Global Scans · Military · Weekly Summary

• [New] China's historic military buildup includes rapid expansion of nuclear forces, hypersonic weapons, long-range missiles, cyber warfare units and space capabilities - developments the Pentagon says now place the US homeland at growing risk. New York Post
• [New] A depleted - but far from defeated Ukraine - looks to 2026 with few good military options, even though a critical €90bn (£79bn) loan from the EU has been agreed. The Guardian
• [New] Other escalatory events could include increased joint Russian-Chinese military drills in the Pacific. FirstPost
• [New] NATO members have agreed to increase their military spending levels to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035 in line with a demand by Trump that NATO's defence spending benchmark be elevated. Stars and Stripes
• [New] While Trump and his team seek to avoid another Iran-Israel war, they are more concerned with Israel's strategy toward the several regional fronts in which Israeli military action might undermine U.S. diplomacy or partnerships. The Soufan Center
• [New] While the 12-day war greatly damaged Iran's military capabilities and leadership, Israel remains wary that Tehran will replenish its ballistic missile stocks, continue to engage its regional proxies, and eventually even resume its nuclear program. Middle East Institute
• [New] The Bundestag budget committee has approved a €52 billion ($61 billion) military expenditure package as Germany seeks to rapidly rearm in the face of the security threat posed by Russian aggression. Deutsche Welle
• [New] The Indo-Pacific region will continue to be a key battleground, with the potential for military activity in Southeast Asia, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] Germany just made a defence move that could shake Europe's military future. Indian Defence Review
• [New] Four satellite missions will launch in the coming year to demonstrate on-orbit refueling, servicing, and repair capabilities to extend the lives of military satellites. Air & Space Forces Magazine
• [New] Western officials assess that even if a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue military operations and hybrid attacks elsewhere. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] On the down side, more big job cuts are on the way at Merck & Co, with 6000 staff set to lose their jobs as part of a plan to save $3 billion a year by the end of 2027. Chemistry World
• [New] ISIS threats persist with attacks like the Sydney massacre and a Syrian ambush killing two U.S. servicemen, prompting a proposed U.S. military command reshuffle under the Unified Command Plan. GeopoliticsUnplugged Substack
• [New] US President Donald Trump has permitted Nvidia to export its advanced H200 semiconductors to the PRC, which will enable the PRC to significantly reduce the artificial intelligence gap with the United States and possibly enhance its military effectiveness. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Forces Korea warned of the expanding threat posed by North Korea as it deepens military cooperation with Russia. UPI
• [New] South Korea could have used the recent meeting to voice its concern about the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which Seoul views as a potential security threat to the Korean Peninsula. Yonhap News Agency
• [New] The system, developed through a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Finnish specialist Iceye, will provide the military's new 45th Armored Brigade in Lithuania with all-weather, day-and-night radar imagery analyzed through artificial intelligence to detect hostile military activity. Defense News
• [New] The United States faces a deteriorating global security environment, adversary governments engaged in unprecedented levels of coordination, and disruptive military and dual-use technologies shaping the future of warfare. Atlantic Council
• [New] Gold drew support from rising geopolitical risks after President Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, intensifying pressure on the Maduro regime amid heightened military tensions. MUFG Research
• [New] If the opposing country and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive discussions, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands through military means. CNN
• U.S. officials said during a meeting that they remain unsatisfied with the progress allies are making when it comes to bolstering their own military capabilities, and that if allies miss the 2027 deadline, the U.S. could stop participating in some NATO activities. Stars and Stripes

Last updated: 28 December 2025