South Korea goes full steam ahead on nuclear-powered submarines
Seoul plans to launch its first boat in the mid-2030s and commission it in “the late 2030s,” the government proclaimed.
Mideast Africa
US military seeks cultural advisors in Somalia amid regional strikes
The U.S. special operations task force in Somalia is looking for contractors to advise troops on Somali politics, culture and tribal dynamics.
Poland spends $16.5 billion in EU-backed loans on heavy army weapons
Amid political infighting over the funding mechanism, the government has tapped local companies to make fighting vehicles, howitzers and ammunition.
Norway becomes ninth country to sign up for French nuclear deterrence as trust in US falters
Meanwhile, Germany will participate in French nuclear exercises as soon as September, joining them in an observer role.
US general holds rare meeting with Cuban military officials near Guantanamo Bay
The meeting is the first in recent memory by a head of U.S. Southern Command and comes amid growing concerns in Cuba of a possible U.S. military attack.
How Russia is turning Ukraine’s drones against NATO
A Russian drone wounded two civilians in Romania on Friday, days after Lithuania detailed how Moscow is also steering Ukraine's drones onto allied soil.
Nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, top UK intel chief says
The figure hardens a growing consensus among Western officials: Russia is on its heels for the first time since the Kremlin launched its invasion in 2022.
US arms sales pause would push Taiwan toward asymmetric-defense tech: Analysts
The idea of Trump using arms sales as a negotiating chip with China has sparked concerns that Washington might decline procurement deals with Taiwan.
How far is there to go until the US and Iran end the war?
A tentative deal has been reached to end the war and restart transit in the Strait of Hormuz, and then negotiations on more difficult issues would begin.
China is building launch pads near its nuclear missile silos
China’s nuclear missiles can reach any U.S. city. Now, satellite images show Beijing is building a sprawling web of military sites near its nuclear silos.
Romania says Russian drone hit apartment block, NATO vows to defend alliance territory
“I affirmed that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of Allied territory,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on X.
Ukraine would gain advantage over Russian glide bombs with Gripen-Meteor combo
Moscow has been launching record numbers of glide bombs in 2026, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, grinding down frontline positions.
New Zealand budget spares defense, intelligence agencies from cuts
“The rules-based global system is under strain. Countries are boosting their spending on defense," said Finance Minister Nicola Willis.
Pentagon looks to reinvent the bunker-buster bomb
The goal is to go beyond the traditional brute-force approach of giant bombs and instead manipulate shock waves to destroy targets.
Quad nations step up Indo-Pacific push with new initiatives
The announcement to build port infrastructure in Fiji comes amid China’s deepening ties with the South Pacific island, which straddles vital sea lanes.
At French Army FPV competition, NATO soldiers race drones and swap tips
“When I put on the mask, I no longer exist in this reality,” Chief Cpl. Clément said after completing the course.
Lithuania to buy Patria armored vehicles, eyes local industry share
A contract is expected to be signed with the Finnish producer in 2027.
