Security

F-35s to cost $2 trillion as Pentagon plans longer use, says watchdog

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s total cost is expected to top $2 trillion over its entire life span given the U.S. military plans to fly it longer, inflation is rising, and the Pentagon’s efforts to rein in expenses are largely falling short, a government watchdog...

Netherlands budgets over $4 billion military aid for Ukraine

PARIS — The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with €4 billion (US $4.25 billion) in military aid in the 2024-2026 period, the Dutch government said in a spring budget update on April 15. Defense leaders will also structurally increase defense spending by €500 million...

Belgium postpones Red Sea deployment after frigate mishaps

PARIS — Belgium postponed the deployment of the frigate Louise-Marie to the Red Sea for “an indefinite period of time” after the vessel failed a number of technical tests during training, the country’s Defense Ministry said on Monday. The ministry declined to provide...

Airbus rolls out first A400M destined for Kazakhstan

MILAN — The first A400M aircraft for Kazakhstan has rolled out of the paint shop at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Spain, the company announced in an April 15 statement. The upcoming delivery of the cargo plane comes at a time when the Central Asian country is...