18 countries apply for EU billions as Europe seeks to provide for its own security without the U.S. The European Commission announced that 18 countries have already applied to receive a portion of the 150 billion Euro fund, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE). The fund was launched to enable European states to purchase key defense equipment and capabilities in response to the Trump administration’s shift in strategic priorities.
France to raise military spending to $75 billion in 2027, three years earlier than planned. France announced that it plans to increase its defense spending to €64 billion by 2027, which is three years ahead of the originally planned deadline of 2030. President Emmanuel Macron said the 2026 defense budget will be supported by an additional €3.5 billion before the €64 billion budget takes place in 2027, and this increase will not raise the country’s debt. He also called on French defense industries to produce capabilities at faster and cheaper rates to meet national needs.
Australia pays U.S. another $525 million to bolster AUKUS industrial base. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed a $525 million USD payment to AUKUS partners, bringing Australia’s current AUKUS investment to over $1 billion USD. This funding is primarily focused on assisting the U.S. submarine industrial base’s production rate and follows a decision from the U.S. Department of Defense to review the AUKUS agreement for alignment with President Trump’s priorities.
HASC adds funds for Virginia-class subs, Ukraine in FY26 policy bill. The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, passed nearly unanimously out of the House Armed Services Committee, includes $100 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, $1 billion for Virgina-class submarine procurement, a report on cybersecurity requirements for the Golden Dome and a congressional briefing on F-35 procurement. The bill will now advance to the House floor for member debates during the week of Sept. 8.
South Korea puts brakes on follow-on Apache acquisition: Reports. South Korea has elected to explore alternatives, including unmanned systems, to its purchase of 36 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and reduced its budget for the program from $7.29 million to $216,000 USD.
Saudi SAMI, Turkish firms sign agreements for cooperation in defense industries. On July 24, the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a subsidiary of the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, signed teaming agreements with three leading Turkish defense companies, Nurol Makima, FNSS Defense and ASELSAN. The agreements are focused on technology transfers and local manufacturing of military vehicles and turret systems in Saudi Arabia.
