LND topic: defence page 1

defence

New Zealand’s Navy Upgrade Plans Take Shape with Global Partners

May 7, 2026

New Zealand is exploring new ways to upgrade its navy by teaming up with Australia and Britain. Instead of building ships alone, the country is considering foreign designs to replace its old Anzac-class frigates, which have been in service since the late 1990s. The government wants to finalize a dec

politics

Canada Steps Up Global Defence Finance

April 30, 2026

Canada is preparing to host a new international bank that will raise money for countries needing stronger military protection. The idea was born from talks in Montreal where Canadian officials met with foreign partners to draft a charter for the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. The bank’s goal

politics

Japan Lets Itself Sell More Weapons Worldwide

April 21, 2026

Japan has changed its rules about selling weapons, a move that could change the country’s role in global arms trade. The new policy removes limits on many types of equipment, such as warships and missiles. This shift signals a break from the strict pacifist stance that has guided Japan after W

politics

Germany Tightens Rules on Men Traveling Abroad

April 6, 2026

The German army is working to make a new rule clearer. The rule says men who could fight in the military must ask permission if they plan to stay outside Germany for longer than three months. The law started in January but was not noticed until a local newspaper highlighted it last week. The army s

crime

Arson at Czech Drone Factory Spurs International Arrests

April 5, 2026

A blaze that hit a Czech defense plant last month has led to the arrest of two more people connected to the incident. The fire, which occurred on March 20 in Pardubice, was claimed by a new pro‑Palestinian activist group that said the company was building weapons for Israel. The plant belongs to LPP

politics

Taiwan Boosts Island Defences Amid Rising Chinese Activity

April 2, 2026

Taiwan is set to reinforce its military presence on the Pratas Islands, a group of reefs located at the northern edge of the South China Sea. The islands lie more than 400 kilometres from Taiwan’s main coast, making them a potential target for Chinese forces. Because the Pratas are only lightly g

politics

Defence Budgets Surge: NATO Members Boost Spending in 2025

March 26, 2026

NATO’s members, including Canada, lifted their defence budgets by about 20% in real terms for the year 2025, a figure highlighted in the alliance’s annual review. The report, released on March 26, urges all participants to maintain this upward trend and aims for a collective target of 5% of GDP by t

politics

Three Nations Plan to Share Defence Buying Power

March 17, 2026

Britain, Finland and the Netherlands are thinking about working together to buy weapons and equipment. They want to split costs so each country spends less while getting better gear. The idea is part of a bigger plan that could start by 2027. The three governments are not the only ones involved. Ot

politics

Taiwan's President Focuses on Defense in New Year Speech

February 16, 2026

Taiwan's leader, Lai Ching-te, recently shared his Lunar New Year message. He emphasized the importance of boosting the island's defenses. This comes at a time when tensions with China are high. China sees Taiwan as part of its territory. Lai's message was recorded at a key military radar station.

politics

Australia Invests Big in New Submarine Shipyard

February 15, 2026

Australia announced a hefty investment of A$3. 9 billion to kick off construction of a new shipyard in Osborne, a suburb of Adelaide. The yard will play a key role in building nuclear‑powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership with the United States and Britain. This move follows a 2021 pledge t