Germany and the Netherlands will jointly lead a new NATO command centre in Estonia from mid-2026. The headquarters will oversee exercises and help coordinate defence operations on NATO’s eastern flank.
German-Dutch Corps to Lead NATO Baltic HQ
by •
Heckler & Koch Profit Jumps on Orders
by •
German firearms manufacturer Heckler & Koch reported a sharp rise of 255% in first-quarter profit and revenue. Strong demand and long-term contracts with NATO armed forces are expected to support future business growth.
Germany Plans Mandatory Reserve Drills
by •
Germany is preparing legislation that would require military reservists to take part in training exercises during peacetime. The move is part of plans to expand reserve forces and strengthen military readiness.
German Brigade Holds First Major Lithuania Drill
by •
German troops, Leopard tanks and other military equipment have arrived in Lithuania for the first major exercise involving Germany’s new brigade. The Freedom Shield drill brings together NATO forces to train near Russia’s borders.
Ukraine Rejects EU ‘Associate Membership’
by •
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a proposal for special EU associate status and renewed calls for full membership, saying Ukraine should have equal rights and a complete role within the bloc.
Merz Proposes EU ‘Associate Member’ Status for Ukraine
by •
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed a new EU “associate member” status for Ukraine that would bring Kiev closer to EU institutions and security arrangements while delaying full membership rights.
Germany to Buy 40% Stake in Tank Maker KNDS
by •
Germany plans to buy an initial 40% stake in defence company KNDS, the maker of Leopard 2 tanks and Panzerhaubitze 2000 systems, as Berlin seeks greater involvement in the defence industry and aims to retain key expertise.
Pistorius: Germany, Ukraine are Strategic Defence Partners
by •
Germany and Ukraine will expand defence cooperation with joint work on drones, air defence and battlefield systems. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius described the relationship as a long-term strategic partnership.
Rheinmetall, Deutsche Telekom Plan Drone Shield
by •
Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom plan to develop systems to detect and stop hostile drones and cyber threats. The project will combine telecom networks, sensors and laser-based technologies to protect key infrastructure.
Germany Sets Up Draft Centres
by •
Germany is preparing 24 new centres to assess young volunteers for military service as Berlin expands the Bundeswehr under new conscription measures linked to NATO goals and the Ukraine war.
Germany, Greece to Boost Defence Cooperation
by •
Germany plans to expand defence cooperation with Greece, focusing on joint procurement and maritime defence. Talks also addressed EU policy, regional tensions with Turkey, and security issues in the eastern Mediterranean.
Germany Stresses Unity as U.S. Cuts 5,000 Troops
by •
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that the United States and Germany have shared military interests after the announcement of plans to withdraw U.S. 5,000 troops from bases in Germany over the next year. Officials stress cooperation will continue, while Europe may take on greater security responsibility.
Israel’s Rafael Eyes German VW Plant Takeover
by •
Israeli defence firm Rafael is in talks to take over Volkswagen’s Osnabrück plant as production winds down. The site could be repurposed to support Iron Dome components, with some jobs potentially retained.
Merz: U.S. ‘Humiliated’ by Iran
by •
Germany’s chancellor said the U.S. is struggling in its conflict with Iran, warning there is no clear path to end it. He said the situation is complex and affecting economies, while tensions continue to impact global trade.
Germany Prepares Minehunter for Hormuz Deployment
by •
Germany plans to send a minehunter to the Mediterranean ahead of a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The move supports efforts to secure shipping routes after tensions disrupted global trade.
