US Wants Drones as Dispensable as Bullets
Uncrewed aerial systems less than 55 pounds are now to be treated as “consumables,” more akin to hand grenades and other kinds of ammunition than aircraft. Lower-level commanders will now also be able to procure smaller UASs directly, as well as authorize subordinates to operate them.
Pentagon’s Goal: US Drone Dominance
The Pentagon is directing every US Army squad to be armed with small, one-way attack drones by the end of fiscal 2026. That and other sweeping policy changes are aimed at what the White House calls “Unleashing American Drone Domination.”
KC-46 Tanker Loses Boom in Aerial Refueling
An Air Force KC-46 Pegasus tanker lost its boom on July 8 while refueling an F-22 Raptor fighter jet off the coast of Virginia.
Navy: Cross Domain Swarm Sensing Demo at Pax a Success
The US Navy demonstrated its software for swarms and other configurations of unmanned air, surface, and underwater systems at NAS Pax River. The Optimized Cross Domain Swarm Sensing software program helps the service plan missions using groups of unmanned aircraft. By running thousands of computer simulations, it determines the best combination of drones, sensors, and arrangement to achieve mission goals.
Army Ousts Civilians for Tech Advisers
ArmySec Dan Driscoll terminated the 115-member slate of civilian advisers to clear way to “focus on leveraging civilian expertise in strategic communications, advanced technology, innovation and digital transformation.” The century-old Civilian Aide Program was considered the secretary’s eyes and ears in communities across the country.
Pentagon Unveils $961.6B Defense Budget
The Defense Department released its fiscal 2026 budget, making official a $961.6 billion request. The breakdown among the services: $197.4B for the Army, $292.2B for the Navy, $301.1B for the Air Force and Space Force, and $170.9B for defense-wide activities.
US Bombs, Declares Ceasefire, in 73 Hours
The US military’s Operation Midnight Hammer on Saturday night hit three of Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities causing “severe damage and destruction.” A timeline of events shows 73 hours between the bomb strikes and the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
Caudle Nominated to Be Next Navy CNO
ADM Daryl Caudle has been nominated by President Trump to be the next chief of naval operations, and Marine Corps GEN Christopher Mahoney’s name has been forwarded to the Senate to be the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
US Hurries Carrier to Mideast, Congress Leery
Republicans and Democrats pursue legislation to limit the president’s power to take the US into a war between Israel and Iran as the US has moved additional ships and tanker aircraft into the Middle East and hurried the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to join the USS Carl Vinson already in the region.
Maryland’s New ‘Tech Tax’ Explained
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman has issued guidance to help businesses prepare for a 3% tax that will take effect July 1 on the sale and use of several informational technology services.
