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NATO intercepts Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea

NATO intercepts Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea

NATO has intercepted Russian bombers and fighter jets over the Baltic Sea
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NATO Intercepts Russian Military Aircraft Over Baltic Sea Amid Tensions

NATO Intercepts Russian Military Aircraft Over Baltic Sea Amid Tensions

NATO forces intercepted Russian military aircraft, including strategic bombers and fighter jets, flying over the Baltic Sea. The interception involved French Rafale fighters from a Lithuanian air base, part of NATO's air-policing mission. The Russian aircraft, comprising two Tu-22M3 bombers and about ten SU-30 and SU-35 fighters, were on a scheduled flight over neutral waters, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. This incident is part of routine NATO operations to monitor Russian flights near its airspace, which often occur without transponders or flight plans. The interception highlights ongoing military tensions in the region, with NATO regularly responding to Russian air activities.
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U.S. Weapon Deliveries to Baltic States Delayed Due to Iran Conflict

U.S. Weapon Deliveries to Baltic States Delayed Due to Iran Conflict

The United States has informed the Baltic States of potential delays in the delivery of weapons and ammunition due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. During a joint press conference on April 17, the Prime Ministers of Estonia and Lithuania acknowledged the situation, emphasizing their understanding of the circumstances and the importance of maintaining strong ties with the U.S. Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that discussions are ongoing to address these supply challenges. Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė noted that while there is no immediate problem, changes to supply schedules have been communicated. Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Siliņa mentioned that her government has not yet received official notification of any changes but is monitoring the situation closely. The delays are reportedly affecting several European countries, including the Baltic region and Scandinavia.
Reuters Reuters
NATO criticises Russian and Chinese nuclear stances, urges cooperation with US

NATO criticises Russian and Chinese nuclear stances, urges cooperation with US

By Andrew Gray BRUSSELS, April 21 (Reuters) - NATO criticised Russian and Chinese nuclear arms policies on Tuesday and urged both countries to work with the United States to establish greater stability and transparency at an upcoming international conference.
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Japan scraps a ban on lethal weapons exports in a change of its postwar pacifist policy

Japan scraps a ban on lethal weapons exports in a change of its postwar pacifist policy

Japan is scrapping a ban on lethal weapons exports, a major change of its postwar pacifist policy as the country seeks to build up its arms industry and deepen cooperation with defense partners
Reuters Reuters
Canadian military aims to show it can go it alone in the Arctic

Canadian military aims to show it can go it alone in the Arctic

By Maria Cheng CAMBRIDGE BAY, Nunavut, April 21 (Reuters) - Over the past three months, Canadian soldiers conducted a more than 5,000-kilometer snowmobile patrol in extreme Arctic conditions traveling from Inuvik, Northwest Territories to Churchill, Manitoba, braving blizzards and minus-60 degree
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Lithuania and Latvia Block Slovak Prime Minister's Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Lithuania and Latvia Block Slovak Prime Minister's Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Lithuania and Latvia have barred Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico from using their airspace to travel to Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Fico announced this decision on April 18, criticizing the move as a restriction imposed by EU member states. Despite previous calls from European officials to boycott the event, Fico attended last year and plans to find an alternative route this year. The Victory Day celebrations in Russia are marked by grand military parades, often used to glorify the Soviet Union's role in World War II.
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Baltic States Deny Slovak Prime Minister Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Baltic States Deny Slovak Prime Minister Airspace Access for Moscow Visit

Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have decided to deny Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico the use of their airspace for his planned travel to Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebrations in May. This decision was confirmed by the respective governments, with Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stating that the event is seen as glorifying the aggressor amidst Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Fico, who attended the event last year despite European calls for a boycott, criticized the decision, questioning why EU member states would restrict the travel of a leader from another EU country. The Victory Day celebrations in Russia are marked by military parades that commemorate the end of World War II, often used to bolster Soviet-era narratives.
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Russia Prepares for Increased Missile and Drone Strikes Against Ukraine

Russia Prepares for Increased Missile and Drone Strikes Against Ukraine

Russian forces are reportedly preparing to conduct more frequent large-scale missile and drone strikes against Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Russia plans to launch at least 400 drones and 20 missiles in coordinated attacks up to seven times per month. Recent strikes have targeted Ukrainian infrastructure, including energy, transport, and residential areas, causing significant disruptions. Ukrainian air defenses have intercepted a large number of drones, but the continued threat poses challenges for Ukraine's military and civilian infrastructure.
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Germany Announces $4.7 Billion Defense Package for Ukraine to Enhance Air Defense

Germany Announces $4.7 Billion Defense Package for Ukraine to Enhance Air Defense

Germany has unveiled a $4.7 billion defense package aimed at bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities. This package includes the procurement of artillery ammunition, long-range US-made PAC-2 anti-aircraft missiles, and Germany-made IRIS-T air defense systems. Additionally, the package will support the production of approximately 5,000 mid-range strike drones equipped with artificial intelligence. An extra $354 million is allocated to expand Ukraine's domestic weapons production. This announcement was made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The initiative, named 'Build with Ukraine,' is part of a broader effort to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
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Analysis-European defence stocks cool as investors reassess war winners

Analysis-European defence stocks cool as investors reassess war winners

By Samuel Indyk and Sophie Kiderlin LONDON, April 20 (Reuters) - Investors have cooled on European defence stocks as profit taking and stretched valuations collide with growing uncertainty over the future of warfare, with the Iran conflict again highlighting the effectiveness of low-cost drones.