French Navy Conducts First-Ever Seizure of Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker

On 22 January 2026, a French Navy task group operating in the western Mediterranean intercepted and boarded the crude oil tanker Grinch, a Comoros-flagged vessel that had sailed from Murmansk and was suspected of belonging to Russia’s sanctions-evading “shadow fleet”. Conducted on the high seas between Spain and Morocco, the operation was ordered at the highest political level, with President Emmanuel Macron announcing that the ship was “subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag” and vowing that France “will not tolerate any violation”. Official communiqués from the French presidency and the armed forces, relayed by maritime authorities and international agencies, describe an action carried out in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and supported by allied intelligence. Beyond the diplomatic signal, the imagery released by the French Navy and by President Macron on X reveals the central role of naval aviation, in particular an NH90 NFH and an AS565 Panther, in turning political intent into a controlled, enforceable boarding at sea. Read Full Defense News At This Link.

French Navy helicopters played a central role in the high-seas boarding of the tanker Grinch in the western Mediterranean, an operation ordered by President Emmanuel Macron that translated sanctions policy into concrete maritime enforcement action (Picture Source: French Navy / Presidency of the French Republic/ U.S. Navy)

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U.S. Army Conducts Gunnery Exercise With Latest Air Defense System Sgt Stout.

U.S. Army officials confirmed that a live gunnery exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, is underway, featuring the latest-generation Sgt Stout short-range air defense system. The drills mark a significant step toward full operational integration as units across the force adapt to evolving threats from drones, rotary-wing aircraft, and low-flying munitions. It matters because Sgt. Stout enhances the Army’s ability to defend forward-deployed troops and critical infrastructure from modern aerial threats. Read full Defense News at this link ... A U.S. Army SGT Stout SHORAD air defense vehicle maneuvers into firing position during live-fire training with the 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas, on October 3, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War) Read More from World Defence News https://ift.tt/NYmsS1n via IFTTT

US approves $45 Million Hellfire missile sale for Denmark's MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

On January 8, 2026, the United States approved a possible $45 million Foreign Military Sale to Denmark for AGM-114R Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and related equipment, likely for use on MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters. The proposed sale includes missiles, launchers, training assets, and logistical support. No additional U.S. personnel are required for implementation, as the package maintains interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, with no impact on U.S. defense readiness. Read full defense news at this link... Within Denmark’s current force structure, the aircraft most likely to use the AGM-114R is the MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter operated by the Royal Danish Air Force. (Picture source: US Navy) Read more... from World Defence News https://ift.tt/dJe2WNz via IFTTT

Raytheon Australia Integrates Sidewinder Missile With NASAMS Launcher to Strengthen Air Defence

On June 30, 2025, Raytheon Australia integrated Sidewinder Missile on NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher strengthening ground-based air defence capabilities. In a significant demonstration at the Woomera Test Range, the Australian Army’s 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, successfully fired the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile from a Hawkei High-Mobility Launcher, marking a world-first for this missile-platform pairing. This milestone underlines the growing relevance of adaptable, layered air and missile defence systems for Australia’s national security. Read Full Defense News at this link. The successful integration of the Sidewinder missile onto the NASAMS High-Mobility Launcher represents a tangible leap in Australia’s ground-based air defence (Picture source: Australian Army) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/XxVBQHy via IFTTT

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