Japan is focusing on unmanned combat capabilities to build asymmetric advantages and advance its 'remilitarisation' agenda, planning to invest 1 trillion yen (US$6.2 billion) in uncrewed systems over five years starting in 2023.
Russian and Chinese naval forces conducted live-fire exercises in the Yellow Sea as part of the Joint Sea 2026 drills. Warships practiced repelling simulated attacks by unmanned aerial drones and surface vessels, utilizing artillery, machine guns, and electronic warfare systems.
ISRO successfully conducted a key qualification test of the main parachute system for the Gaganyaan crew module at Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh. This marks a milestone for India's first human spaceflight mission, validating the parachute's structural integrity for the uncrewed G1 mission.
The US military launched strikes against Iranian targets early Wednesday following attacks on three merchant ships, including a Qatari LNG vessel, in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated the strikes aimed to impose costs for targeting civilian shipping, calling Iran's actions unwarranted and a violation of the ceasefire. No immediate claim of responsibility was made.
ISRO successfully conducted a static test of the solid motor for its new Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) on July 3. SOLVE will support the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program by testing parachute systems for the Crew Module.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announces preparations for India's first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission this year, advancement of Chandrayaan-4 (lunar sample return) and Chandrayaan-5 (joint long-duration mission with Japan), alongside progress in cryogenic engine development.
The Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a stealth-oriented multirole drone, will participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 2026, its first large-scale multinational deployment, to refine manned-unmanned teaming tactics alongside US and allied forces.
A Beijing-based report indicates the South China Sea remains the US military's most critical strategic theatre, predicting increasingly aggressive operations despite a potential second Trump administration or other global hotspots. US freedom-of-navigation operations in the disputed waters were fewer in 2024 and last year compared to 2023 and 2022.
The US Air Force has awarded the first increment contract for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, selecting General Atomics' FQ-42 and Anduril's FQ-44 for production. These unmanned aircraft will integrate with crewed fighters to extend reach and survivability in contested environments.
US President Donald Trump met Indian PM Narendra Modi at the G7 summit, calling him the 'most beautiful man' and pledging unwavering support. The meeting occurred amid US-India trade talks and following US military strikes in the Gulf of Oman that killed Indian seafarers, prompting India's call for an end to such attacks.
Israeli officials are reportedly furious with an emerging US-Iran peace deal, viewing it as a "catastrophe" that fails to meet their objectives. The reported terms include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting a US naval blockade, easing sanctions, and deferring nuclear talks, which Israel believes falls short on nuclear dismantlement, missile limits, and rolling back Iran's regional allies.
Elon Musk aims to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars, viewing it as humanity's "life insurance." SpaceX's Starship-Super Heavy rocket is key, but challenges include orbital refuelling, Mars' harsh environment, and unproven life support systems. Expert opinions on timelines vary, with some deeming Musk's projections overly optimistic.
Israeli officials are reportedly furious with an emerging US-Iran peace deal, viewing it as a "catastrophe" that fails to meet their war objectives. The reported terms include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting a US naval blockade, easing sanctions, and deferring nuclear talks, while Tehran insists the deal end the conflict with Israel in Lebanon. Senior Israeli officials believe the agreement falls short on nuclear dismantlement, missile limits, and rolling back Iran's regional allies, with one calling it a "very bad" deal and a "failure" for America.
US military attacks on merchant ships carrying Indian crew, resulting in fatalities, have fueled anti-American sentiment in India, potentially damaging improving bilateral relations. India has lodged strong protests with US officials.
Iran's embassy in India rejected US President Trump's claim that Iran was behind a drone attack on Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "baseless." The embassy accused the US of diverting attention from its own attacks on three Indian vessels, which resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors. The US Central Command confirmed targeting the MT Jalveer tanker, stating it was in response to the crew's failure to comply with directions.
A potential meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit offers a chance to mend strained relations following a year of disputes over tariffs, Pakistan, and the Iran war. The meeting comes after US forces attacked three Indian vessels, killing three sailors, an incident analysts believe will not escalate.
The US shared footage of an attack on the MT Jalveer, a foreign-flagged vessel with 20 Indians onboard, in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated the ship violated the blockade against Iran by attempting to transport Iranian oil and was disabled after failing to comply with directions.
The Kuznetsov Naval Academy has developed an unmanned boat designed for personnel rescue and towing small surface objects. The boat can deliver life rafts, pick up individuals, and tow equipment, and can be launched from a vessel or shoreline.
NASA has launched a website detailing its $20 billion Moon Base program, aiming for a permanent outpost near the lunar South Pole. The plan involves three phases: scouting and tech testing (until 2029), semi-permanent infrastructure (2029-2032), and habitation (from 2032). SpaceX's Starship is a key component.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory tested a new magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster, achieving a record 120 kilowatts of power, a significant leap towards enabling crewed Mars missions by reducing travel time and propellant use.
NASA announces several lunar missions, including three Moon Base missions, to prepare for the 2028 crewed Artemis landing, featuring various landers, rovers, and scientific payloads.
China launched the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station for a crew rotation and to continue long-duration experiments. The mission highlights China's space program and its international cooperation efforts.
China's Manned Space Agency reports smooth progress on its crewed lunar exploration program, emphasizing peaceful use of space and no competition with other nations.
Defense companies are planning to deploy uncrewed mine-clearing systems in the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing disruptions from the Middle East crisis. The UK will send autonomous minehunting vessels from Canada's Kraken Robotics as part of a multinational effort.
