The 3rd Infantry Division is spearheading a cutting-edge transformation in how the U.S. Army fights by integrating drones and electronic warfare into its core formations under the “Transforming in Contact” initiative. This shift, driven by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, involves embedding drone and EW specialists across units like the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team to test new tactics in real-world scenarios, including exercises in Germany. The goal is to equip every platoon with drone capabilities and develop new multi-effects companies focused on drones, counter-UAS, EW, and loitering munitions. With armor units adapting to operate faster and more independently, leaders say this evolution enables deeper sensing and earlier, more decisive engagements against enemies. Click here to read more.

President Trump has unveiled “Golden Dome,” an ambitious $175 billion missile defense shield intended to protect the U.S. homeland from threats including ballistic, hypersonic, cruise missiles, and drones, with a near-100% success rate promised within three years. Led by Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, the system aims to integrate space-based interceptors, advanced tracking satellites, and layered defenses across domains. Though the president claimed modest costs, estimates suggest the full scope could exceed half a trillion dollars. Golden Dome raises strategic questions around space weaponization, arms proliferation, and fiscal sustainability, while also promising potential deterrence and renewed arms control dialogue. Click here to read more.

The III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group recently concluded Exercise Kaiju Rain 25, a first-of-its-kind training operation focused on integrating cyber operations, electronic warfare, and multi-domain sensing to support distributed operations across the Indo-Pacific. Using the All Domain Operations Center (ADOC) as a central hub, Marines fused intelligence from across land, sea, air, and cyberspace to speed decision-making and enable long-range precision fires. The exercise brought together units from intelligence, communications, and signals teams to form a cohesive information combat element, advancing the Marine Corps’ ability to control and exploit information on a global scale. Click here to read more.

The U.S. Air Force has deployed at least four F-15 fighters to Diego Garcia to bolster force protection for this strategic Indian Ocean outpost, where B-52 bombers and other key assets are stationed. The move follows increased concerns about Iran’s long-range missile and drone capabilities, including potential sea-based or covert attacks on the remote island. While it’s unclear if the jets are F-15E Strike Eagles or F-15C/D Eagles, their presence signals heightened readiness and reinforces U.S. deterrence posture in the region amid shifting threats and ongoing tensions with Iran. Click here to read more.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske, outgoing commander of the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, says U.S. air forces in the Western Pacific are at peak readiness, which he argues is the reason a conflict is unlikely. Speaking ahead of his May 22 departure, Palenske emphasized the base’s war footing as a strong deterrent to adversaries, noting constant training and preparedness. While only briefly naming China and North Korea, he highlighted the strategic value of Guam and candidly acknowledged the political and financial forces sustaining defense investments. Col. Charles Cooley will assume command following Palenske’s retirement. Click here to read more.

The U.S. military’s stealth advantage was recently challenged when Houthi forces in Yemen reportedly came close to shooting down a U.S. F-35 and several F-16s during Operation Rough Rider. Despite the F-35’s advanced electronic warfare and stealth capabilities, the Houthis’ growing arsenal of improvised and mobile infrared-guided air defense systems, including jury-rigged R-73 and R-27 missiles and Iranian-designed Saqr-series weapons, has proven to be a serious threat. These passive systems evade detection by traditional radar-warning receivers, reducing reaction time for pilots and complicating mission planning. The incident underscores vulnerabilities even in top-tier stealth aircraft and reflects broader shifts in aerial warfare, where passive infrared tracking, mobility, and hybrid sensor systems are emerging as critical threats. Lessons from Yemen are shaping U.S. and adversary strategies alike, with implications for future high-end conflicts and the next generation of air dominance. Click here to read more.