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Lockheed to make cheaper Patriot interceptors as air defense demand soars

Lockheed to make cheaper Patriot interceptors as air defense demand soars

By Joe Brock FARNBOROUGH, England, July 20 (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin announced a lower-cost Patriot interceptor on Monday as militaries seek cheaper ways to counter drones and missiles, while defense contractors face competition from startups making low-cost weapons that can be produced at scale.
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Ukraine fires 400 drones toward Moscow as Zelenskyy grapples with protests

Ukraine fires 400 drones toward Moscow as Zelenskyy grapples with protests

Ukraine has launched over 400 drones toward Moscow, according to the city's mayor
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Saab Reports Record Orders Amid Increased European Defense Spending

Saab Reports Record Orders Amid Increased European Defense Spending

Saab Reports Record Orders Amid Increased European Defense Spending
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Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Infrastructure in Crimea Amid Escalating Tensions

Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Infrastructure in Crimea Amid Escalating Tensions

Ukrainian drones have reportedly attacked 13 electrical substations and four maritime assets linked to Russia's shadow fleet in Crimea. This operation, part of Ukraine's intensified military campaign known as Operation MoLoChKa, aims to disrupt Russian logistics and energy infrastructure in the region. The attack marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's military capabilities and comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, with Russia rejecting peace talks despite pressure from the United States.
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U.S. Senate Proposes 100% Tariffs on Nations Buying Russian Oil to Curb War Funding

U.S. Senate Proposes 100% Tariffs on Nations Buying Russian Oil to Curb War Funding

A new bill introduced in the U.S. Senate seeks to impose 100% tariffs on five countries, including India and China, for purchasing Russian oil. The legislation, supported by over 60 lawmakers, aims to cut off revenue streams to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which are used to finance the war against Ukraine. The bill, named the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, was introduced by Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal and the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. It targets the top five purchasers of Russian crude oil or natural gas and those facilitating sanctions evasion. European nations are exempt if their imports account for less than 15% of Russia's total natural gas exports and if they are actively reducing these imports. The bill also calls for a reassessment of the top purchasers every 180 days to adjust tariff rates.
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Ukraine Strikes Russian Warship and Refineries Amid Black Sea Campaign

Ukraine Strikes Russian Warship and Refineries Amid Black Sea Campaign

Ukraine's Defense Forces have struck a Russian Project 10410 Svetlyak-class patrol ship at Kerch, along with several tankers and a refinery in Yaroslavl, as part of a broader campaign targeting Russian military and logistical assets. The strikes, occurring over July 16 and 17, 2026, are part of Ukraine's efforts to isolate occupied Crimea and disrupt Russian oil revenue streams. The YANOS refinery, one of Russia's largest, has been repeatedly targeted, significantly impacting Russian oil refining capabilities.
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Russia Continues Missile Production Using Domestic and Belarusian Components

Russia Continues Missile Production Using Domestic and Belarusian Components

Russia is reportedly continuing its missile production, utilizing both foreign electronics and components manufactured domestically and in Belarus. This includes the 'Iskander' and 'Oreshnik' missile systems, which have been used in recent military operations. Despite international sanctions, Russian and Belarusian companies are actively producing components for these systems, with some parts dating from as recently as 2023-2025. Ukrainian experts have identified components from various countries, including the U.S., Taiwan, and China, in these missile systems.
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Boeing's T-7A Pitch to UK Highlights European Production Commitment

Boeing's T-7A Pitch to UK Highlights European Production Commitment

Boeing is collaborating with BAE Systems and Saab to offer the T-7A Red Hawk as a potential replacement for the BAE Hawk T2 in the United Kingdom. This move is part of Boeing's strategy to demonstrate its commitment to local production in Europe. BAE Systems plans to conduct final assembly and development work for the T-7A in the UK, emphasizing the creation of British jobs. Boeing's CEO of Defense, Space, and Security, Steve Parker, highlighted the importance of adapting to the shifting defense procurement landscape in Europe, where international militaries are increasingly looking beyond the U.S. for their needs. The T-7A is being positioned as the most advanced training system for the Royal Air Force.
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Russian President Putin meets with North Korean foreign minister in latest high-level diplomacy

Russian President Putin meets with North Korean foreign minister in latest high-level diplomacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korea’s foreign minister and thanked Pyongyang for supporting his war against Ukraine, in the latest high-level diplomacy meeting between the countries, Russian state media reports
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A Putin critic is convicted on charges that will keep from campaigning for Russia's parliament

A Putin critic is convicted on charges that will keep from campaigning for Russia's parliament

Boris Nadezhdin, who criticized Moscow’s military action in Ukraine and unsuccessfully tried to run against President Vladimir Putin in the 2024 election, was convicted of displaying “extremist symbols” — an action that will keep him out of this year’s parliamentary race
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Black Sea Tensions Drive Grain Prices to Near Two-Year Highs

Black Sea Tensions Drive Grain Prices to Near Two-Year Highs

Grain prices have surged to near two-year highs due to ongoing disruptions in the Black Sea region, a critical area for global grain exports. The Chicago Board of Trade reported that wheat futures rose by 0.2% to $6.83-3/4 per bushel, while soybeans increased by 0.4% to $12.08-1/4 per bushel, and corn rose by 0.8% to $4.71 per bushel. These increases are attributed to the intensified hostilities between Ukraine and Russia, which have disrupted the Black Sea wheat export season. Recent attacks by Russia on Ukrainian Black Sea ports have further exacerbated the situation, leading to a shortage of Russian and Ukrainian wheat supplies. This shortage is compounded by already tight supplies in the U.S., Europe, and Australia due to dry weather conditions.
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Global Agriculture Faces Crisis Amid Black Sea Conflict and European Drought

Global Agriculture Faces Crisis Amid Black Sea Conflict and European Drought

A convergence of geopolitical tensions and severe weather conditions is creating a crisis in global agriculture. The conflict in the Black Sea region has intensified, with Ukraine launching drone strikes on Russian vessels, leading to a suspension of shipping in the Sea of Azov and the closure of the Kerch Strait. This disruption affects a significant portion of Russia's grain exports, causing wheat prices to spike. Concurrently, Europe is experiencing its worst drought in three decades, severely impacting corn production. The drought, coupled with a heatwave, has led to a drastic reduction in soil moisture, particularly in France, the EU's top grain producer. This situation is exacerbated by the critical timing of the drought, as it coincides with the corn crop's sensitive pollination phase, potentially leading to irreversible yield losses.