Taiwan's cabinet will propose a 16 percent increase in defense spending for 2027, exceeding NT$1 trillion (US$31-34 billion) for the first time, in response to increased military pressure from China and calls from Washington to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Syria and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding to reorganize Russia's military presence at the Hmeimim air base and Tartus naval base, converting them into joint training centers while transferring civilian facilities to Syrian control. The agreement follows 18 months of intensive negotiations and marks a new phase in relations between Syria's new government and Moscow.
Syria and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding to reorganize Russia's military presence at the Hmeimim air base and Tartus naval base, converting them into joint training centers while transferring civilian facilities to Syrian control. The agreement follows 18 months of intensive negotiations and marks a new phase in relations between Syria's new government and Moscow.
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 Pentagon has announced plans to conduct initial tests of its Golden Dome space-based missile defense program by the end of 2026, with flight demonstrations of the interceptor technology scheduled for 2027. The program, which revives Reagan-era space defense concepts, will provide $60 million to manufacturers upon successful completion of ground tests.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces launched deadly missile and drone strikes on the city of Marib, killing at least 30 government soldiers and civilians, prompting UN warnings that Yemen is at its greatest risk of renewed major conflict since the 2022 ceasefire. The escalation comes as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a NATO-style mutual defense pact in response to regional threats.
The three nations signed the 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement' establishing that an armed attack on one signatory would be considered an attack on all, as regional tensions intensify with the ongoing US-Iran war. Turkey clarified the pact does not contradict its NATO commitments.
President Donald Trump announced $3 billion in U.S. government investments in critical minerals and battery projects during a mining industry roundtable at the State Department, aimed at boosting domestic production, strengthening defense supply chains, and reducing reliance on Chinese minerals. The package includes a $1.4 billion Defense Department loan agreement.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te actively participated in the annual Han Kuang military exercises, including a late-night evacuation drill in an armored personnel carrier to escape a simulated 'decapitation strike' and coastal strike drills aboard a missile boat with drone deployments. The 10-day exercises focus on preparedness against potential Chinese military assault and civilian resilience.
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.
Taiwan began its largest annual military exercises on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, introducing more realistic battlefield scenarios including first-time internet access restrictions to test commanders' ability to respond flexibly to a potential Chinese invasion.
Salesforce's Agentforce AI platform has received Impact Level 5 authorization for use across the Department of Defense, with the U.S. Army Human Resources Command becoming the first DOD organization to deploy the AI-powered system to support 9.2 million soldiers, veterans, and military families.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's former commander-in-chief now serving as ambassador to the UK, stated that Ukraine has no chance of joining NATO, citing the country's inability to meet the alliance's military standards. The remarks represent a stark departure from Ukraine's constitutional aspiration for NATO membership.
China's state broadcaster aired footage of the People's Liberation Army Air Force's intelligent strike-planning system, which uses artificial intelligence to coordinate simultaneous strikes by more than 100 tactical units with split-second precision after passing final live-fire tests.
The head of US European Command warned the Pentagon he may no longer be able to sustain current support for Israel's air defense due to insufficient naval resources, particularly a shortage of Navy destroyers used to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles.
Defense contractor Leidos and AI infrastructure provider CoreWeave announced a partnership to develop secure artificial intelligence technology specifically for the U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense.
The European Union has provided €3.47 billion ($4 billion) to Ukraine for procurement of military equipment including drones, missiles, air defence systems, and Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets, according to the European Commission.
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.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the transfer of intellectual property rights and a production licence for the Stone Cloak electronic warfare system to Ukraine during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to a Royal Navy base. The compact, tablet-sized system is mounted on drones to blind Russian radar and air defense networks, and Ukraine will become the first country authorised to manufacture it domestically at scale.
France's annual Bastille Day military parade featured 500 troops from the pro-Ukraine 'Coalition of the Willing' and aircraft from 11 European countries, marking President Emmanuel Macron's final parade with a display of European solidarity for Ukraine's security. The celebration was tempered by wildfires that forced cancellation of firework displays across the country.
Ukraine and nine other countries including the UK, Germany, and France announced the formation of a coalition to develop shared anti-ballistic missile defense capabilities for Europe, leveraging Ukraine's combat experience against Russian attacks. The initiative marks a shift away from reliance on US defense systems.
President Donald Trump doubled down on his push for U.S. control of Greenland during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, threatening to undermine allies if they don't comply. Republican Representative Don Bacon publicly rebuked Trump's comments as 'foolish,' having previously suggested the president could face impeachment over any invasion attempt.
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 Trump exhibited sharply contrasting behavior at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, publicly lambasting allied leaders over defense spending and threatening to leave the alliance, while privately reassuring them 'We want to remain with you' and later claiming to feel 'tremendous love' from western leaders.
NATO leaders convened in Ankara for their annual summit amid escalating tensions, as Russian attacks on Ukraine killed seven people and U.S. President Donald Trump rejected proposals for new sanctions against Russia, highlighting divisions within the alliance.
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.
President Donald Trump is traveling to Ankara, Turkey, for the annual NATO summit this week, where he will focus on enforcing defense spending pledges that alliance members made at last year's summit in response to his demands.
Canada has chosen German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems as its preferred partner to build a new fleet of 12 submarines in what is expected to be the country's largest-ever defence procurement contract. The decision comes as Prime Minister Carney seeks to boost military spending amid what he describes as a 'dangerous and divided world.'
Taiwan's National Security Bureau is tracking an unprecedented deployment of over 110 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels along the First Island Chain, marking what officials describe as an "upward trend" in Chinese military activity during peak exercise season. China has also launched new coast guard patrols east of Taiwan, prompting Taipei to deploy its own vessels in response.
President Donald Trump is attending the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, this week to enforce defense spending pledges secured last year, while also meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to push for an end to the Ukraine war. Trump has criticized the alliance as 'one-sided' and suggested the U.S. relationship with NATO is 'not reciprocal,' even as he shifts focus from financial contributions to demanding loyalty from allies.
The three nations have secured a major contract worth £4.6 billion to develop a next-generation combat aircraft, marking a significant milestone in their trilateral defence programme aimed at bringing the sixth-generation fighter jet into service by 2035.
The United States has reportedly warned Poland about a potential Russian military provocation, prompting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to declare the country is preparing for various scenarios during what he called 'critical months' ahead. NATO officials have indicated potential response plans targeting Russian military sites.
The United States threatened to withhold interceptor systems from Saudi Arabia after the kingdom refused to allow US forces to use its bases and airspace for escort missions in the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran that began in late February 2026.
Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a £300bn defence investment plan that includes an additional £15bn in military spending over four years, to be funded by cutting investment budgets for energy, transport, and housing rather than borrowing. The plan allocates over £5bn for drones and autonomous systems.
Poland has placed an order for three Swedish submarines as part of its naval modernization efforts. The NATO member is bolstering its defense capabilities in response to Russian aggression at its borders.
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.
Leaders of Germany, France, Italy, the UK, and Poland met in Berlin to strengthen NATO's European pillar before NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's Wednesday meeting with President Trump. The diplomatic efforts come amid tensions over European participation in the US-Israel war on Iran and Trump's planned troop reductions, ahead of a potentially contentious NATO summit in Ankara in July 2026.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a 370 trillion yen ($2.3 trillion) public-private investment plan spanning 17 sectors including AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, defense, space, and nuclear fusion through fiscal year 2040. The announcement drove Japan's Nikkei 225 to cross 72,000 for the first time.
Ukraine and Germany signed an agreement on anti-ballistic capabilities, with President Zelenskyy calling on Western allies to deliver results by winter. The agreement comes amid broader European defense cooperation, including a separate Germany-Poland defense deal, as Ukraine continues to seek support from G7 leaders and the United States.
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed years of covert cooperation with Somaliland during a visit by the breakaway region's president, while both sides denied reports of plans for an Israeli military base. Somaliland's Defense Minister confirmed Israel is providing police and military training.
Britain's Chief of Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton warned that UK armed forces will have to scale back operations, exercises and training without additional funding, following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey who accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of allowing the Treasury to dictate defence policy.
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.
British Defence Secretary John Healey unexpectedly quit on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury of failing to commit sufficient resources to defend the country amid rising threats. The resignation represents a major blow to Starmer's government and undermines his security credentials.
A French Rafale fighter jet operating under NATO command shot down a drone that entered Latvian airspace from Russia on Monday. Latvian military officials attributed the incursion to Russian electronic warfare, marking the latest security incident along NATO's eastern border amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a D-Day commemoration speech in Normandy, France to attack European nations for allowing an 'invasion' of migrants, drawing criticism for politicizing the solemn anniversary.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a D-Day anniversary ceremony in France on Saturday to criticize European immigration policies, claiming Europe is being 'invaded' by migrants and drawing comparisons between wartime beach landings and contemporary immigration by sea.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to North Korea on June 8-9 to meet with leader Kim Jong Un, marking his first visit to the country in nearly seven years as China seeks to strengthen ties with its neighbor amid Pyongyang's deepening relations with Russia.
At the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized stable US-China relations while declaring an end to subsidizing allied defense, notably avoiding discussion of Taiwan and Iran. China's absence from the summit drew criticism from Germany's defense chief, while Indo-Pacific nations responded by deepening regional defense partnerships independent of US leadership.
The United States announced plans to pull significant military assets from NATO, including reducing fighter jets by a third, along with destroyers and submarines. No clear timeline was provided for the withdrawal as the US seeks to reduce its commitments to the alliance.
The United States used approximately double the number of interceptor missiles compared to Israel's own defenses during a recent Iranian missile attack, depleting roughly half of America's interceptor stockpile and raising concerns about US readiness for other military threats.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting NATO allies in Sweden and India as the Trump administration's abrupt policy decisions create uncertainty over U.S. support for Ukraine and strain relations with key partners. The visits come as European allies face pressure to assume greater defense responsibilities.
The Trump administration confirmed plans to pull 5,000 US troops from Europe in the near term, with NATO's top military commander indicating more withdrawals may follow long-term. Additionally, the US will reduce the pool of military capabilities available to assist NATO allies during major crises.
NATO fighter jets were scrambled and Lithuania's prime minister and president were moved to a safe house after a drone was detected flying over the capital city of Vilnius. The incident highlights heightened security concerns on NATO's eastern flank.
Shield AI was selected by the Pentagon for a low-cost drone program as Iran war accelerates demand for affordable drones, following the company's recent $1 billion funding round that valued it at $12.7 billion.
The Trump administration announced plans to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Europe and reduce the pool of military capabilities available to NATO during crises, prompting reassurances from NATO leadership that the changes will be gradual and structured while European officials grapple with inconsistent communication from Washington.
NATO's top commander General Alexus Grynkewich confirmed the US will withdraw an armored brigade (5,000 troops) from Europe and indicated additional withdrawals should be expected as European allies strengthen their own defense capabilities.
Germany announced it will deploy a Patriot air defense battery and approximately 150 troops to Turkey under a NATO mission, replacing a US deployment and reinforcing the alliance's southeastern flank amid the Iran conflict.
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.
India and the United Arab Emirates agreed on a framework for strategic defense partnership and signed energy deals during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the Gulf nation, strengthening bilateral ties amid regional tensions.
A nonpartisan federal agency estimated that a national missile defense system would cost $1.2 trillion to build and maintain over 20 years, seven times Trump's initial estimate and nearly double the CBO's first projection.
During Exercise Balikatan, US, Philippine, Japanese and Canadian forces conducted a two-day strike operation that sank two decommissioned vessels using land, sea and air platforms, demonstrating coordinated military capabilities.
Latvia's defense minister resigned following a Ukrainian drone strike on an empty fuel depot in Latvia. Ukrainian officials stated Russia is spoofing Ukraine's drones, causing them to strike Baltic nations instead of Russian targets. This marks the fifth eastern NATO country to see defense minister turnover recently.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former NATO Secretary General and Danish Prime Minister, called for creation of a new European defense alliance independent of the US, warning of NATO's potential disintegration. The statement reflects growing European concerns about US commitment to collective defense amid Trump's Iran war policies.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki stated Poland could host US troops that President Trump ordered withdrawn from Germany, vowing to personally lobby Trump. The move breaks with Prime Minister Donald Tusk's warning against 'poaching' American forces.
France moved its aircraft carrier through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea, positioning for a potential multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. President Macron emphasized any operation would only occur after the conflict's hottest phase subsides.
Poland's defense minister urged NATO countries to reach the alliance's 5% GDP defense spending target by 2030, five years ahead of the previous 2035 timeline, amid growing concerns about European security and US troop withdrawals.
The Pentagon announced plans to draw down 5,000 US troops stationed in Germany, prompting criticism from senior Republican lawmakers who warn it undermines deterrence against Russia, while Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed confidence there would be no gap in NATO's conventional deterrence capability in Europe.
The Pentagon announced withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, with Trump threatening additional cuts in Spain and Italy over disputes about the Iran war and NATO burden-sharing. The move blindsided NATO allies and drew criticism from senior Republicans who warned it sends wrong message to Russia.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced Congressional questioning over the Iran war budget and costs, with the Pentagon claiming $25 billion in expenses while lawmakers disputed the figure could be as high as $1 trillion. The hearing marked Hegseth's first public Congressional appearance since the war began.
President Trump threatened to reduce US military presence in Germany, Italy and Spain after European leaders, particularly German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, criticized US approach to the Iran conflict. Germany says it is 'prepared' for potential troop reductions.
Google signed a new contract allowing the Pentagon broader access to its AI models after Anthropic declined to permit Department of Defense use for domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons, despite protests from over 600 Google employees.
King Charles III addressed a joint session of Congress, only the second British monarch to do so after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, warning that the world is "more volatile and more dangerous" than when his mother spoke from the same chamber, and calling on the US and UK to deepen their alliance to meet challenges too great for any one nation.
Global military spending climbed to nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking an 11th straight year of growth as rising insecurity and rearmament boosted defense budgets worldwide, according to SIPRI. The trend is expected to continue.
NATO is considering ending its practice of holding annual summits to avoid a potentially tense encounter with US President Donald Trump in his final year, according to six sources. The move reflects deep tensions within the alliance over Trump's policies.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov unveiled a memorial in Pyongyang commemorating North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine. Kim reaffirmed support for Russia's 'sacred war' and discussed long-term military cooperation.
President Trump delivered harsh public rebukes to two of his closest European allies, saying Italian PM Giorgia Meloni lacks 'courage' over the Iran war and warning the UK that their trade deal 'can always be changed' after Britain declined to join US military operations.
NATO members declined to participate in Trump's planned blockade of Iranian ports, proposing to intervene only after fighting ends. The move is likely to anger Trump, who has criticized allies for not supporting the US war effort.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with President Trump and senior US officials as Trump renewed threats to reconsider US membership in the alliance, calling NATO members 'cowards' and a 'paper tiger' amid tensions over the Iran war.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the US may need to reassess its relationship with NATO after the Iran war, criticizing the alliance's alleged lack of support during the Middle East conflict. Trump separately told the Telegraph he is 'strongly considering' pulling the US out of NATO over allies' refusal to support military action against Iran.
NATO's annual report shows European allies and Canada increased defense spending by 20% in real terms in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the second consecutive year of such growth. The report comes amid tensions over NATO members' contributions and the ongoing Iran conflict.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei publicly refused to comply with Pentagon demands for unrestricted access to its AI models, saying the company would rather lose its War Department contract than allow its technology to be used for mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons.
The U.S. Pentagon recently raised its counterintelligence threat assessment of Israeli spying activities to the highest designation of 'critical,' reflecting escalating tensions between the two allies over ongoing military conflicts.
