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Listen to the article 4 min This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation to impose a 10% surcharge on imports entering the U.S. after the Supreme Court struck down global levies he previously imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.  The surcharge will go into effect Feb. 24 and remain in place until July 24 unless it is extended by an act of Congress in accordance with Section 122. The statute, which Trump is using to impose the surcharge, allows a president to impose an up…

Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern presented a range of weapons and mobility systems currently in demand in combat operations in Ukraine during a defense exhibition hosted by state corporation Rostec, where company representatives demonstrated new electric military transport platforms alongside small arms and reconnaissance equipment. The presentation was shown to Rostec chief executive Sergei Chemezov as part […]

News February 20, 2026 Dan Taylor Technology Editor Military Embedded Systems Image via General Atomics SAN DIEGO, California. The U.S. Air Force has assigned the experimental designation X-68A to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) LongShot program being developed with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the company announced in a statement. The LongShot concept centers on an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) intended to be launched from a larger aircraft and to carry air-to-air missiles for engaging airborne targets, the statement reads. GA-ASI says DARPA has completed wind tunnel testing and additional program milestones, and that the X-68A designation formalizes the…

While the Homeland Security Department is shut down, the vast majority of employees—about 92%—are still reporting to work. In some cases, however, workers are finding creative solutions to get out of their regular duties and save money while their paychecks hang in the balance. “My unit is rotating voluntary furlough days,” said one DHS staffer. Workers in that office are taking turns to take time off work, which, during a shutdown, entails being placed in an unpaid furlough status. “[We] conserve finances by not commuting, since we’re only allowed to telework in emergency situations,” the employee said, noting some employees in the unit…

By Lt. Col. Tim Justicz February 19, 2026 WASHINGTON — The Army is launching a new Warrant Officer Retention Bonus Auction. This initiative introduces a market-based approach to retaining senior technical talent while ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The program represents a shift from traditional, fixed-rate bonuses to a more flexible, market-driven system. The structure is designed to make the best strategy straightforward—bid your true value. Eligible warrant officers will submit a confidential bid indicating the minimum monthly bonus they would be satisfied receiving in exchange for a six-year Active-Duty Service Obligation. Overbidding increases the risk of missing out…

18 February 2026 17:51 207-18-02-2026 On February 18, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Cuba, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who is in Russia on a working visit. During the meeting, which took place in a traditionally friendly and trusting atmosphere, the foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their allied strategic partnership across a broad range of areas. They also discussed current global and regional issues. The Russian side strongly condemned Washington’s illegitimate sanctions against Havana, as well as the economic and military pressure exerted on…

Last weekend, heads of state from the fifty-five member countries of the African Union joined for the regional body’s annual summit, under the theme of water and sanitation. But that didn’t stop the gathering leaders from discussing some of the continent’s most pressing economic and security issues. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairman of the African Union Commission, also sounded the alarm, warning that “from Sudan to the Sahel, to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in Somalia and elsewhere, our people continue to pay the heavy price of instability.” Yet, there are forces in play this year that carry the potential of…

Irishman Solomon Simon will headline Cage Warriors 200 on Saturday night inside the RDS arena filled to the brim with home fans. Cage Warriors have an unbelievable record with Irish fighters and some of the greats in Irish MMA spent a tenure of their career in the yellow gloves. The likes of Ian Machado Garry, Paul Hughes and of course the notorious Conor McGregor. Cage Warriors is back in Dublin for the first event of 2026 and it is headlined by an unbelievable fight. It is a fight of UFC calibre for the featherweight gold in the yellow gloves with…

Breakthrough for Seasnake: Sweden Becomes First NATO Customer The newest NATO member, Sweden, has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply eight Seasnake 30 weapon systems for the Swedish Navy. These systems will be the primary armament of the new Combat Boat 90 fast military assault craft. The first order under the framework agreement is worth around €63 million and was placed in February 2026. Delivery of the first system is scheduled for February 2028. The framework agreement also includes airburst and 30 mm calibre training ammunition, with a term of four years. Spare parts and services are also included in the agreement.…

The CV9035 MkIV for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic has been unveiled during a ceremonial rollout at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden. Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson welcomed esteemed guest Slovak Minister of Defence, Robert Kaliňák, and high ranking Armed Forces officials to the momentous event. The first of 152 vehicles rolled off the production line in the second half of 2025 and are currently undergoing comprehensive testing in Sweden. The ceremonial rollout marks a milestone in Slovakia’s CV90 program, which is being delivered under a government-to-government agreement between Slovakia and Sweden. It represents one of the…