Author: thaobh.leo@gmail.com

Tampa has always felt to me less like a headquarters town than a frontier outpost of the American imperium—humid, kinetic, restless, permanently humming with the quiet traffic of planners, operators, diplomats, technologists, spies, contractors, and warrior-scholars moving between conference rooms and conflict zones. For more than two decades, MacDill Air Force Base and the larger Tampa Bay region have stood at the operational crossroads of America’s post-9/11 security state. CENTCOM. SOCOM. Coalition warfare. Counterterrorism. Influence operations. Global manhunting. Strategic competition. Gray-zone campaigning. All of it, in one way or another, has flowed through Tampa. Each year, SOF Week becomes its…

What. A. Week. It’s difficult to put into words just how awesome last week in London was for Procurement Leaders. But, perhaps not surprisingly, I’ll try. The World Procurement Congress, World Procurement Awards, AI and Resilience Forums brought the global procurement community together for three days of collaboration, connection and celebration. I had the privilege to see a lot of it from the front row, and left feeling both reassured and reenergised. Reassured that those leading this function are taking us into a bright future despite all of the challenges we face; and reenergised because of the sheer breadth of…

As radar systems evolve to meet increasingly complex battlefield demands, adaptability, interoperability, and autonomous capability are becoming critical requirements. In this interview, Scott Hillman – Senior Director of Business Development from IMSAR discusses how radar is changing for both manned and uncrewed platforms, the growing role of AI-enabled ISR, and what operators are seeking from next-generation airborne sensing systems. How has radar development changed and progressed over the last ten years, and what capabilities are clients now seeking in a system? Clients are often reactive to current threat environments, but they’re also focused on what may become battlefield realities in…

The United States’ security ties with Europe are fraying. Even before the war in Iran returned the Middle East to the front of policymakers’ minds, the United States was already shifting its focus away from Europe and toward deterring China in the Indo-Pacific. The move is occurring at a perilous moment, with Russia pressuring the continent from its eastern flank as it fights to subjugate Ukraine. As a result, Europeans feel increasingly compelled to take care of their own defense.Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has accelerated this process. He has criticized European countries for insufficient contributions to collective defense…

Bottom lines up front JERUSALEM—As negotiations continue to end the fighting between Iran and the United States, it is increasingly clear that Iran’s leaders are interested in securing a ceasefire and avoiding further escalation. Tehran understands the heavy strategic, economic, and military costs of continued confrontation and appears determined to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a broader regional war. At the same time, Iran’s leadership is not prepared to make dramatic concessions that, in its view, would undermine the ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic. While Tehran prefers de-escalation, it is also preparing for the possibility of renewed escalation…

Nate Diaz has a message for fans and for Mike Perry after his most recent TKO loss. Earlier this month at MVP MMA 1, Diaz returned to the hexagon to lock horns with BKFC’s King of Violence, Perry, and things did not go as planned for the 41-year-old. The Stockton native looked far from his best, struggling to find his rhythm, timing, and distance throughout the fight and to defend himself effectively. Meanwhile, Mike Perry kept up relentless pressure and output, completely dismantling Nate Diaz. By the end of Round 2, Diaz’s face was severely damaged, and due to the heavy…

BEMOWO PISKIE TRAINING AREA, Poland – U.S. Army Capt. Harold McMurrin quickly stood out in the Field Artillery Squadron (FAS), 2d Cavalry Regiment (2CR), for his technical skills and innovative ideas. As commander of the Launched Effects “Demon” Battery, he was tasked with building the unit from scratch and introduced advanced\, unmanned aerial systems — remotely piloted aircraft with cameras and sensors — to the regiment. His experience, leadership, and vision have placed the Launched Effects Battery at the center of the Army’s modernization efforts. “He’s got a long, varied background… very smart, very growth-minded,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steven…

On May 25, 2026, Thales announced that it signed a contract with Greece’s General Directorate of Defense Armaments and Investments for the modernization of the Hydra-class frigates. Thales press release The General Directorate of Defense Armaments and Investments (GDAEE) signed a contract with Thales for the start of the modernization of the integrated operations system of the Hydra-class frigates. Through this project, Thales will work closely with Greek industry to equip the frigates with internationally recognized solutions, such as the Tacticos Battle Management System, the NS100 radar and the STIR fire control system, ensuring optimal operational performance. Thales has a…

As a light rain ceased, giving way to silence, President Donald Trump approached the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Monday and solemnly laid a wreath in remembrance of America’s service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Trump — who was joined by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — then stood in salute as “Taps” echoed across the hallowed grounds. In his Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, the Commander in Chief lauded “our guardian angels,” describing them as the vital line of defense between “liberty and tyranny… civilization and barbarism… good and evil.” “We…

The 155 mm long-range artillery rounds are among the urgently needed supplies on the front line. Credit: Ukraine MOD. Ukraine’s Defence Procurement Agency DOT has finalised its largest procurement by value to date, contracting for 155mm long-range artillery rounds.   The Ministry of Defence announced on 25 May 2026 that the award followed a notably competitive process, with participation from a significant number of potential suppliers.  Discover B2B Marketing That Performs Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms. Find out more The Ministry stated that the purchase is intended to strengthen the ability of Ukraine’s Defence Forces…