pentagon

The pentagon is forging new partnerships with companies like Anduril and Leidos to rapidly boost US strike capabilities. The Low-Cost Containerized Missiles (LCCM) program aims to procure over 10,000 affordable cruise missiles by 2027, while a separate deal with Castelion will scale low-cost hypersonic solutions. This initiative emphasizes speed, innovation, and private sector investment to rebuild America's military might.

Washington's campaign against Iran has surged to nearly $29 billion, surpassing initial pentagon estimates. Experts warn the escalating costs, driven by operational and equipment replacement, could ultimately reach a staggering $1 trillion. This financial burden is becoming a political flashpoint ahead of US elections, with concerns over inflation.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion military budget amid congressional scrutiny over the Iran war's escalating costs, now at $29 billion. Lawmakers questioned the strain on weapons stockpiles, while Hegseth acknowledged increased production to support ongoing operations and future needs.

As US President Trump returns from China, pressure mounts over Iran. Top aides are reportedly preparing options for renewed military action against Tehran if diplomacy falters, including intensified bombing and potential Special Operations deployments. Iran, meanwhile, signals readiness for conflict, while the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern for global oil prices.

Google employee Andreas Kirsch expressed deep shame and disappointment after Google signed a deal with the pentagon to deploy AI tools on classified military networks. Despite a prior employee letter urging against such agreements, Google proceeded, citing support for government agencies on various projects, while reiterating commitment against autonomous weaponry without human oversight.

The Trump administration has unveiled over 160 UAP-related files, photos, and videos, aiming for greater transparency on government knowledge of unexplained phenomena. This release, part of the PURSUE program, includes never-before-seen materials from lunar missions and FBI investigations.

Palantir faces increasing competition for US defense contracts as rival AI firms challenge its dominant position. Despite Palantir's criticism of AI lab outputs as unreliable, competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic are expanding into its core business areas. Palantir views these labs as a supply chain, integrating their models into its operational platform.

Former CIA analyst Larry Johnson claims President Trump considered a nuclear strike on Iran. He alleges Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine firmly rejected the idea, preventing its execution. Johnson explained the military chain of command and the potential for Caine's resignation if overruled, adding context to Trump's subsequent public statements against nuclear use.

The pentagon has signed agreements with seven major AI companies, including SpaceX and Google, to deploy their technology on classified military networks. These deals aim to bolster national security by integrating AI into high-tier environments for intelligence and battlefield support. Notably, Anthropic was excluded following a dispute over AI usage limitations.

The Department of War faces a complex situation with AI startup Anthropic, labeling it a "supply chain risk" while simultaneously recognizing its advanced AI model, Mythos, as a critical national security asset. Despite a public feud and a blacklist, the US military is reportedly using Anthropic's technology, and a potential peace deal with the DOD is being discussed.

A Chinese think tank quietly asked Anthropic for access to Mythos, its powerful new AI model that can find software vulnerabilities on its own. Anthropic refused, and the White House National Security Council reacted with alarm. With Mythos rattling banks, hospitals and the pentagon, the request has landed days before Trump meets Xi in Beijing, where AI safety is now on the agenda.

The pentagon is withdrawing approximately 5,000 US troops from Germany, a move signaling heightened tensions with European allies over the Iran conflict. This decision follows sharp criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding Iran negotiations. The drawdown aims to return US troop levels in Europe to pre-Ukraine war figures, reflecting broader US frustration with NATO allies' perceived lack of support.

The pentagon is significantly expanding its use of Google's Gemini AI, with its AI chief confirming substantial efficiency gains saving thousands of man-hours weekly. This move follows a fallout with Anthropic over supply chain risks. While diversifying AI partnerships, the DOD is embracing Gemini for modern warfare, despite internal pushback at Google.

Hundreds of Google employees are protesting a potential pentagon contract, urging CEO Sundar Pichai to block the use of the company's AI for secret military projects. Workers fear their technology could be used for lethal autonomous weapons and mass surveillance, demanding Google reject all classified workloads to ensure AI benefits humanity.

Germany's military has excluded US firm Palantir from its data systems, citing sovereignty concerns over American companies accessing sensitive national defense information. Berlin prioritizes European alternatives for its significant military expansion, despite Palantir's CEO expressing frustration. This decision highlights growing European unease with US tech influence in critical sectors.

In 1985, scientists discovered a new form of carbon, buckminsterfullerene or C60. This molecule, shaped like a soccer ball, revealed carbon's ability to form hollow cages. The discovery opened doors to nanotechnology, influencing fields like electronics and materials science. It marked a significant shift in understanding carbon bonds and nanoparticles.

While President Trump maintains a gentle approach in his dialogue with China, the US military is gearing up for any possible scenarios. Strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific, America is reactivating established bases and fortifying partnerships.

Google's DeepMind employees are demanding union recognition amid concerns over their AI technology's use by the US and Israeli militaries. Workers seek a commitment against developing AI weapons and surveillance tools, urging management to voluntarily recognize their unions or face legal action. The move highlights growing anxieties about AI's ethical implications and its potential for harm.

Google quietly withdrew from a pentagon competition to build voice-controlled autonomous drone swarms—after initially being selected as a successful submission. The $100 million contest, run by Special Operations Command and the Defense Innovation Unit, seeks technology to direct drone swarms in real-time battlefield scenarios. Google cited "resourcing" issues, but the exit is said to be followed by an internal ethics review. OpenAI, Palantir, and xAI remain in the running.

A CBS report says it did. Pakistan acknowledged the presence of Iranian aircraft but claimed these were civilian assets. Looks like the US is now faced with its second Osama bin Laden moment

The FCC has extended the deadline for software and firmware updates for certain foreign-made Wi-Fi routers and drones until January 1, 2029. This decision aims to prevent millions of existing devices from becoming vulnerable to cyberattacks. The extension applies only to devices previously approved before restrictions were introduced, with the FCC citing public interest and consumer protection.

Google has entered into a classified AI agreement with the pentagon, allowing the government to utilize its AI for lawful purposes. This deal, an amendment to an existing contract, permits the pentagon to adjust AI safety settings. However, the agreement explicitly prohibits domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons without human oversight.

The White House is reportedly considering easing restrictions on AI firm Anthropic, a shift from its previous 'supply chain risk' label. This comes after President Trump's positive remarks and a meeting with Anthropic's CEO.

The Trump administration is drafting legislation that would require AI companies to submit powerful models for government review before public release. The policy reversal was triggered by Anthropic's Mythos, an AI model capable of autonomously finding tens of thousands of software vulnerabilities across every major operating system—too dangerous, Anthropic decided, for public release.

With US now increasingly disinterested in the quadrilateral grouping, does it serve India’s interests to hang on? As Trump & Xi summit today, New Delhi must take a hard call