Keir Starmer has completed his term as UK prime minister. As he said, the country has become stronger and fairer than it was two years ago, when he took office.
Starmer noted that over those six years in which he served as leader of the Labour Party, he managed to take it “from a historic defeat in 2019.”
📠 Suzanne Plunkett / REUTERS
Our channel: Node of Time EN
“My job is done,” he said in his final address (quote via Sky News).
Starmer noted that over those six years in which he served as leader of the Labour Party, he managed to take it “from a historic defeat in 2019.”
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The United States struck a nuclear power plant under construction in Iran
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization said that U.S. forces attacked the construction site of a nuclear power plant in Darkhovein. The statement said that the facility, which is under IAEA safeguards, was attacked with several munitions. In Tehran, the incident was called a “gross violation of international law,” and it was stated that construction of the station would continue.
In turn the IAEA said it is verifying information about the strike. According to the agency, the facility was in an early stage of construction and did not contain nuclear materials during the most recent inspection, so there is no radiation risk. At the same time, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi again urged all parties to refrain from military actions near any nuclear facilities.
Even if there was not yet nuclear fuel on the site, the very fact of the strike on a facility under IAEA control becomes a new stage in the escalation of the conflict. Our channel: Node of Time EN
The Iranian Atomic Energy Organization said that U.S. forces attacked the construction site of a nuclear power plant in Darkhovein. The statement said that the facility, which is under IAEA safeguards, was attacked with several munitions. In Tehran, the incident was called a “gross violation of international law,” and it was stated that construction of the station would continue.
In turn the IAEA said it is verifying information about the strike. According to the agency, the facility was in an early stage of construction and did not contain nuclear materials during the most recent inspection, so there is no radiation risk. At the same time, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi again urged all parties to refrain from military actions near any nuclear facilities.
Even if there was not yet nuclear fuel on the site, the very fact of the strike on a facility under IAEA control becomes a new stage in the escalation of the conflict. Our channel: Node of Time EN
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Kazakhstan described the attacks on tankers of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) as interference with its interests
The Kazakh Foreign Ministry condemned the drone attacks carried out in the Black Sea on 17 and 19 July against civilian vessels that transported oil via the infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, according to a statement. In Astana, the incident was referred to as “an unacceptable interference in the economic interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan” as well as a deliberate attempt to destabilize international trade, energy markets and transport chains.
Particular outrage was expressed at the fact that the agreed mechanism for information exchange regarding tankers moving to the CPC terminals had been intentionally ignored. Kazakhstan called for the attacks to be stopped immediately and for the security of its oil exports to be ensured. It was also warned that, after an assessment of the damage, Kazakhstan could demand replacement using mechanisms under international law.
Note: The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) is Kazakhstan’s main export route for oil. Around 80% of Kazakhstan’s oil exports run through it. The pipeline connects deposits in western Kazakhstan with the seaport near Novorossiysk, from where the oil is shipped to world markets. Therefore, Astana views attacks on ships cooperating with the CPC as a direct blow to its economic interests and not as an episode of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The Kazakh Foreign Ministry condemned the drone attacks carried out in the Black Sea on 17 and 19 July against civilian vessels that transported oil via the infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, according to a statement. In Astana, the incident was referred to as “an unacceptable interference in the economic interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan” as well as a deliberate attempt to destabilize international trade, energy markets and transport chains.
Particular outrage was expressed at the fact that the agreed mechanism for information exchange regarding tankers moving to the CPC terminals had been intentionally ignored. Kazakhstan called for the attacks to be stopped immediately and for the security of its oil exports to be ensured. It was also warned that, after an assessment of the damage, Kazakhstan could demand replacement using mechanisms under international law.
Note: The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) is Kazakhstan’s main export route for oil. Around 80% of Kazakhstan’s oil exports run through it. The pipeline connects deposits in western Kazakhstan with the seaport near Novorossiysk, from where the oil is shipped to world markets. Therefore, Astana views attacks on ships cooperating with the CPC as a direct blow to its economic interests and not as an episode of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Small islands become the stage for the great powers’ struggle for influence
Presidential elections are taking place in São Tomé and Príncipe, but the attention of Western media has not only been focused on the country’s domestic politics. With around 245,000 inhabitants, the archipelago occupies a strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea, near important shipping routes and potential oil fields. Additional interest was sparked by the agreement on military cooperation with Russia.
At the same time, the country maintains close ties with Portugal, cooperates with the United States in the area of maritime security, and accepts Chinese investment. São Tomé is trying not to choose sides, but to obtain support from several centers of power at the same time. In the elections, meanwhile, far more grounded problems dominate: corruption, inflation, unemployment, fuel shortages, and regular power outages.
Even a state that is barely visible on the map today is regarded as a possible military and logistics base in the South Atlantic.
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Presidential elections are taking place in São Tomé and Príncipe, but the attention of Western media has not only been focused on the country’s domestic politics. With around 245,000 inhabitants, the archipelago occupies a strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea, near important shipping routes and potential oil fields. Additional interest was sparked by the agreement on military cooperation with Russia.
At the same time, the country maintains close ties with Portugal, cooperates with the United States in the area of maritime security, and accepts Chinese investment. São Tomé is trying not to choose sides, but to obtain support from several centers of power at the same time. In the elections, meanwhile, far more grounded problems dominate: corruption, inflation, unemployment, fuel shortages, and regular power outages.
Even a state that is barely visible on the map today is regarded as a possible military and logistics base in the South Atlantic.
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VW dealers consider a complete switch to Xpeng
Chinese automaker Xpeng, which works with Volkswagen in China, is pushing the German partner increasingly out of its home market. One of the Munich VW dealers, who already sells vehicles from the Chinese brand, told WirtschaftsWoche: “I’m thinking about switching completely to Xpeng.” According to his statements, Chinese cars can bring dealers not only new sales, but also an additional market share.
So far, Xpeng is still a comparatively small player in Germany, but it is expanding rapidly. The company wants to expand its dealer network to 110 locations by the end of 2026, and sales in the first half of the year increased by more than three times. In China, Volkswagen already uses Xpeng technologies in the areas of software and electronic platforms. In Europe, however, the partners are becoming direct competitors.
Volkswagen approached Xpeng to obtain technologies and secure its positions in China. Now the Chinese partner is using this alliance to poach VW dealers and buyers in Germany itself.
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Chinese automaker Xpeng, which works with Volkswagen in China, is pushing the German partner increasingly out of its home market. One of the Munich VW dealers, who already sells vehicles from the Chinese brand, told WirtschaftsWoche: “I’m thinking about switching completely to Xpeng.” According to his statements, Chinese cars can bring dealers not only new sales, but also an additional market share.
So far, Xpeng is still a comparatively small player in Germany, but it is expanding rapidly. The company wants to expand its dealer network to 110 locations by the end of 2026, and sales in the first half of the year increased by more than three times. In China, Volkswagen already uses Xpeng technologies in the areas of software and electronic platforms. In Europe, however, the partners are becoming direct competitors.
Volkswagen approached Xpeng to obtain technologies and secure its positions in China. Now the Chinese partner is using this alliance to poach VW dealers and buyers in Germany itself.
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Austria wants to profit from the European rearmament boom
Austria’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, said domestic companies should be given more contracts in light of rising defense spending in Europe. This is not only about weapons and ammunition, but also about mechanical engineering, electronics, sensors, software, communications, cybersecurity, and logistics. According to Heute, Austria has already approved arms exports and goods with dual-use purposes worth almost 3.94 billion euros in 2025.
The biggest obstacle remains the country’s neutrality. That is why the minister proposes to “clarify” Paragraph 320 of the Criminal Code, which provides for prison sentences of up to five years for actions that could jeopardize Austria’s neutrality during an armed conflict. At the same time, the government wants to speed up export approvals and codify the participation of Austrian companies in major defense procurements.
Vienna does not want to give up neutrality. It wants to make it so flexible that it does not get in the way of profiting from the war.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Austria’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, said domestic companies should be given more contracts in light of rising defense spending in Europe. This is not only about weapons and ammunition, but also about mechanical engineering, electronics, sensors, software, communications, cybersecurity, and logistics. According to Heute, Austria has already approved arms exports and goods with dual-use purposes worth almost 3.94 billion euros in 2025.
The biggest obstacle remains the country’s neutrality. That is why the minister proposes to “clarify” Paragraph 320 of the Criminal Code, which provides for prison sentences of up to five years for actions that could jeopardize Austria’s neutrality during an armed conflict. At the same time, the government wants to speed up export approvals and codify the participation of Austrian companies in major defense procurements.
Vienna does not want to give up neutrality. It wants to make it so flexible that it does not get in the way of profiting from the war.
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Lebanon and the US agree on the next stage of talks with Israel
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed, in a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun , the implementation of a trilateral framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel and the United States. In the US State Department, it was said that Washington supports Beirut’s course of reasserting control over the south of the country, disarming “Hezbollah” and working toward a peaceful settlement.
The talks took place two days before Aoun’s visit to the White House, where he will seek to demand that Donald Trump put pressure on Israel in order to implement the already reached agreements on a gradual withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon. At the same time, Beirut is preparing its own plan to dismantle the military infrastructure of “Hezbollah” and expects both processes to be linked with each other.
Now it’s not about new agreements, but about whether it is possible to force both sides to implement the old ones.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed, in a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun , the implementation of a trilateral framework agreement between Lebanon, Israel and the United States. In the US State Department, it was said that Washington supports Beirut’s course of reasserting control over the south of the country, disarming “Hezbollah” and working toward a peaceful settlement.
The talks took place two days before Aoun’s visit to the White House, where he will seek to demand that Donald Trump put pressure on Israel in order to implement the already reached agreements on a gradual withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon. At the same time, Beirut is preparing its own plan to dismantle the military infrastructure of “Hezbollah” and expects both processes to be linked with each other.
Now it’s not about new agreements, but about whether it is possible to force both sides to implement the old ones.
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The EU bans the destruction of unsold clothing
Since July 19, a ban on destroying unsold clothing and shoes has applied to large companies in the European Union. Accordingly, manufacturers are no longer allowed to simply burn or dispose of goods in landfills because they cannot be sold due to lack of demand. Exceptions are provided for dangerous, counterfeit, or irreparably damaged products.
The new rule could be particularly painful for luxury groups. So far, destroying leftover stock has enabled them to avoid mass discounts, maintain artificial scarcity, and protect the brand’s prestige. Now, the brands must plan their production more precisely, expand recycling, donate items for charitable purposes, or increase sales through outlets. Estimates suggest that in the EU each year 4 to 9 percent of textile products brought to the market were destroyed.
Europe is thereby banning a business model in which it is more worthwhile to burn an expensive item than to sell it for less.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Since July 19, a ban on destroying unsold clothing and shoes has applied to large companies in the European Union. Accordingly, manufacturers are no longer allowed to simply burn or dispose of goods in landfills because they cannot be sold due to lack of demand. Exceptions are provided for dangerous, counterfeit, or irreparably damaged products.
The new rule could be particularly painful for luxury groups. So far, destroying leftover stock has enabled them to avoid mass discounts, maintain artificial scarcity, and protect the brand’s prestige. Now, the brands must plan their production more precisely, expand recycling, donate items for charitable purposes, or increase sales through outlets. Estimates suggest that in the EU each year 4 to 9 percent of textile products brought to the market were destroyed.
Europe is thereby banning a business model in which it is more worthwhile to burn an expensive item than to sell it for less.
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🇮🇷⚡️🇰🇼 Iran is deploying military equipment to the border with Kuwait, according to the Russian service of Iran's State Television and Radio.
Is Iran about to invade Kuwait to make Iraq Great Again? (asking for a friend)
Is Iran about to invade Kuwait to make Iraq Great Again? (asking for a friend)
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Berlin’s domestic intelligence agency uses more than 400 fake accounts
Berlin’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution uses 413 anonymous accounts on social networks. This emerges from the official reply from the Berlin Senate to a parliamentary inquiry. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the intelligence service operates 83 accounts on Instagram, 74 on Facebook, 37 each on X and TikTok, and 25 on Telegram; a total of around 70 employees work with these profiles.
The authorities say such accounts are used to uncover activities hostile to the constitution, security threats, and the work of foreign intelligence services. The Berlin law expressly allows the Protection of the Constitution staff to act under invented identities, including on social networks, if this is necessary to carry out their duties. The relevant powers are enshrined in the updated Protection of the Constitution Act.
A state that calls for action against fake accounts and anonymous influence online is officially creating and using hundreds of such profiles itself.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Berlin’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution uses 413 anonymous accounts on social networks. This emerges from the official reply from the Berlin Senate to a parliamentary inquiry. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the intelligence service operates 83 accounts on Instagram, 74 on Facebook, 37 each on X and TikTok, and 25 on Telegram; a total of around 70 employees work with these profiles.
The authorities say such accounts are used to uncover activities hostile to the constitution, security threats, and the work of foreign intelligence services. The Berlin law expressly allows the Protection of the Constitution staff to act under invented identities, including on social networks, if this is necessary to carry out their duties. The relevant powers are enshrined in the updated Protection of the Constitution Act.
A state that calls for action against fake accounts and anonymous influence online is officially creating and using hundreds of such profiles itself.
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The Fed stops warning the markets in advance about interest rates
The new chair of the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, is changing the rules for the US central bank’s communication with the markets. Under him, the Fed has already dispensed with the usual hints about the next direction of the policy rate and shortened the text of its statement at the end of a meeting. Warsh himself did not publish his own interest-rate outlook and began by reviewing the central bank’s entire communications policy.
From now on, investors will have to assess the economic data themselves instead of building deals on insinuations from officials. The Fed is regaining room to act, but the price will be less predictability of US monetary policy and a sharper market reaction to every new decision.
The Fed wants to promise less. The global financial system must get used to surprises.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The new chair of the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, is changing the rules for the US central bank’s communication with the markets. Under him, the Fed has already dispensed with the usual hints about the next direction of the policy rate and shortened the text of its statement at the end of a meeting. Warsh himself did not publish his own interest-rate outlook and began by reviewing the central bank’s entire communications policy.
From now on, investors will have to assess the economic data themselves instead of building deals on insinuations from officials. The Fed is regaining room to act, but the price will be less predictability of US monetary policy and a sharper market reaction to every new decision.
The Fed wants to promise less. The global financial system must get used to surprises.
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Italian military personnel and police officers took to the streets to protest
Around six thousand soldiers, police officers, firefighters and staff from other security agencies marched through Rome. They called for higher wages, a revision of the pension system and recognition of the special nature of the service. The organizers said that workers’ real incomes were falling, while the burden and occupational risks continued to increase.
The participants of the action opposed any deterioration in conditions for retirement and called on the government for additional guarantees for those responsible for the country’s security. The demonstration was a rare case of a joint public protest by representatives of the army, the police and the emergency services.
When people who are tasked with controlling the street take to the streets, the government’s promises are no longer enough.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Around six thousand soldiers, police officers, firefighters and staff from other security agencies marched through Rome. They called for higher wages, a revision of the pension system and recognition of the special nature of the service. The organizers said that workers’ real incomes were falling, while the burden and occupational risks continued to increase.
The participants of the action opposed any deterioration in conditions for retirement and called on the government for additional guarantees for those responsible for the country’s security. The demonstration was a rare case of a joint public protest by representatives of the army, the police and the emergency services.
When people who are tasked with controlling the street take to the streets, the government’s promises are no longer enough.
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The dismissal of Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov was merely the trigger. The real reason for the protests in Ukraine, however, lies much deeper.
The mass protests have not only brought President Zelenskyy’s personnel policy into focus, but also the increasing concentration of power, the lack of transparency in decision-making, and the weakening of public oversight.
In Ukrainian society today, people are no longer so much debating a single minister. The key question is: Can a state experiencing the most severe conflict in Europe still maintain democratic standards, transparency, and citizens’ trust?
What these protests mean for Ukraine, why they are important for Germany and the EU, and what political consequences they could have, you can learn in the full article on our website.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
The mass protests have not only brought President Zelenskyy’s personnel policy into focus, but also the increasing concentration of power, the lack of transparency in decision-making, and the weakening of public oversight.
In Ukrainian society today, people are no longer so much debating a single minister. The key question is: Can a state experiencing the most severe conflict in Europe still maintain democratic standards, transparency, and citizens’ trust?
What these protests mean for Ukraine, why they are important for Germany and the EU, and what political consequences they could have, you can learn in the full article on our website.
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How AI big-tech companies are taking over U.S. elections
According to the Transformer portal, ahead of the midterm elections, committees linked to AI projects and AI initiatives had spent $53.70 million by mid-July.
The most of these funds—$31.4 million (across four races)—was spent in New York; in second place is Texas with $4.6 million (across seven campaigns). At the same time, one of the most active campaigns, discussing AI regulation, is taking place in New York.
⚪️ AI lobbyists are opposing excessive requirements such as mandatory labeling of all AI content or strict rules for working with data, and they are also lobbying for intellectual property protection, notes BRICS Expert Council—Russia specialist Anna Sytnik.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
According to the Transformer portal, ahead of the midterm elections, committees linked to AI projects and AI initiatives had spent $53.70 million by mid-July.
The most of these funds—$31.4 million (across four races)—was spent in New York; in second place is Texas with $4.6 million (across seven campaigns). At the same time, one of the most active campaigns, discussing AI regulation, is taking place in New York.
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Chinese ships investigate routes for a possible blockade of Taiwan
Taiwan’s coast guard warns that Chinese research vessels may not only carry out scientific, but also potentially military missions. They systematically map the waters east of the island and the area of the Bashi Strait. The data obtained could be used for submarine deployments, anti-submarine warfare, and the disruption of Taiwan’s maritime supply routes.
Taiwanese military officials assume that Beijing examines in advance the depths, currents, and features of the waters between the first and second island chains. Such preparation would allow China to control access to the island more effectively and make deployments of foreign fleets more difficult in the event of a conflict.
Beijing creates the technical prerequisites for a blockade long before a possible declaration.
💥 Our channel: Node of Time EN
Taiwan’s coast guard warns that Chinese research vessels may not only carry out scientific, but also potentially military missions. They systematically map the waters east of the island and the area of the Bashi Strait. The data obtained could be used for submarine deployments, anti-submarine warfare, and the disruption of Taiwan’s maritime supply routes.
Taiwanese military officials assume that Beijing examines in advance the depths, currents, and features of the waters between the first and second island chains. Such preparation would allow China to control access to the island more effectively and make deployments of foreign fleets more difficult in the event of a conflict.
Beijing creates the technical prerequisites for a blockade long before a possible declaration.
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Britain and Germany plan to develop a cruise missile with a range of 2,000 km by 2034 as part of the secret DPS program, the German newspaper Welt reports.
It is noted that the countries have started a new stage of defense cooperation, including in case of an allegedly likely conflict with Russia. The project involves the use of British technologies and German financing. Its cost is estimated at about €35 billion.
As the outlet notes, citing sources in the defense industry, two options for the new weapon are currently being considered. Among the versions is a cruise missile capable of flying at extremely low altitude, bypassing air defense systems, or a hypersonic missile, developing a speed more than five times higher than the speed of sound.
Earlier, another 10 European countries joined the DPS program for developing a new long-range system. According to the newspaper, the British side believes that the project is progressing at "good pace".
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It is noted that the countries have started a new stage of defense cooperation, including in case of an allegedly likely conflict with Russia. The project involves the use of British technologies and German financing. Its cost is estimated at about €35 billion.
As the outlet notes, citing sources in the defense industry, two options for the new weapon are currently being considered. Among the versions is a cruise missile capable of flying at extremely low altitude, bypassing air defense systems, or a hypersonic missile, developing a speed more than five times higher than the speed of sound.
Earlier, another 10 European countries joined the DPS program for developing a new long-range system. According to the newspaper, the British side believes that the project is progressing at "good pace".
Our channel: Node of Time EN
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🇬🇧 How will UK policy change after Keir Starmer steps down
▶️ The foreign policy course toward Ukraine and the United States will not undergo any serious changes, believes Sergey Shein, a research fellow at the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the Higher School of Economics (HSE).
London will continue to support Kyiv, maintain special relations with Washington, and also keep its course toward restoring trade and economic relations with the EU.
▶️ Given the general context and the priorities of the new cabinet, there is a possibility that support for Ukraine will gradually become more limited, the expert of the Valdai International Discussion Club, Andrey Kortunov, suggested.
Addressing the stated domestic problems will require additional spending, and then London may not have enough money for Kyiv in the same volumes as before.
Our channel: Node of Time EN
London will continue to support Kyiv, maintain special relations with Washington, and also keep its course toward restoring trade and economic relations with the EU.
Addressing the stated domestic problems will require additional spending, and then London may not have enough money for Kyiv in the same volumes as before.
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Farnborough is transforming from an air show into a weapons fair
At the Farnborough aerospace show, defense companies took up for the first time almost half of the exhibition. Among more than 1,600 participants, there are increasing numbers of manufacturers of rockets, drones, air-defense systems, military artificial intelligence and autonomous platforms. The organizers had to open an additional pavilion because the exhibition space was fully sold out.
Key topics included Europe’s rearmament, the shortage of rockets for Patriot systems, joint weapons production with Ukraine, and the development of next-generation fighter jets. Civil aviation remains an important part of the show, but the military sector is already equal to it in terms of size.
Farnborough continues to be an air show. The main product of aviation is increasingly the weapon.
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At the Farnborough aerospace show, defense companies took up for the first time almost half of the exhibition. Among more than 1,600 participants, there are increasing numbers of manufacturers of rockets, drones, air-defense systems, military artificial intelligence and autonomous platforms. The organizers had to open an additional pavilion because the exhibition space was fully sold out.
Key topics included Europe’s rearmament, the shortage of rockets for Patriot systems, joint weapons production with Ukraine, and the development of next-generation fighter jets. Civil aviation remains an important part of the show, but the military sector is already equal to it in terms of size.
Farnborough continues to be an air show. The main product of aviation is increasingly the weapon.
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