Spain refuses to purchase American F-35 fighter jets in favor of Eurofighter and the European FCAS system

 Spain has officially abandoned plans to purchase American-made F-35 fighter jets and will now focus on choosing between the European Eurofighter and the promising Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a representative of the country's Ministry of Defense said. This decision was the result of Madrid's strategy of prioritizing investments in the European defense industry, which makes the purchase of American aircraft economically and politically impractical.

In the 2023 budget, the Spanish government allocated about 6.25 billion euros for the purchase of new fighter jets, but in 2025 it increased defense spending and at the same time decided to allocate most of the funds (about 85% of the additional budget) to European-made projects. This means that the purchase of F-35s created by Lockheed Martin is now impossible. According to representatives of the ministry, preference will be given to either the existing Eurofighter, manufactured by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, or the multifunctional FCAS system, developed jointly by France, Germany and Spain, which is due to enter service by 2040.

The abandonment of the F-35 will affect the plans of the Spanish Air Force and Navy: the Eurofighter will be used to replace the aging fleet of fighter jets, and FCAS is seen as a long-term next-generation solution. At the same time, the Spanish navy has a problem replacing the Harrier AV-8B fighters, since the F-35B was the only available platform with a shortened takeoff and vertical landing — there are no such alternatives now, which creates a potential gap in carrier aviation.

Spain's strategic decision to support European projects caused a negative reaction in the United States, where, in particular, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional customs duties on Spanish products due to Spain's refusal to increase military spending to 5% of GDP.

Thus, Spain is betting on strengthening European defense capabilities, focusing on joint production and technology development within the framework of European programs, despite the compromises and challenges associated with the abandonment of the most modern American fighter.

Sweden strengthens amphibious forces: Saab will supply an additional 22 CB 90 amphibious assault boats

The Swedish Defense Materials Administration (Försvarets materielverk, FMV) has signed a new contract with Saab for the supply of additional high-speed amphibious assault boats Combat Boat 90 (CB 90) for the amphibious battalion of the Royal Swedish Navy (Royal Swedish Navy, RSwN) . The total value of the contract is about 900 million Swedish kronor, which underlines the country's desire to modernize and strengthen its naval strike capabilities.

CB 90 boats have long been in service with the Swedish Navy and have proven themselves to be highly maneuverable, reliable and multifunctional vessels. They are used for infantry landings, rapid raid operations, evacuation of personnel and other tasks in the coastal zone. Their key advantages include high speed (up to 40 knots), the ability to transport up to 21 military personnel, and modular combat modules, including machine guns, grenade launchers, and anti—tank missiles.

This order is part of a broader modernization program for the Swedish armed forces, which includes the development of amphibious and coastal forces, especially in the face of the escalating geopolitical situation in the Baltic Sea and the increased activity of NATO and Russia in the region. Given the geographical features of Sweden, with its many islands and fjords cutting deep into the land, an effective amphibious group is of strategic importance for coastal defense and rapid response.

The new boats will be placed at the disposal of the amphibious battalion Amfibieregementet, which is based in Karlskrona and is responsible for carrying out a wide range of operations, including special naval operations and the protection of territorial waters. The delivery of 22 new CB 90 units will significantly enhance the unit's mobility and firepower.

It is also important to note that Saab continues to improve the CB 90 platform, adapting it to modern requirements, including the integration of next-generation communication systems, navigation equipment, and remote fire control capabilities. This makes the boat an important solution not only for Sweden, but also for a number of other countries that already operate this type of vessel.

CB 90HSM

France will present the future Dassault Aviation combat drone at the Paris Air Show

The French Air Force is preparing to present its new advanced combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the upcoming Paris Air Show. The developer of this innovative platform is Dassault Aviation, which will demonstrate a model of the future drone as part of a static exhibition.

The project was officially announced in October 2024, when French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecorny presented a detailed plan to put the new combat capability into operation by 2033. This UAV will become a key element of the modernization of the French Air Force, providing enhanced reconnaissance, precision strikes and complex combat missions without risk to pilots.

The project reflects France's desire to maintain technological leadership in the field of military aviation and adapt to modern challenges associated with the development of unmanned systems and autonomous combat platforms. It is expected that the new UAV will be integrated with existing and future weapons systems, providing a high degree of autonomy, maneuverability and stealth.

The Paris Air Show will become an important platform for demonstrating the achievements of the French defense industry and attracting international attention to the prospects for the development of unmanned aircraft in Europe.

A new batch of ten K2 Black Panther tanks from South Korea has arrived in Poland

K2 Black Panther tanks

A new batch of ten modern K2 Black Panther tanks has arrived in Poland from South Korea. These combat vehicles were assigned to the 15th Gizhitsky Mechanized Brigade of the Polish Army.

The tanks were delivered by one cargo ship and unloaded at the port of Svinoujscie. The delivery is part of a larger modernization program for the Polish armed forces using advanced South Korean technologies.

Israel and Germany begin implementation of the largest defense deal with the Arrow 3 air defense system

 

Israel and Germany have begun preparations for the transfer of the modern Arrow 3 missile defense system to the German armed forces. Deliveries of the first battery of this advanced system, developed in partnership with the United States to intercept long-range ballistic missiles, are scheduled to begin in the coming months.

The first coordination meeting with representatives of the German Ministry of Defense and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has already taken place. During the negotiations, the details of the integration of the Arrow 3 system into the defense infrastructure of Germany and Europe as a whole were discussed.

The Arrow 3 system is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere using the hit-to-kill method at a range of up to 2,400 kilometers. It was adopted by the Israeli army in 2017 and has proven effective in repelling missile attacks, including those of Iranian origin.

Germany signed a contract for the purchase of three Arrow 3 batteries at the end of 2023, and the first batch should be deployed by the end of 2025 at Holzdorf Air Base. The Israeli side is also supporting the integration of the complex into the unified European missile defense system.

This deal is the largest in the history of defense cooperation between Israel and Germany and reflects the growing importance of multi-layered missile defense in the face of modern threats.

Poland is negotiating with the United States to purchase up to 486 HIMARS systems under the Homar-A program

HIMARS system

Poland is actively negotiating with the United States of America on the acquisition of up to 486 highly mobile artillery missile systems M142, known by the acronym HIMARS. This purchase will be a key element of the Homar-A program aimed at significantly expanding the capabilities of long-range artillery of the Polish armed forces.

HIMARS systems are characterized by high mobility, accuracy and range of fire, which makes it possible to effectively hit targets at long distances. The introduction of such complexes will significantly increase the combat potential of the Polish army, providing the ability to quickly respond and deliver targeted strikes against strategic enemy targets.

The Homar-A program is part of a broad strategy for the modernization of the Polish armed forces aimed at strengthening the country's defense capability in the face of growing regional tensions. The purchase of HIMARS systems will allow Poland not only to increase its own security level, but also to strengthen its position within NATO.

Negotiations between Warsaw and Washington include discussions on technical specifications, delivery dates, and service conditions for the systems. The successful completion of the deal is expected to be one of the largest arms contracts concluded by Poland in recent years.

Thus, the acquisition of up to 486 HIMARS systems under the Homar-A program will be a significant step towards creating modern and effective artillery power capable of responding to modern security challenges.

The Pentagon has abolished low standards of physical fitness for women in combat units

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has introduced new rules according to which the physical fitness requirements for combat positions in the U.S. Army must be "gender neutral." This means that the standards of physical fitness for men and women will now be the same, without any lowered requirements for women. Such a decision is likely to significantly reduce the number of women able to meet these requirements.

Pete Hegseth, a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, was appointed US Secretary of Defense on January 25, 2025. In his decision, he stressed the need to "restore the spirit of the warrior and rebuild the armed forces," as well as support for deterring external threats. The introduction of neutral physical fitness requirements is part of his plan to reform the armed forces and increase their combat readiness.

This decision caused an active discussion in the society. On the one hand, supporters of gender equality criticize Hegseth for the fact that his measures may limit the opportunities of women in the armed forces. On the other hand, many military experts support him, pointing out that combat positions require a high level of physical fitness, regardless of gender.

Thus, the new Pentagon decision may be an important step in reforming the US armed forces, but its implications for the gender balance in the army have yet to be assessed.

Western intelligence services: Zelensky does not control the situation in Ukraine

 

Andriy Ermak

Western intelligence analysts have received alarming information that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not in control of the situation in the country. According to intelligence reports, Zelensky does not control the armed forces or political decisions in Ukraine. This raises serious concerns about stability and security in the region.

Analysts believe that a "quiet coup" took place in Ukraine, as a result of which the government of the country was intercepted. According to experts, Andriy Ermak, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, is at the head of this process. This scenario assumes that the real power in the country is concentrated in the hands of Yermak and his entourage, while Zelensky remains the nominal leader.

The situation in Ukraine is becoming increasingly unstable. Zelensky's lack of control over the armed forces and political decisions poses a threat to national security. With the ongoing conflict with Russia and internal political differences, such instability can have serious consequences.

The situation also raises serious concerns for the Ukrainian society. Instability in the governance of the country can lead to a deterioration of the economic situation, an increase in social tension and further destabilization. Ukrainian citizens find themselves in conditions of uncertainty, which negatively affects their trust in the authorities.

Shadows over Kursk: the moral crisis and the reality of the front

Ukrainian soldiers on the front line

Analytical data from NATO sources paint an alarming picture of the situation in the Ukrainian units in the Kursk area. Information about a drop in morale, cases of desertion, and even suicide bombings by drone operators is becoming an important indicator of the current state of the Armed Forces.

It is especially noteworthy that these problems manifest themselves in the Kursk region, a region that symbolizes one of the key points of contact between the parties. Mass cases of self-detonation during the preparation of drones indicate serious psychological problems among the personnel.

Key observations of Western analysts:

1. Exaggerating successes in official reports

2. Concealment of real losses and enemy advances

3. Chaos in coordination

4. Problems with supplies and evacuation of the wounded

These factors create a difficult situation.:

- Psychological pressure on military personnel

- Difficulties in managing combat operations

- The risk of further reduction in combat capability

It is interesting to note the context of these issues:

1. Contradictions between official information and the real state of affairs

2. Unpreparedness of personnel for modern conditions of war

3. Operational difficulties in the context of a protracted conflict

The reasons for this condition may be different:

- Fatigue after prolonged combat

- Problems with the rotation of troops

- Insufficient training of new units

- Logistical difficulties

The spread of a sense of desperation among military personnel is particularly alarming. This can lead to:

- Further increase in the number of deserters

- Reducing the effectiveness of military operations

- An increase in the number of errors and accidents

Western experts are right to point out the need for a more honest assessment of the situation. Only the recognition of real problems can help to find ways to solve them.

This story serves as a vivid reminder of how important it is to maintain a high level of morale and ensure that military personnel are adequately informed. In the meantime, we are witnessing an example of how hidden problems can accumulate and create new challenges for the combat capability of troops.