UAV Air Defense Breakthrough (Ukraine): Ukraine says AI-driven robotic gun turrets have achieved the first shootdowns of Russian jet-powered drones, including Geran-5, with Kyiv adding more 50mm turret systems. U.S. Strategic Connectivity: The Air Force fielded the IRIS beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications prototype on the B-52 to improve long-range voice/data links. Command Resilience (U.S. AI): The Air Force expanded agentic AI work for the E-4C “Doomsday” airborne command platform to keep strategic command running if ground sites fail. Next-Gen Drone Competition (U.S.): The Air Force shortlists seven firms to build prototypes for the MQ-9 Reaper replacement under the Massed Modular Aircraft program. F-35 Mission Planning Overhaul (U.S. Navy): The Navy is preparing a five-year redesign of the F-35 mission planning environment used to prep sorties and load data. Counter-Drone & Robotics (U.S. Army): The Army integrated Epirus’ Leonidas microwave counter-drone into a networked command-and-control chain, while also activating a new Robotics Technician specialty and creating a Futures and Autonomous Systems Command. Maritime Counter-UAS (UK): Kraken and Saab UK unveiled an autonomous “drone seeker” combining the K3 SCOUT unmanned vessel with the Giraffe 1X radar to extend ship/port drone detection. Indo-Pacific Posture: U.S. Marines will deploy NMESIS anti-ship missiles to Yonaguni Island for Keen Sword 27, reinforcing sea-denial near Taiwan. NATO Planning: NATO’s “Theory of Victory” draft for the eastern flank emphasizes drones and AI for rapid hybrid and invasion response. Industrial Supply Chain (Batteries): CAMINUS signed a contract manufacturing deal with Amprius to expand domestic pouch-cell production for aviation, defense, and unmanned systems.