Europe • Page 11 of 1039 • The Defense Post

Oct- 2026 -

13 October

The troops conduct the drill movement in open order on parade with the colours, at the pass out parade in Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate. More than 400 marched onto the parade square to mark the successful completion of their Phase One training. The prestigious ceremony is the culmination of months of intensive training, nurturing and education that is tailored exclusively to junior soldiers. Their final exercise is an intense, seven-day battle camp encompassing all they have learnt during their time at AFC Harrogate. The 17 and 18-year-olds will now go on to complete their trade training before joining regiments across the UK. The College based at Uniacke Barracks in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, provides a unique combination of military basic training and vocational training. It has two intakes a year in March and September and runs two types of courses. A 49-week course (including eight weeks holiday) for those joining the infantry, Royal Armoured Corps/Household Cavalry, Royal Artillery and some Royal Logistic Corps roles. A 23-week course (including three weeks holiday) for those joining courses with longer Phase 2 training – these are Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, Adjutant General’s Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps, Army Air Corps and some Royal Logistic Corps roles. The military training syllabus teaches the Junior Soldiers the basics of soldiering, from how to look after their kit to how to safely handle and fire an assault rifle. They learn fieldcraft and take part in military exercises.

UK Opens Military Test Facilities to Smaller Firms Under Project Safari

The UK and QinetiQ have launched Project Safari to simplify access to military testing facilities for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

13 October

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte holds a press conference following the annual NATO Summit at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey on July 8, 2026.

Giulia Bernacchi

NATO’s Top General Explains How Alliance Would Counter Russian Attack

NATO’s top military commander has presented a three-stage approach to counter Russia in the event of an attack on allied territory.

13 October

Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy EU Kaja Kallas in Brussels, Belgium, on 16 December 2024.

Giulia Bernacchi

EU to Establish Mission to Support Lebanon’s Military and Security Forces

The Council of the European Union approved a three-year mission to advise and train Lebanon’s armed forces and internal security services.

13 October

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

2,000-Km Deep Strikes: Harmattan AI Presents New Shahed-Style Drone

Harmattan AI is entering the deep-strike arena with IRIFI, a new one-way attack drone designed to hit targets up to 2,000 kilometers away.

13 October

Artist's illustration of Shield AI's X-BAT drones being prepared for vertical launch.

Jodesz Gavilan

Shield AI, Greek Firm Plan X-BAT Hub for Europe

Shield AI and Greek infrastructure group GEK TERNA plan to develop a local industrial and maintenance hub for the X-BAT.

13 October

Jodesz Gavilan

Saab, GKN Expand Gripen Engine Work as Sweden Builds Expertise

Saab and GKN Aerospace will deepen their cooperation on the Gripen E/F fighter’s engine as Sweden works to strengthen its domestic aerospace capabilities.

12 October

Rojoef Manuel

Poland Assembling Europe’s Largest Tank Fleet to Deter Russia

Poland is anticipated to hold one of the strongest ground forces in Europe as it aims for a fleet of 1,600 tanks by 2032.

12 October

The first infantry fighting vehicle “Mednieks” adapted for Latvia has been handed over to the NAF On Wednesday, October 7, the National Armed Forces received the first infantry fighting vehicle “Mednieks” or “Hunter” adapted for Latvia. In total, the National Armed Forces will receive 84 such infantry fighting vehicles by 2029, thus significantly strengthening Latvia's defense capabilities and contributing to the fulfillment of NATO capability development goals. Photo: Gatis Dieziņš, Ministry of Defence

Rojoef Manuel

Latvia Receives First Hunter Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Latvia has taken delivery of its first locally assembled Hunter infantry fighting vehicle, kicking off an 84-system program slated for completion by 2029 to bolster NATO's eastern flank.

12 October