NATO is deploying F-35s over Poland to deter Russian threats near Ukraine's border. The mission is the first F-35 operation there under NATO command.

The variants of the Lockheed Martin-made F-35 are the only fifth-generation fighter aircraft available to Western militaries.

The NATO secretary-general said that China could spark World War III by seeking to take control of Taiwan while making sure that the Kremlin would simultaneously launch an attack against NATO territory.

NATO promised to use members' soaring defense budgets for a fivefold increase in air defenses. But there are problems beyond spending to fix.

Romania has said it will acquire the Iron Dome missile defense system used by Israel to protect the NATO country from short-range missiles. Defense minister Ionuț Moșteanu told Romanian television that a deal would be signed this year with manufacturer Rafael "to defend our cities."

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker urged Iran to seek peace with the U.S. and Israel as official nationwide remain on high alert for domestic terror activity through sleeper cells.

Trump, however, has long been a NATO skeptic. He has excoriated NATO as a financial drain on the United States, and it was reported that several times during his first term he even privately threatened to withdraw from it.

Germany has accused the Chinese military of disrupting a reconnaissance aircraft over the Red Sea during an operation.

The referendum would be non-legally binding but comes as divisions over defence spending grow in the country's coalition.