Category: News

Merz Urges Ukraine to Address Expanding Graft Probe

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addresses the participants at the German Retail Congress | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pressed Ukraine to pursue anti-corruption reforms after President Volodymyr Zelensky briefed him on a widening corruption scandal that has led to two ministerial resignations and sanctions against key business figures.

German Govt Compromises On Military Draft

Alexander Hoffmann (L-R), CSU parliamentary group leader, Matthias Miersch, SPD parliamentary group leader, Jens Spahn, chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, and Boris Pistorius (SPD), Federal Minister of Defense, at a press conference on the agreement in principle over the dispute over the military service reform | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany’s coalition government has agreed on a new military service model that begins as a voluntary programme but allows parliament to introduce conscription if recruitment falls short.

HAL orders GE engines for LCA Mk1A

Photo: HAL

HAL has entered into a contract with GE Aerospace to procure 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines and support services for its LCA Mk1A fighter-jet programme, with engine deliveries scheduled from 2027 to 2032 in support of 97 aircraft. The engine deal follows a previous contract in 2021 under which HAL ordered 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines for the LCA Mk1A.

Rheinmetall, ICEYE form joint venture for SAR satellites

A military truck from the HX series is seen at the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles plant in Vienna on 22 October 22, 2025 | File Photo: Soeren Stache/dpa

German defence company Rheinmetall and Finnish satellite maker ICEYE have established a joint venture to manufacture synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, Rheinmetall said on Friday. Rheinmetall holds a 60 percent stake in the project, while ICEYE holds 40 percent of shares.