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Defense and military spending

Defense policies are changing rapidly, and military spending is surging worldwide amid growing conflicts and tensions.

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All Content on this topic

Oppenheimer: The man behind the atomic bomb

This documentary explores work of Julius Robert Oppenheimer, who is regarded as the father of the atomic bomb.

The Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Rankin in the water

The Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Rankin in the water

UK, Australia to deepen AUKUS treaty and economic ties

The UK joined Australia in a 50-year AUKUS submarine pact as U.S. support wavers.

An official walks near the Bushehr nuclear site in Iran in 2010

An official walks near the Bushehr nuclear site in Iran in 2010

Nuclear negotiations with Iran: What can we expect?

Germany, France and the UK are set to negotiate with Iran about the future of its nuclear program. The stakes are high.

Installation of anti-drone nets on a highway, Donetsk region, June 2025

Installation of anti-drone nets on a highway, Donetsk region, June 2025

Ukraine's low-tech defense against Russian drones

In southern Ukraine, local authorities have found a simple way to try to stop drones in mid-flight.

Young German recruits march into their barracks

Young German recruits march into their barracks

Germany: Would compulsory military service hurt the economy?

The idea of reintroducing compulsory military service is controversial, not least because of an acute labor shortage.

German anti-aircraft tank Gepard

German anti-aircraft tank Gepard

Germany moves to fast-track weapons purchases

Berlin aims to speed up the rate at which it can buy weapons, bypassing lengthy tender processes for military contracts.

US historian Anne Applebaum smiles during a DW interview

US historian Anne Applebaum smiles during a DW interview

Anne Applebaum: 'If you want peace, you must arm Ukraine'

The US historian tells DW what she thinks Putin is trying to achieve in Ukraine, and why Trump has been so lenient.

Three Bundeswehr robots resembling small tanks are lined up during a military exercise on a training ground

Three Bundeswehr robots resembling small tanks are lined up during a military exercise on a training ground

Rearming Europe means booming business for German startups

Germany’s defense startups are booming — but the pressure to deliver is mounting.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sitting together at a table on a train, looking relaxed

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sitting together at a table on a train, looking relaxed

Chancellor Merz and the E3: Germany pivots toward Europe

A new tripartite alliance between Germany, France and the UK is emerging in response to tensions with Russia and the US.

Myanmar military jets drop bombs equipped with parachutes during a military exercise in 2018

Myanmar military jets drop bombs equipped with parachutes during a military exercise in 2018

Chinese firm helps supply Myanmar junta with bombs — report

A state-owned Chinese company is helping the junta target rebels and civilians in Myanmar, according to a new report.

Two men and two women sitting at a round table in a TV studio; another man appears on a screen in the background

Two men and two women sitting at a round table in a TV studio; another man appears on a screen in the background

Trump's tariff threats: Using trade as a weapon?

Will Donald Trump’s erratic tariff policy lead to a new global trade order?

Navy boats sailing in formation

Navy boats sailing in formation

Japan decries China threat after string of risky encounters

Japan's defense officials have also used their annual white paper to warn against the Pyongyang-Moscow alliance.

Kaja Kallas in Brussels

Kaja Kallas in Brussels

EU backs Trump Ukraine U-turn but wants US to 'share burden'

The bloc welcomed a shift in US rhetoric on Ukraine but pressed Washington to chip in.

US Patriot air defense systems are seen at Schwesing Air Base, Germany.

US Patriot air defense systems are seen at Schwesing Air Base, Germany.

Could US Patriot systems be a gamechanger for Ukraine?

Long-awaited by Kyiv, the US will provide Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine as part of a new weapons deal.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin walk and talk in Helsinki in 2017

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin walk and talk in Helsinki in 2017

Is the Trump-Putin bromance over?

US President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with tariffs unless it agrees to a peace deal with Ukraine.

French Rafale fighter jets sit on the main deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle,

French Rafale fighter jets sit on the main deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle,

Can French 'war culture' lead Europe's rearmament push?

France's large defense players and startups could take the lead as Europe aims to rearm.

Patriot missile system launches a missile.

Patriot missile system launches a missile.

What are Patriot missiles and how will they help Ukraine?

The US is set to send Ukraine more Patriot missile defense systems, via an EU payment deal, Donald Trump has announced.

Several Chinese navy personnel line up in front of a warship docking in Cambodia

Several Chinese navy personnel line up in front of a warship docking in Cambodia

Will nuclear powers help keep nukes out of Southeast Asia?

The US, Russia and China could use the SEANWFZ treaty, aimed to keep Southeast Asia nuke-free, as a diplomatic lever.

The hands of a worker in a Ukrainian arms factory clutch a warhead.

The hands of a worker in a Ukrainian arms factory clutch a warhead.

Ukraine seeks foreign investment for its arms industry

Many innovative defense companies in Ukraine are being held back from scaling up production by tight government budgets.

A demonstration in the streets of Madrid protesting against government budget cuts

A demonstration in the streets of Madrid protesting against government budget cuts

Can debt-laden NATO members spend billions more on defense?

NATO states plan to up defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. But the most indebted members will struggle to do that.

French President Emmanuel Macron on the eve of the annual Bastille Day national holiday in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron on the eve of the annual Bastille Day national holiday in Paris

France: Macron announces plans to boost defense spending

The French president has announced €6.5 billion in extra military spending in the next two years.

Evacuees from Akuseki-jima Island and Kodakara-jima Island disembark from Ferry Toshima 2 at the Kagoshima Main Port South Pier Ferry Terminal in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture on July 6, 2025

Evacuees from Akuseki-jima Island and Kodakara-jima Island disembark from Ferry Toshima 2 at the Kagoshima Main Port South Pier Ferry Terminal in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture on July 6, 2025

Japan steps up earthquake, tsunami defenses amid quake swarm

Dozens of people have been evacuated from remote islands in southern Japan hit by over 1,700 tremors in recent weeks.

Kurdish fighters putting their weapons into a pit to be burned

Kurdish fighters putting their weapons into a pit to be burned

Kurdish PKK fighters in Iraq burn their weapons

After decades of fighting Turkey's government and over 40,000 deaths, the Kurdistan Workers' Party is laying down arms.

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

'Helping Ukraine defeat Russia is doable'

Are the Baltic states bracing to be Putin’s next targets? Insight from an Estonian diplomat.

Kurdish security forces and others stand at a checkpoint, on the day of a disarmament ceremony near Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Kurdish security forces and others stand at a checkpoint, on the day of a disarmament ceremony near Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

PKK fighters begin handing over weapons at ceremony

The Kurdistan Worker's Party has been in an armed struggle with Turkey's government for four decades.

Afemale member of the Mandalay People's Defence Forces piloting a drone on the frontline amid clashes with Myanmar's military in northern Shan State

Afemale member of the Mandalay People's Defence Forces piloting a drone on the frontline amid clashes with Myanmar's military in northern Shan State

Myanmar's armed rebel groups lose edge in drone warfare

Jammers and supply chain troubles are crippling resistance groups' drone fleets, new research shows.

PKK fighters in Northern Iraq (file photo)

PKK fighters in Northern Iraq (file photo)

PKK begins to lay down arms as it ends insurgency

DW spoke with people who lost loved ones in the Turkey-PKK war and learned about their hopes for lasting peace.

Patriot missile battery in an undisclosed location

Patriot missile battery in an undisclosed location

Germany pledges Patriot air defense for Ukraine

Chancellor Merz was speaking at a summit aiming to secure political and private backing as Russia's war grinds on.

A Ukrainian soldier readying a drone for combat

A Ukrainian soldier readying a drone for combat

Can Ukraine drone builders help rearm Europe?

Ukraine drone makers may soon be permitted to export their technology — and their hard-won experience — to Europe.

Two women and two men sit at a round table in a TV studio. A third man is seen on a screen in the background.

Two women and two men sit at a round table in a TV studio. A third man is seen on a screen in the background.

Putin attacks, Trump dithers: How long can Ukraine hold on?

With Ukraine under heavy Russian attack, is Trump’s back-and-forth Putin’s chance?

Ukrainian air defenses deploy against Russian drones during a night mass drones and missiles strike in Kyiv on July 10, 2025, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Ukrainian air defenses deploy against Russian drones during a night mass drones and missiles strike in Kyiv on July 10, 2025, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Russia attacks Kyiv as US resumes weapons deliveries

As Russia steps up its air assaults, the Trump administration is resuming weapons deliveries to Kyiv.

US-Vizepräsident JD Vance besucht Pituffik Space Base in Grönland – Politische Spannungen um mögliche Annexion durch Trump

US-Vizepräsident JD Vance besucht Pituffik Space Base in Grönland – Politische Spannungen um mögliche Annexion durch Trump

Denmark finalizes US defense deal despite Greenland gripes

The Danish parliament has just passed a law allowing the US military free access to bases. Why?

US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump

Trump blasts Putin after announcing more weapons to Ukraine

The US president accused Vladimir Putin of distracting Washington with "bulls**t" in talks over Ukraine.

A group of Bundeswehr soldiers in camouflage uniforms with guns and red berets

A group of Bundeswehr soldiers in camouflage uniforms with guns and red berets

German Bundeswehr sees rising number of volunteers

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius plans to attract more voluntary recruits to the German Armed Forces.

Lars Klingbeil at the pulpit of the Bundestag on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz seated behind him

Lars Klingbeil at the pulpit of the Bundestag on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz seated behind him

Defense, infrastructure: Germany plans record investment

The Bundestag is debating the government's budget plans, which see record expenditure and record debt.

Lars Klingbeil and Friedrich Merz

Lars Klingbeil and Friedrich Merz

Germany: Chancellor Merz's party sees approval rating rise

While Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Conservatives are gaining ground, the Social Democrats are struggling to retain trust.

A man working on a production line at a Rheinmetall factory producing artillery shells

A man working on a production line at a Rheinmetall factory producing artillery shells

Will Germany's military spending bring economic growth?

The German arms industry is thriving thanks to huge investments. But will the country's wider economy benefit?

A Ukranian Flag

A Ukranian Flag

'One event' arms pause troubling for Ukraine

As Russia increases its Ukraine attacks, the US has halted a scheduled arms shipment to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's forces.

Metal tubes with Iranian flags on them

Metal tubes with Iranian flags on them

Why is Iran doubling down on its nuclear program?

Iran's nuclear program was always a show of strength. Now, it has also come to symbolize the regime's resilience.

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi attends an extraordinary IAEAs Board of Governors meeting at the agency's headquarters in Vienna

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi attends an extraordinary IAEAs Board of Governors meeting at the agency's headquarters in Vienna

Iran halts cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog

The official suspension will further limit the agency's ability to monitor Iran's nuclear activities.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (L) and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (R) look at one another during their joint press conference

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (L) and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (R) look at one another during their joint press conference

Germany, Ukraine to boost defense cooperation

Germany's foreign minister says his country is ready to help Kyiv increase arms production.

Reem Alabali-Radovan 18.06.2025

Reem Alabali-Radovan 18.06.2025

Germany slashes development aid to boost defense spending

Aid organizations warn of the consequences for millions of people in a world beset by wars and crises.

Armored infantryman of the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, demonstrate their skills during a three-day Bundeswehr exercise on September 28, 2018 near Munster, Germany

Armored infantryman of the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, demonstrate their skills during a three-day Bundeswehr exercise on September 28, 2018 near Munster, Germany

Renewed militarization sparks rift in Germany's SPD

A pacifist faction's manifesto urging a return to detente with Russia risks deepening the party's internal row.

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

What Trump's power over Europe really means

In a historic week for Europe, the NATO alliance agreed to a major defense spending boost - raising the goal to 5% of GDP. Meanwhile, Secretary General Rutte called Trump ‘Daddy.’ In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW’s team breaks down NATO’s summit in The Hague, explores Trump’s influence over Europe, and examines how European leaders’ attitudes shifted during his first and second terms.

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

What Trump’s power over Europe really means

In a historic week for Europe, the NATO alliance agreed to a major defense spending boost - raising the goal to 5% of GDP. Meanwhile, Secretary General Rutte called Trump ‘Daddy.’ In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW’s team breaks down NATO’s summit in The Hague, explores Trump’s influence over Europe, and examines how European leaders’ attitudes shifted during his first and second terms.

Two men and a woman sit at a table in a TV studio, with a third man appearing on a screen in the background

Two men and a woman sit at a table in a TV studio, with a third man appearing on a screen in the background

NATO is rearming. What will its future look like?

Can NATO’s increased spending restrain Putin while keeping Trump onboard?

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni surrounded by members of the press

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni surrounded by members of the press

EU Council summit dominated by trade issues, armed conflicts

In Brussels, EU leaders have gathered for talks on Ukraine, Israel and the EU's tariff dispute with the US.

NATO Summit group picture, with Donald Trump and Mark Rutte standing in front

NATO Summit group picture, with Donald Trump and Mark Rutte standing in front

NATO leaders agree to raise defense spending

US President Donald Trump has described the pledge to increase spending to 5% of GDP as "a monumental win."

Niederlande 2025 | NATO-Gipfel in Den Haag | Donald Trump

Niederlande 2025 | NATO-Gipfel in Den Haag | Donald Trump

Polish FM at NATO Panel: 'Trump was right'

Sarah Kelly speaks with European leaders about NATO’s 5% defense spending goal on the sidelines of the NATO summit.

A view of the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant as the first fuel is loaded, on August 21, 2010 in Bushehr, southern Iran. An Iranian flag flies nearby

A view of the reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant as the first fuel is loaded, on August 21, 2010 in Bushehr, southern Iran. An Iranian flag flies nearby

Mideast nuclear pursuits shrouded in decades of ambiguity

Iran is the latest in the region to see the bomb as key to regime survival. A brief look, as tensions remain volatile.