In a landmark shift, the Pentagon has redefined how the U.S. military will deploy small drones, now classifying Group 1 and 2 uncrewed aerial systems as “consumables” akin to ammunition—dramatically streamlining their acquisition, deployment, and use. This new policy empowers lower-level commanders to procure and operate weaponized drones directly, expands domestic drone manufacturing, mandates integration into all major training exercises by 2027, and prioritizes rapid fielding to Indo-Pacific units. Inspired by Ukraine’s battlefield innovations and aiming to outpace adversaries like China and Russia, the initiative marks a long-overdue effort to make drone dominance central to U.S. military strategy. Click here to read more.

In a historic first, the nuclear-powered U.S. Navy submarine USS Newport News docked in Iceland on July 9, marking the first-ever visit of its kind to the island nation. Navy officials say the port call signals U.S. resolve in defending the Arctic and the High North amid growing Russian and Chinese interest in the region’s strategic waterways and resources. The visit underscores strengthened U.S.-Iceland defense ties and highlights NATO’s focus on Arctic security. Armed with Tomahawk missiles and torpedoes, the Newport News reinforces deterrence in the GIUK gap — a critical chokepoint in North Atlantic defense. Click here to read more.

In a sharp policy reversal, President Trump announced the U.S. will resume weapons shipments to Ukraine just days after ordering a pause over concerns about dwindling stockpiles. The move comes amid intensified Russian airstrikes and heavy civilian casualties, prompting renewed calls for aid from Kyiv. Trump, who expressed frustration with Putin, emphasized the deliveries would be “primarily defensive.” The Pentagon confirmed resumption of shipments while continuing a broader military aid review. Meanwhile, Ukraine battles drone barrages and troop shortages, and Russia’s transport minister was found dead shortly after being dismissed amid alleged embezzlement. Click here to read more.

The House has narrowly passed President Trump’s sweeping megabill by a vote of 218-214, combining tax cuts, health care reforms, immigration measures, and $150 billion in defense funding. The package includes $113 billion in mandatory military funding, pushing the Pentagon’s total budget close to $1 trillion for the first time. The bill funds priorities like shipbuilding, homeland defense, and precision weapons replenishment. Despite criticism over splitting the defense budget into two parts, lawmakers advanced it, though a continuing resolution is still expected for the next fiscal year. Click here to read more.

The Pentagon says recent U.S. airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites have set Iran’s program back by up to two years, according to spokesman Sean Parnell. Operation Midnight Hammer, carried out June 20–21, involved seven B-2 bombers dropping bunker-busting bombs on Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. Parnell described the strikes as “completely obliterating” key sites, though intelligence suggests Iran preserved some enriched uranium by moving it beforehand. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates Iran could resume enrichment within months, despite severe damage. The Pentagon, however, maintains the strikes severely degraded Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Click here to read more.