Russia and Belarus have launched joint military exercises "Zapad-2025" amid escalating tensions with NATO after the incident with Russian drones in Poland. More than 40,000 troops are taking part in the maneuvers, practicing scenarios with nuclear weapons and testing a new missile.
European media called the use of expensive F-35 missiles to shoot down cheap Russian drones a "catastrophe. " The cost of one AIM-9 Sidewinder missile is over 400,000 euros, while a "Shahed" costs only a few thousand.
The German concern Rheinmetall will expand military aid to Ukraine by supplying the Armed Forces with Skyranger anti-drone systems. The contract is expected to be signed on September 10 at the DSEI exhibition in London.
Western observers will analyze the Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 exercises to assess the combat readiness of Moscow and Minsk. The maneuvers will take place near Poland and Lithuania; NATO countries are conducting their own exercises.
Over a thousand units of Bundeswehr equipment have been delivered to the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda to participate in the large-scale Quadriga 2025 exercises. Military personnel from 13 NATO countries will practice the defense of the Baltic region.
Two German Eurofighter jets scrambled to intercept a Russian Il-20 without a transponder over the Baltic Sea. This is the tenth such incident for the German Air Force this year.
German leaders are considering the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached. This issue is key for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who seeks to restore Germany's leadership.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is justifying himself over interpretations of his words regarding the possible deployment of the Bundeswehr to Ukraine. He emphasized that no decisions on troop deployment have been made, and his comments were taken out of context.
A debate has arisen in Germany regarding the country's possible participation in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not rule out such a possibility, but society and politicians are divided in their opinions.
Germany has expressed readiness to join the system of security guarantees for Ukraine. The scope of support has not yet been determined, but the participation of the Bundeswehr is not excluded.
A Ukrainian Patriot radar, damaged by a Russian strike and considered lost, has been restored by Bundeswehr engineers. The radar has successfully returned to service and has already helped destroy another Russian target.
The German army has launched an air bridge to the Gaza Strip, dropping 14 tons of humanitarian aid. The action is part of a joint project with Jordan, announced by the German Chancellor.
Germany will transfer additional Patriot launchers to Ukraine as a first stage. Other system components will be transferred within 2-3 months.
A Bundeswehr helicopter crashed into the Mulde River in Germany, killing two people. The Minister of Defense visited the crash site, and the search for one person is ongoing.
Bundeswehr Major General Christian Freuding stated that Russia aims to expand drone production for simultaneous attacks of up to 2,000 UAVs. He emphasized the need for more effective air defense in Ukraine and the development of "smart countermeasures."
Germany is discussing the purchase of up to 1,000 Leopard 2 tanks and 2,500 GTK Boxer armored vehicles worth 25 billion euros. This is part of a plan to form six NATO brigades and transform the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe.
Gitanas Nausėda criticizes the insufficient determination of anti-Russian sanctions, calling for disconnecting banks from SWIFT, sanctions against the "shadow fleet" and energy companies. He also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine.
The head of the Bundeswehr Association stated that Germany needs up to 260,000 soldiers for NATO's defense needs. The Bundeswehr currently has about 181,500 soldiers.
A Russian reconnaissance aircraft monitored German troops during the Iron Wolf exercises in Lithuania. This confirms the threat from Moscow and the need to strengthen counterintelligence.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the continuation of military support for Ukraine and the intention to make the Bundeswehr the strongest army in Europe. The West cannot accept an imposed peace.
The German army is negotiating with large companies to organize logistical support for NATO. The German government is preparing a "logistics hub" for NATO in accordance with the strategy.
The Bundeswehr is negotiating with logistics companies to transfer troops and equipment to the eastern border of NATO. Germany has been designated as the Alliance's logistics hub.
The German Defense Minister stated that the Bundeswehr reform aims to reduce bureaucracy in procurement and expand infrastructure. Germany seeks to strengthen its defense and support Ukraine.
The new German government plans to renew military service on a voluntary basis. The issue of compulsory conscription remains open for the time being, but a registration system will be introduced.
The Porsche SE holding company, which has suffered losses, is considering re-entering the arms market. The company has experience in developing the Leopard tank for the Bundeswehr and is already investing in the development of drones.
According to German intelligence, Russia is preparing for a major war with NATO. Moscow may try to test the Alliance with a limited military operation against the bloc's countries.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with General Carsten Breuer to discuss Russia's preparation of new divisions. The parties analyzed military assistance from allies and reforms in the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
Oleksandr Syrsky met with Carsten Breuer, Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, to discuss military cooperation. The parties discussed the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces for weapons and maintenance of German equipment at the front.
The Bundeswehr has begun construction of the Arrow 3 missile defense system at the Holzdorf air base. The system will be able to destroy missiles at an altitude of up to 100 km and is expected to be fully operational by 2030.
Germany has provided another package of military aid to Ukraine, including drones, artillery and ammunition. The total amount of military support since the beginning of the war has reached 28 billion euros.
