldiers on Kinmen Island shot down an unidentified civilian drone following a visit to Taipei by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.These incidents reflect a broader pattern of "grey zone" actions, tactics that fall short of outright acts of war, which have intensified since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. Tensions have further escalated since January, following the election of Tsai's deputy, Lai Ching-te, and amid an ongoing dispute between China and Taiwan over a fatal boat incident.Taiwan remains vigilant in the face of these provocations, emphasizing the need for heightened surveillance and preparedness to respond to potential threats.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 08:13:06

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Defense NewsGermanyGermany has pledged to fund 180,000 rounds of artillery shells as part of a Czech-led effort to provide Ukraine with ammunition. Reuters reported the total cost of Germany's contribution to be EUR 576 million, signaling a substantial financial commitment to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian forces.This announcement comes amidst Germany's ongoing support for Ukraine, particularly in light of delays in military aid from the US and under-delivered EU pledges. These promises aimed to provide a million shells to aid Kyiv in sustaining its defense along the extensive 1,000-kilometer front line.Artillery fire holds a critical role in the conflict dynamics between Ukraine and Russia, underscoring the significance of this assistance.Last month, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius unveiled a EUR 478 million aid package for Ukraine. Notably, this package did not initially include support for the Czech ammunition initiative, sparking discussions on Germany's stance and contributions.During a press conference at the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defence on 19 March, Pistorius emphasized the substantial scope of the aid. This includes 10,000 artillery shells, 100 armored infantry vehicles, 100 transport vehicles, and the planned purchase of 180,000 artillery shells through the Czech-led initiative.A spokesperson from the German Defence Ministry highlighted that the combined value of both support measures exceeds one billion euros, marking a significant milestone in Germany's support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

Read More → Posted on 2024-04-03 07:49:15