The United States airstrikes that targeted Islamic State group militants in northwestern Nigeria on Thursday marked a major escalation in an offensive that the West African’s overstretched military has struggled with for years.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media that the “powerful and deadly” strikes in the state of Sokoto were carried out against IS gunmen who were…
Japan’s Cabinet OKs record defense budget that aims to deter China
December 29, 2025
Japan’s Cabinet on Friday approved a record defense budget plan exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for the coming year, aiming to fortify its strike-back capability and coastal defense with cruise missiles and unmanned arsenals as tensions rise in the region.
The draft…
Lukashenko: Russian nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles now in Belarus
December 24, 2025
Belarus’ authoritarian president said Thursday that Russia had deployed its latest nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system to the country, a move that comes as talks to end the war in Ukraine have entered a crucial phase.
President Alexander Lukashenko said the Oreshnik…
Navy to begin constructing 2 ‘Trump class’ battleships
December 24, 2025
President Donald Trump announced Monday the U.S. will build a new generation of “Trump class” battleships, in an effort to advance his vision of building a “Golden Fleet.”
Trump, flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said construction of two vessels would start “almost immediately,” with the eventual goal of expanding…
Swedish air chief talks next-gen warplane, Gripen’s anti-drone role
December 24, 2025
Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman has served as commander of the Swedish Air Force since December 2022, overseeing a major modernization program for new combat capabilities while shaping the country’s new NATO membership. He leads more than 2,700 military personnel and a growing…
DOD needs more consistent Indo-Pacific deterrence funding, GAO says
December 23, 2025
As the U.S. military continues to build up forces to deter China in the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region, a recent Government Accountability Office report claims that clear guidance on how it funds those deterrence efforts has yet to be provided.
Each year, the…
Pentagon counter-drone task force plans Golden Dome link
December 23, 2025
The Joint Interagency Task Force 401, established by the Pentagon as the military’s lead counter-drone organization, plans to share data with the Golden Dome missile defense project to defend against threats from larger drones, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF 401, said at a media roundtable Friday.
“Our integrated counter-UAS posture across the homeland has to be tied into…
Sweden hastens Gripen deep-strike punch with Taurus missiles
December 23, 2025
MONTREAL — Sweden will soon have the capability to conduct deep strikes far behind enemy lines, as the Gripen will be integrated with the German-made Taurus cruise missile earlier than planned, the Swedish air chief said.
“We have reprioritized and done work to ensure…
Space Force wants advanced tech for space-based interceptors
December 17, 2025
The U.S. Space Force is looking for advanced technologies for space-based interceptors that can intercept ballistic missiles during their boost phase inside the atmosphere, according to a Small Business Innovation Research solicitation.
“The desired outcome is to develop…
Thales touts mini-sonar for underwater drones ahead of UK Navy pitch
December 17, 2025
PARIS — French defense-electronics firm Thales has developed a miniaturized sonar that can equip underwater drones to detect submarines, with plans to demonstrate the system to the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy at an event on Wednesday.
The new system brings a “dramatic reduction” in size and weight from traditional sonar systems, Ian McFarlane, sales director for underwater systems at…
