BAE Systems is initiating a hot production line for M777 howitzers under an Undefined Contract Action, initially worth $50 million, to supply the US with titanium structures for the guns. The deal may expand, and the production restart in the UK offers economies of scale for new and existing customers. The M777, lighter and more mobile than previous models, has been used by the US, Canada, and Australia in Ukraine. Deliveries are expected in 2025, with the M777 remaining a key artillery technology through future upgrades.

Denmark has commenced training Ukrainian pilots in F-16 fighter jets, with the Norwegian Ministry of Defence announcing the initiative on January 3, 2024. The training, which includes Ukrainian technicians, is part of efforts by allied nations to equip Ukraine with a modern air force amid the Russian invasion. The pilots, already experienced with less advanced jets, have completed a training program with the UK's Royal Air Force. The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, stated that Ukraine is expected to receive F-16s from NATO allies by Spring 2024, subject to certain requirements. Norway's defence minister, Bjørn Arild Gram, visited Bodø airfield where two F-16s are being prepared for donation. The Netherlands has pledged 18 F-16s to Ukraine, highlighting a collective effort to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.

On January 1, 2024, Norway's government authorised Norwegian manufacturers to directly sell weapons and defence-related products to Ukraine. This marks a significant policy shift, as Norway increases its involvement in Ukraine's defence against the Russian invasion. Norway, part of the F-16 Coalition, has already contributed Nkr11bn in military support in 2023. The new policy allows for direct sales under strict criteria, ensuring compliance with Norwegian export controls and international law. Foreign Minister Espen Eide and Defense Minister Bjørn Gram stated that this move is in line with Norway's defence and security policy interests. The decision is specific to the current security situation and does not reflect a broader change in Norway's arms export policy.

The US Coast Guard has added the new Legend-class National Security Cutter, the Calhoun, to its fleet. The cutter, which departed from HII’s shipbuilding division, is set to replace the older Hamilton-class cutters and will be commissioned in 2024 with a home port in Charleston, South Carolina. The Calhoun is part of a $25bn contract signed in 2002 to deliver 91 new cutters, aircraft, and UAVs over 25 years. The National Security Cutter is the largest combat ship in the USGC fleet, equipped with advanced weaponry and capable of accommodating 120 crew members. HII is currently constructing the final ship in this class, the Friedman.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has approved 22 new capability development priorities reflecting military realities observed in the Ukraine war. These priorities include full spectrum land forces that are agile, mobile, interoperable, technologically advanced, energy efficient, and resilient. The EDA emphasizes the importance of precision strike, electronic warfare, integrated air and missile defense systems, and sustainable logistics. Lessons from the war, such as the effectiveness of Russian electronic warfare and the need for long-range strike capabilities, inform these priorities. The EDA also recognizes the need for agile and sustainable logistics to support mechanized forces and mitigate attrition in peer-to-peer conflicts.

GM Defense LLC and Jankel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pursue opportunities in the defence and government sectors, focusing on the HD SUV international variant and the IAV programmes. The partnership aims to support the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Industrial Strategy and enhance mobility platforms for allied nations. Both companies will explore broader opportunities, leveraging Jankel's global defence market presence and GM Defense's vehicle expertise.

Norway plans to purchase eight NASAMS launchers, four fire control units from Kongsberg, and various range missiles from Raytheon to replace stocks sent to Ukraine. The deals await Storting's approval, with contract values undisclosed. Kongsberg's Eirik Lie commends the deal for boosting production and delivery capacities. Norway previously donated two NASAMS to Ukraine, with Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram highlighting their importance in countering missile attacks. The NASAMS system includes radar platforms, a fire distribution center, and launcher vehicles.

Babcock and Hanwha Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore global business development opportunities across land, air, and sea domains. This announcement coincided with the visit of Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to the UK. Babcock is collaborating with Hanwha on the Korean submarine program and other international projects. The companies have also signed a technical cooperation agreement for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. Hanwha Aerospace reported an 18% sales growth in FY2022 and works with Pratt & Whitney on aircraft engine development.

Data from masters in management rankings over the past decade reveals a persistent gender pay gap three years post-graduation, with men earning higher median salaries than women in every employment sector. Women only out-earn men in mid-level management roles. The most popular and lucrative careers for alumni are in finance/banking and consultancy, with these sectors employing nearly half of all graduates. Salaries generally increased over the period, even when adjusted for inflation, except for a dip following the financial crisis. Alumni who moved abroad after their MiM typically saw salary increases, except in the law sector, where moving abroad resulted in a 19% decrease in mean salary.

Pelayo de Merlo, an anaesthesiologist, pursued an online MBA with IE Business School in Spain, which led to his current position as the managing director of Quirònsalud Hospital in Madrid. Despite the challenges of balancing work and study, he completed the degree in 18 months and now oversees clinical work and hospital operations. De Merlo advocates for the advantages of digital learning and the opportunities it provides for professional growth.

Financial Times' analysis of Democratic Republic of Congo's presidential election data indicates significant fraud, contradicting official results that declared Felix Tshisekedi the winner. The data, covering 86% of votes, shows Martin Fayulu as the clear victor with 59.4% of the vote, while Tshisekedi only received 19%. These findings are consistent with the Catholic Church's observer data. The leaked data suggest Joseph Kabila's attempt to maintain power by manipulating election results in favor of Tshisekedi after his chosen successor, Emmanuel Shadary, underperformed. The electoral commission denies fraud, and the constitutional court's impartiality is under scrutiny as Fayulu challenges the results.