Latest news with #AirbusDefenseandSpace
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Partially Submerged North Korean Frigate Appears Upright Again In Satellite Image
North Korea looks to be making progress in recovering the second in its Choi Hyun class of frigates, which rolled over and was partially submerged after an incident at its launch ceremony last month. Recent imagery of the warship indicates that it has now returned to an upright position, although the target of restoring the frigate before the end of this month remains highly dubious. 38 North, a website devoted to the analysis of North Korea, today published satellite imagery from Airbus Defense and Space, of the scene at Chongjin Shipyard on June 2, as seen in the social media post below. This appears to show the warship upright for the first time since the failed launch on May 21. Though there is light cloud cover overhead, the flight deck — specifically the markings for the helipad — looks to be visible at the stern, and the ship's overall profile has changed. This is quite incredible speed. The image is partially obscured by cloud, but the capsized North Korean warship is now upright again. What makes it even more impressive is they apparently did it all manually. : Airbus Space and Defence/38 North, June — Martyn Williams (@ 2025-06-03T18:28:44.771Z The vessel, which has an estimated displacement of 5,000 tons, is the second of its class, following the Choi Hyon, which was officially unveiled in April. You can read all about the heavily armed class of frigates in our previous detailed analysis and follow-up report. 38 North notes that workers can be seen pulling ropes from the quay, in an attempt to manually right the warship, in a separate satellite image from Airbus Defense and Space taken on May 29. At least 30 buoys and/or airbags can be seen alongside the vessel, presumably to help stabilize it. Some reports have suggested these were barrage balloons, although that doesn't appear to make any sense in this case. At this stage, it's not possible to determine the level of damage that the frigate sustained during its abortive launch. 38 North suggests that the launch mechanism may have become stuck in the ship's bow, pinning it onto the land while the stern slipped into the water, after which the boat overturned. In the May 29 imagery, there appears to be damage around the bow section. If the ship has been successfully righted, what the next steps might be in the repair process are unclear. There is not a dry dock that the vessel could be moved into readily at Chongjin if that level of work is required. At the same time, taking it to another yard could be a challenge, especially if there is serious damage to the hull. Seeking outside help, including from Russia or China, could be an option. A floating dry dock could be especially useful in this instance. North Korea's latest naval destroyer has been significantly damaged prior to its launch. In a rare acknowledgment, North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported yesterday an incident occurred with a new destroyer in Chongjin, which was close to being launched. — Open Source Centre (@osc_london) May 22, 2025 I made a .gif showing the DPRK frigate in position to launch and then, er, "toes up" in the water. — Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) May 22, 2025 North Korean state media has previously claimed that there is no serious damage to the warship, which is at best highly questionable if not impossible. 'Detailed underwater and internal inspection of the warship confirmed that, unlike the initial announcement, there were no holes made at the warship's bottom, the hull starboard was scratched, and a certain amount of seawater flowed into the stern section through the rescue channel,' per a report from KCNA on May 23. 'The extent of damage to the warship is not serious, and the result of the flooding process immediately after the accident is only information necessary to take practical rehabilitation measures. The above-said data have no connection with the cause of the accident and the identification of its responsibility.' At the very least, the North Korean shipyard appears to have made significant progress on the initial recovery of the ship, more or less in line with official estimates. 'Experts estimated that it will take two or three days to keep the balance of the warship by pumping up the seawater from the flooded chamber and making the bow leave the slipway, and 10-odd days to restore the warship's side,' KCNA also said in its May 23 report. On that same day, TWZ obtained satellite imagery showing the stricken vessel still covered with blue tarps, but now with two steel cables connecting it to a shipyard dock, as the recovery effort began to take shape. Bearing in mind the embarrassing and highly public nature of the incident, and the fact that the launch ceremony was attended by dictator Kim Jong Un, there is very much an imperative to get the warship repaired, at least outwardly, as soon as possible. Kim called the incident 'a criminal act' and promised that the officials found responsible would be 'dealt with at the plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee' this month. This is a high-level meeting of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party. At least three shipyard officials have been detained as part of a subsequent investigation. The head of the Chongjin Shipyard, Hong Kil Ho, was initially summoned by state law enforcement officials, but does not appear to have been detained. A senior North Korean Communist Party official, Ri Hyong Son, was also summoned. Looks like Ri Hyong Son, a senior party official, is also taking the fall. — Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) May 25, 2025 Earlier this month, Kim also called for the frigate to be restored before this same meeting, something that was met with widespread skepticism outside of North Korea. While returning the frigate to an upright position would be an achievement, there will very likely be a lot more less obvious but critical work ahead. How it sits now upright, with one part in the water and the other on shore, is also a precarious situation in itself. The degree to which the incident and its aftermath have been played out in view of the public is certainly noteworthy. Unusually, Pyongyang announced details of the incident soon after it happened, including comments from Kim, in an apparent effort to control the narrative. Coupled with the availability of satellite imagery, this now means that there will be an even greater focus on the recovery efforts, especially given Kim's fantastical timeline for its restoration. Contact the author: thomas@
28-04-2025
- Business
Trump's threats gave Europe the political will to spend more on defense. But challenges are ahead
MADRID -- Inside a sprawling hangar in Spain, workers bolt together a fuselage for European aerospace giant Airbus, which churns out jets and other military equipment. The multinational conglomerate is a rarity in Europe's defense industry, backed by Spain, Germany, France and Britain. The norm for defense industries on the continent is big-name national champions and hundreds of small companies mostly working to fill orders for state governments. That piecemeal paradigm could hinder Europe's plan for spending more on defense, which has been given a jolt — and previously unimaginable political backing — following U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to not protect NATO allies in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For years, Trump has accused NATO allies of spending too little on their own defense. In recent months, the chasm in trans-Atlantic ties has grown. The Trump administration has signaled that U.S. priorities lie beyond Europe and Ukraine and that the time has come 'for Europe to stand on its own feet.' The shortfall in defense spending is most evident is Spain. Last year, it trailed all NATO allies in defense spending as a share of GDP, forcing the country to play catch-up this year to reach the alliance's 2% spending goal. NATO leaders are expected to again increase that goal this summer. Europe-wide, industry leaders and experts have pointed out challenges the continent must overcome to be a truly self-sufficient military power, chiefly its decades-long reliance on the U.S. as well as its fragmented defense industry. 'Europe procures a majority of its defense material outside of Europe, and that's really something we have to depart from,' said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defense and Space at the aircraft maker's factory outside Madrid. 'The journey until we get full autonomy is a long journey, but it has to be started.' The pro-defense shift in Europe can be seen in the stock markets, where major European arms makers such as BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), Rheinmetall (Germany), Thales (France) and Saab (Sweden) have all been on the rise despite recent turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs. European companies are poised to benefit from a push by European Union policy makers to ensure that as many euros as possible end up in European companies, as opposed to flowing across the Atlantic. The challenge is daunting, but not as scary as having to face a potential military threat without American help. One question is: How quickly can production scale up? An EU white paper published last month bluntly stated that Europe's defense industry is not able to produce defense systems and equipment sufficient for what member states need. It noted where much of the bloc's spending has taken place: the U.S. Europe has relied on the U.S. not just for military equipment but also intelligence, surveillance and even software updates. Supply chain complexities mean that European-made equipment often use software or other components built and even operated by U.S. companies. Airbus' A330 MRTT air-to-air refueling plane, made outside Madrid, is an example of specialized equipment called enablers that Europe largely lacks. Another example is Sweden's Gripen fighter made by Saab, which has an engine made by American firm General Electric, noted Lorenzo Scarazzato, a researcher at the Stockholm Peace Research Institute who studies Europe's arms industry. According to a recent SIPRI report, more than half of Europe's arms imports from 2020 to 2024 came from the U.S. Changing this paradigm will take years of sustained investment, Scarazzato said, and common vision across the bloc. 'It's going to be a massive overhaul of the whole command and control structure." A fragmented defense industry in Europe reduces the interoperability of equipment, experts say, and makes it harder to build economies of scale. For example, there are at least 12 types of tanks produced across the 27-nation EU, compared to just one used by the U.S. military, according to the European Defense Agency. But there have been some recent positive developments in the private sector, the International Institute for Strategic Studies noted in its 2025 Military Balance report. Leonardo and Rheinmetall started a joint venture last year for combat vehicles. Europe's capitals have historically looked to spend on their own local industries — not neighboring ones — to ensure jobs and feed national pride ingrained in manufacturing military hardware, said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at IISS. 'The fundamental economic heft is there. Partly it's a question of political will, partly the question of national pride and national identities," Barrie said. "While politicians can kind of advocate for consolidation, it has to be driven by individuals within industry, and it will be the industrialists who will see a logic in this.' The urge for European governments to favor local manufacturers — instead of shopping among other European companies for better value — was evident this month when Spain announced that it will raise defense spending by an additional 10.5 billion euros ($12 billion) this year. The government said 87% of that money would go to Spanish companies in the hopes of generating nearly 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and boosting Spain's GDP by 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points. 'Every time there is a political interest in consolidation, that's what you bump into,' Barrie said. The European Commission is offering 150 billion euros ($170 billion) for member states and Ukraine to buy air defense systems, drones and strategic enablers like air transport, as well as to boost cybersecurity. It's part of a package of measures that include easing budgetary rules for defense spending and reshuffling EU funds to reflect security priorities. Under the proposals, member states will be invited to buy at least 40% of defense equipment 'by working together' and trade at least 35% of defense goods between EU countries, as opposed to outside ones, by 2030. Airbus' Dumont said his message for Europe's leaders was clear. 'Europe has to fund its European industry to prepare the defense of tomorrow, for the day after tomorrow and for the years to come. And that's what we see happening now.'
Arab News
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Trump's NATO warnings jolt Europe into rethinking defense
MADRID: Inside a sprawling hangar in Spain, workers bolt together a fuselage for European aerospace giant Airbus, which churns out jets and other military equipment. The multinational conglomerate is a rarity in Europe's defense industry, backed by Spain, Germany, France and Britain. The norm for defense industries on the continent is big-name national champions and hundreds of small companies mostly working to fill orders for state governments. That piecemeal paradigm could hinder Europe's plan for spending more on defense, which has been given a jolt — and previously unimaginable political backing — following US President Donald Trump's threats to not protect NATO allies in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For years, Trump has accused NATO allies of spending too little on their own defense. In recent months, the chasm in trans-Atlantic ties has grown. The Trump administration has signaled that US priorities lie beyond Europe and Ukraine and that the time has come 'for Europe to stand on its own feet.' The shortfall in defense spending is most evident is Spain. Last year, it trailed all NATO allies in defense spending as a share of GDP, forcing the country to play catch-up this year to reach the alliance's 2 percent spending goal. NATO leaders are expected to again increase that goal this summer. Europe-wide, industry leaders and experts have pointed out challenges the continent must overcome to be a truly self-sufficient military power, chiefly its decades-long reliance on the US as well as its fragmented defense industry. 'Europe procures a majority of its defense material outside of Europe, and that's really something we have to depart from,' said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defense and Space at the aircraft maker's factory outside Madrid. 'The journey until we get full autonomy is a long journey, but it has to be started.' Moving out of Washington's shadow The pro-defense shift in Europe can be seen in the stock markets, where major European arms makers such as BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), Rheinmetall (Germany), Thales (France) and Saab (Sweden) have all been on the rise despite recent turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs. European companies are poised to benefit from a push by European Union policy makers to ensure that as many euros as possible end up in European companies, as opposed to flowing across the Atlantic. The challenge is daunting, but not as scary as having to face a potential military threat without American help. One question is: How quickly can production scale up? An EU white paper published last month bluntly stated that Europe's defense industry is not able to produce defense systems and equipment sufficient for what member states need. It noted where much of the bloc's spending has taken place: the US Europe has relied on the US not just for military equipment but also intelligence, surveillance and even software updates. Supply chain complexities mean that European-made equipment often use software or other components built and even operated by US companies. Airbus' A330 MRTT air-to-air refueling plane, made outside Madrid, is an example of specialized equipment called enablers that Europe largely lacks. Another example is Sweden's Gripen fighter made by Saab, which has an engine made by American firm General Electric, noted Lorenzo Scarazzato, a researcher at the Stockholm Peace Research Institute who studies Europe's arms industry. According to a recent SIPRI report, more than half of Europe's arms imports from 2020 to 2024 came from the US Changing this paradigm will take years of sustained investment, Scarazzato said, and common vision across the bloc. 'It's going to be a massive overhaul of the whole command and control structure.' A fragmented industry A fragmented defense industry in Europe reduces the interoperability of equipment, experts say, and makes it harder to build economies of scale. For example, there are at least 12 types of tanks produced across the 27-nation EU, compared to just one used by the US military, according to the European Defense Agency. But there have been some recent positive developments in the private sector, the International Institute for Strategic Studies noted in its 2025 Military Balance report. Leonardo and Rheinmetall started a joint venture last year for combat vehicles. Europe's capitals have historically looked to spend on their own local industries — not neighboring ones — to ensure jobs and feed national pride ingrained in manufacturing military hardware, said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at IISS. 'The fundamental economic heft is there. Partly it's a question of political will, partly the question of national pride and national identities,' Barrie said. 'While politicians can kind of advocate for consolidation, it has to be driven by individuals within industry, and it will be the industrialists who will see a logic in this.' The urge for European governments to favor local manufacturers — instead of shopping among other European companies for better value — was evident this month when Spain announced that it will raise defense spending by an additional 10.5 billion euros ($12 billion) this year. The government said 87 percent of that money would go to Spanish companies in the hopes of generating nearly 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and boosting Spain's GDP by 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points. 'Every time there is a political interest in consolidation, that's what you bump into,' Barrie said. Hope for the future? The European Commission is offering 150 billion euros ($170 billion) for member states and Ukraine to buy air defense systems, drones and strategic enablers like air transport, as well as to boost cybersecurity. It's part of a package of measures that include easing budgetary rules for defense spending and reshuffling EU funds to reflect security priorities. Under the proposals, member states will be invited to buy at least 40 percent of defense equipment 'by working together' and trade at least 35 percent of defense goods between EU countries, as opposed to outside ones, by 2030. Airbus' Dumont said his message for Europe's leaders was clear. 'Europe has to fund its European industry to prepare the defense of tomorrow, for the day after tomorrow and for the years to come. And that's what we see happening now.'
The Independent
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Trump's threats gave Europe the political will to spend more on defense. But challenges are ahead
Inside a sprawling hangar in Spain, workers bolt together a fuselage for European aerospace giant Airbus, which churns out jets and other military equipment. The multinational conglomerate is a rarity in Europe's defense industry, backed by Spain, Germany, France and Britain. The norm for defense industries on the continent is big-name national champions and hundreds of small companies mostly working to fill orders for state governments. That piecemeal paradigm could hinder Europe's plan for spending more on defense, which has been given a jolt — and previously unimaginable political backing — following U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to not protect NATO allies in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For years, Trump has accused NATO allies of spending too little on their own defense. In recent months, the chasm in trans-Atlantic ties has grown. The Trump administration has signaled that U.S. priorities lie beyond Europe and Ukraine and that the time has come 'for Europe to stand on its own feet.' The shortfall in defense spending is most evident is Spain. Last year, it trailed all NATO allies in defense spending as a share of GDP, forcing the country to play catch-up this year to reach the alliance's 2% spending goal. NATO leaders are expected to again increase that goal this summer. Europe-wide, industry leaders and experts have pointed out challenges the continent must overcome to be a truly self-sufficient military power, chiefly its decades-long reliance on the U.S. as well as its fragmented defense industry. 'Europe procures a majority of its defense material outside of Europe, and that's really something we have to depart from,' said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defense and Space at the aircraft maker's factory outside Madrid. 'The journey until we get full autonomy is a long journey, but it has to be started.' Moving out of Washington's shadow The pro-defense shift in Europe can be seen in the stock markets, where major European arms makers such as BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), Rheinmetall (Germany), Thales (France) and Saab (Sweden) have all been on the rise despite recent turmoil caused by Trump's tariffs. European companies are poised to benefit from a push by European Union policy makers to ensure that as many euros as possible end up in European companies, as opposed to flowing across the Atlantic. The challenge is daunting, but not as scary as having to face a potential military threat without American help. One question is: How quickly can production scale up? An EU white paper published last month bluntly stated that Europe's defense industry is not able to produce defense systems and equipment sufficient for what member states need. It noted where much of the bloc's spending has taken place: the U.S. Europe has relied on the U.S. not just for military equipment but also intelligence, surveillance and even software updates. Supply chain complexities mean that European-made equipment often use software or other components built and even operated by U.S. companies. Airbus' A330 MRTT air-to-air refueling plane, made outside Madrid, is an example of specialized equipment called enablers that Europe largely lacks. Another example is Sweden's Gripen fighter made by Saab, which has an engine made by American firm General Electric, noted Lorenzo Scarazzato, a researcher at the Stockholm Peace Research Institute who studies Europe's arms industry. According to a recent SIPRI report, more than half of Europe's arms imports from 2020 to 2024 came from the U.S. Changing this paradigm will take years of sustained investment, Scarazzato said, and common vision across the bloc. 'It's going to be a massive overhaul of the whole command and control structure." A fragmented industry A fragmented defense industry in Europe reduces the interoperability of equipment, experts say, and makes it harder to build economies of scale. For example, there are at least 12 types of tanks produced across the 27-nation EU, compared to just one used by the U.S. military, according to the European Defense Agency. But there have been some recent positive developments in the private sector, the International Institute for Strategic Studies noted in its 2025 Military Balance report. Leonardo and Rheinmetall started a joint venture last year for combat vehicles. Europe's capitals have historically looked to spend on their own local industries — not neighboring ones — to ensure jobs and feed national pride ingrained in manufacturing military hardware, said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at IISS. 'The fundamental economic heft is there. Partly it's a question of political will, partly the question of national pride and national identities," Barrie said. "While politicians can kind of advocate for consolidation, it has to be driven by individuals within industry, and it will be the industrialists who will see a logic in this.' The urge for European governments to favor local manufacturers — instead of shopping among other European companies for better value — was evident this month when Spain announced that it will raise defense spending by an additional 10.5 billion euros ($12 billion) this year. The government said 87% of that money would go to Spanish companies in the hopes of generating nearly 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and boosting Spain's GDP by 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points. 'Every time there is a political interest in consolidation, that's what you bump into,' Barrie said. Hope for the future? The European Commission is offering 150 billion euros ($170 billion) for member states and Ukraine to buy air defense systems, drones and strategic enablers like air transport, as well as to boost cybersecurity. It's part of a package of measures that include easing budgetary rules for defense spending and reshuffling EU funds to reflect security priorities. Under the proposals, member states will be invited to buy at least 40% of defense equipment 'by working together' and trade at least 35% of defense goods between EU countries, as opposed to outside ones, by 2030. Airbus' Dumont said his message for Europe's leaders was clear. 'Europe has to fund its European industry to prepare the defense of tomorrow, for the day after tomorrow and for the years to come. And that's what we see happening now.' ___ Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain. AP photojournalist Bernat Armangué contributed to this report.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zelensky to visit South Africa on April 10 for talks with President Ramaphosa
President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit South Africa on April 10 to meet with the country's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, and discuss efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on March 7. "The visit is a continuation of ongoing engagements held by President Ramaphosa with President Putin and President Zelensky on an inclusive peace process that will provide a path to peace between Russia and Ukraine," said Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya. South Africa, the continent's largest economy, has maintained a neutral stance in the war while deepening its economic and political ties with Moscow. The country is a member of the BRICS group alongside Russia and China and conducted joint naval drills with both nations while resisting Western calls to distance itself from the Kremlin. Ramaphosa previously led a peace initiative in 2023 alongside leaders from five other African nations, but the effort failed to yield concrete results. During a visit to Kyiv on June 16, 2023, he presented a 10-point peace plan as part of the African Peace Mission. Zelensky's rare upcoming visit is part of a diplomatic outreach to Africa as Kyiv seeks broader global support before upcoming peace negotiations. Read also: Germany should reduce reliance on US arms amid geopolitical shifts, Airbus Defense and Space CEO says We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
