DefenceTalkThe first explosives were crude clay containers containing black powder, with some form of rudimentary ignition mechanism, like that of a burning match. Black powder is a chemical mixture made up of potassium nitrate a.k.a saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. Potassium nitrate is the main component of the powder and can take up as much as […]https://www.defencetalk.com/boom-the-evolution-of-explosives-63754/

DefenceTalkThe Pentagon is unable to account for more than $500 million in U.S. military aid given to Yemen, amid fears that the weaponry, aircraft and equipment is at risk of being seized by Iranian-backed rebels or al-Qaeda, according to U.S. officials. With Yemen in turmoil and its government splintering, the Defense Department has lost its […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-loses-track-of-500-million-in-weapons-equipment-given-to-yemen-63555/

DefenceTalkOver the past year, the overall size of DOD’s major defense acquisition program portfolio decreased, from 80 programs to 78, while the estimated cost has decreased by $7.6 billion. The size and cost of the portfolio is currently the lowest in a decade. The decrease in current portfolio cost is due primarily to significant quantity […]https://www.defencetalk.com/defense-acquisitions-assessments-of-selected-weapon-programs-63511/

DefenceTalkGerman Vice Chancellor and Economics Minister Sigmar Gabriel is facing an awkward trip. From Saturday, he will be on a four-day journey through Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar – all countries where Germany has significant business interests. Representatives from 140 German companies will be accompanying him. Less exhilarating, however, is the fact […]https://www.defencetalk.com/germany-floods-middle-east-with-weapons-63423/

DefenceTalkThe US State Department and Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced a plan to allow for the first time NATO members and organizations to share with each other US-acquired military equipment to maximize defense budgets, according to DSCA statement. “NATO Allies are seeking mutual cost sharing both within and outside of NATO to maximize their […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-to-allow-nato-members-to-share-us-weapons-62635/

DefenceTalkAfter a few weeks of uncertainty, Berlin has approved the delivery of military equipment to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt. Opposition politicians have accused the ruling coalition of putting profit before human rights. Germany’s Federal Security Council approved the export of shooting simulation systems, target display devices and border security technology to Saudi Arabia on […]https://www.defencetalk.com/germany-approves-weapons-exports-to-saudi-arabia-62632/

DefenceTalkIn a bid to keep the US military’s technological edge, President Barack Obama’s proposed budget for 2016 calls for an increase in defense spending to pay for high-tech weapons and training. The $585 billion request for the Pentagon would devote $107.7 billion to big-ticket weapons — an increase of $14.1 billion over the previous budget. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-asks-for-more-funds-for-high-tech-weapons-62552/

DefenceTalkSome of Spyderco’s best designers meet with us and we keep it real and fascinating to TNP Knife Nation: origin of CPM steel use in the knife world, are its advantages real or perceived, the new Gayle Bradley folder, Phil Wilson’s awesome fixed blade, which country makes the best knife steel, how knife serrations have […]https://www.defencetalk.com/spyderco-round-table-new-knives-best-steels-62331/

DefenceTalkChinese-made armaments have become increasingly popular in the international market, according to an industry insider. “We have observed several successive years of good revenue from the export of our products, and the sales figures keep rising year-on-year,” Liu Song, deputy general manager of research and development at China North Industries Corp, popularly abbreviated as Norinco, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/chinese-weapons-winning-battle-for-export-market-61008/

DefenceTalkSaudi Arabia and France sealed an agreement Tuesday for Riyadh to finance the delivery of $3 billion worth of French weapons to the Lebanese army, which has come under mounting jihadist attack. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius hailed the conclusion of the deal, first announced last December, as a major boost to the Lebanese army’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/saudi-france-seal-3-bn-weapons-deal-for-lebanon-army-60960/