Defense

Ukraine reports what is described as a military milestone: a Ukrainian uncrewed naval drone has sunk a Russian kamikaze drone boat, marking a rare drone-versus-drone engagement at sea. The clash highlights how uncrewed surface vessels are becoming both attack weapons and targets in the Black Sea conflict, as both sides race to counter each other's fast-evolving maritime drone technology.

China and the United States have agreed to establish a dedicated channel for communication on artificial intelligence safety, while also committing to continue discussions on trade and military matters. The agreement marks a step toward sustained dialogue between the two powers on emerging technology risks, even as broader economic and security tensions between Washington and Beijing persist.

The US military is changing how it uses artificial intelligence in lethal targeting after a strike hit a school in Minab, Iran. The Pentagon is revising its AI-assisted combat decision processes in response to the incident, which drew criticism over civilian harm and the role of automated systems in choosing targets.

The US military is expanding its use of artificial intelligence by introducing autonomous vehicles for the Marine Corps. The move is part of a broader effort to modernize US defense capabilities and integrate AI-driven systems into ground operations, reflecting a wider push toward unmanned technology across the armed forces.

The Pentagon is requesting $30.3 million over five years to develop an AI-powered lie detector called Polygraph Next, which would read body language from a distance without physical contact. The programme appears in the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency's 2027 budget request. Observers are weighing the privacy and accuracy implications of remote deception detection technology being pursued by the US defense and counterintelligence apparatus.