Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The Netherlands has pledged to provide Ukraine with 90 million euros for drones. The Dutch Minister of Defense emphasized the need to develop more effective methods of destroying drones than using F-35 fighters.
In recent months, at least ten European countries have reported drone incursions into their airspace, raising concerns and leading to increased security measures. Romania, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, France, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and Belgium have witnessed these incidents, some of which are linked to Russia.
Belgium is considering transferring additional F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. This became possible after the arrival of the first fifth-generation F-35 aircraft in the country, which will replace the older machines.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has approved the launch of the F/A-XX new generation fighter development program for the United States Navy. This project will replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and ensure air superiority over China.
Norwegian F-35 fighter jets will begin a NATO air defense mission in October, based near Poznań. Pilots will be ready to intercept Russian drones and aircraft if the border is violated; the decision rests with the Alliance command.
The Dutch Supreme Court has ordered the government to reconsider the suspended export license for F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel. The export remains suspended for six weeks until the government completes its review.
The Polish Prime Minister stated that Russia's victory in Ukraine would mean the end for his country and Europe. He recalled incidents involving Russian UAVs and attempts to illegally cross the border with Belarus.
A "Shahed" UAV was drawn on one of the Dutch Air Force planes, although other drones flew over Poland in September.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that the deployment of F-35 fighter jets to Poland is a demonstration of the allies' readiness to counter Russian aggression. The Netherlands also plans to send Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems and anti-drone equipment to Poland.
Russian "Shaheds" of the "Geran-2" and "Geran-3" types have a flight range of up to 2500 km and 1600 km, respectively, which allows them to reach European countries, including Great Britain and France. Expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap notes that European air defense systems are effective against high-altitude targets, but may have problems with low-flying drones.
Chief adviser to the President of Lithuania, Deividas Matulionis, stated that the country must be able to use force against aircraft of hostile countries if they violate its airspace. This is a matter of national competence, but NATO may be involved in the event of a serious threat.
US President Donald Trump will host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on September 25 at the White House. The parties will discuss trade, including the purchase of Boeing aircraft and an F-16 agreement, as well as continued negotiations on the F-35.
Large-scale armored and air force exercises "Iron Gate" are taking place at the military training ground in Orzysz, Poland. NATO servicemen and equipment, including Abrams tanks and F-35 fighters, are participating in them.
US President Donald Trump is making his second state visit to Great Britain from September 16 to 18. Meetings are planned with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as the announcement of economic agreements worth over $10 billion.
Russian drones made of wood and foam broke into Polish airspace, forcing NATO to deploy F-35 fighters, refueling aircraft, and the Patriot system. This revealed an imbalance between cheap weapons and the Alliance's expensive response.
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.
Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the activation of air defense systems to protect Polish territory after its airspace was violated by Russian UAVs. Forces from several allies, including Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany, participated in the operation.
Poland recorded 19 Russian drones that violated its airspace, shooting down three of them. The country activated Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty for consultations with allies.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced 19 incursions of Russian drones into the country's airspace, while media report 23. The president convenes the National Security Council.
NATO does not consider the incident with a group of Russian drones over Poland an attack. This is the first time NATO aircraft have attacked potential threats in allied airspace.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Polish counterpart Karol Nawrocki at the White House. The meeting was accompanied by a flyover of F-35 and F-16 fighter jets.
Russia is exploring the possibility of investing in the production of Su-57 fighters in India. New Delhi needs a squadron of fifth-generation aircraft, considering the Su-57 and F-35.
German manufacturer Rheinmetall is opening Europe's largest artillery shell production plant near Hanover on August 27. The enterprise will produce up to 350,000 shells per year after reaching full capacity in 2027.
European countries are asking Donald Trump to deploy American F-35 fighter jets in Romania. This is intended to deter Russia and provide security guarantees to Ukraine, and there is also talk of Patriot and NASAMS missiles.
The meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska looked like a summit on Putin's territory, where he was "pulling the strings. " Trump failed to secure commitments regarding an end to the war in Ukraine, despite promises of "severe consequences."
Italian F-35 fighter jets, based in Estonia, were scrambled in response to provocative flights by Russian Su-24 and Su-27 aircraft. This is the first time F-35s have been scrambled as part of a NATO air policing mission.
Poland signed a $3. 8 billion agreement with the US to modernize 48 F-16 fighter jets. This will enhance the aircraft's compatibility with NATO and strengthen deterrence against potential aggression.
Switzerland joined the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia with a number of reservations, which will come into force on August 12. The country added 14 individuals and 41 organizations to the sanctions lists, as well as 105 vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet".
Swiss politicians are considering canceling the order for F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin Corp after the US introduced 39% tariffs. The deal, worth up to $9.1 billion, became controversial due to "misunderstandings" regarding the price and the tariff shock.
Spain has postponed the purchase of American F-35 fighters, focusing on European options. The country plans to modernize the Eurofighter and invest in the future FCAS system.