Geopolitics & Defense
US Space Superiority at Risk as Acquisition Pace Lags
The battle for space superiority is heating up, with experts warning that the US is falling behind - and it's not just about being first, it's about control of the ultimate high ground that dictates success in every other domain, from air and sea to cyberspace. As one general put it, space operations are now vital to every military move, and the question is - can the US keep up?
US Navy Still Flies MQ-1 Predators in Secret Test Role
The US Navy is secretly testing a fleet of 20 MQ-1 Predators, acquired from the Air Force in 2019 and rebranded as NMQ-1Bs, despite the aircraft's official retirement in 2018. These drones are being used for mysterious testing purposes at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.
Air Force Weighs $1.5B Engine Deal with GE in T-7 'Horse Trade
The US Air Force is considering a game-changing $1.5 billion engine deal with GE Aerospace, a move that could significantly impact the T-7 Red Hawk program. This potential shift could add up to $1.5 billion in extra costs, but may also bring new efficiencies to the program.
Pentagon Shakeup: Top US General in Europe to Step Down
In a significant leadership shakeup, General Christopher Donahue will step down as the top US general in Europe on July 2, 2026, handing over the reins to his trusted deputy, Major General Christopher Norrie. The Army has expressed its gratitude to General Donahue for his leadership of US Army Europe and Africa.
Sen. Warren Probes Raytheon Exec's Ethics on Space Acquisition Nomination
Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pressing a Raytheon executive to promise strict ethics if he's confirmed to the Air Force's top space procurement office, citing concerns about impartiality due to his past ties to the defense contractor. She wants him to commit to a four-year recusal from matters involving his former employer.
Oman, IMO Unveil Evacuation Plan for Stranded Strait of Hormuz Ships
Oman and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have teamed up to launch a safe evacuation plan for ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global trade. A temporary maritime corridor has been established, allowing vessels to transit safely with IMO coordination.
London Police Deploy Live Facial Recognition in West End
Get ready for a safer West End: by the end of the year, London's Metropolitan Police Service will be deploying live facial recognition cameras to help keep you protected. This game-changing tech will be used to identify individuals on the watchlist, building on a successful six-month pilot in Croydon.
US-UK Nuclear Pact Bolsters Mutual Deterrence
The US-UK nuclear partnership is a two-way street, with Washington gaining tangible technical, operational, and strategic advantages from the collaboration, just as London has benefited from US support for over 65 years. This mutual deterrence pact serves US interests just as much as British ones, experts argue.
Army to Unify Divisions with Next-Gen Command and Control System
The Army is taking a major step forward in modernizing its operations by implementing a next-generation command and control system, uniting its divisions under a single, cutting-edge configuration. Anduril will lead the charge in bringing together two prototype divisions, the 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division, onto this common platform.
Australia Overhauls Veteran Support System with Landmark Reforms
Australia is overhauling its veteran support system with historic reforms aimed at saving lives, driven by the Royal Commission's finding that inadequate support is a contributing factor to veteran suicides. From July 1, a simplified compensation framework and new national body will coordinate wellbeing services for veterans and their families.
Iranian Drone Swarm Poses Questions After F-15E Downing
An F-15E pilot described a chilling scene before ejecting from his downed jet: a swarm of Iranian drones moving in unison, resembling a jellyfish with smaller drones clustered beneath larger ones like legs. This unprecedented encounter has raised more questions than answers.
Senate Rebukes Trump with War Powers Resolution on Iran Conflict
In a historic move, the Senate has passed a War Powers Resolution to end US hostilities in Iran, with a 50-48 vote that marks the first time both chambers of Congress have taken a stand against the conflict. The resolution, which doesn't require the President's signature, is a significant rebuke to Trump and a major step towards reining in executive power.
Australia's Defence Force Struggles to Govern Rapid AI Integration
The Australian Defence Force is betting big on AI, with a whopping A$425 billion investment in cutting-edge capabilities by 2035-36 - and artificial intelligence is at the forefront, poised to revolutionize everything from undersea warfare to cyber defence. With AI now embedded in the Defence Force's budget, it's clear that this tech is no longer just a nice-to-have, but a must-have for Australia's military future.
Army Launches Low-Cost Interceptor Program to Counter Affordable Drone Threats
The Army is shaking up its defense strategy with a new Low-Cost Interceptor program, aiming to take down affordable drone threats with scalable, budget-friendly solutions. This move is set to revolutionize air-defense systems by providing a cost-effective alternative to multimillion-dollar solutions.
US Air Force Accelerates $7 Billion Fightertown Upgrade in Alaska
The US Air Force is embarking on a massive $7 billion upgrade of its Alaska base, dubbed Fightertown, which promises to create a state-of-the-art fighter hub from the ground up. This ambitious project takes a holistic approach, integrating construction, aircraft procurement, and logistical needs to create a cutting-edge facility.
Space Force Must Prepare for Complex Warfare Scenarios
The Space Force must gear up for a new era of complex warfare, where the lines between attack and defense are increasingly blurred. Imagine a world where cyber-attacks, satellite jamming, and mysterious sabotage converge to challenge our national security.
Australia's Defence Industry Needs Urgent Institutional Reforms
Western Australia's unique blend of industrial strengths, including critical minerals reserves, advanced maritime industries, and major energy infrastructure, makes it a crucial player in national defence - but can its potential be unlocked with effective institutional reforms? The future of Defence West hangs in the balance, threatening to either bridge the gap between state industry and national defence priorities or become just another layer of red tape.
NATO and Ukraine Seek Private Sector Help to Neutralize Russian Airfields
NATO and Ukraine are calling on the private sector to help disrupt Russia's air power by developing innovative solutions to neutralize their airfields. A €250,000 award is on offer for game-changing ideas that can prevent Russia from using its air bases.
Poland Bolsters Naval Forces with Shield AI's V-Bat UAVs
Poland is set to supercharge its naval capabilities with Shield AI's cutting-edge V-Bat UAVs, which have already proven their mettle in challenging environments. The $16 million deal will see several V-Bat systems deployed aboard Polish Navy vessels by year's end, bolstering maritime intelligence and surveillance operations.
US Eyes Civilian Hackers to Bolster Cyber Operations
The US is considering a game-changing move: enlisting civilian hackers to help breach foreign computer systems, with a pilot program proposed in the Senate Armed Services Committee's defense policy bill. This bold plan would bring private sector expertise under the operational control of US Cyber Command.
Leonardo and Baykar Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Aircraft Teaming
Imagine a future where manned and unmanned aircraft work together in perfect harmony - that's exactly what Leonardo and Baykar have achieved with their groundbreaking manned-unmanned teaming flights. Their innovative tests have successfully paired crewed and uncrewed platforms, paving the way for a new era in aviation.
Pentagon Orders Review of US Troop Posture in Europe
The Pentagon has ordered a comprehensive review of US troop deployments across Europe, sparking significant implications for the region. This pivotal move is dissected in The Break Out's latest episode, where experts Lee Ferran and Ashley Roque delve into the directive's details and potential impact.
L3Harris Delivers Modified Qatari Jet as New Air Force One
In just 10 months, L3Harris transformed a Qatari 747 jumbo jet into a sleek new Air Force One, with a team of 400 employees working around the clock to deliver the impressive plane. The makeover is so stunning that President Donald Trump marveled at the workmanship, saying "you won’t believe it" when you see it.
DARPA's X-65 Drone Takes Shape With Novel Air-Controlled Wings
Get ready to take flight into the future! The X-65 drone's game-changing, air-controlled wings have just arrived, marking a major milestone in the DARPA-backed CRANE program.