Defense Index

Up now is an episode on a long-term program where Ukraine, according to President Zelensky, sees the country's acquiring 250 new, modern fighters for its future air force.

In the past couple of months (Oct-Nov 2025), Zelensky took time to travel to Sweden and France for signing ceremonies with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and French President Macron on non-binding letters of intent for the *possible* purchase of 100-150 Gripen E and up to 100 Rafale fighters. A third fighter named by Zelensky intended to be part of the 250-fighter fleet is the latest version of the F-16 although, to date, there's no LOI signing ceremony in the US as yet.

The reality is that Ukraine can't afford to pay for this massive procurement so it will be banking on its Western partners to help it out, with an eye on the use of the contentious Russian frozen assets in Europe. It's early days but the intent, at least, is clear and serious. It's also worth looking into some of the key capabilities of these new fighters and what they can bring for Ukraine's future defense in the long run.

2 months ago | [YT] | 4

Defense Index

Right, that was an even longer break than the previous one but summer's coming to an end and I published a new video, this time on Lithuania, yesterday (Friday). I really appreciate all of you who are sticking by, and any new viewers, checking out the new vid. Feel free to leave your thoughts if you'd like to share them.

I didn't expect the episode to run as long as it did but got plunged into the rabbit hole with Lithuania's history and their considerable recent moves in defense, the northeastern portion of NATO's Eastern Flank, the German brigade that'll be perma-stationed in Lithuania, other NATO moves, Kaliningrad, and so on.

And, I've only just realized as I post this that it's 36 years to the day since August 23rd, 1989, when two million people (incredibly, out of a combined population then supposedly of 8 million, and now of 6 million) of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, formed a human chain called "The Baltic Way". It stretched from Vilnius to Riga to Tallinn and the roads and cities and towns in between to call for freedom from the USSR, and the Soviet Union fell a couple years later. Cheers to the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania!

5 months ago | [YT] | 14

Defense Index

Well, that took a while, but Defense Index is back.

Definitely wanted to be back earlier but life stuff intervened earlier this year: I was busier than expected, moved homes and that took more effort than expected, and then had to deal with an injury.

Anyway, Defense Index continues on the theme on European nations' defense capabilities, and this latest one I'm taking on Denmark and, naturally, its now arguably more famous territory, Greenland.

10 months ago | [YT] | 13

Defense Index

The next one is out! I didn't stray too far and I'm featuring Belgium, after going first with the Netherlands. It took a bit longer than I wanted to get it out but I'm still getting into a rhythm with the production. Thanks for your patience if you were waiting for the next episode.

I'm pleased to share that Defense Index hit the 1K subscriber mark last week, about three weeks after the release of the first video. As I write this, that Netherlands one has had 89K views and 2.4K likes, with many of you also taking time to comment and discuss. I really appreciate that and it is encouraging. The Belgium one is also starting off well. Thank you for watching, liking if you feel like it, and sharing your thoughts in the comments.

Shortly getting back to work on the third one. Suggestions on future topics are welcome. :-)

-Ben at Defense Index

1 year ago | [YT] | 23

Defense Index

Welcome to Defense Index. First off, thank you! I’m grateful that you’ve spent time to be here right at the start.

I’ve truly been pleasantly surprised that this channel’s first video – as I write this, one week after its release – has already picked up 43K views with 1.4K likes and drawn in over 600 subscribers. For somebody just starting on this platform, those figures have exceeded my expectations and have been quite encouraging.

I’ve made the decision to keep my anonymity but my first name’s Ben. I'm based in Europe but have also lived in Asia and South America. I worked for many years as a defense analyst and have also been a journalist in the fields of technology and business.

This channel features good ol’ human-generated content, drawing on my professional experience and keen interest in defense, geopolitics, military history, and technology.

For those wondering, I did try to record the audio myself but I also tried “the other voice” and was happier with the result. I get that some of you would prefer one over the other but, I’m fine not being also the presenter or voiceover.

I research, I write. That’s been my life and where I feel most in my element. I also put together the video. I do hope you’ll find that the content speaks for itself.

So, again, thank you, and see you around here on Defense Index.

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 30