defense spending – Page 2 – The Defense Post

Mar- 2026 -

23 March

P550™ advanced autonomous Group 2 eVTOL uncrewed aircraft system

AV Wins $117M US Army Deal for P550 Long-Range Reconnaissance Drones

California company Aerovironment (AV) has clinched a $117-million contract to deliver its P550 long-range reconnaissance uncrewed aerial vehicles to the US Army.

18 March

Americas

US President Donald Trump presenting the government's 'Golden Dome' missile defense plan at the Oval Office

Rojoef Manuel

Pentagon Ups Golden Dome Cost to $185B as Space Capabilities Expand

The US Department of Defense has increased the projected cost of its Golden Dome missile defense system by up to $10 billion to accelerate critical space-based capabilities.

15 March

Middle East

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

Staff Writer With AFP

Israel Approves Emergency Military Funding as Iran War Rages

Israel has approved an $827-million emergency budget allocation for military purchases, as the war with Iran entered its third week.

13 March

Europe

Staff Writer With AFP

Polish President Vetoes $50B EU Defense Funding Plan

Poland's President Nawrocki vetoed his country's participation in a major military upgrade funded by EU loans already approved by parliament.

Feb- 2026 -

18 February

Europe

Lithuania getting ready for its intense training period

Christine Casimiro

Lithuania Seeks $1B Funding to Boost Strategic Military Transport Links

Lithuania is seeking about $1.1 billion to develop critical military transport infrastructure as part of a broader $4.7 billion mobility project.

13 February

Air

Christine Casimiro

Canada Pays for F-35 Long-Lead Items Despite Ongoing Fighter Jet Review

Canada has reportedly begun making payments for “long-lead items” tied to 14 additional F-35 fighter jets despite a contract review triggered by US trade tensions and sovereignty concerns.

2 February

Arms

Christine Casimiro

Netherlands Inks Multi-Year Deal With Rheinmetall for Hand Grenades

The Netherlands has signed a framework agreement with Rheinmetall to produce and supply a wide range of hand grenades for the Dutch armed forces.

Jan- 2026 -

21 January

Arms

Christine Casimiro

Taiwan Unveils Weapons List in Proposed $40B Special Defense Budget

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has unveiled the weapons intended for procurement under its proposed $40 billion special defense budget.

12 January

Europe

An IRIS-T SLM air defense system is seen in what appears to be a dry/desert landscape. Some sand can be seen being blown by the wind. The self-launching system itself is seen propped up and mounted on the back of an 8x8 military truck. The truck is painted in camouflage that matches the dry brown color of the environment. The background is a clear but dull blue sky.

Staff Writer With AFP

Sweden to Spend $1.6B to Bolster Air Defenses

Sweden will invest 15 billion kronor ($1.6 billion) on bolstering its air defenses, notably potential civilian targets, the government said Sunday, the latest European country to beef up military spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

9 January

Americas