Middle East Escalation: Trump blamed Iran for downing a US Army Apache near the Strait of Hormuz and ordered retaliatory strikes as Iran said it hit US-linked bases across the region; a drone boat rescue marked a first for the US military. Unmanned Systems & Logistics: Saronic’s autonomous surface vessel Corsair rescued Apache crew, while Swarm Aero selected Honeywell’s TPE331 for a Group 5 UAS and ERC System unveiled a heavy-lift cargo drone for military resupply. UK Defence Industrial Policy: Defence Secretary John Healey said national security exemptions will steer more defence contracts to UK firms, aiming to boost British jobs and supply chains. Directed Energy & Counter-Drone Market: New reporting highlights rapid growth expectations for high power microwave directed energy weapons as drone threats drive non-kinetic procurement. US-China Defence Tech Scrutiny: The Pentagon expanded its Chinese military-linked list, adding Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and others, while companies pushed back. AUKUS Pressure: A UK defence committee chief warned AUKUS is “plodding along” and needs a Trump-style reboot after slow progress on submarines and capability delivery. Boeing KC-46 Update: The Air Force says a fix for the KC-46 refueling tanker’s remote vision system is ready for production in 2028. South Korea Manpower Reform: Seoul plans to raise career soldiers and reduce conscripts by 2040 to sustain readiness amid demographic decline. EU Sanctions Push: The EU announced a new sanctions package targeting firms tied to Russia’s military-industrial base, including drone-related items.