Norway Increases Defense Budget to Support Long Term Defense Plan

10/20/2020
According to a press release by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence on October 16, 2020, Norway is increasing its defense spending to strengthen its defense capability and military readiness. A challenging strategic environment constantly reminds us that cannot take our freedom and security for granted. The Government will continue to…

An Update on Naval Group: Euronaval, 2020

10/19/2020
Paris – Naval Group awaits a high-level political decision on the next-generation aircraft carrier, particularly whether the vessel will be nuclear or conventionally powered, the executive chairman of the French shipbuilder said Oct. 19. A number of “scenarios” have been studied for the carrier, including the propulsion system, Pierre Eric…

Qatar’s European Allies Reinforce Qatari Defense

10/19/2020
While the new agreements among Israel, Bahrain and the UAE reshape Middle Eastern dynamics, Qatar is enhancing its position working with European allies. A recent article on the UK's Ministry of Defence website highlighted a deepening relationship with Qatar. During a joint visit to RAF Coningsby on October 14, 2020,…

USMC Deployment Onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth: The Partnership Which Almost Did Not Happen

10/18/2020
By Robbin Laird In this September 23, 2020 story published by 3rd Marie Aircraft Wing, the historic deployment of USMC F-35Bs onboard the UK’s largest warship ever built by the UK was highlighted. PORTSMOUTH, England --  Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 embarked 10 F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters onboard…

NATO Submarine Rescue Mission Contract Extended

10/18/2020
According to a UK Ministry of Defence article published on September 30, 2020, a three year extension of a NATO contract for submarine rescue missions has been completed. Worth more than seven million pounds, the contract extension will reach into 2023 and provide operational support to the NATO Submarine Rescue…

Japanese-EU Naval Security Cooperation, October 2020

10/18/2020
On October 7, 2020, the Japanese Ministry of Defence issued a joint press release which highlighted the EU-Japan joint naval exercise. According to that statement: On 5-6 October, the EU and Japan carried out a joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. The exercise…

HMAS Hobart and the Regional Presence Deployment 2020

10/17/2020
Recently, the Australian Aegis combat ship, the HMAS Hobart, returned from its engagement in the Regional Presence Deployment 2020, This Australian Department of Defence video highlights the engagement of the ship in the deployment. This year, one of Australia’s most advanced warships is leading the Royal Australian Navy’s largest and…

Bell 412 Helicopter Delivered in Time to Contribute to Australian Firefighting Season

10/17/2020
By Eamon Hamilton 8 October 2020 A trans-Pacific mission by an Air Force C-17A Globemaster has delivered a Bell 412 helicopter for the NSW Rural Fire Service. Loaded by a No. 36 Squadron C-17A crew at Vancouver International Airport, Canada, the Bell 412 was delivered to RAAF Base Richmond on…