Artillery Modernization: BAE Systems unveiled at Eurosatory a new digital artillery fire control system aimed at faster targeting and better connectivity across sensor and effector networks. UK Defence Politics: Dan Jarvis was named Britain’s new Defence Secretary after John Healey’s resignation amid a funding dispute, as critics warn the UK is falling behind on civil defence readiness. Missile Defence Leap (India): DRDO completed three consecutive flight tests showing a multi-layered ballistic missile defence capability and a maiden test of a naval medium-range anti-ship missile, positioning India among an “elite” set of BMD-capable nations. Counter-Drone Integration (Europe): Airbus Helicopters and Quantum Systems signed an agreement to integrate counter-UAS interceptors on the H145M, targeting unmanned aerial threats. US-Iran Flashpoint: CENTCOM said it shot down Iranian suicide drones in the Strait of Hormuz while Iran warned Elon Musk’s Middle East assets, including Starlink, are military targets. China-US Trade Spat: China condemned the Pentagon’s blacklist of Chinese “military companies” (including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and others), warning of retaliation. Regional Security (Korea): North Korea denounced a US approval for advanced air-to-air missile sales to South Korea, calling it further militarization. Venezuela Strike: Trump and the Pentagon said a US kinetic strike killed Tren de Aragua leader Nino Guerrero, coordinated with Venezuelan authorities. Defence Industry Disruption (Europe): Rheinmetall warned France could cut funding for the MGCS tank programme after FCAS turbulence, raising fears for future European armour cooperation. Contract Update (Bulgaria): Bulgaria extended the overhaul contract for its An-30 transport aircraft with Ukraine’s Ukrainmash until Aug 2, 2026. Protest and Security (UK): Four Palestine Action activists were jailed for more than 26 years over a raid on an Israeli-linked defence firm, with large demonstrations and arrests reported outside court.