CHINA

China’s Drone Industry Projected To Reach $140 Billion by 2030

China expects to be the first nation to achieve a nearly $140 billion drone industry by the end of 2030.

China Claims First Sixth-Generation Test Network for Target Sensing

China claims to have unveiled the first 6G network for target sensing, which is expected to expand 5G
ISAC capabilities to leverage AI and advanced computing for more versatile applications critical to
evolving technologies, such as AI-driven swarms.

Chinese Littoral Warships Practice Antimine Operations

China’s North Sea Fleet practices antimine operations, considered key to amphibious operations to
take Taiwanese ports.

Chile Halts Chinese Space Station Approval Over Dual-Use Concerns

The Chilean government freezes the Chinese space observatory project at Cerro Ventarrones with
dual-use potential, causing the Chinese government to respond angrily to the loss of access to an
important deep space facility.

RUSSIA

Russia Promotes Ground Forces Commander Known for Brutal Tactics

Putin’s elevation of General Mordvichev signals a tilt toward an aggressive military posture as Russia
retools its command structure for potential escalation in Ukraine.

Russian Navy To Gain Unmanned Vehicle Regiments

Russia is creating a branch of arms called the “Unmanned Vehicle Troops” in response to the changing
character of war. The naval component will consist of regiments with unmanned vehicles operating on
air, land, and sea.

Baltic Sea Exercises Reveal Russian Antisubmarine Warfare Vulnerabilities

The Russian Navy conducted antisubmarine exercises in the Baltic Sea, but NATO state navies may
have the advantage.

World Demand for Russia’s Liquid Natural Gas Complicates European Security

Despite European sanctions to weaken Russia, Russian LNG still makes its way to Europe.

Russia Provides S-300 Missile Systems to Kyrgyzstan, Strengthening Its Own Base

Kyrgyzstan receives S-300 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia as part of an agreement for a joint
air defense system, but the S-300s will be deployed to protect Russia’s Kant Airbase, not Kyrgyzstan
military facilities.

Russian Support for Mali Strains Algeria Relations

Recent tensions between the governments of Mali and Algeria are partly due to unwavering Russian
support for the government in Mali, potentially jeopardizing future Russian relations with Algeria.

IRAN

Iran Expanding AI Capabilities With Swarm Intelligence

Iran, which is already integrating AI into it drone capabilities, is now working on swarm intelligence.

NORTH KOREA

North Korea Admits Military Support for Russia in Ukraine War

After months of silence, Kim Jong Un publicly announced his participation in Russia’s war against Ukraine
under the guise of defending Russia under their recently signed comprehensive military partnership.

Japan Considers Cutting Funding for North Korean Schools

Japanese authorities’ moves to end taxpayer funding for North Korean-affiliated schools in Japan represent
a major threat to North Korea’s economic, ideological, propaganda, and intelligence collection interests.

GLOBAL OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Suspension of India-Pakistan Agreements Raises Clash Risk

Pakistan suspends agreements with India following the Pahalgam attack, including the Simla Agreement,
which established the Line of Control, the de facto Pakistan-India border. The suspension of the Simla
Agreement could allow either side to justify future operations.

Israeli Support for Syria’s Druze Strains Ties With Syria,Creates Security Challenges for Druze Community

Israel has conducted airstrikes in Syria in support of Syria’s Druze community in ways that are expected
to increase division within the Druze community and create additional security challenges for the new
Syrian government.

Algerian Analyst Criticizes the Joint Military Staff Committees Absence From Sahelian Security Efforts

An Algerian expert argues that regional security body CEMOC is failing to resolve disputes between
Sahelian states and to counter terrorism, drug trafficking, and external geopolitical influences after
Algeria shoots down a drone from Mali. However, AES and ECOWAS are still more likely to play key
security roles than CEMOC in the future
.

TERRORISM AND TRANSNATIONAL CRIME

Jalisco New Generation Cartel Expands Regional and Global Reach

Nigerian Official Disputes Claims of Progress Against Boko Haram