Defense News

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

The Hidden Risk in America’s AI Strategy

The new strategy may deepen reliance on large AI models and computing infrastructure, conflicting with diverse defense ecosystem goals.

İsmail Polat4d ago

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Türkiye Emerges as Europe’s Key Black Sea Partner

Turkey's role is concretized through the MCM Black Sea task group, which has conducted 10 activations, and its mandate is being extended to cover energy assets like the Sakarya Gas Field.

İsmail PolatAugust 16, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Why EU–Pakistan Defence Cooperation Matters Now

The EU's 2019 Strategic Engagement Plan provides the framework for security cooperation, but Pakistan's strategic culture, shaped by the military since 1947, poses both opportunities and limits for partnership.

Alvara MerrickAugust 15, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Is the Post-American Middle East Beginning to Take Shape?

Unlike NATO, the Mecca Pact lacks an integrated command structure and joint military planning, raising doubts about its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Uroosa KhanAugust 10, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

The Makkah Pact Is Bridging the Gulf and South Asia

The pact, signed August 7, adds a new layer to Saudi-Pakistani defense ties, with Turkey bringing NATO experience and defense industry heft.

Saima AfzalAugust 10, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Makkah Defence Agreement Boosts Pakistan’s Strategic Role

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could strengthen Pakistan’s strategic and diplomatic role, deepen trilateral defence cooperation and advance collective security amid evolving challenges across the Middle East and South Asia.

Fatima Tuz ZehraAugust 9, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

Historic Makkah Defence Agreement Unites Pakistan, Türkiye & Saudi Arabia

Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia strengthened their strategic partnership through the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, establishing a collective defence framework. Islamabad marked the historic accord by displaying the three nations’ flags, highlighting solidarity, security and regional stability.

Embassy of Pakistan BrusselsAugust 9, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

The Mecca Defence Agreement: Defence Diplomacy and Deterrence

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement strengthens defence diplomacy and collective deterrence among Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan by combining their military, industrial, economic, and strategic capabilities. Its effectiveness depends on credible commitments and institutional cooperation.

İsmail PolatAugust 7, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of Ukraine warns that turning point in the war is still far

Ukrainian C-in-C stated that it is too early to say that the tide has turned in Russian invasion of Ukraine.

EUReflect NewsJuly 10, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

NATO 3.0, Türkiye's Strategic Role, and the Importance of Defense Expenditures

NATO 3.0 represents a multidimensional security framework designed to address emerging global threats. Increasing Türkiye's defense expenditures would strengthen NATO's presence in the Black Sea and the Middle East while enhancing deterrence, burden-sharing, and strategic resilience, benefiting both Europe and the United States.

İsmail PolatJuly 5, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Europe Steps Up as NATO Adapts to a New Defense Balance

European NATO members have rapidly replaced most military capabilities reduced by the United States, strengthening the alliance’s defense posture. While a few strategic gaps remain, NATO is developing alternatives as Europe assumes greater responsibility for collective security.

İsmail PolatJuly 5, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Front lines in Ukraine with almost no changes in June, per data

Data from Institute for the Study of War shows that Russian advance in Ukraine is slowing.

EUReflect NewsJuly 3, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Erdoğan Calls for Balanced Burden-Sharing Ahead of Ankara NATO Summit

As Türkiye prepares to host the 36th NATO Summit in Ankara on 7-8 July, President Erdoğan has pressed for a more balanced distribution of responsibility among allies, arguing Türkiye's defence contributions should not be sidelined by narrow political interests within the alliance.

Alvara MerrickJune 30, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

UK Unveils Long-Awaited Defence Investment Plan

After months of delay, the UK Prime Minister has announced the Defence Investment Plan, redirecting funds toward drone-coordinating naval vessels, amphibious ships and joint European weapons programmes, while pledging £400 million to a new multilateral defence financing mechanism.

İsmail PolatJune 30, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Germany Rearms: Reshaping Europe's Defence

Germany is rapidly becoming Europe's leading military power through record defence spending, long-term procurement and an expanding defence industry led by Rheinmetall. Berlin's historic rearmament is reshaping European security, strengthening NATO capabilities while altering the continent's strategic balance.

Alvara MerrickJune 25, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Taiwan's Pivot to Self-Reliance: Asymmetric Defense

A pause in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan is pushing the island toward self-reliance and asymmetric defense — drones, mobile missiles, and indigenous production — though gaps in air defense coverage and institutional inertia remain major hurdles on the road to full strategic autonomy.

Botakoz UnbayevaMay 31, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Norway Joins Europe’s Emerging Nuclear Architecture

Norway joined France’s nuclear deterrence programme, signaling Europe’s growing push for strategic autonomy and reduced dependence on the US. The initiative strengthens Europe’s northern and eastern security architecture while raising major geopolitical and legal questions regarding NATO, Russia, and the NPT framework.

Alvara MerrickMay 29, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

Beirut and south of Lebanon under Israeli strikes

Lebanon under new strikes after the ceasefire was violated, with the situation in Tyre among the worst.

EUReflect NewsMay 28, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

A new defense treaty signed between UK and Poland

A new agreement was signed - another step in Keir Starmer's plan to strengthen ties with EU

EUReflect NewsMay 27, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

The New Arms Race: UAVs, AI, and Electronic Warfare Integration

Türkiye has become a major disruptive force in global UAV warfare with Baykar, TAI, ASELSAN, and Roketsan. The US leads high-end autonomous systems, Israel dominates ISR technologies, Europe focuses on integrated defense networks, and China controls mass production. Drone warfare is shifting toward AI-driven, scalable ecosystems.

Alvara MerrickMay 27, 2026

Defense · Conflict War Studies

The U.S. Army's Next-Generation Tank: M1E3 Abrams

The U.S. Army has publicly unveiled new details about the M1E3 Abrams, its next-generation main battle tank, at the NDIA MDEX 2026 and Michigan Defense Expo 2026 conferences. Designed to replace the current M1A2 SEPv3, the M1E3 represents the most ambitious redesign of the Abrams platform since the original M1 entered service in 1980. The tank's most defining feature is its fully unmanned turret, which eliminates the loader from the crew and reduces the total crew to three personnel seated in an armored hull compartment. A secondary 30 mm Northrop Grumman M230LF cannon mounted atop the main turret provides dedicated counter-drone capability, while the XM251 active protection system — an Americanized derivative of Israel's Iron Fist — guards against incoming anti-tank threats. The drivetrain has been fundamentally redesigned: replacing the legacy gas turbine with a hybrid diesel-electric system is projected to improve fuel efficiency significantly and reduce combat weight from 73 to approximately 60 tons, easing logistical demands across the force. Structurally, the M1E3 is built on a Modular Open Systems Architecture, enabling rapid integration of software updates, new sensors, and upgraded fire control systems without requiring wholesale hardware redesigns. The program's pace is itself newsworthy: prototypes are expected in soldiers' hands by summer 2026, five years ahead of the original schedule. Full Initial Operational Capability is targeted for 2030. Underlying this urgency are the lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine, where drones, loitering munitions, and precision top-attack fires have exposed critical vulnerabilities in conventional armor. The M1E3 is the U.S. Army's direct response — a platform engineered not merely to survive the modern battlefield, but to dominate it.

İsmail PolatMay 26, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

Türkiye Presents Its First Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

With the unveiling of the Yildirimhan, Ankara signals it intends to be a sovereign military power, building on a decade of Bayraktar successes

Dmytro MelnykMay 24, 2026

Defense · Defense Policy Strategy

EU in rush to approve a new defence industry agreement

Time is running low for EU members to accept a new denfence deal.

EUReflect NewsMay 19, 2026

Defense · Defense Diplomacy

Europe’s Interest in Türkiye’s Defense Industry

European countries are increasing their interest in Türkiye’s defense industry. German defense circles are closely monitoring the Yıldırımhan intercontinental ballistic missile project and the Tayfun Blok air defense system, while the Baykar-Leonardo partnership also stands out in Europe.

Alvara MerrickMay 13, 2026

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