Security

New Zealand vows to play catch-up on defense investments

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Government leaders in New Zealand have pledged to increase defense spending and plug longstanding capability gaps, as countries in the region contend with the rise of China. “We can’t have prosperity without security. That’s why we’re...
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Rheinmetall secures nitrocellulose supply amid European ammo scramble

PARIS — Rheinmetall agreed to buy Hagedorn-NC, a German maker of industrial nitrocellulose, to expand its supply of raw material for artillery propellant, the latest move in a rush by countries and companies across Europe to safeguard or build up production of...
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Norway to nearly double its K9 howitzer fleet for around $534 million

PARIS — Norway plans to nearly double its fleet of self-propelled artillery, proposing to buy an additional 24 K9 Thunder howitzers from Hanwha Aerospace for a budget of 5.65 billion Norwegian kroner, or $534 million. The 155 mm howitzers will equip a new artillery...
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Europe’s defense puts a fresh twist on steel, growth engine of old

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — For generations, the blast furnaces of the Ruhr Valley, Silesia and Lorraine have formed the backbone of European heavy industry. Now, an uncertain geopolitical environment has thrust them back into the center of attention, with the European...
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