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de44Germany Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Reports of Russian Troop Training in China
Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador on July 3, 2025, following media reports that Chinese military facilities secretly trained Russian soldiers in 2025, with approval from Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The training included radiological, biological, and chemical defense courses. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the training independently, and the EU is assessing implications, potentially considering additional measures against China. Berlin called the reports deeply disturbing and a threat to European security, reiterating concern over China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
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Germany Summons Chinese Ambassador Over Reports of Russian Troop Training in China
Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador on July 3, 2025, following media reports that Chinese military facilities secretly trained Russian soldiers in 2025, with approval from Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The training included radiological, biological, and chemical defense courses. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the training independently, and the EU is assessing implications, potentially considering additional measures against China. Berlin called the reports deeply disturbing and a threat to European security, reiterating concern over China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador on July 3, 2025, following media reports that Chinese military facilities secretly trained Russian soldiers in 2025, with approval from Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The training included radiological, biological, and chemical defense courses. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the training independently, and the EU is assessing implications, potentially considering additional measures against China. Berlin called the reports deeply disturbing and a threat to European security, reiterating concern over China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
de36Germany to require in-person doctor visits for sick leave starting 2027 amid record absenteeism
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a crackdown on sick leave, requiring workers to obtain a doctor's note in person on the first day of illness starting January 2027. This follows a report showing German workers took an average of 19.5 sick days per year in 2025, up from 13 in 2018. The measure is part of broader health and social security reforms aimed at boosting economic competitiveness.
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Germany to require in-person doctor visits for sick leave starting 2027 amid record absenteeism
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a crackdown on sick leave, requiring workers to obtain a doctor's note in person on the first day of illness starting January 2027. This follows a report showing German workers took an average of 19.5 sick days per year in 2025, up from 13 in 2018. The measure is part of broader health and social security reforms aimed at boosting economic competitiveness.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a crackdown on sick leave, requiring workers to obtain a doctor's note in person on the first day of illness starting January 2027. This follows a report showing German workers took an average of 19.5 sick days per year in 2025, up from 13 in 2018. The measure is part of broader health and social security reforms aimed at boosting economic competitiveness.
de33Germany launches sovereign combat cloud project and satellite constellation, casting doubt on SCAF's future
Background: Germany and France abandoned the joint FCAS fighter jet programme in June 2026 due to industrial disputes, though the combat cloud was to remain a European project. Today: Germany has launched a sovereign Combat Fighter System Nucleus (CFSN) project with a €580 million tender restricted to German companies (Helsing, MBDA Deutschland, Rohde & Schwarz, Hensoldt), effectively creating a national combat cloud independent of the SCAF framework. Berlin also plans its own military satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, separate from the EU's IRIS² project. Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier expressed skepticism about the SCAF combat cloud's viability, questioning how it can survive Germany's independent initiatives.
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Germany launches sovereign combat cloud project and satellite constellation, casting doubt on SCAF's future
Background: Germany and France abandoned the joint FCAS fighter jet programme in June 2026 due to industrial disputes, though the combat cloud was to remain a European project. Today: Germany has launched a sovereign Combat Fighter System Nucleus (CFSN) project with a €580 million tender restricted to German companies (Helsing, MBDA Deutschland, Rohde & Schwarz, Hensoldt), effectively creating a national combat cloud independent of the SCAF framework. Berlin also plans its own military satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, separate from the EU's IRIS² project. Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier expressed skepticism about the SCAF combat cloud's viability, questioning how it can survive Germany's independent initiatives.
Background: Germany and France abandoned the joint FCAS fighter jet programme in June 2026 due to industrial disputes, though the combat cloud was to remain a European project. Today: Germany has launched a sovereign Combat Fighter System Nucleus (CFSN) project with a €580 million tender restricted to German companies (Helsing, MBDA Deutschland, Rohde & Schwarz, Hensoldt), effectively creating a national combat cloud independent of the SCAF framework. Berlin also plans its own military satellite constellation in low Earth orbit, separate from the EU's IRIS² project. Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier expressed skepticism about the SCAF combat cloud's viability, questioning how it can survive Germany's independent initiatives.
de23German-made AI drones from Helsing deployed on Ukraine front line near Pokrovsk
German defense startup Helsing is supplying HX-2 combat drones equipped with artificial intelligence to Ukrainian forces, funded by the German government. DW joined a Ukrainian drone crew near Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, where the drones are used to target Russian logistics routes. While early reports cited technical issues and low hit rates, Ukrainian operators report that the HX-2 offers advantages in speed and maneuverability over Russian Lancet drones, though it remains vulnerable to electronic warfare. The manufacturer is adapting the drones to front-line conditions.
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German-made AI drones from Helsing deployed on Ukraine front line near Pokrovsk
German defense startup Helsing is supplying HX-2 combat drones equipped with artificial intelligence to Ukrainian forces, funded by the German government. DW joined a Ukrainian drone crew near Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, where the drones are used to target Russian logistics routes. While early reports cited technical issues and low hit rates, Ukrainian operators report that the HX-2 offers advantages in speed and maneuverability over Russian Lancet drones, though it remains vulnerable to electronic warfare. The manufacturer is adapting the drones to front-line conditions.
German defense startup Helsing is supplying HX-2 combat drones equipped with artificial intelligence to Ukrainian forces, funded by the German government. DW joined a Ukrainian drone crew near Pokrovsk in Donetsk region, where the drones are used to target Russian logistics routes. While early reports cited technical issues and low hit rates, Ukrainian operators report that the HX-2 offers advantages in speed and maneuverability over Russian Lancet drones, though it remains vulnerable to electronic warfare. The manufacturer is adapting the drones to front-line conditions.