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- 1
Thailand's Queen Suthida has flown a Saab Gripen fighter jet, in what is being described as a historic flight lasting around 41 minutes. The Queen, who holds a military background and serves as a general in the Thai armed forces, personally took the controls of the Swedish-made combat aircraft. The story is drawing wide attention across Europe and Thailand, with commentators noting the rarity of a reigning queen piloting a fighter jet.
- 2Report: Russia May Develop Nuclear Space Weapons Against US Missile DefensesβRussia may turn to nuclear space weapons to counter U.S. missile defenses, report says
A new report says Russia may deploy nuclear weapons in space as a counter to U.S. missile defense systems. Such a move would violate the Outer Space Treaty and could threaten satellites, escalating tensions between Washington and Moscow. Analysts are watching whether the U.S. responds with new defensive measures.
- 3
A two-armed robot has been shown throwing and catching balls with movements that resemble human coordination. The demonstration highlights advances in robotic dexterity, real-time visual tracking and dynamic motion control, drawing attention to how quickly humanoid robotics is progressing and what it could mean for future work in unpredictable, physical environments.
- 4Belarus and Russia urge talks to prevent outer space arms raceβBelarus, Russia call for international negotiations to prevent arms race in outer space
Belarus and Russia have jointly called for international negotiations aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space. The appeal, reported by Belarusian state news agency BelTA, frames space weapons control as a matter requiring multilateral diplomatic engagement. The two countries are close allies, and the joint position signals their shared stance ahead of wider international discussions on space security.
- 5Sudan Joint Force says it has taken control of Bir SalibaβΌπ‘ GroundCombat | 6/10 πΈπ© Control of Bir Saliba taken in Sudan Sudan Joint Force says it has taken control of Bir Saliba
The Sudan Joint Force says its fighters have taken control of Bir Saliba, an area in West Darfur, amid ongoing fighting between Sudanese armed factions. If confirmed, the gain would mark another shift in territorial control in the Darfur region, where the Joint Force has been battling the Rapid Support Forces. Independent verification from the ground remains limited.
- 6
The Arms Control Association is arguing that the leaders of the United States, China and Russia are failing to address the growing nuclear danger. The group's criticism points to the absence of meaningful progress on arms control among the three nuclear powers, at a time when tensions between Washington, Beijing and Moscow continue to deepen and key treaties remain strained.
- 7
Lawfare has published an analysis examining why the United States military has never posed a serious threat to civilian control of government, a contrast with armed forces in many other countries. The piece explores the legal, institutional and cultural foundations of civilian supremacy over the armed forces. It is drawing attention amid ongoing debates about civil-military relations and the military's role in domestic politics.
- 8China Proposes Reciprocal Nuclear Laboratory VisitsβWhy Is China Proposing Reciprocal Nuclear Laboratory Visits?
China has proposed that countries allow reciprocal visits to each other's nuclear laboratories, a suggestion examined in detail by The Diplomat. The proposal would involve mutual inspections of sensitive nuclear research facilities, raising questions about its purpose and which states might accept such arrangements amid ongoing tensions over nuclear transparency and arms control verification.
- 9
Five countries have stepped up diplomatic pressure on Sudan at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, raising concerns over alleged chemical weapons use in the country's ongoing conflict. The move signals growing international scrutiny of the conduct of the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, though details of the specific measures or the states involved remain limited.
- 10U.S. Navy Awards $743M for Nuclear Cruise MissileβU.S. Navy Awards $743M for SLCM-N Nuclear Cruise Missile
The U.S. Navy has awarded contracts worth $743 million for the development of the SLCM-N, a sea-launched nuclear cruise missile. The program, long debated in Washington, is intended to restore a submarine-launched nuclear option below ballistic missile level. Critics question its cost and arms-control implications, while supporters argue it strengthens deterrence against Russia and China.
- 11
The UN's nuclear watchdog has reported Iran to the UN Security Council, escalating international pressure over Tehran's nuclear programme. The referral puts the matter before the Council, which can weigh diplomatic measures, sanctions or further resolutions. Arms control observers are watching closely, as the move marks a significant diplomatic escalation between Iran and Western powers over compliance with nuclear obligations.