🎯Today's Defense Pulse
Updated 2h agoWhat's happening: U.S. Navy issues Sources Sought for next‑gen anti‑radiation missile
NAVAIR has released a Sources Sought notice for an Advanced Emission Suppression Missile (AESM) that would surpass the range of the current AGM‑88G and add capability to engage both air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground targets. The missile must be compatible with the F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet, EA‑18G Growler and F‑35C, featuring a broadband seeker, GPS/INS guidance and robust ECCM.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Anthropic secures $30B funding round at $380B valuation
News•Feb 13, 2026
Trump Tells Troops 'Fear' Is Powerful Motivator in Difficult Iran Talks
President Donald Trump addressed troops at Fort Bragg, warning that fear may be necessary to compel Iran in stalled nuclear negotiations. He highlighted the recent deployment of a second U.S. aircraft carrier to the Middle East as a contingency if talks fail. The remarks referenced the June bombing of Iranian nuclear sites and noted Oman’s role in facilitating the latest diplomatic overtures. The speech also mixed military briefing with partisan criticism of Democrats ahead of upcoming elections.
By Al-Monitor – All
Social•Feb 13, 2026
US Should Avoid Iran Strike During Ramadan, Preserve Allies
This is the last weekend before Ramadan (2/17 - 3/26) and it happens to be a 3 day US holiday. Not that someone with Trump's risk appetite couldn't strike Iran during the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, it certainly...
By Quinn Thompson
News•Feb 13, 2026
A Renovation Job at Fort Meade Turned Into a Dispute
The Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals denied Meltech’s $1.7 million claim over Fort Meade security changes, invoking the sovereign‑acts doctrine. The board also found that Meltech’s own procedural errors, including incomplete security packages, caused the delays. The government had provided...
By Federal News Network
Social•Feb 13, 2026
Cross‑platform Tool Scans Bluetooth, Resolves Private Addresses
Just released a new tool that scans for Bluetooth devices including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices. It will scan for all, filtered by MAC, or if you have the Identity Resolving Keys (IRK), can be used to determine the Resolvable...
By Dave Kennedy
News•Feb 13, 2026
Rubio Holds Joint Talks with Syria's FM and SDF Commander in Munich
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shibani and Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazloum Kobane on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The talks came two weeks after a Jan. 30 cease‑fire that promises to...
By Al-Monitor – All
News•Feb 13, 2026
Lithuania Could Break EU Ranks Over Critical Minerals Deal
Lithuania warned it may negotiate a stand‑alone critical minerals agreement with the United States if the European Union fails to deliver a bloc‑wide pact promptly. The move aims to secure rare‑earths, battery metals and other strategic inputs for its defense...
By OilPrice.com – Main
News•Feb 13, 2026
What You Need to Know About GSA's New CUI Security Framework
In early 2026 the General Services Administration issued CIO‑IT Security‑21‑112 Revision 1, a procedural guide that shifts CUI contractor verification to a NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) model rather than the DoD’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The guidance mandates case‑by‑case...
By Washington Technology
News•Feb 13, 2026
Lawmakers Seek to Penalize DoD if It Fails to Pass a Clean Audit
Lawmakers introduced the RECEIPTS Act, which would penalize the Department of Defense by transferring its Defense Finance and Accounting Service functions if a clean full audit is not achieved by December 2028, while rewarding success with up to $10 billion in...
By Federal News Network
Blog•Feb 13, 2026
World’s Largest Drone Fleet Deployed to Deter Russia
NATO has moved to operationalize its Task Force X Baltic, signing a letter of intent with eight member states to launch the second phase of the programme. The initiative demonstrated the rapid fielding of a fleet of over 50 commercially‑available...
By UK Defence Journal
News•Feb 13, 2026
Operations, Tech and Talent Leadership Moves Across the Market
A wave of senior appointments swept the aerospace, defense and technology services sector this week, with AAR Corp. naming former Boeing and Deutsche Bank veteran Dylan Wolin as CFO and BAE Systems hiring ex‑Collins Aerospace chief digital officer Mona Bates...
By Washington Technology
News•Feb 13, 2026
Hanwha Aerospace, Frankenburg to Develop Counter-Drone Systems for Future Armored Vehicles
South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace and Estonia's Frankenburg Technologies signed an MoU to co‑develop counter‑unmanned aerial systems (C‑UAS) for next‑generation armored platforms. The collaboration will integrate Frankenburg's interceptor missiles, launchers and fire‑control software into Hanwha's upcoming armored command vehicle. Hanwha will...
By Overt Defense
News•Feb 13, 2026
Space Force Surpasses Its Fiscal 2026 Recruiting Goal
The U.S. Space Force has already exceeded its fiscal 2026 recruiting goal by 25% just five months into the year, moving more recruits into basic training and the delayed entry program. Despite this early success, senior leaders warn the service’s...
By Federal News Network
Blog•Feb 13, 2026
Labour MP Calls for NATO ‘Neighbourhood’ Model for Decisions
Labour MP Graeme Downie argues NATO’s consensus‑based decision‑making is too slow for modern crises. He proposes a “neighbourhood” model that empowers regional allies, especially those closest to a theatre, to act quickly. Downie cites the UK’s anti‑submarine capabilities in the...
By UK Defence Journal
News•Feb 13, 2026
NAVWAR Cyber Directorate’s Mission to Secure, Survive, Comply
The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) created a new cyber directorate last August to centralize its cybersecurity efforts. The directorate targets three pillars—zero‑trust adoption, secure software development, and cutting‑edge defensive technologies—while automating risk‑management framework (RMF) compliance. By feeding feedback...
By Federal News Network
News•Feb 13, 2026
Zelenskiy Meets Iranian Opposition Figure Pahlavi
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met exiled Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The two discussed the need to tighten sanctions on Iran and other authoritarian regimes, and jointly condemned the growing military cooperation between...
By Al-Monitor – All
Social•Feb 13, 2026
NATO Remains Vital Amid Transatlantic Trust Crisis
for all the criticism and hand wringing, nato continues to serve a useful role for all members and nobody is trying to leave it or replace it. there’s a crisis of trust in the transatlantic relationship. but not an existential...
By Ian Bremmer
News•Feb 13, 2026
Splash Wrap: The Week in Shipping in 233 Words
The Pentagon intercepted a tanker suspected of moving Venezuelan oil, underscoring Washington’s aggressive stance on illicit exports. Vanuatu warned users about a fake registry website, while Cameroon suspended new shadow‑fleet registrations and began deregistering existing vessels. In the tech arena,...
By Splash 247
Social•Feb 13, 2026
From Board Exit to AI‑Powered Gun Detection Revolution
After 13 years, I stepped down from the Board of $EVLV today. In 2011, Mike Ellenbogen and Anil Chitkara became Entrepreneurs-in-Residence at General Catalyst in Boston. We spent nearly two years exploring incubation ideas together. Then the world shifted. 2012 - Sandy Hook. 2013...
By Bilal Zuberi
Social•Feb 13, 2026
DoD China List Document Removed From Federal Register
Just in on DoD China List: (Bloomberg) -- Document that previously listed Alibaba, Baidu, BYD, Huawei, Nio, TP-Link among companies connected to the Chinese military is no longer available in the Federal Register.
By Tony Capaccio
News•Feb 12, 2026
Indonesian Navy Wants Ex-Italian Aircraft Carrier to Be Delivered Before October 5
Indonesia’s navy is pushing to have the former Italian carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi delivered before the TNI’s 81st anniversary on October 5, although a formal purchase contract has not yet been signed. The Ministry of Defence continues negotiations with shipbuilder Fincantieri and the...
By Naval News
Social•Feb 13, 2026
Ford CSG Shift Highlights Readiness Tradeoffs in Carrier Strategy
Before news broke that the Ford CSG was moving from the Caribbean to the Middle East, we were already talking carrier chess on @BloombergTV. I laid out for @JMathieuReports & @kaileyleinz what this deployment really means for readiness and the...
By Becca Wasser
Social•Feb 13, 2026
Starlink Shutdown Blinds Russian Drones and Command Posts
“The shutdown didn’t only reduce Russian drone strikes. On the front lines, it also partially blinded Russian command posts and drone crews that relied on Starlink for communication, livestreams and more-precise control of assaults as commanders got real-time footage of...
By Franz‑Stefan Gady
News•Feb 12, 2026
SBA Proposes to Terminate 154 Companies From 8(a) Program
The Small Business Administration announced it will terminate 154 Washington, D.C. firms from the 8(a) Business Development program after a data‑call revealed they exceeded statutory net‑worth, asset and income thresholds. The companies collectively received $1.3 billion in federal contracts, including roughly...
By Federal News Network
Social•Feb 13, 2026
Vulcan Centaur Reaches Orbit Despite Booster Glitch
LAUNCH at 0922 UTC Feb 12 of a Vulcan Centaur from Canaveral with the Space Force's GSSAP 7 and 8 satellites, and possibly other payloads. One of the GEM 63XL solid boosters malfunctioned but the vehicle was reportedly able to reach...
By Jonathan McDowell
Social•Feb 13, 2026
Space Systems Command Confirms Two GSSAPs on USSF‑87
Space Systems Command says there were two GSSAPs on USSF-87. This is their response to my question on the matter last month. https://t.co/IqQ6LR4m9P
By Stephen Clark
News•Feb 12, 2026
The Download: AI-Enhanced Cybercrime, and Secure AI Assistants
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a tool for cybercriminals, enabling faster, lower‑skill attacks and fueling a surge in deep‑fake‑driven scams. At the same time, AI‑powered personal assistants such as OpenClaw expose massive amounts of user data, raising urgent security concerns....
By MIT Technology Review – Security
Social•Feb 12, 2026
Rosgvardia Gains Independent General Staff, Not Subordinated
Seeing content here on X that the Russians subordinated Rosgvardia to the General Staff of the military. That is incorrect. The decree expands the HQ staff of Rosgvardia and gives it its own general staff structure. Zolotov remains the head....
By Dara Massicot
Social•Feb 12, 2026
Russia Finally Allies with China, Silencing Doubters
I am old enough to remember how many know-it-alls last November said I was talking nonsense, and Russia would "never" propose an alliance against its "all-too-important" ally China. Well guess what. https://t.co/9TZCmGb4rZ https://t.co/DMqldPqWvG
By Christo Grozev
News•Feb 12, 2026
Lockheed Martin, Fujitsu Sign Initial Contract for SPY-7 Radar Power Supply Units for Japan’s ASEV
Lockheed Martin and Fujitsu signed a contract on Feb. 12 to supply the Power Supply Line Replaceable Unit for the SPY‑7 radar’s Subarray Suite on Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEV). The PS LRU provides regulated power to the radar modules,...
By Naval News
Social•Feb 12, 2026
India's Potential Record Defense Deal: 114 Rafales
India purchasing 114 Rafale jets. The biggest defense deal in India's history if it full goes through.
By John Spencer
Social•Feb 12, 2026
Iran Relies on Massive Missile Arsenal for Deterrence
Iran’s missiles are its only credible deterrent, with bases, shipping lanes, and energy infrastructure in range. Tehran won’t cap missile stockpiles because it needs large numbers to overwhelm defenses and hit targets. With @DEsfandiary on @TheTerminal: https://t.co/zj7y46yUmH https://t.co/PrdB2GZY5w
By Becca Wasser
News•Feb 12, 2026
Europe Debates Future Ties with US: Decouple or Double Down?
Europe is split on its future relationship with the United States under President Trump. Eastern European NATO members such as Romania and Lithuania argue for tighter security cooperation and participation in the critical‑minerals ministerial, citing Russian aggression. In contrast, France,...
By The Hill – Defense
Social•Feb 12, 2026
Ukraine Reports Russia Launched 24 Missiles, 219 Drones
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, last night Russia launched 24 Iskander-M / S-300 missiles, 1 Kh-59 / Kh-69, and 219 Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmas one way attack drones. https://t.co/Ro7NLJFEVe https://t.co/1yuwfFOjrm
By Rob Lee
News•Feb 12, 2026
Here's How a Shutdown Would Affect DHS Agencies
Congress faces a looming partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security as the two‑week stopgap expires Friday. Without a deal, agencies such as the Coast Guard, CISA, TSA, Secret Service and FEMA would see non‑essential staff furloughed and essential...
By The Hill – Defense
Social•Feb 12, 2026
Drones Strike Russian Refinery 1,800 Km From Front
Meanwhile in Russia’s Ukhta. The local refinery keeps getting hit by drones as we speak. 1,800 km away from the Ukrainan border. https://t.co/TZMDIrIIg6
By Illia Ponomarenko
![New Zealand and Dyess Fly Together in Arizona [Image 5 of 5]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518681/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
New Zealand and Dyess Fly Together in Arizona [Image 5 of 5]
On August 21, 2025, a U.S. Air Force C‑130J Hercules of the 40th Airlift Squadron and a Royal New Zealand Air Force C‑130J of No. 40 Squadron landed together at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, after completing the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course. The course, run...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![New Zealand and Dyess Fly Together in Arizona [Image 4 of 5]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518680/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
New Zealand and Dyess Fly Together in Arizona [Image 4 of 5]
The U.S. Air Force 40th Airlift Squadron and the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 40 Squadron flew their C‑130J Hercules aircraft together during a training sortie at the Advanced Tactics Aircrew Course near Fort Huachuca, Arizona, on August 21, 2025. The sortie was part...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 5 of 7]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518672/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 5 of 7]
On Feb. 11, 2026, the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron at Misawa Air Base conducted an inter‑unit casualty and vehicle recovery exercise. Airman 1st Class Josiah Smith and squadron firefighters moved a dummy from a simulated car wreck, demonstrating coordinated stretcher...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 7 of 7]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518675/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 7 of 7]
U.S. Air Force personnel from the 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron executed a combined casualty and vehicle‑recovery drill at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on Feb. 11 2026. The exercise simulated extracting a wrecked vehicle from a ditch while providing immediate medical care, illustrating...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 4 of 7]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518671/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 4 of 7]
U.S. Air Force personnel from the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron executed an inter‑unit casualty and vehicle recovery drill at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on Feb. 11 2026, documented in a photo taken Oct. 2 2026. The exercise simulated a car‑wreck scenario, requiring fire‑protection specialists...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 3 of 7]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518667/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 3 of 7]
On February 11, 2026, the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 35th Logistic Readiness Squadron executed a combined casualty and vehicle‑recovery exercise at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Firefighter Tadakatsu Kumagai demonstrated stretcher‑pull techniques on a simulated wreck, highlighting the drill’s...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 2 of 7]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518666/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 2 of 7]
On Feb. 11, 2026, U.S. Air Force personnel at Misawa Air Base conducted an inter‑unit casualty and vehicle recovery exercise. Airman 1st Class Josiah Smith and 35th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters simulated a car wreck to test emergency response protocols....
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 6 of 7]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518674/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 6 of 7]
U.S. Airmen from the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 35th Medical Group executed a combined casualty and vehicle recovery drill at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on Feb. 11, 2026. The exercise simulated a combat environment where rescue teams and...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 1 of 7]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518665/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
Combined Readiness: Inter-Unit Casualty and Vehicle Recovery Exercise [Image 1 of 7]
On Feb 11 2026, the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base staged an inter‑unit casualty and vehicle recovery drill, simulating a car wreck to evaluate rapid response. Multiple units coordinated to extract injured personnel and recover disabled vehicles, sharpening joint operational...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![MWCS-38 Norwegian Foot March [Image 9 of 11]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518644/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
MWCS-38 Norwegian Foot March [Image 9 of 11]
U.S. Marines from Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, completed the historic Norwegian Foot March at MCAS Miramar on February 11, 2026. The 18.64‑mile timed march, a test of endurance first used by Norway’s military in 1915,...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
![MWCS-38 Norwegian Foot March [Image 6 of 11]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2602/9518640/250w_q95.jpg)
News•Feb 12, 2026
MWCS-38 Norwegian Foot March [Image 6 of 11]
U.S. Marines from Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 took part in the Norwegian Foot March at MCAS Miramar on Feb. 11 2026. The 18.64‑mile timed march, a tradition dating to Norway’s 1915 military endurance test, challenged participants to move under load over a...
By U.S. Marine Corps – News
News•Feb 12, 2026
Companies Are Using ‘Summarize with AI’ to Manipulate Enterprise Chatbots
Microsoft's research reveals a new AI hijacking technique called AI recommendation poisoning, where "Summarize with AI" buttons embed hidden prompts that bias enterprise chatbots toward a vendor’s products. Over two months, researchers found 50 instances across 31 companies in sectors...
By CSO Online – Security
News•Feb 12, 2026
Police.AI - New Tech Tools for UK Law Enforcement
The UK Home Office has launched Police.AI, a national centre to centralise AI procurement, policy and deployment across policing agencies. Early rollout includes 40 additional live facial‑recognition vans and a suite of tools such as deep‑fake detection and predictive analytics....
By RUSI
Social•Feb 11, 2026
Uncoordinated Counter‑Drone Laser Closes El Paso Airspace
Confirming earlier reporting: Airspace was closed by the FAA near El Paso late Tuesday after CBP personnel launched a counter-drone laser weapon without full inter-agency integration, officials say. That weapon had recently been transferred temporarily by the Pentagon to DHS. Airspace...
By Dan Lamothe
News•Feb 11, 2026
Once-Hobbled Lumma Stealer Is Back with Lures that Are Hard to Resist
Lumma Stealer has reemerged at scale after a 2025 law‑enforcement takedown that crippled its command‑and‑control infrastructure. The malware‑as‑a‑service operation now relies on ClickFix lures—fake CAPTCHAs that trick users into running malicious commands—and the memory‑only CastleLoader to evade detection. Researchers report...
By Ars Technica – Security