Germany’s new armoured brigade in Lithuania has completed its first live-fire exercise, bringing together nearly 3,000 troops and 800 vehicles from eight NATO nations as the alliance strengthens its eastern defences.
NATO has launched the BALTOPS naval exercise in the Baltic Sea, involving more than 6,000 personnel, 30 vessels and 15 countries. The drills focus on protecting maritime traffic, freedom of navigation and regional security.
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 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 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 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.
Norway and France have signed the Narvik Agreement, a bilateral defence pact covering mutual military assistance, Arctic cooperation, defence industry ties and participation in French-led nuclear deterrence talks.
ITPS Canada has ordered six Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers, with options for an additional six for tactical fighter pilot training at the International Tactical Training Centre.
Norway has signed the CAVS Framework Agreement, allowing serial procurement of 6×6 armoured vehicles while Lithuania has decided to buy 936 vehicles at an estimated cost of €1.5 billion.
Canada has selected the Saab GlobalEye for acquisition and has announced negotiations with the Swedish company for the Airborne Early Warning platform, based on the Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft.
Sweden has initiated negotiations with France’s Naval Group for four Luleå-class frigates based on the FDI design. The vessels are planned for delivery between 2030 and 2034 and are intended to expand Swedish naval air defence capabilities while contributing to NATO operations.
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.
The UK Ministry of Defence said an RAF Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft was repeatedly intercepted by Russian Su-35 and Su-27 fighter aircraft over the Black Sea during a routine flight in international airspace, prompting diplomatic action with the Russian Embassy.
L3Harris Technologies announced the Wraith Shield software capability, designed to convert tactical radios into AI-enabled sensing and counter-drone systems. The company said the capability will support military forces operating against small unmanned aerial threats in contested environments.
The British Army will procure 72 RCH 155 remote controlled artillery systems under a contract worth nearly £1 billion. The programme involving Rheinmetall and KNDS will replace AS90 artillery systems transferred to Ukraine.
