Latvian defense official warns Russia building military infrastructure on border, testing NATO readiness
Russia is expanding military installations near Latvia's border and infiltrating individuals with military experience across sparsely defended sections, Latvia's Defense Ministry state secretary Airis Rikveilis told Breaking Defense. He said Moscow is 'tempted to test' European preparedness through hybrid tactics including illegal crossings and tunnel construction. Rikveilis added that much of the new Russian infrastructure remains empty or partly staffed, but its presence demonstrates strategic intent. Latvia's military and border guards are coordinating responses.
Russian naval posture in Mediterranean has 'significantly decreased,' NATO official says
Russia's maritime presence in the Mediterranean has declined significantly, a NATO official told Breaking Defense, likely reflecting the diversion of naval forces to support Black Sea and Arctic operations. One analyst cautioned that the reduced posture may be temporary. Russian naval activity in the eastern Mediterranean peaked in the mid-2010s with sustained deployments supporting operations in Syria.
Sweden to extend Patriot deployment in Poland through spring 2027, plans broader NATO ground commitments in Finland and Latvia
Sweden intends to keep its Patriot air-defence systems in Poland until at least spring 2027, according to Defence Minister Pål Jonson. Stockholm is also preparing broader military commitments to NATO's eastern flank, including ground deployments in Finland and Latvia and maritime and air operations. Jonson stated Russia remains Sweden's most serious security threat.
Why it matters: Sweden is shifting from symbolic NATO participation to sustained eastern-flank burden-sharing—a tacit admission that Nordic defence now depends on Poland's air-defence umbrella holding.
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NATO plans to buy six portable jammers that black out GPS for 11 km during training exercises
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, plans to procure six portable kits capable of jamming satellite navigation signals and drone radio links. The systems will be used to expose ships, aircrews, and drone operators to realistic electronic interference during training exercises. The jammers are designed to disrupt GPS signals and drone control links out to 11 kilometers.
Russian FPV drone strikes Ukrainian Protector heavy uncrewed ground vehicle near Orikhiv
Russian forces released video showing an FPV drone striking a Ukrainian Protector uncrewed ground vehicle while it was hauling logs near Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia region. The drone hit the vehicle's cargo bed. The Protector is one of Ukraine's largest UGVs.