Saudi Arabia asks Greece to extend the ELDYSA mission with Patriot systems until 2026

Saudi Arabia has officially asked Greece to extend the stay of its military personnel in the kingdom. We are talking about the mission of the Greek armed forces in Saudi Arabia, known as ELDYSA (Hellenic Armed Forces in Saudi Arabia), which can be extended until November 2026.

The central element of the mission is the Greek Patriot missile battery deployed as part of Saudi Arabia's long-range air defense system. This system plays a key role in protecting the kingdom's strategically important facilities from aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles.

Negotiations on cooperation between the two countries began in 2019 at the technical level and subsequently moved to the diplomatic plane. An official memorandum of understanding detailing the terms of deployment was signed in April 2021. Already in September of the same year, ELDYSA soldiers were transferred from the military base in Tanagra (Greece) to the territory of Saudi Arabia.

The extension of the mission until 2026 demonstrates a high assessment of the effectiveness of Greek specialists and the strengthening of bilateral defense cooperation. For Greece, such a mission is also of strategic importance, expanding its international military presence and strengthening partnerships with key players in the region.

Germany throws fighter jets into Poland: Eurofighter on guard at the border with Belarus

Germany took a decisive step — five Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets landed at the Lask airbase, which is just a couple of hours east of Warsaw. This is not just another training transfer. The deployment took place just before the high-profile joint military exercises of Russia and Belarus, scheduled for September. And the signal that Berlin is sending is very clear: "We are with our allies, and we will not let you play out the scenario on our territory."

These five Typhoons are not just beautiful airplanes with German crosses on board. They are now part of the permanent grouping of German troops in Poland, which already includes two batteries of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as additional aircraft and technical support. In other words, we are talking about a full-fledged air group capable of both intercepting targets and covering its troops and allies in the event of an escalation.

A spokeswoman for the German Air Force bluntly stated: "This deployment is a clear signal of allied solidarity within NATO and a reliable means of deterrence and protection of the common airspace." Simply put, "we are here, we are together, and if someone does something wrong, they will be rebuffed."

The background for this step is the increasingly tense situation on the eastern flank of NATO. Russia and Belarus have announced large-scale joint exercises "Slavic Brotherhood" or "Zapad-2025" (the exact name has not yet been announced), which will be held on the territory of Belarus. According to the plans, tens of thousands of troops, tanks, aircraft, and possibly even missile systems will be involved there.

But Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are watching these maneuvers with concern. It's no secret that they are afraid: what if these exercises will become a cover for real aggression? Especially considering how Russia used the "exercises" before invading Georgia in 2008 and Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. There are fears that the troops who arrived "for the exercises" simply will not leave — and a new phase of the conflict will begin, already on the borders of NATO.

That is why Germany, as one of the key players in Europe and a member of NATO, decided not to wait. Placing a Eurofighter in a Weasel is not just a technical exercise. This is a demonstration of readiness for action. These fighters can intercept enemy aircraft, escort reconnaissance vehicles, and, if necessary— participate in combat operations. And the presence of Patriot adds a layer of defense: they are capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft.

In addition, Germany is showing that it is taking on more responsibility for the security of Eastern Europe. Previously, the United States and the Baltic countries had borne the brunt in this area. Now Berlin is clearly strengthening its presence — and this may be the beginning of a new strategy.

 Moscow continues to pump Belarus with troops and equipment, and the West will strengthen its position.

September will show what happens next. When the exercises of Russia and Belarus begin, it will be especially hot in the skies over Eastern Europe, both literally and figuratively.

The US Army will create up to four new air defense battalions, one of which will go to Guam

 

The US Army is preparing to seriously strengthen its air defenses, especially in the Pacific Ocean. The plans include the creation of up to four new battalions of Patriot anti—aircraft missile systems. One of them will reportedly be specifically designed to support units in Guam, a strategically important American island in the western Pacific Ocean.

Guam is not just a base, it is a real U.S. foothold in Asia. Bombers, submarines and thousands of military personnel are stationed there. But it is within range of Chinese and North Korean missiles. Therefore, strengthening air defense here is not a question of the future, but of the present.

The new Patriot battalions are a response to the growing threats: ballistic missiles, drones and cruise missiles. Patriot complexes have already proven their effectiveness, especially in modern warfare. And now there will be more of them in the hottest spots.

It's not just an extension, it's a signal. The United States is clearly preparing for possible crises in the Asia-Pacific region and is betting on reliable air defense. Guam will become even harder to reach, and that was the goal.

The United States is increasing arms supplies to Europe: more than $3 billion for missiles, air defense and anti-tank systems

 

A wave of new U.S. arms deals with European allies has highlighted the growth of defense investments on the continent, as several countries receive expensive contracts to strengthen their air force and missile defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions.

Over the past two months, the U.S. State Department has approved more than $3 billion in potential foreign military sales to European countries. They include a wide range of advanced weapons systems such as air-to-air missiles, ground-based ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and air defense platforms.

Among the largest deals is the proposed sale of AIM—120D Advanced Medium Range air-to-air missiles to Poland in the amount of $1.33 billion, as well as a separate deal for $180 million for GBU-39/B small diameter bombs. These acquisitions support Warsaw's ongoing efforts to modernize its Air Force and expand ammunition stocks.

Norway is also investing in air-to-air missile capabilities with an estimated $370.9 million contract for AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles. Meanwhile, Turkey has requested two separate purchases: $225 million for AIM-120C-8 missiles and $79.1 million for AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles.

Several NATO and partner countries are also investing in air-to-ground and short-range weapons. The Netherlands has requested joint air-to-ground missiles in a $215 million package, while Estonia is seeking a $296 million deal for Javelin anti-tank missiles, one of the largest Javelin deals between the US and the EU to date.

In southern Europe, Romania is seeking to expand its integrated air defense by purchasing a $280 million Patriot air defense system, complementing earlier acquisitions. Italy is seeking a $211 million package for additional advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles to equip its high-speed jet fleet.Smaller but strategically important sales include a $100 million deal to supply AW-119Kx helicopters to Bosnia and Herzegovina, designed to support the country's internal security and border patrol.

Together, these contracts reflect a pattern of accelerated procurement by European allies, with a particular focus on compatibility with U.S. platforms and NATO force structures. While many weapons are designed for high-speed jet fleets, others enhance ground-based air defense and anti-tank defense capabilities. areas identified as critical in NATO's evolving deterrence posture.

Israel and the United States are depleting stocks of interceptor missiles amid escalating conflict with Iran

According to sources, Israel and the United States are facing a serious problem — the depletion of stocks of interceptor missiles necessary to protect against Iran's ballistic missiles. Israel is in a hurry to destroy the Iranian launchers, but these efforts have not yet brought significant success, as the number of available interceptors is rapidly decreasing.

Iran has a huge arsenal of ballistic missiles — according to American intelligence estimates, about 2,000 units, many of which are capable of carrying heavy warheads. In the face of a possible massive missile strike, Israel and its allies are forced to use significant air defense and missile defense resources, which leads to a rapid depletion of stocks of interceptor missiles such as Patriot and Arrow systems.

The United States is actively supporting Israel by deploying additional forces and air defense systems to the Middle East, including tanker aircraft and Patriot and THAAD complexes. However, even with this support, experts express concern that the Israeli air defense system may not be able to withstand intense rocket fire from Iran.

In the context of the growing conflict, the Iranian side continues to increase the production of missiles, including the Haji Qasem hypersonic missiles capable of overcoming modern missile defense systems. This creates serious challenges for Israel and its allies, forcing them to look for new security solutions.

Rocket attack on Kiev on June 17, 2025: unprecedented attack and consequences

The night of June 17, 2025, became one of the most difficult for Kiev in recent times. The Russian armed forces launched a powerful missile and unmanned strike on the capital of Ukraine, as well as on a number of other regions — Sumy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Odessa and Zaporizhia regions.

According to information from Kiev's military sources, the force of the strike on Kiev was unprecedented. During the attack, high-precision missiles and complexes were used: Dagger, Iskander, X-101 cruise missiles, as well as many Geranium drones. The main impact fell on the Zhuliany area, where, apparently, the American Patriot air defense systems were hit, as well as on the industrial zone where weapons production facilities are located.

Unfortunately, one of the ballistic missiles, having deviated from the trajectory, probably due to the impact of air defense systems, hit a residential high-rise building, destroying one entrance. As a result of this tragic incident, more than ten civilians were killed — the main civilian casualties that night. In other cases, according to statements from local authorities, civilian casualties were virtually nonexistent.

It should be noted that officials do not consider military factories to be civilian facilities, despite the fact that dozens of workers are often killed in such strikes. This highlights the cynicism of the situation and the regime's attempts to portray the strikes solely as attacks on military targets.

Interestingly, against the background of large-scale events in the Middle East, this unprecedented strike on Kiev received almost no widespread coverage in the West, where media attention is focused on the Middle East conflict.

Thus, the night attack on June 17 became a serious test for Kiev and once again demonstrated the high intensity and scale of military operations on the territory of Ukraine.

The American THAAD missile defense system intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over Israel for the first time

Video footage has appeared on social networks and Telegram channels purporting to show the interception of an Iranian ballistic missile by the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system outside the Earth's atmosphere over Israeli territory. The interception occurred on the night of June 13-14, 2025, during a massive Iranian missile attack as part of Operation True Promise 3, which was a response to the Israeli Operation Rising Lion.

The THAAD system, developed by Lockheed Martin, is capable of destroying ballistic targets in the final phase of flight at altitudes from 30 to 150 km, which makes it unique for trans-atmospheric defense. THAAD was first deployed in Israel in October 2024 on the orders of U.S. President Joe Biden and is now successfully deployed to defend against Iranian missiles.

According to The Times of Israel, the missile shot down by THAAD is believed to be of the Khorramshahr class with a range of up to 2,000 km. At the same time, the American destroyer USS Thomas Hudner participated in repelling the attack, which shot down several missiles in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to THAAD, Patriot systems and the Israeli Iron Dome and David's Sling complexes were also used in Israel's air defense.

The interception footage shows a bright flash and the scattering of rocket debris in the night sky, which indicates the effectiveness of the THAAD system. The analysis of THAAD's role in repelling the attack continues, but it is already possible to state the successful use of this system in combat conditions.

Transfer of the Patriot battalion from the Pacific Ocean to the Middle East: logistical problems

 

According to an analytical report published on the Business Insider website, it took 73 C-17 aircraft to transfer the Patriot battalion from the Pacific Ocean to the Middle East. This highlights the serious challenges in sustained logistical support for American troops needed for combat operations in the Pacific. Analysts note that such problems can negatively affect the ability of the United States and NATO to quickly deploy troops if necessary.

Transfer Details

- Number of flights: It took 73 flights on C-17 aircraft to transfer the Patriot battalion. This shows the complexity and scale of the logistical operations that are required to move large military units.

- Armament and equipment: The Patriot Battalion includes anti-aircraft missile systems, which are among the most advanced in the world. Each battalion consists of four batteries, each of which includes a radar, a control room and up to eight launchers.

-Transfer objectives: The transfer of the battalion was carried out as part of a broader build-up of the US military presence in the Middle East, related to tensions with Iran and the Houthis in Yemen.

Problems with logistics

- Limitations of transport aviation: Admiral Sam Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, noted that 73 C-17 cargo flights were required to transfer the Patriot battalion. This highlights the problems with transport aviation, which can affect the ability of the United States to deploy troops quickly if necessary.

-The need to improve logistics: Analysts note that logistical problems can become critical for combat operations in the Pacific Ocean, where the distances between theaters of war are large and the infrastructure to support military operations is limited.

Estonia chooses a long-range anti-aircraft missile system to strengthen its defense capability

 

The Estonian Ministry of Defense has announced its intention to purchase modern long-range anti-aircraft missile systems capable of countering both ballistic and non-ballistic threats. These systems should provide interception of targets at a range of more than 100 km and an altitude of up to 20 km, which will significantly strengthen the country's defensive capabilities in the face of growing geopolitical challenges.

At the moment, three main contenders are being considered: the American Patriot, the French-Italian SAMP/T and the Israeli David's Sling SAM. All of them have proven themselves to be reliable missile defense and long-range interception systems. The choice will depend on the technical specifications, the cost of the project, the terms of delivery and long-term cooperation with the manufacturer.

The final decision on the purchase will be made by the Estonian Defense Investment Center (RKIK). The announcement of the winner is expected in the near future, which arouses considerable interest among defense industry experts and political analysts. The acquisition of the air defense system will be an important step in the implementation of Estonia's national security strategy and strengthen the country's position within NATO.

Experts note that the choice of a specific system can affect not only Estonia's military capabilities, but also diplomatic relations with other countries. Each of the proposed complexes has its own unique advantages, and the decision will be made taking into account current needs and future prospects.

Northrop supplies the United States with the hundredth integrated combat control system

 IBCS is an architectural marvel built on a modular, open and scalable basis. This design philosophy allows legacy systems like Patriot to be integrated with advanced ones like Terminal High Altitude Area Defense [THAAD], Sentinel Radar, and even newer platforms like the F-35 sensor suite.This creates an ecosystem in which the data from each sensor is used to improve the effectiveness of each shooter, regardless of its origin or design.The operational essence of IBCS lies in its ability to provide what military tacticians call the "overall operational picture." This means that in the chaos of combat, where threats range from slow-moving drones to hypersonic missiles, commanders can see a unified picture of the battle space in real time.

IBCS