Daily News Roundup

US Army tests autonomous boats during Philippine exercise

Autonomous boats helped escort a U.S. Army vessel during a military exercise, in a demonstration of how uncrewed assets are changing maritime operations.

Kyiv’s drone leverage moved the US. Moscow could be next, a top Ukrainian official says.

After years of needing Western weapons, Kyiv is approaching negotiations with battlefield tech the U.S. now wants — and a possible ceasefire looming.

Can China’s latest air-to-air missile take on its US equivalent? Definitely maybe, experts say.

The PL-16’s specs would let it chase large, slower-moving aircraft, one analyst said, though its effectiveness against smaller, faster planes is unclear.

Ukraine launches ‘TrophyLab’ platform to share captured Russian weapons with allies

Among the listed items available for study are, for example, a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and a T-90M tank.

US Army launches new Indo-Pacific multi-domain command

The move combines traditional formations with some of the service’s cyber, space, unmanned systems and electronic warfare capabilities.

Air Force One begins commissioning flights, final step before presidential use

The service announced the delivery of the Qatari-donated aircraft to Joint Base Andrews on Friday and the kickoff of its commissioning flights.

Pentagon tells lawmakers it needs $80 billion for Iran war, other expenses: WSJ

The full cost of the conflict, which the U.S. launched alongside Israel on Feb. 28, has remained an open question on Capitol Hill.

Opinion

Troop cuts in Europe: Giving away something for nothing

It’s not too late – if Washington is intent on reducing troop levels in Europe, it can still wield this bargaining chip with Russia.

Japan joins the global craze to field interceptor drones

The interceptor drone systems are expected to be installed by 2027 near radar sites, bases, vessels and other critical locations, the agency stated.

Italy rejects aid scheme that buys US weapons for Ukraine’s defense

NATO has said the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism has helped fund the purchase of air-defense systems, in particular.

Senate eyes Hegseth travel cuts without probes into Iran school bombing, boat strikes

Senate lawmakers added a provision in the NDAA that would restrict Hegseth's travel expenses until the department releases certain operational information.

Pentagon open to Poland’s offer to host permanent U.S. base, Polish minister says

Poland has been pushing for a bigger allied presence on NATO’s eastern flank after Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine in 2022.

Republicans blast Iran agreement as details emerge

One Republican senator called the framework pact announced this week the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades.”

Ukraine hits Moscow refinery in major drone attack on Russian capital

Ukrainian drones hit the Russian capital’s oil refinery for the second time this week.

Apache going down near Oman a sign of air combat evolution, analysts warn

Experts say the U.S. Army Apache that went down near Oman offers a snapshot into how air assets must now contend with cheaper, rapidly evolving drones.

Germany moves two ships to Djibouti, eyeing multinational Hormuz mission this summer

Germany is among a number of countries that have offered help in securing the shipping lane, but only if an Iran ceasefire deal turns out to be lasting.