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Germany is considering purchasing additional F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, potentially expanding its fleet beyond the 35 aircraft ordered in 2022. Sources said Berlin is in talks that could lead to buying more than 35 additional jets, which would significantly increase its reliance on U.S. military technology. Each aircraft costs over $80 million, and deliveries from the earlier order are expected to begin later this year.

The move comes as Germany and France face growing uncertainty over their joint Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a €100-billion program launched in 2017 to develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2040. Disagreements and delays have raised the possibility that the project could be abandoned. German officials, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have also questioned whether investing heavily in a new manned fighter jet remains practical given evolving military technology.

Expanding Germany’s F-35 fleet would mark a strategic shift toward closer defense integration with the United States and strengthen its role within NATO’s nuclear deterrence framework. The F-35 is currently the only Western aircraft certified to carry modern B61 nuclear bombs, making it essential for replacing Germany’s aging Tornado jets. While the future of the FCAS program remains uncertain, Germany and France are expected to continue cooperating on other defense areas such as drones and digital warfare systems.

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Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that the rules-based world order “no longer exists,” urging Europe to prepare for sacrifices in an era dominated by great-power politics. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Merz said Europe’s freedom was no longer guaranteed and acknowledged a “deep divide” between Europe and the United States, citing growing tensions over trade, values, and security.

His remarks came amid strains in transatlantic relations following actions and rhetoric by US President Donald Trump, including threats to annex Greenland and the imposition of tariffs on European goods. Merz rejected protectionism and criticised the ideological influence of the Maga movement, while still appealing for renewed cooperation with Washington. He also revealed confidential discussions with Emmanuel Macron on the possibility of a joint European nuclear deterrent.

The conference, attended by around 50 world leaders, is also focused on the war in Ukraine, relations with China, and questions over US commitment to NATO. Addressing delegates later, Macron urged Europe to accelerate rearmament and become a stronger geopolitical actor, calling Russia’s war against Ukraine an “existential challenge.” Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the moment as a “new era in geopolitics,” underlining the scale of global realignment now under way.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described a “defining moment” in global affairs as he arrived in Europe to lead the American delegation at the Munich Security Conference. His visit comes amid heightened transatlantic tensions following President Donald Trump’s renewed remarks about annexing Greenland. Rubio said the world was entering a “new era in geopolitics” that would require allies to reassess their roles and priorities within the evolving international order.

European leaders have responded with a mix of caution and resolve. Emmanuel Macron has urged Europe to prepare for greater strategic independence from the U.S., while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that transatlantic ties remain vital. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she would meet Rubio to address U.S. comments regarding Greenland, as concerns grow over Washington’s long-term commitment to NATO and European security.

The conference agenda includes the war in Ukraine, tensions with China and prospects for a renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the gathering could yield “new steps” for shared European security. Meanwhile, German and British leaders, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, are expected to hold key discussions on defence spending and alliance cohesion, as policymakers navigate shifting geopolitical dynamics.

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Estonia’s foreign intelligence service has reported that Russia is rebuilding its military forces in response to Europe’s rearmament, though it does not plan to attack any NATO state in the near term. According to the report, Moscow aims to delay and hinder Europe’s ability to conduct independent military action, viewing European rearmament over the next two to three years as a significant concern.

The intelligence service highlighted Russia’s rapid expansion of ammunition production, which allows for stockpiling supplies for potential future conflicts while continuing operations in Ukraine. Any hypothetical attack on Estonia could involve coordinated drone operations across land, air, and sea. Estonia emphasized the need for the continent to invest in defense and internal security to deter potential aggression.

The report also noted Russia’s continued view of the U.S. as its main adversary while attempting to use diplomatic channels to ease sanctions and influence the Ukraine conflict. It highlighted Moscow’s strategic alignment with China, which could use Russian cooperation to challenge Western influence globally, particularly in the context of energy and military technology collaboration.

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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen travelled to Greenland’s capital Nuuk to show support for the Greenlandic people after a turbulent week marked by US President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of the island, followed by a sudden diplomatic climbdown. Trump ruled out military action and tariffs, claiming a vague “framework of a future deal” on Greenland after talks with Nato chief Mark Rutte, though details remain unclear. Frederiksen said the situation remains serious and that Denmark would now pursue a diplomatic and political path.

The visit comes amid continued uncertainty over US intentions. While Trump has spoken of “total access” to Greenland for security purposes and hinted at deploying missile defence infrastructure, he has stopped short of explicitly calling for ownership. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly stressed that sovereignty is a red line, even as they signal openness to cooperation on Arctic security within Nato. Frederiksen also held talks with Rutte in Brussels, where both sides agreed to strengthen deterrence and defence in the Arctic.

Despite the softened rhetoric from Washington, Greenlandic leaders remain cautious. Lawmakers say trust has been damaged by Trump’s remarks and insist that decisions over minerals and land rest solely with Greenland. Former Danish officials note a shift toward de-escalation but warn the situation remains fragile, with negotiations likely to focus narrowly on security. Danish officials have underlined that any future arrangements must stay within Nato frameworks, with no transfer of territory or mineral rights on the table.

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Denmark and NATO have agreed on the need to enhance security in the Arctic following renewed tensions linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Friday. After talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Frederiksen stressed that defence and security in the Arctic are concerns for the entire alliance, not just countries in the region. Denmark and Greenland have firmly stated that Greenland’s sovereignty is not open for discussion, while remaining willing to engage in dialogue on other issues.

Trump said on Thursday that he had secured permanent U.S. access to Greenland following discussions with Rutte, comments that heightened attention on the strategic Arctic region. Rutte later noted that NATO allies would need to intensify efforts to counter growing challenges from Russia and China in the high north. Frederiksen echoed this view, saying NATO must increase its engagement, and Rutte confirmed he was working closely with Denmark to strengthen deterrence and defence measures.

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European Union leaders are reassessing their relationship with the United States after former President Donald Trump’s recent threats of tariffs and remarks about acquiring Greenland unsettled transatlantic trust. Although Trump later reversed his stance—ruling out military action and stepping back from proposed tariffs—EU diplomats say the episode has highlighted the unpredictability of U.S. policy and prompted calls for a more independent European strategy, particularly in defence and trade.

At an emergency summit in Brussels, EU leaders are expected to discuss reducing their reliance on the United States, especially within NATO, where Europe still depends heavily on U.S. intelligence, defence systems and logistics. The bloc is also economically exposed, as the U.S. remains its largest trading partner, leaving Europe vulnerable to sudden tariff threats. Diplomats stressed the need to define clear “red lines” and prepare responses should Washington again shift course.

Uncertainty also remains over the details of a proposed Greenland framework agreement discussed by Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, including plans to increase Western presence in the Arctic. While Trump’s reversal eased immediate tensions, EU officials say the broader challenge persists: balancing efforts to keep the U.S. engaged while strengthening Europe’s own resilience, unity and long-term strategic autonomy.

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Norway’s defence minister Tore O. Sandvik said NATO is going through a challenging period due to tensions sparked by the crisis over Greenland, but stressed that the alliance must stay focused on its primary security concern — Russia. Speaking to foreign correspondents in Oslo on Wednesday, Sandvik said the current situation within NATO is difficult, yet unity against common threats remains essential.

His remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to press for the acquisition of Greenland from Denmark, a fellow NATO member, a move that has strained relations within the alliance. Despite these internal pressures, Sandvik emphasised that Russia continues to pose the most significant strategic threat to NATO, particularly as it expands its military footprint in the Arctic region.

Norway, which shares an Arctic border with Russia, closely monitors Russian military activity on the Kola Peninsula, home to key nuclear assets and the headquarters of Russia’s Northern Fleet. The fleet’s access route to the North Atlantic via the Barents Sea makes the region strategically critical, reinforcing NATO’s need to maintain focus on Russian military movements in the High North.

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U.S. President Donald Trump told Norway’s prime minister that he no longer feels obliged “to think purely of peace,” citing his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize, while again pressing his demand for U.S. control of Greenland. The remarks were made in a written response to a message from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who had urged de-escalation and sought talks after Trump threatened tariffs on European allies over the issue.

In his message, Trump complained that Norway had not awarded him the Nobel Peace Prize despite what he described as his role in stopping multiple wars, and said he would instead focus on what is “good and proper” for the United States. Støre responded by reiterating that the Nobel Peace Prize is decided by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government. Trump has openly campaigned for the award, which was last given to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Trump also questioned Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, arguing it could not adequately protect the island and disputing its historical claims, despite longstanding treaties and U.S. recognition of Danish authority. He concluded by asserting that U.S. and global security depended on “complete and total control” of Greenland, again linking the issue to NATO burden-sharing and U.S. strategic interests.

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Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared that “Europe won’t be blackmailed” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs over Greenland. Trump warned that eight U.S. allies—including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the U.K.—would face new taxes starting February 1 if they opposed his proposed acquisition of the autonomous Danish territory. European leaders emphasized the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity, issuing joint statements in solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.

Trump has justified his actions by citing Greenland’s strategic significance for U.S. security, and he has not ruled out acquiring it “the easy way” or “the hard way.” The threatened tariffs start at 10% and could increase to 25% until a deal is reached. European nations and NATO members, including the U.K., France, and Germany, condemned the coercive approach, stressing that the Arctic’s security is a shared transatlantic interest and that dialogue should be based on respect for sovereignty.

Public opposition in Denmark and Greenland has been strong, with protests calling for Greenland’s right to self-determination. Polls indicate that both Greenlanders and Americans largely oppose U.S. control of the island. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German officials, are coordinating their responses and preparing contingency measures, including invoking EU anti-coercion instruments if the tariffs are implemented.

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