Following the Trump-Xi summit, Taiwanese officials and US Ambassador to China David Perdue confirmed no change to US Taiwan policy, including the Taiwan Relations Act mandating arms sales. A retired US Navy admiral called for the US to proceed with pending arms sales notifications to Taiwan.
US President Donald Trump warned Chinese President Xi Jinping against providing support to Iran during their Washington summit and received assurances that China would not do so, according to US Ambassador David Perdue. The warning came amid reports China had supplied Iran with missile launchers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that US President Donald Trump made a "final decision" to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defense interceptor missiles, a critical capability as Kyiv faces ongoing Russian aerial attacks. However, Trump has not publicly confirmed the decision.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to urge U.S. President Donald Trump to halt arms sales to Taiwan during their meeting in Washington, invoking a 1982 agreement. A $14 billion Taiwan arms deal hangs in the balance as the two leaders meet.
North Korea announced Tuesday that it successfully tested a new weapons system described as hypersonic, with state media releasing photos showing leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter observing the launch. The regime characterized the test as having "great significance."
The State Department approved a potential $2.68 billion sale of air defense equipment to Ukraine, including S-300 Clone missiles, GAM-67 missiles, counter-drone radar systems, and mobile launcher modification kits requested by Kyiv to defend against ongoing Russian attacks.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Ankara and Washington are developing creative solutions to lift US sanctions imposed on Turkey over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems. The discussions represent a potential breakthrough in a longstanding dispute between the NATO allies.
The State Department has approved a potential $24 billion sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant expansion of the US-Saudi defense partnership. US intelligence officials have raised concerns that the deal could enable China to acquire sensitive F-35 technology through Saudi Arabia.
Russia is using as many as 25,000 North Korean workers to assemble Iranian-designed drones for its war in Ukraine, with some disguised as students according to a UN sanctions watchdog. The practice violates 2017 UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit North Koreans from earning income in other countries.
General Motors has made its first delivery of critical components to Lockheed Martin for Patriot interceptor missiles, less than a month after the two companies formed a manufacturing partnership. The accelerated production comes as the Pentagon pushes to rebuild US ammunition stocks amid ongoing conflicts.
The US State Department approved the potential sale of up to 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the kingdom would receive the advanced stealth aircraft as it faces escalating threats from Houthi rebels.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has placed a hold on a proposed $2.8 billion sale of 40,000 one-ton bombs to Israel, citing concerns that the heavy weaponry may not be used in accordance with U.S. and international law.
The Trump administration is planning to deliver 40,000 powerful 2,000-pound bombs to Israel as part of a $2.8 billion arms deal, the largest such sale in years. The munitions include MK-84 and BLU-117 bombs previously linked to civilian casualties.
Russia intends to conduct final tests of a new, currently unnamed ballistic missile with a range of up to 800 kilometers (500 miles) by the end of 2026, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. The tests could involve strikes against targets in western Ukraine.
Units of Russia's 101st Missile Brigade equipped with Oreshnik intermediate-range missile systems have been stationed in Belarus, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. Despite the deployment, Ukrainian officials assess the immediate threat level remains low.
Russian missile specialists have been working with Iran on a covert program codenamed C430L since 2023 to develop supersonic cruise missiles capable of targeting US warships and aircraft carriers in the Middle East. The program was arranged by Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport in coordination with the US-sanctioned NPO Mashinostroyenia.
Israel and Greece signed a €3 billion ($3.5 billion) defense agreement under which Israel will build a multi-layered air defense system for Greece. The deal, named Achilles Shield, represents the largest weapons agreement between the two Mediterranean countries.
Japan's Defense Ministry disclosed an 8.9 trillion yen ($55.6 billion) budget request for the next fiscal year, featuring plans for submarine drones armed with long-range missiles and hypersonic weapons testing in Australia. The budget is expected to increase further after new security and defense plans are adopted, drawing criticism from China over the military build-up.
Sweden officially signed a €4.3 billion contract with France for Naval Group to supply four frigates, marking a significant expansion of the Nordic nation's maritime defenses as it takes a more active role in NATO operations. President Emmanuel Macron attended the signing ceremony in Sweden.
The US military is experiencing a 'beyond critical' shortage of advanced missile interceptors in Europe, largely driven by President Trump's six-month war with Iran. Defense officials say supplies have been quickly and unexpectedly drained by the conflict.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced Britain will provide Ukraine with classified technical information on Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles during his first foreign visit to Kyiv. The move aims to help Ukraine manufacture its own long-range weapons despite Russian warnings of escalation.
More than 100 former French and British diplomats have issued an open letter urging French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to impose joint sanctions on Israel, including halting arms exports and banning trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank. The diplomats warn that Israeli settlement expansion and occupation policies are erasing prospects for an independent Palestinian state.
More than 100 former French and British diplomats have issued an open letter urging French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to impose joint sanctions on Israel, including halting arms exports and banning trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank. The diplomats warn that Israeli settlement expansion and occupation policies are erasing prospects for an independent Palestinian state.
North Korea launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Thursday, prompting trilateral consultations between senior diplomats from the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The launch came hours after President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with Kim Jong Un and a day after Seoul said it was scaling back military drills with the US.
Pirates hijacked the Cameroon-flagged cargo vessel M/V LUTUF off Somalia's Puntland coast, taking its 10-member crew, including six Indian nationals and cargo of Turkish weapons and communications equipment toward the Nugaal coast.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed pride in his country's deepening relationship with Russia in communications with President Vladimir Putin, as reported by state media on August 16, 2026. The reaffirmation of ties comes amid North Korea's provision of military support for Russia's war efforts and coincides with North Korea's liberation anniversary celebrations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russia used North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles in an overnight attack on Zaporizhzhia that killed at least 10 people and wounded 19. The attack comes as Zelenskyy warns that Moscow is receiving increased military support from North Korea, including reports of up to 50,000 North Korean troops being deployed to Russia.
Canada imposed sanctions on UAE-based Streit Group, a Canadian-owned armored vehicle manufacturer, for supplying military equipment to Russia's National Guard used in the war against Ukraine. The sanctions complete a four-nation effort alongside Ukraine, the EU, and Switzerland.
Austrian authorities dismantled an international network in which a Vienna-based company supplied equipment for Russian missile and fighter jet engines through shell companies across multiple countries, violating EU sanctions. The scheme used intermediaries in Turkey, UAE, Hong Kong, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Poland, Lithuania, and Spain to circumvent sanctions imposed in 2022.
U.S. supplies of Patriot air defense missiles and other munitions have reached dangerously low levels after five months of war with Iran and continued support for Ukraine against Russia. Despite White House denials, officials confirm interceptor stockpiles are 'extremely low,' raising concerns about America's defense capabilities.
U.S. supplies of Patriot air defense missiles and other munitions have reached dangerously low levels after five months of war with Iran and continued support for Ukraine against Russia. Despite White House denials, officials confirm interceptor stockpiles are 'extremely low,' raising concerns about America's defense capabilities.
The U.S. Defense Department is pressing defense companies to dramatically speed up weapons production and deliveries amid concerns that the ongoing war with Iran has exhausted critical missile and munitions supplies. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg told contractors that "years-long development cycles are not acceptable," though funding to boost production remains stuck in Congress as diplomatic deadlock continues over the Strait of Hormuz.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on August 6, 2026, targeting five Cuban entities and eight individuals accused of procuring military equipment from China and Russia, including Cuba's senior military representative in Beijing.
The United States is pressing ahead with negotiations to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles domestically, even after President Donald Trump publicly cast doubt on the deal. Ukrainian officials reveal they have been seeking production licenses for two years amid urgent defense needs against Russian attacks.
A North Korean ballistic missile unit has begun deploying to Russia's Voronezh Oblast with plans to field up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for strikes against Ukraine, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. The deployment represents a significant expansion of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Chinese state media released footage showing a Type 052D destroyer launching a YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile for the first time, signaling wider deployment of the advanced weapon across China's most numerous destroyer class. The missile is estimated to reach speeds of Mach 6-10 with extended range capabilities.
Recent military engagement with Iran has further reduced the United States' already diminished stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors, potentially increasing risk to American troops in future hostilities, according to analysis.
United Nations experts have verified that Boeing 727 aircraft previously identified by Reuters as connected to a U.S. military contractor's network were used to transport mercenaries, weapons and drones for Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, according to a draft U.N. report scheduled for September publication.
Iran is set to receive 300 to 400 Chinese-made QW-12 and FN-16 MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems) within weeks under a contract valued at $60-70 million, according to sources. China has denied the report as groundless, while Pakistan has also denied involvement in the transfers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on July 23, 2026, that U.S. defense contractor Raytheon had expressed interest and readiness to pursue joint production of Patriot interceptor missiles with Ukraine following a meeting with company executives. The two sides will remain in contact to finalize the details, as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its air defenses against escalating Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Trump's administration is preparing to submit to Congress a 30-year "123 Agreement" with Saudi Arabia that omits both the IAEA's Additional Protocol and the "gold standard" bar on uranium enrichment, while making no mention of Saudi normalization with Israel.
President Donald Trump announced he would allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air-defense interceptors under U.S. license, a potential diplomatic breakthrough for Kyiv. However, defense experts and Ukrainian officials caution the complex process could take years to implement and won't address Ukraine's immediate air defense needs against Russian attacks.
President Donald Trump said at a NATO summit in Turkey that the United States will give Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense system interceptors, marking a significant shift in his approach to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump acknowledged he had not yet informed defense contractors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, who produce the Patriot system.
President Donald Trump stated he will lift sanctions on Turkey and make a decision on selling F-35 fighter jets to Ankara during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a NATO summit. The move represents a significant policy shift despite concerns from Israel and questions about Turkey's S-400 missile defense system.
NATO leaders gathered in Ankara, Turkey for a summit focused on demonstrating increased European defense spending commitments to President Donald Trump. Alliance members announced at least $50 billion in defense industry deals while Trump renewed demands for Greenland and weighed allowing Turkey to purchase F-35 fighter jets.
China imposed new export controls on 40 Japanese entities, including defense contractors and research institutes, citing concerns about Japan's 'remilitarization.' The move escalates tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.
President Trump is planning to ask US defense companies to produce weapons under license in Europe and Ukraine, with G7 allies agreeing to allow Ukraine-based companies to build long-range missiles and air defense systems. The move comes as Trump invokes the Defense Production Act to boost weapons manufacturing amid intensifying concerns over the Iran conflict.
Slovenia has revoked a 2025 ban on weapons trade with Israel and lifted entry bans on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and two Cabinet ministers. The Defense Ministry said the arms trade restrictions, introduced in July 2025, are no longer necessary as trade is already governed by national and EU law.
Classified intelligence reports indicate Cuba has purchased more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and discussed plans to potentially use them against US soil and Caribbean assets, raising concerns among US officials about hostile technologies in close proximity.
Taiwan appealed to President Trump to stay the course on weapons sales following his Friday comments delaying approval of a $14 billion arms sale. US Trade Representative later said Trump is 'considering' how to approach the deal.
The U.S. Department of Defense has reached framework agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 to acquire more than 10,000 containerized missiles, representing a major shift in weapons procurement strategy.
Ukraine is moving toward a landmark drone defense deal with the United States and has attracted interest from approximately 20 countries, capitalizing on its drone warfare expertise demonstrated during the Iran conflict that began in late February 2026. The deals include testing Ukrainian drones in the U.S. and deploying anti-drone systems like Sky Map in the Gulf region.
The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 11 entities and three individuals based in Iran, China, Belarus, and the United Arab Emirates for facilitating Iran's acquisition of weapons components, including materials for Shahed drones and ballistic missiles.
Russia and China openly supported North Korea at a UN Security Council meeting on nonproliferation, with UN officials warning that DPRK's continued nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development remains a serious concern. Evidence shows vessels loading North Korean coal and iron ore at ports for export to destinations including China.
Pakistan Navy commissioned its first Chinese-built Hangor-class attack submarine in what officials called a 'historic milestone,' marking deepening defense cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad amid regional security concerns.
President Trump announced immediate 50% tariffs with no exemptions on imports from countries supplying military weapons to Iran, adding a new trade dimension to the Middle East conflict. The legal authority for such tariffs remains unclear.
European intelligence agencies report Russia is in final stages of completing phased shipment of drones, medicine and food to Iran amid ongoing conflict. The Kremlin has denied the Financial Times report as 'lies.'
