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Geopolitics & Defense

Military helicopter in flight over water with a visible missile.

Helicopters Emerge as Key Players in Maritime Strike Exercises

In a display of precision firepower, AH-64 Apaches and other allied helicopters took aim at retired US Navy vessels during RIMPAC 2026's sinking exercises, showcasing their maritime strike capabilities. The US Army's Apaches even fired Spike NLOS missiles at the former cruiser ex-USS Mobile Bay with impressive results.

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Munitions arranged on exhibition stand at airshow, some covered with cloth or plastic.

Munitions Display Highlights Escalating CCA Competition

The Farnborough International Airshow just wrapped up, offering a sneak peek into the booming defense and aerospace industries, where the Cloud Computing Contract (CCA) competition is heating up. The event put the latest munitions on full display, showcasing cutting-edge tech and intensifying rivalry among major players.

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US official addresses cybercrime at podium with tech hint in background.

US Restricts Visas for Cyber Scammers and Sextortionists

The US is cracking down on cyber scammers and sextortionists by restricting visas for those behind these crimes, sending a strong message that it won't tolerate exploitation of its citizens. This move targets not only the culprits but also their immediate family members, aiming to dismantle these criminal networks.

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U.S. Navy battleship under construction in a shipyard with a partially built hull and gantry crane.

White House Pushes Back on Congress' Trump Class Battleship Program Curbs

The White House and Congress are at odds over the Trump Class Battleship program, with a $17 billion price tag and a 2036 service entry date hanging in the balance. The White House supports authorizing 18 new ships, but is pushing back on a congressional proposal that would pause work on the program until certain weapon systems are proven effective.

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Chinese Coast Guard personnel stand at attention on a vessel deck, holding rifles in a tight phalanx formation.

China Coast Guard Adopts Heavy Infantry Tactics for Naval Combat

The Chinese Coast Guard is ramping up its naval combat tactics by adopting a heavy infantry approach, essentially turning sea battles into land battles by using long pikes, tight ranks, and a wall of shields to hold ground. This phalanx-style strategy marks a significant shift in their doctrine and equipment.

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Naval officer stands near podium with maritime display in briefing room.

Germany Seeks More P-8 Aircraft to Counter Russian Naval Activity

Germany is ramping up its maritime patrol capabilities with an initial order of eight Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft, but its naval air command chief hints that this is just the beginning. The move is part of a broader effort to counter growing Russian naval activity, particularly in the High North, where concerns over undersea operations and attacks on critical cables are on the rise.

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Former special forces operator stands in field with drone and controller, gazing out at distant landscape.

Ukraine War Reshapes Special Forces Tactics

The Ukraine war has dramatically changed the game for special forces tactics, with snipers now trading in their rifles for drone controls as constant surveillance makes their positions too hot to hold. Teams that once operated at close range are now engaging targets from as far as 300km away, thanks to the remote reach of unmanned systems.

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US Navy ship transits Strait of Hormuz with commercial vessels and tankers under a clear daytime sky.

US Naval Operations in Strait of Hormuz Show Resilience Amid Escalating Tensions

Despite ongoing threats from Iranian forces, US naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz are proving resilient, with no US ships or aircraft lost and steady progress in putting pressure on Iran's economy. Traffic continues to flow through the strait, a testament to the effectiveness of the US effort.

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Damaged oil tankers with signs of fire in calm Red Sea waters under a clear sky.

Houthis Target Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea

The Houthis have launched a daring attack on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, striking them with a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, and sparking a massive fire on both vessels. The bold move has reportedly forced nearby ships to retreat, with one tanker confirming it was hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Saudi Arabia.

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Professionals discuss and collaborate at a UK defense industry event.

UK Defense Industry Wrestles with Cultural Barriers to Private Investment

The UK's defense industry is poised for growth, with government and business leaders uniting to tackle cultural barriers and unlock private investment, sparking optimism for a collaborative solution. By drawing inspiration from the US experience, the UK can learn to move quickly and persist through challenges, while staying true to its unique strengths.

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People discuss and take notes around a polished table in a modern conference room overlooking a cityscape.

Lockheed Martin Ventures Targets Europe with $100M Defense Investment

Lockheed Martin Ventures is set to make a significant splash in Europe's defense tech scene with a $100 million investment, aiming to tap into the region's thriving innovation landscape. The move follows a surge in promising deals, and marks the largest boost in the venture fund's 19-year history.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appears before senators, including Jon Ossoff, in a US Senate hearing room bathed in soft…

Pentagon Chiefs Under Fire as Iran War Rationale Shifts

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny from senators over his claims about the US war on Iran, struggling to provide clear answers about the strategy and impact of the conflict. Hegseth made assertions about the devastating effects of US strikes on Iran's military and infrastructure, but also made partial admissions about Tehran's ongoing capabilities.

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F-15EX fighter jet on tarmac with support equipment and inert training bombs.

F-15EX Expands Mission Set with Air-to-Ground Capabilities

The Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing just took a major leap forward with its F-15EX Eagle II, successfully completing its first-ever air-to-ground bombing training missions at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Over 10 flawless missions, the crew dropped 36 inert training bombs with perfect scores and zero safety incidents.

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Bustling Farnborough Airshow exhibition hall with aircraft on display and attendees milling about.

Farnborough Airshow Winds Down

The Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in the UK has wrapped up after an action-packed few days of thrilling displays and cutting-edge demonstrations. For those who missed it, a sneak peek at the event's favorite images is now available.

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US Army personnel oversee Patriot missile equipment at a facility.

US Army Revives PAC-2 Patriot Missile Buys Amid Stockpile Strains

The US Army is reviving its Patriot missile buys, with Raytheon securing a major deal worth $441.6 million, marking the first domestic GEM-T production order in over 30 years. This move comes as the Army faces stockpile strains, highlighting the ongoing demand for these critical defense systems.

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Modern air defense system component in foreground of Greek military airbase with military aircraft parked in background.

Greece Bolsters Air Defenses with $3.4B Shield Initiative

Greece is set to supercharge its air defenses with a groundbreaking $3.4 billion initiative, dubbed Achilles' Shield, which will weave a comprehensive network of overlapping defense systems across the country. Spearheaded by Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, this ambitious project promises to revolutionize Greece's defense capabilities.

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Formal government setting with documents on a table, subtle labor symbol present.

Unions Challenge Pentagon's Abrupt End to Collective Bargaining

Two federal employee unions are taking a stand against the Pentagon's sudden move to scrap collective bargaining agreements, asking a judge to restore their rights and hold the Department of Defense accountable to a fair process. The American Federation of Government Employees and the National Federation of Federal Employees argue that Secretary Pete Hegseth's April decision was made without justification or transparency.

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Diplomats from Indo-Pacific nations gather in a conference room with a regional map behind them.

EU urged to speak out against China's Indo-Pacific aggression

The Solomon Islands' prime minister hit the nail on the head, saying "This is not something a friend does," as over a dozen Indo-Pacific governments, including Pacific island nations, united to condemn China's recent ballistic missile test launch. The test, which Beijing downplayed as "routine," sparked alarm across the region, with leaders like Australia's prime minister warning it undermined stability.

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Businessperson stands in front of industrial equipment and raw materials at a factory or mining facility.

Pentagon Seeks Industry Cooperation on Critical Mineral Supply Chain Overhaul

The Pentagon is calling on industry partners to collaborate on a critical mineral supply chain overhaul, with a focus on friendshoring, domestic shoring, and supplier changes to reduce reliance on high-risk foreign sources. By presenting credible plans, contractors may be able to negotiate flexible timelines with the Pentagon, ahead of the 2027 deadline set by a new executive order.

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Government office workspace with computers and papers, laptop screen blurred in foreground.

Selective Service System Pursues Draft Simulation Software

The Selective Service System is gearing up to evaluate its emergency response capabilities and is seeking simulation software to help assess its staffing and resource needs. Vendors have until August 14 to submit proposals for the project, with questions due by July 28.

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Military aircraft, including an electronic warfare plane, sit on tarmac at RAF Fairford air base.

Iran Threatens UK Air Base After US Bombers Launch Strikes

Iran has issued a stark warning to a UK air base, threatening it as a legitimate target if used to launch attacks on Iranian territory, after US bombers took off from the base to carry out strikes. The base, RAF Fairford in England, has also recently welcomed electronic warfare aircraft, heightening tensions.

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Factory floor with workstations, machinery, and partially-assembled aircraft components in a brightly-lit daytime setting.

Boeing Expands Ghost Bat Production Plans with Overseas Hubs

Boeing is shifting its production strategy for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat to a more localized approach, with multiple smaller factories around the world, to empower countries to meet their own defense needs. This move prioritizes national sovereignty and resilience over a single large-scale manufacturing facility.

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Sleek twin-engine jet fighter on a runway with officials in the background.

Indonesia Secures 12 Leonardo M-346F Light Fighters in $1 Billion Deal

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence has sealed a nearly $1 billion deal with Leonardo for 12 cutting-edge M-346F light combat aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the country's military modernization. This deal underscores the growing trust in Leonardo's capabilities, as noted by CEO Lorenzo Mariani.

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Industrial facility with workers and machinery, featuring a partially-assembled Abrams tank engine.

US Army Targets Supply Chain Bottlenecks in Abrams Tank Engine Production

The US Army is tackling a major hurdle in Abrams tank engine production: a shortage of 166 critical components that are causing significant delays and impacting fleet readiness. These supply chain bottlenecks, particularly with subcomponents for the AGT1500 engine made by Honeywell Aerospace, are leaving tanks idle and prompting the Army to seek help from industry partners.

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