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.
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.
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.
The Finnish Army will conduct the Karelian Sword 26 exercise in southeastern Finland from 22 to 29 May 2026 with around 10,000 personnel, including reserve units and allied troops and has designated hashtags to follow the exercise on social media.
Sweden is conducting the Aurora 26 military exercise with NATO allies and Ukraine, focusing on the defence of Gotland and the Baltic Sea region. The drills involve 18,000 personnel and test allied reinforcement, logistics and drone warfare cooperation.
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 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.
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.
Global military spending reached $2.89 trillion in 2025, according to SIPRI, marking the 11th consecutive annual increase. Growth was driven by higher expenditure in Europe and Asia, while US spending declined due to reduced military aid approvals.
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.
![Colonel Daniel Rydberg, who will take command of the NATO’s Forward Land Forces [FLF] in Finland | Photo: Försvarsmakten/David Luttu Carr](https://i0.wp.com/stratpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/260422-C-flf-davcar05-154258f.jpg?fit=150%2C84&ssl=1)
Sweden will take command of NATO’s Forward Land Forces in Finland this summer, marking its first role as a Framework Nation. The multinational force will support deterrence and defence operations in Northern Europe, with a battalion group based in Sweden.
Germany has signed defence contracts worth €111 billion since 2022 under its military overhaul. The government increased spending after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but faces criticism over transparency.
