Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The US Department of Defense announced on July 31, 2025, the signing of large-scale contracts worth tens of billions of dollars. The agreements cover aviation, navy, army, scientific developments, and international cooperation, including arms supplies to allies.
The US has likely deployed nuclear weapons in the UK for the first time since 2008, signaling to Russia its commitment to European security. This is confirmed by the flight of a military transport aircraft from a US nuclear base to the British airbase Lakenheath, where millions are being invested in upgrading security facilities.
The IRIS-T SLM air defense systems are designed to protect against medium-range aerial threats. The contract was signed with Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG as part of the "Sky Shield" initiative.
Retired British Army Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon believes that Russia is seriously considering a scenario of a nuclear strike on Ukraine. He emphasizes that the creation of a Franco-British nuclear alliance could become a deterrent for the Kremlin.
The German Ministry of Defense denied Politico's report about plans to increase the F-35 fleet to 50 units. Currently, Germany has ordered 35 fighters to replace outdated Tornado jets.
The German government plans to purchase 15 more F-35 fighter jets from the US, increasing its planned fleet to 50 aircraft. This comes amid disagreements with France over the European next-generation fighter program.
Dutch F-35 fighter jets will guard NATO airspace over Eastern Europe from September 1 to December 1. This will ensure the security of military equipment supplies to Ukraine and a rapid response to intruders.
European countries plan to double military investments to develop their own defense industry. They face the problem of lacking quality alternatives to American weaponry, such as the F-35 and Patriot systems.
The production of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets in the United Kingdom has practically ceased due to a lack of new orders. This raises concerns about the loss of critical aerospace industry skills and affects the country's participation in the Global Combat Air Programme.
US President Donald Trump signed a bill that raises the national debt limit by $5 trillion, cuts social programs, and increases military funding. The document also provides for tax breaks and funding for combating illegal migration.
Norway will send some of its F-35 fighter jets to Poland in the autumn to enhance the security of Polish airspace and protect the logistics hub near Rzeszów. This measure will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of international military aid to Ukraine.
The UK stated that all members of the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium support the sale of fighter jets to Turkey, overcoming Germany's previous blocking. This increases the prospects for realizing the deal, which has been under negotiation for years.
European NATO countries are increasing defense spending but refusing American weapons. This is due to concerns about the policy of Trump, who has already threatened to annex the territory of a European country.
Estonia has confirmed its readiness to host F-35 aircraft of the North Atlantic Alliance on its territory, capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called this "dangerous" for Russia.
Donald Trump has proposed changes to the US defense budget for 2026, totaling $892. 6 billion, focusing on high-tech missiles and drones. This includes a pay raise for service members, but a reduction in the purchase of ships and fighter jets.
The United Kingdom plans to acquire 12 F-35A fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which will expand the country's deterrence arsenal. This decision is part of a significant strengthening of the UK's nuclear position and its contribution to NATO.
On June 24-25, a NATO summit will be held in The Hague, where the main issues will be a new defense budget of 5% of GDP and the war in Ukraine. Spain has expressed reluctance to increase spending, and a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council is not planned.
A large-scale operation "Orange Shield" has begun in The Hague to ensure the security of the NATO summit. 27,000 police officers and 10,000 soldiers are involved, streets are blocked and traffic is restricted.
Israel used smuggled drones and mobile groups to attack Iran's air defense systems and missile installations. This allowed Israel to gain air superiority.
The United Kingdom is in talks with the Pentagon to purchase American F-35A stealth fighters that can launch tactical nuclear weapons. These aircraft will become the second pillar of nuclear deterrence.
EU countries are considering redirecting €400 billion from regional aid funds to the defense industry. The funds will go to bomb shelters, military-civilian technologies and military infrastructure.
A study has shown that British companies exported thousands of military goods to Israel despite the suspension of export licenses.
The US plans to offer Saudi Arabia an arms package worth more than $100 billion during Trump's visit. Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp may be key suppliers.
NATO fighters were scrambled twice to identify and escort Russian aircraft that violated flight rules. Il-20 and Su-24 were identified on April 14 and 18.
The US military has assembled a combat-ready aircraft from damaged F-35s. The "Frankenjet" has successfully passed testing and is now ready for combat missions.
Photos of the Chinese J-36, a sixth-generation aircraft with a "flying wing" design, have appeared online. Experts note the unusual configuration of the engines, which may provide additional thrust.
Belgium will provide Ukraine with two F-16s in 2024 as spare parts, and two more aircraft in 2025. The transfer will take place after Belgium receives the F-35.
The Prime Minister of Belgium and the Minister of Defense will visit Kyiv to express support for Ukrainians.
Trump's customs program may confuse global supply chains, which will complicate the production of weapons and international efforts to counter China. This will hit the arms industry and relations with allies.
General Cavoli announced the preparation of a new batch of F-16s for Ukraine and the expansion of pilot training. Ukrainian forces are already using F-16s to protect the sky.