Defense
Saab underwater robots in Russian Arctic surveillance system
Maria Karlsson Image generated by AI
An investigation by SVT and international media reveals that underwater robots from Saab have been used in Russia's secret Harmoni surveillance system in the Arctic. The robots were delivered to Russian customers until 2018 in compliance with export rules but ended up with the Russian military. Russia has also produced copies of the technology.
Hegseth to visit South Korea urging allies on defense spending
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will travel to Asia this week, including South Korea, to stress the need for allies to boost defense spending and contribute to collective defense. The Pentagon said Hegseth will praise South Korea's commitment to increasing defense spending and taking greater responsibility for alliance deterrence during the annual Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul on Nov. 4. This comes amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and North Korea's nuclear advances.
South Korea, US defense chiefs to hold annual talks in Seoul
South Korea and the United States' defense chiefs will hold the 57th Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul on November 4. This marks the first in-person talks between the new ministers, focusing on alliance issues like North Korea policy coordination and combined defense posture. Both sides aim to advance their partnership in response to evolving security challenges.
Indonesia prepares to buy Chengdu J-10 fighter jets, China cautious with all buyers
October 28, 2025 16:30India's defense chief visits PT Pindad
October 28, 2025 07:42Four TNI AU pilots complete A-400M type rating training in Spain
October 23, 2025 13:15Expert doubts gripen deal with ukraine will proceed
October 23, 2025 03:03EU summit reaches minimal compromise on russian assets
October 20, 2025 00:47Boris Pistorius opens new naval headquarters in Rostock
October 19, 2025 00:40Pistorius: Comprehensive conscription screening deters Russia
October 18, 2025 00:40Trump says Spain should be reprimanded for defense spending
Takaichi and Trump hold first summit in Tokyo
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump held their first in-person summit at Tokyo's State Guest House on October 28, 2025, agreeing to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. The leaders discussed enhancing defense capabilities, economic ties, and steady implementation of tariff agreements, and met with families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea. They later visited the U.S. Naval Base in Yokosuka to address American servicemen.
Hegseth calls South Korea's OPCON transfer push 'great'
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth positively assessed South Korea's push to retake wartime operational control from the United States, calling it a 'great' endeavor. He depicted South Korea as a 'combat credible partner' during a press meeting on a plane en route to Malaysia. The remarks underscore the U.S. emphasis on allies assuming greater security responsibilities.
Cédric Jubillar's defense pleads for acquittal at Albi assizes
In the trial for the murder of Delphine Jubillar, the defense lawyers delivered passionate closing arguments on Thursday to sow doubt and secure Cédric Jubillar's acquittal. They highlighted the lack of concrete evidence and flaws in the investigation, following the prosecution's request for 30 years in prison the previous day. The verdict is expected on Friday.
Trump meets Japan’s new prime minister, signs critical-minerals pact and spotlights tariff-and-investment framework
Petra Hartmann Image generated by AI Fact checked
President Donald Trump met Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Tuesday, signing a U.S.–Japan framework on rare earths and other critical minerals while highlighting a previously announced tariff-and-investment deal. The leaders later addressed thousands of U.S. troops aboard the USS George Washington and pledged a "golden age" for the alliance amid rising regional tensions.
Möller and Pistorius signal compromise readiness in conscription dispute
After a heated dispute in the SPD parliamentary group, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, deputy group leader Siemtje Möller, and MP Falko Droßmann have struck a conciliatory tone in a joint letter. They emphasize the priority of voluntariness in the new conscription and express openness to a compromise with the Union. The aim is for the conscription law to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Sweden and Ukraine agree on Gripen fighter jet deal intent
Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent on October 22, 2025, for the purchase of 100 to 150 Gripen E fighter jets. The agreement, announced in Linköping, aims to bolster Ukraine's air force against Russian threats but requires further work on financing and production. Officials highlighted the jets' suitability for Ukrainian conditions and potential deterrent effect.
Trump holds first summit with Japan's new prime minister
U.S. President Donald Trump met Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on October 28, 2025, for their first summit, pledging to strengthen the alliance. Takaichi promised a 'new golden age' for ties, while Trump praised her leadership. The talks focused on trade, security, investments, and defense cooperation.
Takaichi tells Trump Japan will continue Russian LNG imports
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo on October 28 for their first summit, informing him that Japan intends to continue importing Russian liquefied natural gas for the time being. The U.S. had urged Japan to end such imports to bolster sanctions on Russia, but Takaichi stressed the necessity due to risks of domestic power shortages. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties and defense cooperation.
Family of garissa university student pleads for government job after kdf death
The family of a first-year Garissa University student who died during a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment exercise has appealed to the government for a job for one of their members. They spoke to the press on October 23, 2025, emphasizing the deceased's role as the family's sole hope for economic upliftment. The student collapsed during physical drills in Wajir and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.