EU Powers Expand Drone Defense Network, Commit More U.S. Weapons for Ukraine Amid Rising Hybrid Threats

Germany, the U.K., France, Poland, Italy, and the EU unveil significant security steps in Berlin, including new counter-drone deployments, stepped-up U.S.-made weapons transfers, and plans for a European-wide drone defense system.

BERLIN | Europe’s five largest military spenders gathered in Berlin on Friday to unveil a sweeping package of new defense initiatives aimed at fortifying NATO’s northeastern flank and accelerating military support for Ukraine as Russia intensifies its hybrid warfare campaign across the continent.

Defense leaders from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, and the European Union announced new counter-drone deployments, expanded intelligence cooperation, and a substantial increase in U.S.-made weapons deliveries destined for Kyiv.

Germany Boosts Ukraine Aid With U.S.-Made Weapons

Germany used the Berlin gathering to confirm a new €150 million ($175 million) commitment in American-produced military systems through a special procurement track designed to provide Ukraine with highly specialized weapons that only the United States manufactures. This latest tranche comes in addition to fresh military support approved by the German Bundestag earlier in the week.

Looking ahead, Germany plans to direct €11.5 billion ($13.4 billion) toward Ukraine in 2026 — €3 billion more than the current year — solidifying Berlin’s role as one of Kyiv’s most prominent European backers.

Michigan Unveils First-Ever Women Veterans License Plate, Expanding National Recognition of Female Service Members

The “HER SERVICE OUR FREEDOM” plate debut positions Michigan as the 17th state to honor women veterans with an official designation as female veterans become the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. military.

Michigan Honors Women Veterans With New License Plate as Female Service Members Gain National Recognition

Just days before Veterans Day, Michigan took a major step to honor the growing community of female service members—unveiling a new Women Veterans License Plate during a ceremony on Nov. 10 in Dearborn. The move makes Michigan the 17th state to formally recognize women veterans through a dedicated state plate.

The unveiling at the Henry Ford Centennial Library drew state lawmakers, military families, community leaders, and dozens of female veterans from southeastern Michigan, giving the event the atmosphere of a milestone moment long overdue.

“It is only fitting that we honor them not just with words, but with meaningful gestures,” said State Sen. Sylvia Santana, who spearheaded the bipartisan Senate Bill 788 authorizing the new plate.

SBA Eliminates Massive VetCert Backlog, Fast-Tracks Veteran Contractors as Post-Shutdown Recovery Begins

Administrator Kelly Loeffler calls the overhaul a “mission reset,” slashing certification wait times from 80 days to 12 and unlocking millions in federal contracting opportunities for veteran-owned businesses.

A Game-Changer for Veteran Entrepreneurs: SBA Clears VetCert Backlog and Rebuilds Veteran Access to Federal Contracts

As the nation emerges from the turbulence of the recent government shutdown, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler says one group is already leading the country’s economic rebound: America’s veteran entrepreneurs.

In an interview with 'TELL IT LIKE IT IS' Defense News, Loeffler revealed that the SBA has eliminated a backlog of more than 2,700 Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) applications—a logjam that had stalled veteran contractors from competing for federal defense and infrastructure contracts. The processing timeline, once a slow-moving 80 days, has now been cut to just 12 days, a change she described as “long overdue and mission critical.”

Official portrait of Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the SBA 

“On day one, I said we’re going to restore this agency to its original purpose—promoting the interests of small businesses and expanding economic opportunity,” Loeffler said. “Veterans bring unmatched discipline, skill, and leadership. Prioritizing them was non-negotiable.”