🎯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 11, 2026
Moldova. EU – Yes; CIS – No; Unirea – Not This Time
Moldova announced its formal exit from the Commonwealth of Independent States, signaling a decisive break from a key Russian‑linked institution. At the same time, Chişinău is accelerating its integration with the European Union under President Maia Sandu’s pro‑Western agenda. Public opinion now consistently backs the Western path, especially among younger and Romanian‑speaking citizens. While reunification talks with Romania have resurfaced, officials deem the prospect unlikely in the near term.
By Defence24 (Poland)
News•Feb 11, 2026
David’s Sling Air Defense System Validates Combat Lessons in a Recent Test Campaign
Israel’s David’s Sling medium‑to‑long‑range interceptor completed a rigorous test campaign that incorporated real‑time combat lessons from Operation Rising Lion. The trials, run by the Israeli Missile Defense Organization with U.S. MDA support, validated a suite of upgrades that improve interception of missiles, rockets,...
By Defense Update
News•Feb 11, 2026
Japan Hands Philippines Radars to Keep Closer Eye on China
Japan officially handed over five coastal radar systems to the Philippines under its 2023 Official Security Assistance program. The equipment, which includes surveillance, communications and support components, is designed to enhance the Philippine Navy’s maritime domain awareness and support ISR,...
By Asia Times – Defense
News•Feb 11, 2026
AI, Defence and Energy Transition to Drive India’s Next Capex Wave: Chetan Ahya
Morgan Stanley’s Chetan Ahya says India is entering a new capex wave driven by a global industrial cycle revival, stronger non‑tech exports, and three structural trends: AI‑related infrastructure, higher defence spending, and the energy‑transition push. He notes that the Indian...
By ET EnergyWorld (The Economic Times)
News•Feb 11, 2026
ING Groep NV Sells 64,648 Shares of GE Aerospace $GE
ING Groep NV trimmed its GE Aerospace holding by 38.3%, selling 64,648 shares and leaving a 104,299‑share position worth roughly $31.4 million. The reduction came as other institutions, notably Norges Bank, Jennison Associates, Vanguard, Lazard and Geode Capital, expanded their stakes,...
By DefenseWorld/DW
News•Feb 11, 2026
Guidance: Military Low Flying: MOD Sponsored Air Exercises
The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has been continuously publishing and updating a detailed schedule of military low‑flying air exercises from early 2021 through early 2026. Each entry lists a specific week‑long window during which training flights are authorised, reflecting...
By UK Ministry of Defence (GOV.UK)
News•Feb 11, 2026
Cold War Battlescruiser, Modern Price: Russia’s Costly Admiral Nakhimov Upgrade
Russia has completed a costly, decade‑long modernization of the Kirov‑class battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov, with estimates of up to $5 billion invested. The refit equips the 28,000‑ton nuclear‑powered ship with a new vertical launch system capable of firing up to 80 Kalibr or...
By Naval News
News•Feb 11, 2026
Maritime Divide: Why the Philippines Is Failing Its Seas
Philippines’ maritime governance remains fragmented, leading to severe fisheries losses, safety failures, and costly logistics. Overfishing and weak enforcement cause an annual loss of about 45 million kilograms of fish, while ferry disasters like the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 highlight systemic safety...
By Asia Times – Defense
News•Feb 11, 2026
South Korean Shipyard Joins U.S. Navy Ship Repair Program
South Korean shipbuilder SK Oceanplant signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement with the U.S. Navy. The agreement, granted after passing a NAVSUP port security assessment, authorizes the yard to compete for maintenance, repair and overhaul contracts on U.S. warships. SK...
By Defence Blog
News•Feb 11, 2026
Future-Ready Navigation for Naval Operations: SYNAPSIS Delivers a Unified and Integrated Platform for Modern Naval Missions
Anschütz unveiled SYNAPSIS, a unified, sensor‑agnostic navigation and tactical platform for modern warships. The system consolidates chart, sensor, and combat data into a single maritime picture via its Consistent Common Reference System, enhancing situational awareness and decision speed. SYNAPSIS WECDIS NX...
By Naval News
News•Feb 11, 2026
South Korea Moves Closer to KDDX Stealth Destroyer Deal
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) held a pre‑bid briefing on Feb 11 to launch the contractor‑selection phase for the Korean Next‑Generation Destroyer (KDDX). The program targets an 8,000‑ton stealth destroyer equipped with the Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS) for...
By Defence Blog
News•Feb 11, 2026
Developing a Risk-Scoring Tool for Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Biological Design
Researchers at RAND released a risk‑scoring framework to evaluate AI‑enabled biological design threats. The tool separates biological modification impact across five functions—host range, replication, immune evasion, environmental stability, and transmission—and an actor capability dimension that gauges technical skill and AI...
By RAND Blog/Analysis
News•Feb 11, 2026
World Defense Show 2026: Russia Reveals Details of New Loitering Munition
At the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Kalashnikov unveiled the RUS‑PE loitering munition, a cannister‑launched, man‑portable system with an approximate 40 km range. The company said the weapon is already in service and entering low‑rate initial production, while development continues...
By Shephard Media
News•Feb 11, 2026
Chinese J-35 Face Engine Restrictions on Fujian Carrier
China’s carrier‑based J‑35 stealth fighters on the new Type 003 carrier Fujian are reported to suffer severe engine performance limits, restricting them to roughly seven minutes of flight at a 900 km radius. Analysts say the aircraft still rely on the older...
By Defence Blog
News•Feb 11, 2026
DARPA Picks Saronic for Semi-Autonomous Vessel Protection Program
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has chosen Saronic to lead the Pulling Guard program’s Focus Area 2, developing a semi‑autonomous, modular escort vessel for unarmed logistics ships. The platform will feature standardized physical and digital interfaces, allowing rapid integration...
By Naval Today
Social•Feb 11, 2026
Ukraine Schedules Election, Peace Referendum Under US Deadline
‚Ukraine has begun planning presidential elections alongside a referendum on any peace deal with Russia, after the Trump administration pressed Kyiv to hold both votes by May 15 or risk losing proposed US security guarantees.‘ https://t.co/a5qNMFn19n
By Franz‑Stefan Gady
News•Feb 11, 2026
Growing Cracks in the BRICS+ Wall
The 2026 Davos forum highlighted a widening rift between President Trump’s hyper‑transactional Board of Peace (BoP) and the consensus‑driven BRICS+ alliance. While the BoP can mobilise billion‑dollar initiatives within weeks, BRICS+ remains mired in slow multilateralism, hampered by its recent...
By Asia Times – Defense
Blog•Feb 11, 2026
The Role of Foreign Fighters in a Taiwan Resistance Scenario
The article examines how Taiwan could incorporate foreign volunteers into a resistance movement if the island were occupied by the PLA, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s International Legion. It outlines recruitment channels, clandestine infiltration methods, and integration challenges such as language...
By Small Wars Journal
Blog•Feb 11, 2026
AI and Critical Thinking
In this episode, Dr. Frank Hoffman discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence and critical thinking within military education and decision‑making. He defines critical thinking as a disciplined, self‑aware process essential for sound command, and warns that pervasive use of generative...
By Futura Doctrina
News•Feb 11, 2026
America the Fearful
In early January 2026, U.S. special‑operations forces conducted a raid on Caracas and seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller defended the operation as a demonstration of American strength in a chaotic world. The move marks...
By Foreign Affairs
Blog•Feb 11, 2026
Navigating the Complexities of North Korean Strategy: Insights From David Maxwell
Security analyst David Maxwell discussed North Korea’s hybrid strategy, combining conventional forces with social‑warfare tactics, in a recent podcast. He examined the Pentagon’s new report, highlighting its impact on South Korea’s defense posture and the broader alliance framework. Maxwell warned...
By Small Wars Journal
News•Feb 11, 2026
F-16 Pilot Becomes First Air Guardsman to Win Prestigious Shine Award
Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, an Air National Guard F‑16 pilot, became the first Guard member to receive the Anthony C. Shine Award, which honors fighter pilots who embody character, professionalism, and tactical skill. In 2024 he commanded a 24/7...
By Air & Space Forces Magazine
News•Feb 11, 2026
JBER Debuts a PACAF-First Mission Ready Airman Program
Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson launched the Pacific Air Forces’ first Mission Ready Airman program, targeting Security Forces. Thirty‑four noncommissioned officers completed the inaugural course, which blends tactical skills with mission‑focused instruction. A core component was land‑navigation training designed for GPS‑denied scenarios,...
By U.S. Space Force – News (All Entries)
Social•Feb 11, 2026
Marines Test Autonomous YFQ-42 Drone with Crewed Jets
YFQ-42 Fighter Drone To Test USMC's Autonomy 'Brain' Alongside Crewed Jets General Atomics' YFQ-42 has been selected the Marines to test how CCAs will think and fight with the MAGTF. Story: https://t.co/MfDHgGHDDf
By Tyler Rogoway
News•Feb 11, 2026
Navy Names Surface Warfare Officers of the Year
The U.S. Navy honored Lt. Cmdr. Carolyn Bystrom and Lt. Cmdr. Brian Van Metre as the Pacific and Atlantic Fleet Surface Warfare Officers of the Year, respectively. Bystrom earned the Pacific award for her tactics leadership aboard the destroyer USS Spruance, including...
By Military Times
News•Feb 11, 2026
Experts Argue Marine Pullback in Okinawa Should Be Halted as China Threat Rises
Experts warn that the Defense Policy Review Initiative, which aims to move roughly 10,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam, Hawaii, Australia and the continental United States, could erode deterrence as China accelerates its push toward Taiwan. The plan, in...
By Military Times
Social•Feb 11, 2026
MV‑22 Gearbox Failure Underscores Persistent Osprey Issues
The latest gearbox issue happened last week in Oahu with an MV-22 from the 1MAW. Not many details on the extent of damage, but the mishap shows that issues continue as the Pentagon touts progress https://t.co/twBLN0m8Hj
By Brian Everstine
Blog•Feb 11, 2026
The Colombia Case Study: Legitimacy, Naming, and Irregular Warfare
The article uses Colombia’s five‑decade conflict to illustrate how U.S. influence operations evolve through three overlapping phases of irregular warfare: active insurgency, negotiated political transition, and post‑settlement fragmentation. During the insurgency, clear naming of the FARC enabled direct narrative attacks,...
By Irregular Warfare Podcast
News•Feb 11, 2026
UK Steps up Defence of Arctic and High North From Rising Russian Threats
The United Kingdom will double its troop presence in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years, reinforcing NATO’s Arctic Sentry mission. A major Joint Expeditionary Force exercise, Lion Protector, is slated for September 2026 across Iceland, the...
By UK Ministry of Defence (GOV.UK)
Blog•Feb 11, 2026
Cognitive Warfare to Dominate and Redefine Adversary Realities: Implications for U.S. Special Operations Forces
Cognitive warfare expands conflict into the human mind, targeting perception, judgment, and belief formation. The paper argues the United States is unprepared for adversaries leveraging AI‑driven disinformation, deepfakes, and social‑media algorithms. It highlights China and Iran’s use of cognitive contagions...
By Small Wars Journal
News•Feb 11, 2026
UK to Lead Multinational Cyber Defence Exercise From Singapore.
Britain will lead the Defence Cyber Marvel 2026 exercise, bringing together more than 2,500 personnel from 29 nations in Singapore. The week‑long drill simulates real‑world cyber attacks, pitting blue and red teams against each other while integrating military, government and...
By UK Ministry of Defence (GOV.UK)
Blog•Feb 11, 2026
Maduro’s Capture and International Law: The Noriega Precedent
U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, prompting comparisons to the 1989 U.S. operation that removed Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. Scheffer’s brief outlines Justice Department memoranda that justify extraterritorial arrests under a self‑defense rationale against narcotics trafficking. The analysis highlights...
By Small Wars Journal
News•Feb 10, 2026
SpaceX's Next-Gen Super Heavy Booster Aces Four Days of "Cryoproof" Testing
SpaceX announced that its upgraded Super Heavy V3 booster successfully completed a four‑day cryogenic proof‑test campaign at Texas’ Massey Test Site. The test involved multiple liquid‑nitrogen fills and pressure cycles that mimic the ultra‑cold methane and liquid‑oxygen loads planned for...
By Ars Technica – Security
News•Feb 10, 2026
Female Sailors Can Now Purchase New Dress Overblouse, Navy Announces
The U.S. Navy announced the second phase of its female uniform modernization, making the optional white, long‑sleeved service‑dress overblouse available at select Navy Exchange locations in Norfolk, Arlington and San Diego, as well as online. The overblouse, part of the...
By Military Times
News•Feb 10, 2026
Cyber Command, NSA Nominee Rudd Advances to Senate Floor
The Senate Intelligence Committee voted 14‑3 to advance Army Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd’s nomination as head of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency. Rudd, currently deputy chief of U.S. Indo‑Pacific Command, has no prior cyber warfare or intelligence...
By The Record by Recorded Future
News•Feb 10, 2026
L3Harris Pitches Cruise Missiles for SOCOM’s Air Tractor
U.S. Special Operations Command and the Air Force are testing L3Harris’s Red Wolf missile on the OA-1K Skyraider II, a modified Air Tractor crop-duster. Red Wolf can loiter or fly up to 200 nautical miles as a precision cruise missile...
By Air & Space Forces Magazine
News•Feb 10, 2026
ICE Director Refuses to Commit to Pausing Operations for 2026 World Cup
Acting ICE director Todd Lyons told a House Homeland Security committee that ICE will remain fully operational during the 2026 World Cup, refusing to pledge a pause around match venues. The tournament will draw up to 10 million visitors to 11...
By The Guardian – UK Defence
News•Feb 10, 2026
Inside Seoul’s Bid for Canada Submarine Contract
Canada is preparing to replace its aging Victoria‑class submarines, launching its largest defence procurement to date. South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, backed by Hyundai Heavy Industries, is vying against Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the contract. Both governments are pitching comprehensive...
By POLITICO – Morning Defense
Social•Feb 10, 2026
China Targets Taiwan Reunification by 2049, Not Surrender
This idea of the CCP pursuing "paralysis" of Taiwan isn't wrong per se, but I don't see in here anywhere the prospect of Taiwan surrendering so it can enjoy the Hong Kong experience. And Xi has made the PRC's goals...
By Tom Shugart
Social•Feb 10, 2026
US Deploys F‑35A Stealth Fighters Amid Stalled Iran Talks
F-35A Stealth Fighters Moving Closer To Middle East As U.S. Military Buildup Continues Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to stave off war have so far proven inconclusive. Latest update: https://t.co/XTJiEkMBnh
By Tyler Rogoway
News•Feb 10, 2026
In the Bloody, Urban Combat to Liberate Manila, This Airborne ‘Angel’ Sacrificed All
PFC Manuel Pérez Jr., a 22‑year‑old paratrooper with the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, performed a daring solo assault on a Japanese pillbox during the February 1945 liberation of Manila. His aggressive close‑quarters attack killed 18 enemy combatants and cleared the...
By Military Times
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
CNAS Podcast | Carney’s Challenge: Can Europe Take the Reins of NATO?
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at Davos, warned that the international system is experiencing a rupture rather than a gradual transition, urging middle powers to reduce reliance on the United States. He called for diversified partnerships and collective action...
By Small Wars Journal
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Invitation (2/19/26): Turning OSINT Chaos Into Strategic Clarity | Irregular Warfare Initiative
On February 19, the Irregular Warfare Initiative and CACI DarkBlue will host a half‑day convening in Reston, Virginia titled “Turning OSINT Chaos into Strategic Clarity: Countering Malign Chinese Influence.” The event gathers senior irregular‑warfare practitioners from government, intelligence, and the...
By Small Wars Journal
News•Feb 10, 2026
Beer and Wine at Chow Halls of the Future? Commanders Will Decide.
The Army is piloting a campus‑style dining concept at Fort Hood’s 42 Bistro, launching on Feb. 18, with an optional beer and wine service. Senior commanders, including Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan and Fort Hood’s commander, will decide whether alcohol is...
By Military Times
News•Feb 10, 2026
Beyond Blocs
The article argues that the world is moving beyond bloc politics toward issue‑based cooperation, with Europe seeking strategic autonomy while engaging China on a case‑by‑case basis. Recent high‑level visits to Beijing by European and other leaders underscore this shift. Trade...
By Foreign Policy
Social•Feb 10, 2026
US General: China Remains Regional Bomber, Not Strategic
China “Just Not There Yet” On H-20 Stealth Bomber: Global Strike Command’s Top General The new head of Air Force Global Strike Command says "China is a regional bomber force at best." Exclusive: https://t.co/DP7iHlPjrI
By Tyler Rogoway
Social•Feb 10, 2026
Pentagon Partners with SEC to Codify Trump Contractor Threats
We break--DoD tells us it will work with SEC: The Pentagon is looking to turn President Donald Trump’s threats on government contractors into enforceable contract provisions and potentially Securities and Exchange Commission regulations https://t.co/KWykJh5z6T
By Tony Capaccio
News•Feb 10, 2026
China’s US Treasurys Exit Could Limit Japan’s Military Spending
China is directing state‑owned banks to cut U.S. Treasury holdings to roughly $750 billion by 2025, halving its 2010 peak. The reduction removes a major buyer from the market, shifting the financing burden toward Japan, the world’s largest foreign‑reserve holder. Japan’s...
By Asia Times – Defense
News•Feb 10, 2026
Is a Dollar Vibe Shift Under Way?
The Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center podcast explores whether a sustained dollar depreciation is emerging. Host Dan McDowell explains how a weaker greenback could reshape U.S. trade balances, investment flows, and national‑security calculations. The discussion highlights potential benefits for exporters alongside higher...
By Atlantic Council
News•Feb 10, 2026
Michigan Facility Designated as DOW National Test Site for Drones
The U.S. Department of Defense has named Michigan’s National All‑Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) a national test site for uncrewed aerial systems. The range offers roughly 200,000 acres of maneuver space and over 17,000 square miles of dedicated airspace, enabling realistic...
By U.S. Army – News