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Editor’s note: This is the tenth article in a limited series celebrating American defense technologies born from wartime and their effects on broader national security, politics, and society. This series will run for several weeks to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, and winners will be selected by a reader vote undertaken through our newsletter later this summer. Prior installments can be found at the Arsenal of Innovation page.I was fortunate enough to do something that would be a benefit to mankind. It’s been an extremely satisfying discovery. I don’t think there’s anything like saving someone’s life to bring you satisfaction and happiness.– Stephanie Kwolek,…

Shavkat Rakhmonov has claimed he was originally to challenge Jack Della Maddalena when the Aussie was reigning UFC welterweight champion. However, since Islam Makhachev vacated his 155-pound title after four defenses, he was considered the more privileged fighter and therefore received the 170-pound title shot ahead of Rakhmonov. “Nomad” is not against Makhachev getting the championship opportunity over him. Shavkat Rakhmonov has only stated what the original plan was and how things changed with shakeups in the UFC lightweight and welterweight divisions in 2025. He told ALF Global during a recent sit-down: “The situation in the division’s changed. [Ilia] Topuria…

The Indian Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire a Medium Range Loitering Munition [LM(MR)] system capable of operating from both naval vessels and shore-based vehicles. Envisaged as a universal strike system, the LM(MR) will target both maritime and land-based threats. Key RFI Specifications Operational Range: >1,000 km Endurance & Speed: Over 9 hours loiter time at speeds exceeding 75 knots Altitude: Operational flight ceiling up to 15,000 feet Dimensions: Maximum length of 2.5 meters and a wingspan of 3 meters Targeting & Sensors: Modular design with a primary stabilized EO/IR seeker for ISR and terminal guidance…

Specialised in uncrewed systems, ARMMO Defense Technologies of Spain unveiled at Eurosatory its ARW39CAT-A armed catamaran USV which among other effectors carries the company Bandit-X, an interceptor drone with a range of up to 15 km, as well as short-range air defence missiles and a remotely controlled weapon station click on image to enlarge The ARW39CAT-A by ARMMO Defense Technologies was one of the many unmanned surface vessels (USVs) visible at Eurosatory 2026, a sign that the Paris event is not anymore a solely “land” exhibition. The company started from an existing catamaran hull used in powerboat racing; the composite…

An INFOZAHYST electronic warfare system mounted on a tracked platform. The company develops integrated solutions for ELINT, ESM, electronic countermeasures and counter-UAS missions.In high-intensity warfare, modern defence technologies are judged not only by their specifications, but by how quickly they can be adapted, integrated, maintained and improved under operational pressure. For international companies entering Ukraine, this creates a clear requirement: they need a trusted in-country partner capable of connecting advanced technologies with battlefield needs.Ukraine’s advantage lies in the direct connection between engineering teams, operators and battlefield feedback. The country offers access to operational experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.…

When Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump met in Beijing, in May, they agreed that their two countries should build a constructive relationship of strategic stability. Although many observers in Washington responded skeptically to this new framework, dismissing it as empty words, it marks the first time in more than a decade that China and the United States established a consensus about how to define the relationship that leaders on both sides broadly recognize. Strategic stability does not refer to nuclear détente; rather, it suggests a new equilibrium in which both sides can avoid further deterioration of…

BAE Systems Australia laid the keel for the first Hunter-class frigate at Osborne Naval Shipyard on 24 August 2026. (BAE Systems Australia)A US$3 billion finance facility, a warship keel-laying and a new AUKUS shipbuilding hub landed in the same fortnight, one of the clearest signs yet that Canberra wants to build, fund and commercialise its own defence technology rather than simply buy it.On 28 August 2026, the Australian government stood up a new A$4.2 billion (approximately US$3 billion) Defence Industry Growth Facility, administered by Export Finance Australia through the national interest account.The facility offers loans, bonds, guarantees and equity –…

A UFC commentator may have great news for Ilia Topuria and terrible news for Arman Tsarukyan.“El Matador” most recently broke his social media hiatus and opened up about how he felt after the harsh and devastating June 14 loss. Topuria was dethroned by Justin Gaethje earlier this year at UFC Freedom 250. During the bout, Topuria suffered a broken septum, fractures to both eye sockets, and a broken foot. After 4 rounds, his corner was forced to stop the bout. WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: Justin Gaethje strikes Ilia Topuria of Spain in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the…

MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 11: Paulo Costa of Brazil reacts after a knockout victory against Azamat Murzakanov of Russia in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC 327 event at Kaseya Center on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC)

The number of homeless veterans across the country is on the decline. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 32,495 veterans experience homelessness on a single night nationwide, marking a continuous downward trend. In Indiana, the state is reporting the second-largest decrease in veteran homelessness in the country for 2025, a decline of 18.7%. Indiana Governor Mike Braun (R-Ind.) credits a strategic plan since he took office in January 2025 that he said doubled the resources allocated to nonprofits that support Hoosier veterans, while making more efficient and targeted funding decisions. “Hoosier veterans answered the call to serve our…