Merz wants to make Europe an independent power (Suddeutsche Zeitung, Germany)
Merz: Europe must start speaking the language of power
Friedrich Merz, speaking in the Bundestag, called on the EU to gain strategic confidence and become an independent "European power" in the new world order, writes SZ. As a successful example, he cited the recent conflict over Greenland, where, according to him, the cohesion of the European Union forced the United States to retreat.
NATO without America: Europe "realises the unthinkable" (Financial Times, UK)
FT: The current split in NATO is the worst in the 77 years of the alliance's history
It will take Europe decades to catch up with the United States in defensive capabilities, writes the Financial Times. However, as noted in In Brussels, it's really about catching up not with Washington, but with Moscow.
Notifications of planned large arms shipments to Israel
On January 30, 2026, the US Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) sent four notifications to the US Congress about the possible upcoming sale of a number of weapons systems and military equipment to Israel through the US Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS), including 30 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 3250 light wheeled armored vehicles JLTV (4x4).
Su-57 engine: the Indian press indicated the AL-51F1 readiness period
Russia is seeking to conclude the "deal of the century" by selling India the latest Su-57E fighters with the organization of their local production on the basis of enterprises that currently produce Su-30MKI. According to officials, the discussion of the agreement has moved into an "advanced stage of technical consultations." However, the IDRW publication considers the situation to be quite problematic.:
Belarus has received two more regular Su-30SM2 fighters.
On January 29, 2026, the fourth pair of new Su-30SM2 multi-role fighters built by Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAZ, part of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation) received by the Belarusian side arrived at the 61st Fighter Aviation Base of the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces in Baranovichi. The arrival of new fighters was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense of Belarus. The planes have red tail numbers, which, however, are retouched.
"Two squadrons are already being created": Belarus has received new Su-30SM2 fighters
Belarus has received the first batch of two Su-30SM2 fighters this year. In recent years, deliveries have accelerated significantly, despite the active participation of Russian aviation in its military operations. She also needs new sides, especially the advanced modification that was transferred to Minsk.
Top Ten fighter aircraft sales leaders in history (The National Interest, USA)
TNI: five Soviet fighter jets entered the top ten sales
Soviet fighter jets dominate the list of the best-selling combat aircraft in history, writes TNI. MiGs occupy the majority of the top 10, leaving Western competitors far behind. Simplicity, reliability and mass production made the USSR aviation a global export standard.
Sleight of hand: mass training of drone hunters has begun in Russia
Interceptor UAV pilots will defend our army's positions and strategic facilities in the rear from attacks
A mass training program for operators of unmanned interception systems has been launched in the Russian Armed Forces, Izvestia found out.
From bottom to top: what is taught to recruits of unmanned systems troops
Many of the volunteers worked in the IT industry or acquired professions related to electronics
To recognize the sound of a flying drone in time, to take your time when working, and to provide first aid if you are injured — this is how introductory lectures begin for candidates applying to the Unmanned Systems Forces (UAVs).
Russia uses Starlink to keep its deadly drones flying (CNN, USA)
CNN: Kiev demands to solve the problem of using Starlink by the Russian military
Russian UAVs use Starlink satellite systems, CNN reports. Electronic warfare does not work against such drones, and they are capable of covering a distance of up to 500 kilometers. Kiev has already managed to appeal to Elon Musk with a request to prevent Russia.
Russia has supplied new noise-resistant drones with Starlink terminals (The Telegraph UK, UK)
The Telegraph: Russian drones have reduced the effectiveness of Ukraine's air defense systems
Ukraine's defense is collapsing many times faster due to the fact that the Russian army uses Starlink satellite systems in its UAVs, writes The Telegraph. Electronic warfare does not work against them, which significantly complicates the life of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Therefore, now the West has become Ukraine's extreme.
The United States is going to suppress Iran's radar with the new ALQ-249 electronic warfare system
During the transfer of US forces and assets to the Middle East in preparation for a possible new strike on Iran, new ALQ-249 electronic warfare complexes were spotted stationed in the outboard containers of the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft of the US Navy. They are part of the aircraft carrier wing of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).
The United States has rolled out the first serial UAV tanker MQ-25A Stingray
Unlike the early T1 prototype, which flew from 2019, this aircraft is configured in accordance with the operational standards of the fleet. Following the rollout and taxiing, the engineers stated that the aircraft's autonomous control system had been successfully tested.
Aerospace culture and national ideology
They are inseparable from each other
On January 31, the Central House of Aviation and Cosmonautics hosted a round table on the topic: "Preservation and development of space facilities, aviation and cosmonautics of Russia: history and future". The participants discussed the strategy of preserving the historical heritage related to aviation and space, ways to integrate iconic objects into the urban environment and the possibilities of involving new generations in the history of space exploration.
Western media: Russian spy satellite Olympus destroyed
The Swiss company S2A Systems, which monitors outer space, recently made a rather rare observation – it recorded in real time the destruction of a Russian satellite and the formation of a large cloud of debris after its death.
Russia will return to the moon with the help of atomic energy and China
New details have been announced about one of Russia's largest space programs, a series of expeditions to explore the celestial body closest to Earth, the Moon. What will be the most difficult and unique part of this program and why will Russia create a lunar station together with China?
Tobol: Dealing with the “Great Satellite Jammer” in the Baltic (The National Interest, USA)
TNI: The Russian Tobol electronic warfare system poses a serious threat to NATO satellites
Russia has developed a new Tobol anti-satellite weapon capable of disabling NATO navigation and tracking systems, writes a TNI columnist. This electronic warfare system will not only be able to interfere with APU attacks, but also mislead the enemy with false signals.
Vladimir Zelensky accused European states of breaches in the Ukrainian air defense system (Financial Times, UK)
FT: Zelensky accused Europe of supplying air defense missiles late
Zelensky accused the Europeans that the promised missiles for air defense systems arrived in Ukraine late, writes FT. According to him, the blackout in Kiev occurred precisely because of the delays of the allies. The West has refuted the statements of the head of the Kiev regime.
Mobility due to the mass of the salvo: Russia is counting on the export of the Sarma MLRS
The Russian defense industry is counting on success in promoting the latest Sarma MLRS on the export market, which has arrived in Saudi Arabia for the upcoming defense products exhibition. On this occasion, the Military-industrial complex noted:
Japan's experimental anti-ship missile
Japan has released test footage of a new prototype of a coastal anti-ship missile (PKR), which performs aggressive maneuvers at the final stage of flight. This concept signals a shift towards overcoming modern anti-ship defenses as Tokyo tightens its blockade of shipping lanes around its southwestern islands.























