Global Scans · Military · Weekly Summary

• [New] For the EU as a whole, increases in defence spending for the next five years will have to amount easily to €500 billion if Europe wants to shed its dependence on the US security umbrella. InterEconomics
• [New] Ukraine and its defence industrial base are of great importance to the EU defence strategy and could be transformative for the EU's military industrial capacity. InterEconomics
• [New] In a war with China, US forces could be overwhelmed by swarms of drones unless the military more aggressively invests in the systems needed to stop them. Business Insider
• [New] Integrating the command and control of diverse counter-drone systems and leveraging artificial intelligence to accelerate threat identification and engagement is essential for improving defence effectiveness while also advancing the Pentagon's vision of Joint All-Domain Command and Control. CNAS
• [New] The United States views China as its foremost strategic threat, and the People's Liberation Army is rapidly advancing its drone capabilities by developing more autonomous systems and acquiring them at scale. CNAS
• [New] Golden Dome, one of the Trump administration's top national security priorities, envisions a multi-layered missile defence architecture that integrates land-based interceptors, sea-based systems and potentially interceptors deployed in orbit. SpaceNews
• [New] WASHINGTON-Firefly Aerospace is pitching its rockets and orbital platforms for the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defence initiative, a projected $175 billion program intended to shield the U.S. from next-generation missile threats. SpaceNews
• [New] At a time when adversaries are deepening military-civil fusion to advance dual-use capabilities, the United States and its allies should strive to maximize the potential of their commercial industries and minimize government or national compartmentalization and public-private silos. gmfus
• [New] Taiwan's 2026 defence budget is set to approach NT $1 trillion amid increases in military spending and heightened defence policies. DIGITIMES Inc.
• [New] A recent analysis by OPCI (an Italian think tank) presents a scenario where Italy's defence spending gradually rises from 1.6% of GDP in 2024 to 3.1% by 2028. economic-research.bnpparibas.com
• [New] Defence spending among NATO allies will increase by more than 15% in 2025, the second largest annual jump in more than a decade as collective expenditures rise to $1.6 trillion. Stars and Stripes
• [New] Australia will procure long-range lethal underwater drones called Ghost Sharks to complement the AUKUS defence pact. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] While defence officials sweat on the outcome of the Pentagon's AUKUS review, an unprecedented $8 billion operation is unfolding south of Perth, where up to five nuclear-powered submarines - and more than 1,000 Americans - will soon be based year-round. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] 31 of 32 member states will hit the required benchmark that calls for dedicating 2% of gross domestic product to military matters. Stars and Stripes
• [New] As warfare capabilities evolve, the AbramsX will enable the U.S. armed forces to project power effectively. Visegrad Post
• [New] The US will call on its allies to sanction entities supporting Russia's military industry; Russian regional banks; prohibit services related to artificial intelligence and financial technology in Russian Special Economic Zones. Insurance Journal
• [New] Canada's Department of Defence and Canadian Armed Forces published its Quantum Science & Technology Strategy Implementation Plan in 2023, also known as Quantum 2030, which sets forth a roadmap for ensuring DND/CAF is better prepared for the disruptive potential of quantum technologies. International Trade Administration | Trade.gov
• [New] Germany's 2025 defence budget hits €95 B, rising to €162 B by 2029, prioritizing aerospace and missile tech for European autonomy. Ainvest
• [New] Germany's €10 billion allocation for missile and air defence systems in 2025 highlights its focus on asymmetric warfare and hybrid threats. Ainvest
• [New] South Korea announced a $47.4 billion defence budget for 2026, aiming to reach 3.5% of GDP by 2035, with investments in anti-tank missiles, drones, and air-defense systems amid North Korean provocations. The Rio Times
• [New] Japan's Ministry of Defense revealed plans to deploy upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles and Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles across key islands, enhancing counter-strike capabilities against potential threats from China and North Korea. The Rio Times
• [New] In the U.S., continued investment in hypersonics programs like the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile, Long Range Hypersonic Weapon, and Navy Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) reflects a strategic urgency to outpace threats in speed, precision, and survivability. Air Force Tech Connect
• [New] If Moscow continues its escalation or simply maintains higher rates of missile and drone attacks, Ukrainian air defence units could face a shortfall. European Pravda

Last updated: 18 September 2025