India launched “Operation Sindoor,” striking nine alleged terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir in retaliation for an April 22 attack that killed 26 people. India framed the strikes as “measured” and non-escalatory, avoiding military or civilian targets, but Pakistan condemned them as an “act of war,” claiming civilian deaths and launching retaliatory attacks. Unconfirmed reports claim downed Indian aircraft and casualties, while India has neither confirmed nor denied losses. A state of emergency has been declared in Pakistan’s Punjab province, and airspace has been closed amid rising tensions. Global leaders, including the U.N. Secretary-General, are calling for restraint to prevent further escalation between the nuclear-armed nations. Click here to read more.

Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is rethinking training, technology, and acquisition strategies based on hard-won lessons from Ukraine’s high-intensity conflict, particularly around operating in electronic warfare-heavy environments. AFSOC aims to ensure its personnel and aircraft can function in GPS-denied zones, emphasizing the need for resilient communication and navigation tools. The command is also reevaluating its procurement philosophy—shifting from rigid “programs of record” to more agile “programs of capability”—enabling faster adaptation to rapidly evolving battlefield tech. It is focusing on flexible, modular systems with open architecture to avoid vendor lock-in and ensure quick software-driven upgrades, while exploring cheaper, expendable systems for some missions. The overarching goal is to remain adaptable, resilient, and combat-relevant in a potential future conflict with a great power like China. Click here to read more.

The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) will soon issue a solicitation for low-collateral counter-drone technologies as part of its Replicator 2 initiative, aiming to rapidly scale up defenses against small drones in populated areas. DIU seeks affordable, low-risk solutions—whether electronic, kinetic, or passive sensing systems—to counter increasing drone threats at home and abroad. Although progress has been made, military leaders admit the Pentagon is lagging in deployment and needs more resources and authority to scale effective systems like the Marine Air Defense System. Click here to read more.

The U.S. Space Force is forming its own special operations component under U.S. Special Operations Command, known as Space Force Special Operations Command (SFSOC). While it won’t feature Guardians conducting traditional combat missions like Navy SEALs or Green Berets, SFSOC will provide specialized space-based capabilities to support elite military operations. Though technically established in 2025, the command has yet to be fully activated or manned. Leaders across the military increasingly emphasize the importance of integrating space, cyber, and special operations forces as a “modern-day triad” to give the U.S. a strategic edge in future conflicts. Click here to read more.

The UK has joined the U.S. in intensifying airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marking Britain’s first participation in “Operation Rough Rider” under the Trump administration. British Typhoon jets targeted a drone facility near Sanaa used by the Iran-backed group, citing threats to Red Sea shipping. The strike follows a deadly alleged U.S. attack on a migrant prison and comes amid growing scrutiny of America’s campaign, which has launched over 800 strikes since mid-March. The Houthi attacks, initially sparked by the Gaza conflict, continue to disrupt global trade and regional stability. Click here to read more.