East Front News #98: France tests missiles; Russia rebuilds Mi-8 fleet

France tests missiles and AI

France has tested the MICA NG missile from a supersonic Rafale and is preparing to test Arcadia, its AI-powered battlefield command system, during NATO exercises in Poland. Both projects show Paris« effort to strengthen air combat capabilities and digital command systems.

The developments also reflect France’s wider push for strategic autonomy. Paris wants to reduce dependence on American systems while building military advantages in missiles, artificial intelligence, data management and battlefield decision-making.

Author: Aleksander Olech

Defence secretary quits over funding

British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, accusing the government and Treasury of failing to provide the resources needed for national defence. His resignation comes amid delays to the United Kingdom’s Defence Investment Plan.

The decision is a serious political blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government. Critics warn that delays in defence funding have weakened military modernisation, damaged allied confidence and reduced the UK’s ability to deter threats.

Author: Patryk Jagnieża

Russia rebuilds its Mi-8 fleet

Russia plans to increase production of Mi-8 helicopters, with 72 units expected in 2026–2027. The move is intended to rebuild transport and assault aviation capabilities after losses suffered during the war in Ukraine.

The plan shows Moscow’s preparation for a longer confrontation with Ukraine and NATO, especially on the eastern flank. However, Russia still faces industrial problems, including engine supplies, avionics, financing and coordination between defence companies.

Author: Aleksander Olech

China and North Korea are entering a "new phase of cooperation"

Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping met in Pyongyang during the Chinese leader’s first visit to North Korea’s capital in seven years. The two leaders agreed to deepen political and strategic cooperation between their countries.

The meeting underlined the importance of the 1961 China–North Korea defence treaty and included North Korea’s support for the „One China” policy. Details of the agreement remain limited, and it is unclear whether nuclear issues or relations with the United States were discussed.

Author: Michał Górski

NB8 supports Ukraine's NATO path

The Nordic-Baltic Eight summit in Tallinn confirmed strong regional support for Ukraine’s NATO and EU ambitions. Leaders from the Nordic and Baltic states presented Ukraine as a strategic partner already contributing to Euro-Atlantic security.

The summit also highlighted practical cooperation, including drone-related initiatives and support for Ukraine’s defence industry. The NB8 format is becoming an increasingly active regional force in shaping Europe’s policy towards Russia and Ukraine.

Author: Aleksander Olech

Romania chooses Airbus

Romania has ordered 12 Airbus multirole helicopters, including seven H160s and five H145s, under the European SAFE programme. The helicopters will support emergency management, civil protection, public order, rescue operations and medical evacuations.

The purchase strengthens Romania’s operational readiness and modernises its aviation capabilities. Airbus also emphasised its long-standing cooperation with Romania and the role of the new fleet in improving European rescue and security mechanisms.

Author: Patryk Jagnieża

Bulgaria steps back from helping Ukraine

Bulgaria’s new defence minister announced that Sofia does not plan further military aid packages for Ukraine. The decision signals a more cautious approach, even though Bulgaria remains a member of NATO and the European Union.

The shift is politically important because Bulgarian ammunition and Soviet-standard weapons have been useful for Ukraine. It remains unclear whether Sofia will fully stop support or simply move towards indirect, commercial and less visible forms of assistance.

Author: Aleksander Olech

NATO projects power near Russia's nuclear submarine bases

NATO is conducting Ramstein Flag 2026 exercises across Northern Europe, involving around 200 aircraft from 19 allied countries. The drills focus on integrated air and missile defence as well as breaching enemy defence systems.

The northern part of the exercise is taking place near Russia’s Kola Peninsula, where strategic nuclear submarine bases are located. The manoeuvres demonstrate NATO’s growing focus on the Nordic region after Finland and Sweden joined the alliance.

Author: Patryk Jagnieża

Polish crews to start training in Sweden this summer

Polish submarine crews will begin training in Sweden in August 2026 as part of the ORKA programme. The training will prepare them for future A26 submarines and support the planned lease of HMS Södermanland as an interim solution.

The leased Swedish submarine will help Poland maintain underwater capabilities until the new vessels arrive. The programme strengthens Polish-Swedish defence cooperation and supports Poland’s effort to rebuild its submarine force in the Baltic Sea.

Author: Karolina Kisiel

Thank You for Joining Space24 Day. See You at Cyber24 Day 2026

Thank you for joining us at Space24 Day in Warsaw. We are grateful to all speakers, partners and participants who helped create a space for meaningful discussion on the future of the Polish space sector, financing, innovation, security and defence. The conference once again showed how important it is to connect business, science, public institutions and the armed forces around strategic technologies.

We are already looking forward to our next major event — Cyber24 Day, which will take place on October 7–8, 2026 at PGE Narodowy in Warsaw. This year’s edition will focus on digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, military technologies, the digital economy, 5G and the future of data. We warmly invite you to join us again.

Space24 Day: Link

Cyber24 Day: Link