EU intends to increase defense production

The European Union will aim to have half of its defense systems purchased within the bloc by 2035, reversing a trend where most military equipment is purchased from third countries, according to Bloomberg.

This goal is part of the European Defense Industrial Strategy developed by the EU executive, which also describes joint investments, measures to ensure the security of critical supplies and changes in the European Investment Bank's lending policy, according to a draft document seen by Bloomberg.

The European Commission is expected to present the strategy, which is still subject to change, in the coming weeks.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has exposed the limitations of EU industry and its dependence on other countries for key supplies and defense capabilities, leaving the bloc struggling to increase production capacity and spending after decades of underinvestment.

"The geopolitical developments point to a compelling need for Europe to take increased responsibility for its own security and to get ready to effectively address the full spectrum of the threats it faces," the draft says.

The proposals in the defense strategy include:

• A minimum floor for joint procurement of defense equipment and reversal of the trend toward purchasing military systems from non-EU suppliers, so that one-third to one-half of the value of the EU defense market is accounted for by intra-EU trade
• Mechanisms to ensure that critical supplies can be immediately ramped up in the event of a shortage or crisis and that critical dependence on third countries can be quickly identified
• Expanding the industry's access to EU funding and programs and creating new partnerships in defense and security
• Identifying flagship projects on which to focus efforts and resources.

Russia imported $1 billion in American and European chips in 2023 despite sanctions

Russia imported over $1 billion worth of high-tech American and European chips in 2023, despite sanctions, according to a Bloomberg report citing classified data from the Russian customs service.

The imported chips were from American manufacturers such as Intel Corp, Advanced Micro Devices, and Analog Devices Inc., as well as European companies like Infineon Technologies AG, STMicroelectronics NV, and NXP Semiconductors NV.

The documents did not indicate any violation of sanctions laws by the companies, nor did they specify who exported the chips to Russia, where they were shipped from, or when they were manufactured.

All companies contacted by Bloomberg stated they fully comply with sanctions requirements, have ceased operations in Russia, and have implemented processes and policies to ensure compliance with sanctions.

The majority of banned technologies enter Russia through re-export from third countries, particularly China, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. and EU are working to block these routes, focusing especially on a list of high-priority dual-use and advanced goods identified in Russian weaponry in Ukraine or crucial for its production.

Microsoft updated artificial intelligence Copilot

Microsoft has updated its artificial intelligence Copilot. Now, it can engage in conversations with users on personal topics, according to the Microsoft website.

Microsoft has announced the use of the Copilot GPT feature. It allows users to customize the behavior of Microsoft Copilot based on topics that are of particular interest to them.

According to a statement, multiple Copilot GPTs will be able to engage in conversations on topics such as fitness, travel, cooking, and much more.

Users of the extended version, Copilot Pro, will also have the ability to create their own algorithms using the Copilot GPT Builder.

The company has also revealed the launch of a mobile application with the same features as the desktop version.

NATO maritime exercises Dynamic Manta commence in Mediterranean Sea

In the Mediterranean Sea near the coast of Sicily, maritime exercises called Dynamic Manta, involving NATO countries, are set to commence this morning, February 26, according to NATO Maritime Command's Twitter.

Military personnel and ships from Turkey, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States will participate in the annual NATO maritime exercises. Seven submarines, several surface ships, and the aviation of NATO member countries are involved in the exercise.

According to the statement, the goal of the exercise will be to enhance the ability to perform naval tasks including sea control and sea denial, strengthening NATO's collective defense and crisis response capabilities.

It is noted that the Mediterranean Sea, with its complex underwater topography, provides an ideal backdrop for the exercises.

Dynamic Manta training also serves as a platform for testing and strengthening the Alliance's crisis response capabilities. Under the tactical leadership of Rear Admiral Pasquale Esposito, the training aims to demonstrate NATO's readiness to protect its members from any threat.