Conflicts and security flashpoints that shape US defense policy: Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and NATO.
A classified Bundeswehr analysis rates the Russian sabotage threat to German troops and bases at the second-highest level for the first time, after an explosives-laden drone was found near Wunstorf air base.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Benjamin Netanyahu at an air base in the Negev to talk about Iran. The Pentagon isn’t saying much, and the timing, eight days before Israel votes, says plenty.
The CBO says the Iran war has cost the Pentagon about $38 billion, but that total excludes damage to US bases. Five Senate Armed Services Democrats want CENTCOM’s classified estimate released by Nov. 2.
Australia’s LAND 6504 competition seeks a proven medium-range air and missile defense system, with a winner by 2027 and a test-firing at Talisman Sabre in 2029.
After drones sank a cargo ship off Bulgaria and two tankers caught fire near Romania’s Sulina Canal, NATO said allies would send maritime patrol aircraft, radars, drones and explosive exploitation teams to the Black Sea.
Iran’s parliament confirmed arms-industry chief Mehrdad Akhlaghi as defense minister, nearly eight months after his predecessor was killed, as attacks on ships in Hormuz rise.
About 57,000 Japanese and U.S. troops began Keen Sword 27 as Japan moved its Type-25 missiles onto an island within sight of Taiwan for the first time.
Ukraine’s overnight strike hit an oil terminal, a VK data center and power substations around St. Petersburg in one of the war’s largest drone attacks.
Hanwha says its Cheongwang laser and a 30-kilowatt vehicle laser downed three drones at a South Korean army exercise. Each shot costs about $1.50.
Ukraine says Neptune missiles hit six Su-34 fighter-bombers parked in the open at Borisoglebsk air base. Satellite images confirm at least four destroyed.