White House pressure for U.S. firms to skip French space summit draws criticism from industry
The White House reportedly urged American aerospace companies not to attend a French-hosted space policy summit, drawing criticism from industry insiders who called the move 'unfortunate' and warned it could harm transatlantic cooperation. One policy director told Defense One that U.S. companies risked being used as a 'prop' against their country's interests. The pressure campaign reflects broader tensions over European strategic autonomy in space and defense.
Why it matters: Washington is now asking American space firms to boycott allied conferences, turning industrial policy into diplomatic theatre and risking the kind of transatlantic fracture that benefits no one but Beijing.
Zelenskyy says US decisions on Ukraine arms shipments 'hard to explain' as delays continue
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters that recent US decisions on military aid to Ukraine are difficult to justify, pointing to delayed shipments and unmet requests. The Trump administration has approved intercept missile transfers but not yet shipped them, according to Washington Post reporting. Zelenskyy's remarks come amid sustained Russian ballistic and cruise missile strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and cities.
Why it matters: The gap between announced US policy and actual deliveries is widening while Russia hammers Ukraine's grid — Europe is watching how much Atlantic solidarity costs in practice.
UkraineUnited StatesVolodymyr Zelenskyy Defense News →Defence24 →
Jeumont Electric to supply three complete electric propulsion systems for Poland's A26 submarines under Orka programme
French firm Jeumont Electric will deliver three low-signature electric propulsion systems for the Polish Navy's A26 submarines under the Orka programme. The systems are designed to minimize acoustic and electromagnetic signatures.
France orders several hundred more MX-10 DAMOCLES kamikaze drones, Luxembourg signs first export deal worth €1.6 million
France has activated an optional tranche of its MX-10 DAMOCLES contract with KNDS France and Delair, ordering several hundred additional quadcopter loitering munitions. Luxembourg became the first export customer, signing a contract worth just over €1.6 million for an initial capability.
New Zealand confirms purchase of five MH-60R SeaHawk helicopters for over $930 million
New Zealand has confirmed the acquisition of five MH-60R SeaHawk anti-submarine warfare helicopters from the United States for more than $930 million. The order will replace the Royal New Zealand Navy's aging ASW helicopter fleet operating from its two ANZAC-class frigates. Three defense ministers have handled the procurement over the past year.