DefenceTalkThe Kremlin on Thursday rejected allegations by the United States that Russian forces had used a “chemical weapon” in Ukraine and blasted new sanctions targeting Moscow’s key trading partners. The US State Department said Wednesday that Russia used “the chemical weapon chloropicrin” against Ukrainian forces. “As always, such accusations sound...

DefenceTalkChina’s Fujian aircraft carrier took to the water for maiden sea trials on Wednesday, state media said, a key next step in a vast naval build-up by Beijing as it carves out a more assertive role for itself in the Pacific and beyond. The Fujian is China’s third aircraft carrier after the Liaoning and the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/chinas-new-aircraft-carrier-conducts-first-sea-trials-state-media-80244/

DefenceTalkIn February and March 2024, the Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) prototype, developed by Northrop Grumman, underwent comprehensive in-water testing off Southern California’s coast. The tests assessed the UUV’s hydrodynamic performance, including submerged operations employing its various propulsion and steering modes such as buoyancy,...

DefenceTalkCroatia took delivery Thursday of six Rafale fighter jets it has bought from France in the country’s biggest arms purchase since its 1991 war of independence. The used warplanes — the first part of a 12-jet deal — touched down in the capital Zagreb, heralding a major overall of Croatia’s air force, which is replacing […]https://www.defencetalk.com/croatia-gets-french-fighter-jets-in-major-arms-purchase-80236/

DefenceTalkChina warned on Wednesday that US military support for Taiwan only increased the “risk of conflict” along the strait, after the US Congress allocated $8 billion in military support for the island. “I’d like to emphasize that the United States and Taiwan strengthening military ties will not bring about security for Taiwan,” foreign ministry...

DefenceTalkBritain must strengthen its defences against economic security risks amplified by globalization, especially those emanating from China, Iran and Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden warned Thursday. Businesses and universities are “vulnerable” because of the opening up of the global economy, Dowden said in a speech to the Chatham House...