Canada has become the first observer nation in the UK-, Italy-, and Japan-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), gaining access to discussions on the sixth-generation fighter jet's development. This move aligns with Canada's strategy to diversify defence partnerships beyond the US, with potential for future full partnership.
한화에어로스페이스가 나토 정상회의를 계기로 유럽 방산 생산 기반 강화와 공급망 회복력 제고, 산업 협력 확대 방안을 논의했다. 폴란드, 루마니아 등에서 공동 생산 체계를 구축하고 있으며, 한국-나토 방산협력 파트너십 2.0을 제안했다.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned, drawing praise from EU leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron for his role in strengthening European and Ukrainian security. His departure, which led to the postponement of an EU-UK summit, raises questions about the future of UK-EU relations and continued support for Ukraine, with potential successor Andy Burnham expected to largely maintain Starmer's pro-European stance.
The US struck an empty oil tanker heading to an Iranian port with a missile, disabling 6 commercial vessels and diverting 122 since imposing a naval blockade on Iran on April 13. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks caused casualties in Russia's Smolensk and Leningrad regions, killing two emergency workers.
South Korea's government held an interagency meeting Tuesday to assess defense industry partnerships in North America, as a Korean consortium of two defense firms bids for a Canadian patrol submarine deal worth around 60 trillion won (US$40.7 billion). Deputy Defense Minister Won Chong-dae called the Canadian submarine project a critical opportunity to advance South Korea's defense export strategy.
