Defense and military spending ++++ © 2026 Deutsche Welle

Defense and military spending Defense policies are changing rapidly, and military spending is surging worldwide amid growing conflicts and tensions. Germany launches €35 billion military space program Ha Thanh Le Nguyen 15 minutes ago15 minutes ago Germany is redefining its role in space. It plans to invest €35 billion over the next few years to secure its satellites and reduce dependence on non‑European providers. A new satellite network is central to the plan. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-launches-35-billion-military-space-program/video-76812941 © 2026 Deutsche Welle Portugal's arms industry is taking off Jochen Faget 4 hours ago4 hours ago Portugal has built up a surprisingly large, independent arms industry over the past five years. But whether it can be truly autonomous with the US as a major ally remains to be seen. https://www.dw.com/en/portugals-arms-industry-is-taking-off/a-76946304 © 2026 Deutsche Welle SIPRI: Record arms spending, again Peter Hille 15 hours ago15 hours ago Global military spending hit a record high in 2025. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, warns the trend is likely to continue — and carries additional risks. https://www.dw.com/en/sipri-record-arms-spending-again/a-76901397 © 2026 Deutsche Welle Germany news: Rise in young people refusing military service Timothy Jones | Richard Connor with AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters, SID, KNA, epd Published 5 hours agoPublished 5 hours agolast updated 22 minutes agolast updated 22 minutes ago Amid talk of a possible return of compulsory military service, more young Germans are applying for conscientious objector status. Meanwhile, Germany has become the world's fourth-largest military spender. DW has more. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-news-rise-in-young-people-refusing-military-service/live-76948211 © 2026 Deutsche Welle