Tag: NATO

German-Dutch Corps to Lead NATO Baltic HQ

A Dutch soldier and a German soldier from the 1st German-Dutch Corps show off their patches | File Photo: Guido Kirchner/dpa

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.

Heckler & Koch Profit Jumps on Orders

Assault rifles manufactured by Heckler & Koch | File Photo: Bernd Weiflbrod/dpa

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

Under a proposed bill, reservists in Germany would be required to serve even in peacetime | File Photo: Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa

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

The 45th German Armoured Brigade Litauen (Panzerbrigade 45) transporting vehicles for Exercise Freedom Shield | Photo: 45th German Armoured Brigade Litauen (Panzerbrigade 45)/Lithuanian Armed Forces

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.

Finland to Exceed NATO Spending Goal

Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen with French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Defence Ministers’ Session on October 15, 2025 in Brussels | Photo: NATO

Finland says it will exceed NATO’s 1.5 percent target for defence- and security-related spending in 2026, reporting an estimated 2.4 percent of GDP under the framework. The government said spending will include preparedness, resilience and homeland defence-related activities beyond the Ministry of Defence.

UK, France Plan Hormuz Mission

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts U.S. blockade operations in the Arabian Sea on April 16, 2026. The warship's embarked carrier air wing includes eight F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control planes, MH-60 helicopters and CMV-22B Ospreys for logistics support | Photo: U.S. Navy

The United Kingdom and France will host a multinational meeting on Tuesday involving more than 40 nations to discuss a defensive mission aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz. HMS Dragon will deploy to the Middle East to support possible future operations.