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23 Nov 23. Eurofighters Train to Protect Large Cities. For the first time, the Air Force is moving fighter jets to a civilian airport for several days: On Monday, November 27th, three Eurofighters from Tactical Air Force Squadron 71 “Richthofen” will be temporarily stationed at Hanover Airport. The unarmed jets take off from there every day on training flights towards the North Sea.
Their mission: preparation for national and alliance defense. “We want to improve our options for protecting population centers,” explains Air Force Inspector Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, explaining the background to the Hannover Shield 2023 exercise.
The turning point becomes visible in Hanover
In the training scenario, the combat aircraft fulfill the task of protecting a large city like Hanover from possible threats from the air such as drones or cruise missiles. “The Eurofighters are the Patriots in the sky here,” says Gerhartz. The aircraft could detect and counteract threats in the air at an early stage, and they complement ground-based defense systems such as Patriot.
“This exercise makes the turning point visible,” adds Brigadier General Frank Gräfe, department head for operations and exercises at the Air Force Command in Berlin. Gräfe presented the exercise together with the Air Force’s civilian cooperation partners in Hanover. He knows the state of Lower Saxony is at his side. State premier rime Minister Stephan Weil supports the Hannover Shield exercise. “We know that we can rely on the Bundeswehr in times of crisis,” says Weil. This is exactly what needs to be practiced regularly. “I hope that the people in and around Hanover will understand this.”
No impact on regular flight operations
Airport managing director Martin Roll also welcomes the increased cooperation with the air force. “This exercise underlines the high system value of Hannover Airport. “365 days a year, not just for the city and region,” he says. “The Air Force exercise at the location with simultaneous tourist and business travel shows how efficient our airport is.” Roll assures: “There will be no impact on regular flight operations for our passengers.”
Interaction between civil and military processes
After the Air Force successfully practiced interaction with international partners with the large-scale exercise Air Defender 2023 in the summer, it is now important to get to know the procedures of civilian cooperation partners and also regional peculiarities. In order for everything to function smoothly in an emergency, the pilots, as well as the airport security staff, have to practice the interaction of military and civil processes, explains Gräfe.
The squadron in Wittmund has been using Hanover Airport as an alternative airfield for its alarm squad for several years. The Quick Reaction Alert (QRAQuick Reaction Alert), consisting of two Eurofighters, is on standby around the clock every day. The jets are used for real interception missions, for example when foreign aircraft fly in German airspace without radio contact. When they start, it has to be quick. Again and again there is a sonic boom that can be clearly heard on the ground. That’s not to be expected at Hannover Shield: The jets are in no hurry – they’re just practicing. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Bundeswehr)
23 Nov 23. The Netherlands: Policy risks are heightened as hard right populist PVV wins elections. On 22 November, the hard right PVV party won an unexpected 37 seats in the Dutch general election. The Green/Left coalition came second with 25 seats, while the incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s Liberal VVD came third with 24 seats. The recently formed New Social Contract (NSC) party will enter Parliament with 20 seats. While the NSC and VVD have previously expressed strong hesitation (bordering on refusal) to enter a coalition with the PVV, their statements after the results point to an increased willingness to enter coalition talks. Although the parties agree on curbing migration, the success of these talks will depend on topics like climate change, EU co-operation, religious freedom and support for Ukraine. The PVV has indicated that it is willing to compromise on its more radical positions to form a government. However, the unexpectedly large victory means that there is a realistic possibility that the PVV will adopt a slightly bolder stance on these topics, indicating heightened policy risks facing businesses in the Netherlands. (Source: Sibylline)
23 Nov 23. Germany: Suspended 2024 budget talks will further increase investment uncertainty, policy risks. On 22 November, the government confirmed that it had suspended the 2024 budget talks. This comes after the Federal Constitutional Court ruled on 15 November that plans to transfer around EUR 60 bn (USD 65.5 bn) of unused Covid-19 spending funds to the government’s Climate and Transformation (KTF) fund were unconstitutional. The government also fears that a EUR 200bn (USD 218 bn) Economic Stabilisation Fund (WSF) used to support consumers and businesses to overcome high energy costs will possibly also be ruled as unconstitutional. As such, all government spending under the 2023 budget has been suspended. The suspension of talks on the 2024 budget has exacerbated uncertainty for energy-intensive businesses and green energy companies that built their investment plans on the assumption that the government would provide subsidies. It is possible that the budget will not be approved until early 2024. It is also possible that the government will suspend the country’s debt brake for 2024, though the court ruling complicates this option. If this is not undertaken, spending cuts and increased policy risks will be unavoidable. (Source: Sibylline)
22 Nov 23. UK and Republic of Korea join forces to step up cooperation on digital services and AI.
The UK has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea to strengthen government digital services
• UK signs a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea to strengthen government digital services.
• Two countries will work together on innovative areas such as AI and cloud native services.
• Agreement is part of the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Korea.
• The UK’s Government Digital Service will work with representatives from South Korea to share best practices.
• This will allow government to deliver better services to the public.
The UK has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea to strengthen government digital services, the Cabinet Office has announced today.
Today, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, Alex Burghart met with South Korea’s Minister of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), Mr Sang-min Lee.
This meeting comes as the United Kingdom and South Korea join forces to strengthen digital capabilities within their respective governments.
The UK’s Government Digital Service (GDS) will welcome working with representatives from South Korea to share best practices and explore new opportunities together, such as in artificial intelligence (AI).
Identifying together where artificial intelligence could be used in government services, ensuring as partners we fully consider AIs potential for digital government, and share knowledge and best practice on its application and development.
This will ensure people from both nations get the best government digital services possible.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office Alex Burghart, said:
Sharing best practices with the international community is essential so that we can build capability in digital governance and deliver better services to the public.
It was a privilege to meet with Mr. Sang-Min Lee today, to expand our already excellent partnership with South Korea into the digital services space.
These shared learnings will endeavour to bring together the best minds, so that both nations can better leverage the potential of digital, data and technology to benefit the public and further each other’s goals.
The two nations will also seek to ensure technologies are used responsibly, and uphold democratic values, and to ensure there is equal access to technologies across societies.
Additionally, the agreement considers how both countries can enhance their digital workforces, as they work to recruit the best talent in digital, data and technology into each government.
This joined up approach to champion digital transformation will also foster a stronger global digital community. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
21 Nov 23. NATO examining permanent increase of troops in Kosovo -Stoltenberg. NATO is looking into a more permanent increase in the number of troops in the Western Balkans to keep tensions under control, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization sent hundreds of additional forces to Kosovo from Britain and Romania after a battle between police and armed Serbs holed up in a monastery turned a quiet village in northern Kosovo into a war zone on Sept. 24.
“We are now reviewing whether we should have a more permanent increase to ensure that this doesn’t spiral out of control and creates a new violent conflict in Kosovo or the wider region,” Stoltenberg told reporters on a visit to Kosovo.
The gunbattle in September prompted new international concern over stability in Kosovo, which has an ethnic Albanian majority and declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after a guerrilla uprising and a 1999 NATO intervention.
Some 50,000 Serbs who live in north Kosovo do not recognise Pristina’s institutions and see Belgrade as their capital. They have often clashed with Kosovo police and international peacekeepers, but the violence in September was the worst in years.
NATO’s KFOR peacekeeping mission, which has been in operation since 1999, comprises over 4,500 troops from 27 countries. (Source: Reuters)
17 Nov 23. Norway fortifies defence capabilities with $1.6bn surge for military evolution. Strategic investments and collaborations shape Norway’s response to global security challenges.
GlobalData’s ‘Norway Defense Market 2023-2028′ report forecasts a boost to Norway’s defence capabilities, emphasising increased budgets and procurement strategies across the Army, Naval, and Air Force.
GlobalData’s latest report on Norway’s defence outlook reveals an uptick in its commitment to fortifying its military strength. Due to evolving
global security dynamics, Norway is set to witness its defence budget rise from $7.6bn in 2023 to an imposing $9.2bn by 2028.
A strategic shift amid geopolitical challenges propels spending
The report pinpoints a strategic reevaluation prompted by heightened geopolitical tensions, notably Russia’s increased aggression. Unlike the declining trend observed in the past, Norway’s defence budget surge is marked by a decisive move to address emerging threats, positioning the nation as a force in the face of security challenges.
As a member of the Arctic Council, Norway strategically channels investments towards safeguarding the High North. With escalating great power competition and Russia’s military activities in the Arctic, the nation is fortifying its capabilities to address potential challenges in this strategically vital region.
Additionally, Norway’s response to European security threats, particularly during Russia’s actions in Crimea and Ukraine, reflects its commitment to NATO’s collective defence principles.
Modernisation across the board
The report outlines Norway’s plans for defence modernisation, spanning the Army, Navy, and Air Force. From rearming the ‘Brigade Nord’ to acquiring F-35 fighters and replacing ageing naval assets, tanks, and helicopters, Norway is investing in technological advancements and cybersecurity.
This approach aligns with the nation’s goal of maintaining combat readiness in the face of evolving security challenges.
Article 2 delves into Norway’s unique defence procurement strategies, emphasising the role of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency. Norway’s reliance on government-to-government sales is noteworthy, with the US leading as the primary defence importer.
F-35s, submarines, and missile defence systems lead transformation
The report highlights the impact of Norway’s defence acquisitions across its Army, Navy, and Air Force. From the dominance of the F-35 programme, the strategic deep dive into advanced submarines, and the growth in missile defence systems, Norway positions itself for enhanced defence capabilities. General Eirik Kristoffersen’s call for an expanded submarine order aligns with the nation’s reassessment of maritime security.
The Royal Norwegian Navy’s tender for four new frigate hulls emerges as a crucial decision point. The report emphasises the challenges faced by the navy and underlines the compatibility of new frigates with Kongsberg missile platforms. With VARD and Ulstein Verft collaborating for a favourable contract bid, this decision shapes Norway’s naval capabilities.
As Norway navigates these dynamic changes and makes strategic defence procurements, the collective impact of increased budgets, procurement strategies, and acquisitions propels Norway into a resilient position on the global security stage. (Source: army-technology.com)
20 Nov 23. UK Defence Export Statistics 2022 (selected excerpts). The total value of UK export orders in 2022 was £11.2 bn, an increase of £4.6bn in nominal prices compared to 2021, although below the peak of £14.0bn seen in 2018. The increase in 2022 is due primarily to new contracts to the Middle East and Europe, and exports of helicopters to Canada.
These large changes from year to year highlight the inherent variability of defence exports as measured by orders and contract awards. Please see the Note on Defence Export Trends and Cycles in Section 1 and refer to the methodology note published alongside these statistics for more information.
To highlight trends which are not as affected by large orders within one year, Figure 1 above includes a 5-year moving average, which shows the average of the annual totals seen in the 5 years up to and including the corresponding year.
The 5-year moving average of UK defence exports orders has shown a trend of modest growth since 2017. Following below average exports in 2020 to 2021, possibly due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a substantial increase in 2022.
UK defence exports by destination region
The Middle East was on average the largest market for UK defence export orders over the 5 years from 2018 to 2022, accounting for an average of 43% of the total value of orders across that period. Five-year moving average exports in the Middle East have shown a decline since 2019, reflecting a drop in in-year orders following large contracts in 2018 of Typhoon Aircraft and Brimstone Missiles to Qatar.
Five-year average exports to Europe increased from £0.8bn in 2018 to £2.2 bn in 2022, overtaking those to North America in 2020. Most exports to Ukraine in 2022 are not counted here as they have mostly been committed as part of a military assistance package following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Military support for Ukraine
Much of the UK’s transfers of defence equipment and expertise to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022 has been in the form of military assistance, rather than through private contracts that would appear in the UKDSE survey or other data sources used for these statistics. For this reason, the defence export figures shown in this release do not show the full scale of UK military support for Ukraine.
The same is likely to be true of the other data sources that inform these statistics, and Rest of World exports to Ukraine are not specifically examined in this publication for the same reason.
According to a House of Commons Library report, the United Kingdom committed £2.3bn in military assistance to Ukraine in 2022, with a commitment to match this funding in 2023. This figure is not comparable with the order and contract values reported in these statistics.
Notes:
This statistical release presents information and trends on UK defence exports over the period from 2013 to 2022.
The scope of the statistics is the value of export contracts to overseas Ministries of Defence and associated Armed Services.
The full value of a contract is assigned to the year in which it was signed, regardless of when physical delivery takes place.
(Click here for the statistics home page, on the UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-defence-export-statistics-2022) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/: UK Department for Business and Trade)
24 Nov 23. France to Deploy Four Mirage 2000-5 Fighters on Baltic Air Police Mission.
Air Defense of the Eastern Flank: Deployment of Mirage 2000-5 to Lithuania. As part of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission, aimed at preserving the sovereignty of the airspace of the Baltic countries, the French Air and Space Force (AAE) will deploy four Mirage 2000-5 to Šiauliai air base, Lithuania.
The four Mirage 2000-5s of the 2nd Fighter Squadron will deploy on November 28 from Luxeuil air base to Lithuania for a period of four months.
The crews will join a detachment made up of about a hundred airmen engaged in support of Lithuanian forces and NATO partners.
When the three Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) joined NATO in 2004, the Alliance deployed air policing capabilities to the Šiauliai base in Lithuania at their request. This mission, called Baltic Air Policing (BAP), aims to strengthen the means they use to preserve the sovereignty of their airspaces by providing additional rapid reaction capabilities. Following the annexation of Crimea by Russia, this system was reinforced in 2014 by reassurance measures called enhanced Air Policing (eAP).
France’s Air and Space Force has contributed regularly to these missions since their creation. It will thus ensure a new round of alert from November 30, 2023. Succeeding Italy, France will deploy four Mirage 2000-5 as well as a detachment made up of around a hundred aviators to Šiauliai, in Lithuania, for about four months. This is France’s 10th participation by the French Air and Space Force to Baltic Air Policing, and its 7th deployment to Lithuania.
By committing high-level resources and maintaining regular operational activity in the region, France is demonstrating its involvement in strengthening NATO’s deterrent and defensive posture, and that it is acting in a concrete manner to contribute to the reassurance measures on Europe’s eastern flank.
The Mirage 2000-5
Every day, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, the Mirage 2000-5 of the 2nd Fighter Squadron, stationed on Air Base 116 at Luxeuil, contribute to the Air Policing mission of national territory, a permanent and priority mission entrusted to the Air and Space Force, within the framework protection of national airspace. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ French Ministry of the Armed Forces; issued Nov. 23, 2023)
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