Daily News Roundup

Opinion

Iran-US nuclear talks may fail due to both nations’ red lines – but that doesn’t make them futile

"Talks do not necessarily need an end point — in the shape of a deal — for them to have purpose," argues an international relations professor.

Sentinel ICBM program hit by software delays, Minuteman extension risks: GAO

Switching from the Minuteman III to the Sentinel system, led by Northrop Grumman, involves the replacement of more than 600 facilities across five states.

Envoys signal no breakthrough on bridging Russia and Ukraine’s military, political differences

The negotiations in Switzerland were the third round of direct talks organized by the U.S. Expectations for significant progress in Geneva were low.

Apache helicopters downed drones in air-to-air combat with 30mm proximity ammo

Gunship pilots test-fired APEX munitions, designed to pulverize targets with shrapnel.

Germany won’t build nukes but could flash French, UK weapons to deter foes, Merz says

Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested examining whether France and the U.K. could be elevated to the same level as the U.S. nuclear umbrella.

DOD eyes commercial satellites that can spy on other satellites

The Pentagon is looking for cheap commercial satellites that can maintain surveillance on other satellites in orbit, including close-range inspections.

US Air Force sees early 2030s rollout for revamped Sentinel nuclear missile

The LGM-35A ICBM program had its Milestone B status revoked during a Nunn-McCurdy review, but a new decision is expected by the end of 2026.

US to send more missile launchers to the Philippines despite China’s alarm

The addition of missile launchers comes as treaty allies condemned what they called China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities.”

Australia prepares for next batch of ‘Ghost Bat’ warplane buddy drones

The Royal Australian Air Force is on track to have 10 operational Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft by 2028.

Saudi Arabia buys C-27 cargo planes fitted for armed maritime patrols

Candidates for weaponry aboard the Saudi aircraft could be the MBDA Marte-ER anti-ship missile and MU-90 lightweight torpedo made by Leonardo-owned WASS.