Finance news

Dwindling stockpiles of solid rocket motors highlight industrial base challenges

Supply shortages, damaged radars raise concerns about air and missile defense.

◇ unclassifiedgermany · europe · uk

Car manufacturer: “VW must not perish because of its own complexity”

At the general meeting, shareholders vent their anger about the car company's crisis. It's about conflicts of interest, nested structures - and getting into the arms business.

Rheinmetall, Vantor plan joint ISR venture for Bundeswehr

The memorandum of understanding with Vantor marks the third partnership Rheinmetall has signed in recent months in the military space domain.

The Navy’s next secretary has an urgent task: Make the public case

Today the US may have the political conditions necessary to build a larger Navy, but it lacks a publicly articulated maritime strategy, argues naval veteran Bruce Stubbs.

Defense: The “era of free riding” is coming to an end – USA is reducing its NATO presence

US Defense Minister Hegseth puts pressure on his NATO counterparts at the meeting in Brussels. Europeans are ready to take on more responsibility. But is there enough time?

◇ unclassifiedchina · asia · usa

No call with Taiwan, no new arms sales: how Trump is preparing to welcome Xi

US President Donald Trump is not expected to have a phone call with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te any time soon, despite saying earlier that he would be open to speaking with the person “running” the island. Two people familiar with the matter said there had been no movement towards arranging such a conversation, which was reliant on the American leader’s willingness to take the initiative. Three other sources said the US believed that a call with Lai could derail an expected summit with Chinese

The sights of Eurosatory 2026, from the show floor

Check out a selection of photos from one of Europe’s biggest defense conferences.

◇ unclassifiedusa · europe · russia

Apache going down near Oman a sign of air combat evolution, analysts warn

Experts say the U.S. Army Apache that went down near Oman offers a snapshot into how air assets must now contend with cheaper, rapidly evolving drones.

◇ unclassifiedchina · asia · korea

North Korea warns of ‘disaster’ if G7 tries to strip its nuclear weapons

North Korea’s Kim ⁠Yo-jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong-un, condemned a G7 call for the country’s denuclearisation as a violation of its constitution and an infringement of ‌sovereignty, state media KCNA said on Thursday. Kim said denuclearisation was an “irreversibly finalised agenda” that could never be realised, and that nuclear possession was North Korea’s core interest and an irreversible line, the statement carried by KCNA said. “Denuclearisation is the line ⁠of no retreat that.

◇ unclassifiedmiddle-east · russia · usa

Who Would Take Iran’s Uranium?

As negotiations over Iran's nuclear program continue, the fate of Tehran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium remains one of the most difficult issues to resolve. Before US and Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimated that Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. While not weapons-grade, the material is significantly close to the 90 percent enrichment level generally associated with the prod

◇ unclassifiedusa · europe · iran

Hegseth announces six-month review of US force posture in Europe

Hegseth called NATO’s response to Iran “shameful” in his comments, while also railing against social issues in Europe.

◇ unclassifiedgermany · europe · australia

Arms industry: Federal government is allowed to invest in tank manufacturer KNDS

The German-French arms company KNDS produces, among other things, tanks. The federal government wants to get involved.

Auto industry at the arms fair: The Mercedes star now also shines in olive green

For a long time, the German auto industry publicly avoided military business. Now she is confidently presenting herself as part of the booming weapons industry.

Civil Defense: Why Communities Are Raising the Security Alarm

Germany's civil defense has gaps, research by WirtschaftsWoche shows. Municipalities and rescue organizations see themselves as ill-equipped to deal with a voltage emergency.

Carmaker Renault teams with Thales on ‘4Troop’ military vehicle design

“France fears we might see high intensity combat on its territory and to prepare for this possibility we need to be ready,” Thales’ Marc Dehondt said.

◇ unclassifiedusa · europe · germany

Germany moves two ships to Djibouti, eyeing multinational Hormuz mission this summer

Germany is among a number of countries that have offered help in securing the shipping lane, but only if an Iran ceasefire deal turns out to be lasting.

◇ unclassifiedgermany · europe · iran

Mine clearance: Pistorius: Preparing possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz

According to the Defense Minister, two German ships are on their way to the Red Sea. It is a “pre-deployment” – the operation depends, among other things, on Iran’s consent, said Pistorius before the NATO meeting in Brussels.

◇ unclassifiedgermany · europe · australia

Armament: EU Commission allows federal government to invest in tank manufacturer KNDS

KNDS is currently owned by a German family and the French government. Now the German state wants to get involved. The competition authorities have no concerns about participation.

Defense agreement: Bundeswehr should help secure Poland's eastern border

Berlin and Warsaw have concluded a new defense agreement. An effective deterrent on the eastern flank is “inconceivable without strong German-Polish cooperation,” said Defense Minister Pistorius at the signing.

◇ unclassifiedusa · europe · iran

Hegseth announces review of US troops in Europe, scorns some allies

The comments offer new insights into the internal mechanics Trump administration have in mind for re-evaluating force levels on the continent.

NATO meeting: Take it or leave it – USA puts Europe under pressure on defense

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made it clear in Brussels that the European NATO partners must quickly fill the gaps left by the US.

Alliance defense: Hegseth increases pressure: US troop presence is being reassessed

Almost three weeks before the NATO summit, the USA is threatening allies who do not significantly increase their defense spending. Now the US presence in Europe as a whole is coming under scrutiny.

◇ unclassifiedgermany · europe · norway

+++ Football World Cup 2026 +++: Qatar makes it possible: thousands of fans flown to the World Cup party in Vancouver at state expense

Emir sets up sovereign wealth fund to finance fan trips +++ Celebrations over Haaland goals make the earth tremble in Norway +++ Entry trouble: Baerbock follows up with Fifa criticism +++ The World Cup news blog.

Social◇ unclassifiedusa · russia · uk

Ukraine strikes Moscow oil refinery amid large-scale drone attack

The number is the story this time. Sobyanin says around 194 drones were downed over Moscow overnight. The previous record for the capital was 74, back in March. So this is not an incremental step up, it is nearly triple the prior ceiling, concentrated on the city itself rather than the periphery. The target was the Gazprom Neft refinery in Kapotnya, about 15km from the Kremlin, hit for the second time in three days. It supplies a large share of Moscow's fuel. All four Moscow airports shut down t

◇ unclassifiedchina · asia · usa

Hegseth blasts Nato for not giving US access to European bases during Iran war

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth lashed out at Nato allies on Thursday, announcing a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe whose outcome will depend on how fast the Europeans take responsibility for their own security. “This will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that Nato is moving fast and irreversibly towards Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defence of Europe,” he told his Nato counterparts in Brussels. Hegseth lambasted...

◇ unclassifiedusa · europe · iran

Hegseth warns NATO allies that some nations will 'fail' U.S. defense review

The U.S. defense secretary also said it was "shameful" that European allies refused to give U.S. forces access to bases to strike Iran.

23d06/18⚠ shipping-routes · 2/5

More in Taiwan favour goodwill to Beijing over defence ties with US, poll shows

Taiwanese value showing goodwill to the mainland more than deepening cooperation with the United States, according to a survey conducted soon after US President Donald Trump visited Beijing last month. The survey, published by the government-funded Institute for National Defence and Security Research in Taipei on Tuesday, polled 1,127 Taiwanese residents from May 28 to 31. Asked about the most important approach to safeguarding the island’s security and peace across the strait, 44.9 per cent of.

◇ unclassifiedchina · asia · usa

◇ unclassifiedgermany · europe · iran

NATO: Hegseth announces review of US troop presence in Europe

The US Secretary of Defense is increasing the pressure on NATO partners in Europe. At a meeting in Brussels, he also made serious allegations regarding the Iran war.

Alliance defense: Hegseth urges NATO partners to provide more defense

How far are the European NATO states in increasing their defense spending? The US government makes it clear that it wants to take a close look at individual countries.

Alliance defense: Rutte: US strike plans come into force immediately

After US plans to cut NATO commitments, the NATO Secretary General warns: Europe must become stronger when it comes to military replacements. He wants to dispel worries.