Donald Trump – Page 5 – The Defense Post

Feb- 2026 -

15 February

Pictured: 21 Nov 2025 – View of the 24 F-35B Jets embarked onboard the Flight Deck of HMS Prince of Wales. As part of the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group Full Operating Capability, the largest fifth-generation Carrier Air Wing has ever been embarked on HMS Prince of Wales. 24 F-35B Jets on deck, in support of NATO on NEPTUNE STRIKE 25-4. This proves NATO’s willingness and readiness to act in support of allied nations’ peace and security. Italian F-35Bs have been on board HMS Prince of Wales for NEPTUNE STRIKE, an enhanced vigilance activity, as part of Operation HIGHMAST, proving interoperability and interchangeability between the two nations. The Joint Carrier Air Wing has conducted NEPTUNE STRIKE, showcasing the UK and Italian ability and willingness to work together on behalf of NATO in the Mediterranean and beyond. Led by the UK flagship HMS Prince of Wales and involving a dozen nations, the eight-month mission – known as Operation HIGHMAST – is reaching its final stages. After operations across the Indo-Pacific over the last five months, the task group has returned to the Mediterranean for further multinational exercises before making its homeward voyage. The goal of Operation HIGHMAST is to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry. Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel have been involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.

UK to Deploy Aircraft Carrier Group to Arctic This Year: PM

Britain will deploy its aircraft carrier group to the North Atlantic this year in a "powerful show of force" against Russian threats in the Arctic, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday.

14 February

Americas

U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin speak at a press conference during a summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 15, 2025. (Alaska National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña)

Staff Writer With AFP

Europe Calls for US Reset at Security Talks

European leaders called Friday for a reset in relations with the United States as they met at a top security conference where US President Donald Trump's potshots at traditional transatlantic ties loomed large.

14 February

Americas

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Yoel Rhe, a scout team leader with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides aerial sniper coverage from a UH-1Y Venom attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th MEU, during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise in the Pacific Ocean, Feb. 2, 2026. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Joseph Helms)

Staff Writer With AFP

Three Dead in Latest US Strike on Alleged Drug Boat: Military

The US military said Friday it killed three alleged drug traffickers in a strike on a boat in the Caribbean, bringing the death toll in Washington's anti-narcotics campaign to at least 133.

14 February

Americas

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division conduct a night live-fire range during Service Level Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Dec. 17, 2025. SLTE is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Cutter)

Staff Writer With AFP

Trump Hails US ‘Discombobulator’ as He Meets Maduro Op Troops

President Donald Trump boasted Friday about a secret US "discombobulator" weapon that can block Russian and Chinese defense systems, as he met the elite troops who captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

13 February

Europe

Staff Writer With AFP

Swedish Fighter Jets to Patrol Greenland Under NATO Mission

Sweden said Thursday it would send fighter jets to patrol Greenland as part of a newly launched NATO mission in the Arctic aimed at placating US President Donald Trump.

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.

12 February

Americas

Pictured: Troops from 45 Commando during a troop insertion exercise. Royal Marines insert by Helicopter during exercise in Norway. A pair of Merlin Mk4 Helicopters from 845 Naval Air Squadron inserted Royal Marine troops from 45 Commando based at Camp Viking into an exercise area in the Mauken mountain range of Norway during Operation Clockwork 25. The troop insertion was part of Exercise Reindeer 1. The UK has conducted cold-weather training in Norway for over 50 years and is a committed and capable pa

Staff Writer With AFP

NATO Launches ‘Arctic Sentry’ Mission After Greenland Crisis

NATO on Wednesday said it had launched a new mission to bolster security in the Arctic, in a move to assuage US President Donald Trump after he backed off claims on Greenland.

10 February

Americas

US strike on alleged drug trafficking boat off the cost of Venezuela.

Staff Writer With AFP

Two Killed in Latest US Strike on Alleged Drug Boat in Pacific: Military

The US military said Monday it killed two people in its latest strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Eastern Pacific.

Jan- 2026 -

29 January

Americas

Delcy Rodríguez attends the welcome ceremony of the CELAC delegation in 2023

Staff Writer With AFP

Venezuela Military, Police Pledge Loyalty to Interim President

Venezuela's military and police pledged loyalty to interim president Delcy Rodriguez, whom the US kept in power after ousting Nicolas Maduro.

29 January

Middle East

Iranian youths walk past a state building covered with a giant anti-US billboard depicting a symbolic image of the destroyed USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) aircraft carrier in downtown Tehran, Iran, on January 28, 2026.

Staff Writer With AFP

Iran Vows to Resist Any US Attack, Insists Ready for Nuclear Deal

Iran's foreign minister warned its forces would respond immediately and forcefully to any US military operation after President Trump declared time was running out to avoid one.

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