Defense

At talks this week, Japanese and Australian defense chiefs warned that global crises, including in the Middle East, must not create a security vacuum in the Indo-Pacific. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said a shifting geostrategic environment is prompting the quasi-allies to rethink arms production cooperation.

April 08, 2026 Reported by AI

Dax-listed MTU Aero Engines is entering the drone engines market by acquiring Cologne-based startup Aerodesignworks. The company, spun out from DLR in 2011, develops small turbojet engines for the defense sector. CEO Johannes Bussmann outlined the strategic plans to Handelsblatt.

President Lee Jae-myung met with six U.S. lawmakers from the Congressional Study Group on Korea in Seoul on April 2 and reaffirmed his commitment to regaining wartime operational control from Washington. He stated that along with increasing defense spending, South Korea aims to reduce the U.S. burden and safeguard peace on the Korean Peninsula with its own capabilities. The remarks follow criticism from former President Donald Trump.

April 01, 2026 Reported by AI

Ángel Escribano resigned on Wednesday as executive president and board member of Indra, citing government pressures and personal weariness. SEPI, the largest shareholder with 28% of the capital, proposed Ángel Simón as replacement. The board has started the succession process led by Virginia Arce.

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger mocked Ukrainian drone production as playing with Lego blocks in an interview with The Atlantic, calling makers housewives. The remarks sparked outrage in Ukraine. Rheinmetall distanced itself on Sunday.

March 29, 2026 Reported by AI

President Gustavo Petro again protested US bombings in the Caribbean during the christening of the oceanic patrol boat ARC ‘24 de Julio’, Colombia's largest domestically built vessel. He handed it over to the National Navy and highlighted its role in seizing cocaine shipments. He also called for developing national arms production.