Pakistan has mediated between the US and Iran since February 2026, culminating in a ceasefire and peace talks in Switzerland. On April 7, Field Marshal Asim Munir personally pressed Trump and Iran's leadership to stop the war, leading to a ceasefire announcement within hours; Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly thanked Munir and PM Shehbaz Sharif. US Vice President JD Vance then held over 20 hours of direct talks with Iranian negotiators in Islamabad, the highest-level US-Iran contact since 1979. The article analyzes how Pakistan's cross-cutting relationships with China, the US, Saudi Arabia, and Iran; credible coercive leverage via a mutual defense pact with Riyadh; and risk-tolerant leadership enabled this mediation, positioning it as a model for nontraditional powers (Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman) filling gaps left by traditional powers and multilateral bodies in conflict resolution.

Despite a five-month US-Israel war with Iran that disrupted Strait of Hormuz shipments, oil prices have not spiked as expected, averaging $101 per barrel. Key factors include China slashing crude imports to the lowest in nearly a decade by June, record US oil production reaching 13.93 million barrels per day by April, Trump's peace signals that repeatedly wrong-footed oil market bulls, increased Saudi Red Sea exports from Yanbu port, and ample supply of prompt physical cargoes. Brent peaked at $126, well below the 2008 record of $147, and briefly retreated to pre-war levels of $70 in early July. Oil market liquidity has dropped as traders became reluctant to make large bullish bets amid the risk of sudden market reversals.

Iran's parliament spokesperson Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of claiming to seek an end to the war while simultaneously deploying new military equipment to the region. In a post on X, Ghalibaf stated that Iran has reached "master-level proficiency" in recognizing such American games and that actions must confirm claims, not contradict them.

A federal judge issued a 14-day restraining order blocking the Paramount Skydance takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, responding to an antitrust lawsuit by 12 state attorneys general led by California AG Rob Bonta. The order prevents the deal from closing pending further review, with a preliminary injunction hearing set for August 3. The delay could cost Paramount hundreds of millions in ticking fees if the deal is not closed by September 30.

The Trump administration is actively considering measures to restrict U.S. access to Chinese AI models, including adding Chinese AI labs to the Entity List, issuing procurement rules, launching public pressure campaigns, and potentially an executive order requiring U.S. companies to guarantee security and accept liability for hosting Chinese models. The rise of the Chinese model Kimi has reignited these efforts, which had previously been stalled by officials favoring innovation. Pro-competition voices, including former White House AI adviser David Sacks, warn that such moves would benefit OpenAI and Anthropic by eliminating open-source competition. With personnel changes—key pro-innovation voices leaving and national security hawks gaining influence—momentum for restrictions is increasing.

The U.S. Coast Guard tracked the Chinese research vessel Xue Long as it transited through the U.S. exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf in the Bering Sea toward the Arctic, marking the first such transit in 2026. The surveillance was conducted under Operation Frontier Sentinel to protect U.S. national security interests. The incident highlights rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, where climate change is opening new shipping lanes and resource extraction opportunities. The U.S. is expanding its Arctic security posture, including building new cutters and developing military training programs.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing stricter requirements on US defense contractors seeking waivers to buy critical minerals and other materials from China and other prohibited foreign suppliers. Contractors must now demonstrate they have searched for alternatives, disclose material origins, and outline plans to transition away from prohibited sources. The order also mandates mapping of critical defense supply chains and assessment of suppliers for foreign ownership and risks. White House adviser Peter Navarro emphasized the goal is to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains for weapons production, stating, "No more: 'we tried nothing and we're out of options'."

Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia said at a rally that if Democrats win control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections, they will deliver a decisive rebuke to President Trump, deterring future abuses of power. He criticized Trump's focus on past grievances and the January 6 Capitol attack. Ossoff is running for reelection against Representative Mike Collins. Decision Desk HQ gives Democrats a 42% chance of retaking the Senate and a 61% chance of retaking the House.

Background: Rahm Emanuel previously called for ending unconditional US support for Israel. Now, multiple 2028 Democratic candidates are staking out distinct positions on Israel policy amid a growing party divide. A House vote on cutting all $3.3 billion in aid to Israel exposed the split, with 103 Democrats supporting and 98 opposing. Rep. Ro Khanna, detained in the West Bank, advocates ending weapons sales. Emanuel calls for ending military subsidies and sanctions on violent settlers. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro defends Israel's right to exist while criticizing Netanyahu. Former Vice President Kamala Harris has met privately with pro-Palestinian activists. Gallup polling shows 65% of Democrats now sympathize more with Palestinians, up from 38% in 2022.

Background: The U.S. Navy maintains two carriers in the CENTCOM region supporting blockade operations and self-defense strikes, with the Iran ceasefire agreement scheduled to be signed in Geneva. Today: The weekly carrier tracker for July 20, 2026, reports that USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush remain in the Arabian Sea supporting blockade and strike operations against Iran, with over 20 US Navy warships operating in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. USS George Washington conducted a fueling-at-sea with USNS Earl Warren and a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Charles Drew in the Philippine Sea. USS Theodore Roosevelt is participating in the sea phase of RIMPAC 2026 in the Hawaiian Islands Operating Area, and hosted acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao on July 18. USS Nimitz arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, moored at Pier 14N, awaiting deactivation delayed until next year. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is berthed at Pier 11S in Norfolk. USS Gerald R. Ford moved to Pier 5N at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for its first Planned Incremental Availability. USS Carl Vinson moored at Kilo Pier in San Diego on July 17 after completing flight deck certifications and carrier qualifications with CVW-2. The ninth consecutive night of precision strikes against Iranian military capabilities ended, and a tenth round began. The blockade, reinstated on July 14, has redirected seven commercial vessels and disabled one oil tanker with Hellfire missiles.

President Donald Trump announced that the new VC-25B Bridge Air Force One, a modified ex-Qatari Boeing 747-8i, will be pulled from service for about a month to receive additional upgrades, after reports revealed it lacks the advanced anti-missile defenses and secure communications of the older VC-25A jets. The decision follows Trump's swap to the older aircraft during a NATO summit trip amid concerns over the Bridge jet's self-protection suite. The upgrade raises questions about why these capabilities were not installed before the aircraft entered service.

During the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, NORAD fighter jets intercepted over 10 general aviation aircraft that entered temporarily restricted airspace over Bedminster and East Rutherford. Three intercepts required flare deployment to alert pilots. The event was attended by President Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who briefly walked onto the field together.

PayPal has received a $53 billion takeover offer from Stripe and Advent International. The board is discussing the bid but believes the $60.50 per share offer is insufficient. The bidders have assembled $17 billion in equity and $50 billion in bank financing. Analysts expect the bidders could raise their offer, and the company's upcoming quarterly earnings report may influence the outcome.

Background: House Democrats were previously deeply divided over a Republican amendment by Representative Thomas Massie to cut U.S. aid to Israel, with 102 voting in favor and 98 against. In a new vote on the same amendment, 103 Democrats supported it, a slight increase from the previous 102, reflecting growing progressive influence and fear of primary challenges. Lawmakers cited public outrage over Gaza devastation and Netanyahu's policies as driving the shift. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment and was in the minority of his party, drawing criticism from some members who say he is not reading the moment. Some Democrats who voted for the amendment admitted they had substantive concerns but wanted to send a message. The vote signals a significant realignment in Democratic Party stance on Israel, driven by grassroots pressure and changing public opinion.

The National Republican Congressional Committee raised $17.6 million in June, ending with $92.7 million cash on hand, outpacing the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's $79 million. However, Democrats raised more in the full second quarter. The Supreme Court's recent ruling allowing unlimited coordinated spending could amplify the NRCC's financial edge in competitive House races.

Background: The de facto US ambassador to Taiwan, Raymond Greene, previously urged Taiwan to become a 'hornet's nest' of drones for deterrence, and a Foreign Affairs analysis argued for a comprehensive defense ecosystem. Today: Taiwan is rapidly expanding its drone development and production as part of an asymmetric defense strategy against China, aiming to create a 'wasp nest' of unmanned systems. The island is also building a non-Chinese supply chain for drones, with exports surging, particularly to Europe and Saudi Arabia. The US and Taiwan have agreed on joint production of the Chien Feng 1 swarm drone.

Severe flooding in Texas's Hill Country, reminiscent of the catastrophic July 2025 floods that killed 138 people, prompted evacuations and tested newly installed flood warning sirens. Camp operators, under heightened regulation following the 2025 disaster, reported no casualties this time. The Texas Department of State Health Services implemented new licensing and inspection requirements for youth camps. State Senator Paul Bettencourt noted the new siren system proved effective. State Representative Wes Virdell called for additional state funding for the mandated warning systems. The American Red Cross provided shelter for displaced residents in Uvalde County.

Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) publicly criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's tribute to two US service members killed in Jordan by Iranian strikes, calling the characterization of their deaths as a 'sacrifice' inappropriate. Greene accused the Trump administration of waging a war on behalf of Israel and urged an end to the conflict, which she described as 'evil.' The article highlights growing conservative dissent against the administration's military engagement with Iran.

Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson is poised to become the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate against Republican incumbent Susan Collins after scandal-plagued candidate Graham Platner exited the race due to sexual assault allegations. Jackson, a progressive backed by Bernie Sanders, secured delegate support and endorsements from former rivals Nirav Shah, Dan Kleban, and Jordan Wood. Delegates to a special nominating convention formally selected Jackson on Saturday, making his nomination official. Jackson all but locked up the nomination last weekend after Democrats across the state overwhelmingly chose his preferred delegate slate, prompting top contenders to end their campaigns. The Maine Democratic convention on Saturday formalized his nomination. Jackson advocates for Medicare for All, defunding Israel's military, abolishing ICE, and federal abortion rights. Republicans have been preparing a massive advertising blitz against him.

The U.S. Air Force has issued a Request for Information for a ground-based air defense missile system to protect its installations from cruise missiles and drones. The system must be capable of intercepting a wide range of drone sizes, from small Group 1 drones (under 21 lbs) to large Group 5 drones (over 1,320 lbs), as well as cruise missiles, with high firing rates and ample magazine depth. The RFI, with an Aug. 6 deadline, follows heavy Iranian drone and missile attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East and the ongoing drone warfare in Ukraine. It specifies 11 critical baseline attributes including cost, transportability, and manpower requirements, and references the 2012 Joint Staff publication JP 3-01 for countering air and missile threats.

Background: Quantum computing threatens to break current encryption, with adversaries such as China and Russia harvesting US data for future decryption. Recent breakthroughs have lowered qubit estimates for breaking encryption, and Google has set a 2029 deadline for quantum-resistant encryption. The US is approaching quantum security as five separate problems (cryptography, AI, networks, sensing, supply chain), while the threat arrives all at once. China's massive investment in quantum networking, including a 12,000 km fiber network, amplifies the risks of 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks, now further enabled by AI. Quantum sensing threats and supply chain dependencies also demand attention. A unified strategy led by the National Security Council is proposed, focusing on cryptographic migration, AI-assisted defense, quantum networking standards, sensing rules, and supply chain security, with close allied cooperation to achieve 'Quantum First' before China.

Chris Fall, director of the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) at the U.S. Commerce Department, resigned abruptly after three months. The agency, formerly the U.S. AI Safety Institute, is responsible for AI testing and standards. NIST Director Dr. Arvind Raman will serve as acting director. The departure highlights ongoing uncertainty in the Trump administration's AI safety and standards policy. The Commerce Department expects to announce a permanent director in the coming weeks.

At the Farnborough International Airshow, the US is attempting to reassure European allies about its commitment to European defense, despite doubts over Pentagon budget constraints and delays in arms sales. European officials express anxiety about US reliability and are considering building an independent defense industrial base. A large US congressional and state delegation is present to promote American arms exports, while US industry groups push back against EU rules that could limit their participation in European rearmament.

The US decision to ban international access to Anthropic's latest AI model highlights a gap between technological pace and policy. The blunt export control, which did not distinguish allies from others, risks technological fragmentation that weakens Western collective scale. The article argues for a pre-agreed playbook and international architecture for safe AI release and stable access, drawing on models like the FSB and IAEA.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Sudan's military-led government, including airspace bans and financing restrictions, after determining that the government used chlorine gas in 2024 in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Sudan denied the allegations. The sanctions target state-owned airlines and restrict access to US financing and exports. The war between the army and RSF paramilitaries continues, creating a major humanitarian crisis.

A TD Cowen survey of 80 biopharma leaders finds AI is compressing preclinical drug development costs and timelines by up to 70%, fueling demand for advanced software and computational tools. The report projects a 10% increase in new drug programs over 3-5 years and $1 billion in additional spending. However, AI has not yet produced an FDA-approved drug, and skepticism remains about its ability to reduce the 90% clinical failure rate. The article also notes China's biotech buildup as a competitive threat to U.S. research.

The US Air Force has initiated piloted flights and autonomy tests for modified F-16s under the VENOM program, allowing AI agents to fly the aircraft. The first sortie occurred at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, with pilots monitoring AI agents. The program, a joint effort with DARPA, aims to develop AI for autonomous flight and mission systems. This milestone follows months of ground testing and simulations dating back to 2024, marking a significant step toward integrating AI into combat aviation.

A report by France's Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS) reveals that Russia and the United States are using climate crises to spread disinformation in Europe, targeting European climate and energy policies like the Green Deal. Tactics include amplifying false narratives during extreme weather events (e.g., 2024 Valencia floods, 2023 Hawaii wildfires) to sow distrust in authorities and weaken support for Ukraine. China also engages defensively, minimising its responsibility while highlighting Western roles.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Washington, meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump, to secure US support for implementing the June 26 ceasefire with Israel—including Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon—and for Lebanon's economic recovery and state authority. Rubio welcomed Aoun's efforts and reaffirmed US support for Lebanese sovereignty and the Lebanese Armed Forces. During the White House meeting, Trump announced the resumption of direct US commercial flights to Lebanon, ending a 40-year suspension imposed after the 1985 TWA Flight 847 hijacking. Trump stated that Israeli forces are 'in the process of redeploying' from southern Lebanon but offered no major commitments on full withdrawal or reconstruction funding. Aoun emphasized the urgent need for a complete Israeli withdrawal and warned of the risk of a new civil war if the Lebanese Armed Forces are not adequately supported. The Lebanese army began deploying to the pilot zones of Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh under the US-brokered framework agreement, but Israeli forces fired warning shots when Lebanese troops crossed into the Israeli-declared security zone. Trump also expressed willingness to speak directly to Hezbollah if requested by Aoun.

The article examines how Donald Trump's engagement with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, from Christian Pulisic's 'Trump dance' to White House intervention in a red card controversy for US player Folarin Balogun, reflects efforts to align soccer with MAGA culture. It explores tensions between soccer's traditionally liberal fanbase and Trump's nationalist appeal, the temporary embrace of the sport by MAGA influencers during the US team's run, and their subsequent abandonment after the team's loss to Belgium. The piece also covers the adoption of 'Country Roads' as a post-match anthem, Trump's relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and the broader implications for American identity and soccer's future in the US.

At the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026, Lockheed Martin introduced the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE), a lower-cost interceptor for the Patriot air defense system priced at less than half the unit cost of the PAC-3 MSE (approximately $2.5 million per missile). The ACE is designed to engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles, leveraging existing Patriot fire-control systems and the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). The missile is intended as a complementary, rapidly fielded effector to address global Patriot stockpile pressures, particularly for Ukraine facing Russian ballistic missile attacks and for allies seeking more sustainable high-volume air defense. Lockheed plans to partner with U.S. and European firms for joint development and production, with initial production expected within 36 months.

AfghanEvac, a veteran-led organization, launched V-PRIC, an AI-powered tool that uses a database of 124 U.S. visa classifications and global pathways to help Afghan allies at risk find the most promising visa and asylum options. The tool has seen over 30,000 visits in its first week. It comes amid Trump administration suspensions of Afghan immigration processing, termination of temporary protected status, and the plight of about 1,100 Afghans stuck at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar.

Lockheed Martin had previously warned of uncertain Patriot PAC-3 interceptor deliveries amid a global supply crunch. Now, the company is exploring options to produce the Patriot missile system in Europe to reduce costs and strengthen supply chains, aiming to make the system more affordable for European allies amid heightened defense spending due to the Ukraine war. This reflects ongoing efforts to address affordability and availability concerns.

Iranian officials, including top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, congratulated Spain on winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, framing the victory as a source of joy for critics of the United States and Israel. They cited the Spanish government's condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza and its criticism of US-Israel policy on Iran. In contrast, Israeli politicians and football fans had supported Argentina, whose president Javier Milei backs Israeli policies. The remarks highlight the politicization of sports events in the context of geopolitical tensions.

The US Food and Drug Administration retracted a positive test for cyclospora in iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, calling it a false positive. The parasite has caused an outbreak of diarrheal illness affecting thousands, with 94 hospitalizations, but the source remains unidentified. Taylor Farms voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico from the market, and Taco Bell removed affected products from restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The CDC advises against eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in those five states.

X-Bow Systems introduced the Buckler, a low-cost supersonic drone interceptor priced under $100,000 per unit, at the Farnborough Airshow. Designed to counter Group 3 drones like the Iranian Shahed-136, the interceptor uses in-house solid rocket motors and airframe to reduce costs and production bottlenecks. The Pentagon has requested a briefing on the system, which enters a competitive market alongside the Coyote and Freedom Eagle-1. At the same event, Lockheed Martin also introduced the Morfius X-Rotor counter-UAS system.

Anduril Industries unveiled the Thunder, an autonomous attack rotorcraft developed with Archer Aviation, at the Farnborough Airshow. The Group 5 VTOL aircraft is designed to team with crewed attack helicopters like the Apache, featuring a hybrid-electric powertrain, modular payload bays for munitions including up to ten air-to-ground missiles or 76 70mm rockets, and Anduril's Lattice autonomy software. First flight is targeted for 2027, with production potentially starting by 2030. The announcement follows Anduril's win of the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft contract and targets both U.S. and international customers.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Alaskan pilot Ken Jouppi's challenge to the state's seizure of his 1969 Cessna airplane worth $95,000 after a passenger brought a six-pack of Budweiser into the dry village of Beaver. Jouppi, who claims he was unaware of the alcohol, argues the forfeiture violates the Eighth Amendment's excessive fines clause, while Alaska defends it as necessary to combat alcohol abuse in remote communities. The case will be heard in the Court's next term starting October, with a decision expected by summer 2027.

A Saildrone Surveyor unmanned surface vessel armed with four AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) has joined the at-sea phase of RIMPAC 2026, departing Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The USV, equipped with a Lockheed Martin launcher and capable of long-duration operations, will participate in exercises alongside other drones, with a live-fire test planned for summer 2026. This deployment marks a milestone in the U.S. Navy's push for a hybrid crewed-uncrewed fleet in the Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Army acquisition officer argues that recent advances in agentic AI have fundamentally shifted the make-or-buy line for Department of Defense software. He demonstrates that a complex prototype, which would have cost $840,000 to $1.2 million and taken over a year to develop traditionally, was built in 20 hours for $1,700 in AI token costs. The article advocates for a new strategy: commercially procure AI infrastructure, agentic tools, and model access, then use them to build all software in-house, achieving faster delivery, full government ownership, and lower costs. It calls for pre-accredited development environments, internal competition, and adoption of new open standards like the Model Context Protocol.

At the 2026 Farnborough Airshow, Lockheed Martin introduced the Morfius X-Rotor, a ground-launched high-power microwave (HPM) counter-drone system capable of neutralizing over 50 drones per flight. Designed for recovery and reuse, it offers a low cost-per-kill against drone swarms. Flight-tested in Arizona, California, and Oklahoma, the system is being accelerated into prototype production to address the growing threat of cheap munitions and reduce dependence on costly interceptors.

Former US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall emphasized the importance of simulations and training exercises to build trust between human operators and autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Speaking at a Mitchell Institute roundtable, he noted that CCAs are performing well in simulated exercises and that institutional support remains strong. The Air Force recently conducted a live-fire test of an AIM-120 from an Anduril YFQ-44A and plans further tests. Kendall also warned that China is developing similar autonomous systems, underscoring the need for intelligence.

President Trump ordered a federal review of the updated Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence after a controversial climate science chapter was removed under conservative pressure. The manual, used by federal judges, had been criticized by Republicans as biased. Trump directed suspension and debarment officials to investigate the conduct, claiming taxpayer funds should not support 'climate fraud.' The controversy follows Sen. Susan Collins questioning Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan about the chapter; Kagan said she had not read it and that steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence. Trump subsequently ordered federal suspension and debarment officials to review the conduct surrounding the removal, calling the manual 'fraudulent, biased, and misleading.' Kagan later stated that the judge managing the project is working to avoid a repeat.

US Representative Sara Jacobs introduced the Security Sector Governance Compacts Act, linking US security assistance to a partner country's security sector governance. The bill creates a Security Sector Governance Index to assess corruption, civilian oversight, human rights records, and other factors, aiming to incentivize improvement and prevent funding of abuse. It applies standards equally to all countries, including Israel, and offers a graduated assistance model rather than a punitive on/off toggle.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 'Common Cents Act,' which formally ends production of the penny (already halted) and permits retailers to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel. The bill aims to resolve confusion from the penny shortage and legal challenges over rounding practices. It now moves to the Senate.

Mark Mullin is encountering difficulties in controlling media narratives about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), suggesting persistent controversies that may involve political or operational issues. He continues to face challenges in managing media coverage related to ICE, indicating ongoing political or operational controversies surrounding the agency.

Malaysian activists are pressuring the government to block or impose conditions on a $96 million Pentagon deal with Australian miner Lynas, which relies on Lynas' rare earth processing plant in Gebeng, Malaysia, citing concerns that the rare earths could be used in weapons systems supporting Israel in Gaza. A parliamentary committee has held a hearing on whether the deal compromises Malaysia's pro-Palestine stance, and the government has until end of July to state its position. An open letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim argues the deal risks implicating Malaysia in violations of international law. The Pentagon's involvement suggests the rare earths may be used in weapons systems, though Lynas and the DoD have not commented. The Gebeng plant is the largest rare earth refinery outside China and is critical for supplying dysprosium and terbium, which are scarce from other sources. The controversy highlights tensions between Malaysia's pro-Palestine stance and its role in the US effort to reduce reliance on Chinese rare earths.

General Atomics and Kongsberg have completed the System Requirements Review and Preliminary Design Review for integrating the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) onto the MQ-9B drone family, including the RAF's Protector, at Kongsberg in Norway on 30 June. The integration is jointly funded by both companies, not by a government customer. The JSM is a stealthy air-to-surface weapon developed from the Naval Strike Missile for internal carriage in the F-35, capable of striking high-priority targets at ranges of hundreds of kilometers. The missile has been selected by Norway, Japan, Australia, the United States, and Germany. This development enhances the strike capabilities of uncrewed platforms, providing a long-range stand-off capability against heavily defended targets and addressing survivability concerns in contested airspace, reflecting growing interest in such capabilities across the defense sector.