DefenceTalkNATO expects its members to keep up defence spending despite the economic turmoil caused by coronavirus, the alliance chief said Thursday, insisting they must maintain the ability to defend themselves. The global pandemic has forced NATO to curtail or cancel some military exercises but Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said its capacity to ensure security in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/nato-expects-allies-to-maintain-defence-spending-despite-virus-74878/

Greece’s parliament on Thursday approved an updated defence agreement with the US allowing the use of Greek military facilities as hundreds protested outside. A majority of lawmakers ratified the Mutual Defence Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) as hundreds of Communist, left-wing and anti-war demonstrators protested on central Syntagma Square. The agreement, which updates a deal originally signed […]

DefenceTalkMoscow and the Central African Republic signed a military cooperation agreement on Tuesday, less than a month after three Russian journalists were killed in the strife-torn CAR while probing alleged Russian mercenaries. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his CAR counterpart Marie-Noelle Koyara signed the document on the sidelines of defense expo Army-2018 outside Moscow, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russia-signs-military-cooperation-pact-with-central-african-republic-71817/

DefenceTalkThe EU will move towards closer defence ties Monday with more than 20 states signing a landmark pact that aims to boost cooperation after Brexit and counteract Russian pressure. Similar efforts to deepen military links have been frustrated for decades, partly by Britain’s fierce opposition to anything that might lead to a European army. But […]https://www.defencetalk.com/eu-takes-step-towards-closer-defence-cooperation-70770/

DefenceTalkStronger military ties between India and the United States should not affect relations with neighbors such as Pakistan, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said ahead of a visit to New Delhi. The Pentagon chief arrived Monday for a 48-hour trip—the first to India by any member of President Donald Trump’s cabinet. “This is a historic […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-defense-chief-in-india-to-boost-military-ties-70558/

DefenceTalkJapan’s prime minister on Monday (Sept 11) called for a boost to the country’s defences in the face of North Korean threats, warning that Tokyo needs to be able to protect itself. The call is a common refrain from nationalist leader Shinzo Abe, who has long advocated a stiffening of Japan’s military posture, despite its […]https://www.defencetalk.com/japan-pm-urges-stronger-defence-amid-north-korea-worries-70441/

DefenceTalkThe government and two parties in the center-right opposition have agreed to increase the defence spending with SEK 8,1 billion until 2020. In 2015, five parties reached an agreement over defence and defence spending until 2020. But in the beginning of this year, those parties reopened talks to increase that budget, as a result of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/sweden-to-boost-defense-spending-70276/

DefenceTalkYesterday, the Government of Canada released its new Defence Policy: Strong. Secure. Engaged. The review initiated to shape the Policy involved the most comprehensive consultations ever undertaken on defence by any Canadian Government. It is important to note that the Canadian Army was involved from the beginning and that the Policy clearly defines how the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/commander-canadian-army-statement-on-the-new-defence-policy-70155/

DefenceTalkThe Government of Canada is committed to strongly supporting our women and men in uniform. The new defence policy released today supports their dedication and the pivotal role they play in making Canada strong at home, secure in North America, and engaged in the world. Today Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan released “Strong, Secure, Engaged,” […]https://www.defencetalk.com/canada-unveils-new-defence-policy-70131/

DefenceTalkUS Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is in Saudi Arabia Wednesday to reinvigorate the Riyadh-Washington alliance, with both seeing a common adversary in Iran and its “destabilising” activities. The United States and Saudi Arabia have a decades-old relationship based on the exchange of American security for Saudi oil. But ties between Riyadh and Washington became increasingly […]https://www.defencetalk.com/mattis-in-riyadh-to-boost-us-saudi-alliance-69755/