NATO Defence Ministers Take Steps to Strengthen the Alliance
Posted on
DefenceTalkNATO Defence Ministers wrapped up two days of talks in Brussels on Thursday (16 February 2017), focused on the Alliance’s adaptation to a more demanding security environment. On Wednesday, Ministers discussed NATO’s role in the fight against terrorism and agreed to create a new regional Hub for the South, based at NATO’s Joint Force Command […]https://www.defencetalk.com/nato-defence-ministers-take-steps-to-strengthen-the-alliance-69165/
Trump defense chief to NATO: pay up or we reduce support
Posted on
DefenceTalkUS Defence Secretary James Mattis bluntly warned NATO allies Wednesday that Donald Trump’s administration would “moderate its commitment” to the transatlantic alliance unless members met their spending pledges. Mattis’s no-nonsense message to his counterparts in Brussels follows years of calls by Washington for allies to spend at least two percent of their GDP on defence, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/trump-defense-chief-to-nato-pay-up-or-we-reduce-support-69158/
NATO Defense Ministers Focusing on Boosting Spending
Posted on
DefenceTalkNATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday a meeting of the alliance’s defense ministers will focus on the need for members to increase the amount of money they spend on defense. He told reporters in Brussels ahead of the meeting that countries boosted defense spending by $10 billion last year, but that only five of the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/nato-defense-ministers-focusing-on-boosting-spending-69151/
Tales of woe from US military ahead of likely spending boost
Posted on
DefenceTalkTop US generals warned lawmakers Tuesday that aging equipment, chronic underfunding and understaffing have severely impacted military readiness, as the Republican-led Congress hopes to usher in a spending bonanza under President Donald Trump. The president has repeatedly said the vast US military is suffering from massive shortages and has vowed a “great rebuilding” of the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/tales-of-woe-from-us-military-ahead-of-likely-spending-boost-69014/
U.S. Navy Seeks Additional Funding for Readiness, Aircraft, Weapons, and Ships
Posted on
DefenceTalkThe U.S. Navy’s original $5.1 billion Unfunded Priorities List (UPL) released in February 2016 has grown into a massive $12 billion wish list. Curiously, the Navy says the new list is not a formal update of the original UPL. Rather, the service has provided a list of “executable” FY17 unfunded items, adding needs that have […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-navy-funding-readiness-aircraft-weapons-ships-68972/
Crime and Internal Strife Remain Greatest Drivers of Military Spending in Latin America
Posted on
DefenceTalkThe greatest threat to most Latin American governments is internal. Even though transitioning to a democracy and using effective counterinsurgency strategies have successfully defeated – or at least defused – several insurgencies, the risk of guerrilla activity remains. This is especially true in Colombia and, to a lesser extent, Peru. In Mexico and Central America, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/crime-and-internal-strife-remain-greatest-drivers-of-military-spending-in-latin-america-68902/
Germany Raises Defense Spending as it Demands Clear Agenda from US
Posted on
DefenceTalkGerman Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen has called on the US to clarify its foreign policy agenda. Questions on transatlantic relations abound as Donald Trump prepares to take over the White House. Von der Leyen defended NATO and the transatlantic relationship on Wednesday while calling for clarification from the incoming Trump Administration regarding its […]https://www.defencetalk.com/germany-raises-defense-spending-as-it-demands-clear-agenda-from-us-68846/
Trump says new Air Force One too costly: ‘Cancel order!’
Posted on
DefenceTalkPresident-elect Donald Trump called Tuesday for the cancellation of a multi-billion dollar Boeing contract to build the next Air Force One, calling the ballooning costs “ridiculous.” “Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!” Trump tweeted. Converting a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/trump-says-new-air-force-one-too-costly-cancel-order-68642/
EU to boost joint defence spending
Posted on
DefenceTalkThe EU unveiled ambitious plans Wednesday to boost joint defence spending including on shared assets like drones and helicopters, as concerns grow that President-elect Donald Trump may downgrade the US security commitment. Trump shocked long-time NATO allies in Europe when he suggested on the campaign trail be would think twice about coming to their aid […]https://www.defencetalk.com/eu-to-boost-joint-defence-spending-68633/
Norway Follows Up Long Term Defence Plan with Significant Budget Increase
Posted on
DefenceTalkThe Norwegian Government this week followed up on the new Long Term Defence Plan presented in June with a 2017 budget that involves a significant increase in the funding level for the Norwegian Armed Forces. In total, the Government proposes a NOK 1.9 billion increase year on year, of which NOK 1.14 billion addresses specific […]https://www.defencetalk.com/norway-follows-up-long-term-defence-plan-with-significant-budget-increase-68358/