Russia’s Su-57D has completed its first test flight, marking the debut of what is considered the world’s first two-seat fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The new variant is intended to combine combat, training and command-and-control roles, including management of operations involving manned and unmanned aircraft.
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.
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.
Russia said it had successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile during a launch overseen by the Strategic Missile Forces. President Vladimir Putin said the system would enter combat duty by the end of the year, according to a Kremlin transcript.
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.
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 says its troop deployment in Lithuania shows commitment to NATO’s eastern flank. A new brigade aims to strengthen deterrence against Russia and reinforce security in the Baltic region.
Russia is earning billions as the Hormuz blockade pushes up global oil and gas prices, a German trade body says. Higher prices boost Moscow’s revenues while raising costs for Europe’s economy.
Germany now requires men aged 17–45 to seek approval for stays abroad over three months under its new military service law. The rule supports efforts to track availability as the country works to expand troop numbers.
Germany’s military has begun sending questionnaires to 18-year-olds as part of the country’s new military service programme. The forms are the first step in assessing interest and suitability for service, as Berlin looks to increase troop numbers under a law that came into force on January 1.
The UK government has launched Project Nightfall to develop a new ground-launched ballistic missile for Ukraine with a range of more than 500 kilometres. The programme aims to deliver test missiles within 12 months and support long-range strike capability and comes as Russia carried out a strike on Ukraine last week using the Oreshnik system.
Germany and India have agreed to expand cooperation in the defence sector during talks in Ahmedabad. A declaration of intent was signed during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit, with plans including submarine construction in India and wider cooperation covering defence, technology, jobs, and critical resources.
The Kremlin has rejected calls for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, saying it wants to end the war rather than pause fighting. The response followed an appeal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after peace talks in Berlin.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said any European protection force for Ukraine would depend on Russia’s response and unresolved legal and command issues, following talks in Berlin for a force to help secure a possible ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a U.S. delegation arrived in Berlin for talks on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of discussions involving European partners. Russian officials have expressed skepticism about the talks, which will continue on Monday.
