military drones

Hezbollah's deployment of cheap, fibre-optic drones is presenting a significant challenge to Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. These low-tech, untraceable devices, unlike GPS-guided ones, are difficult to counter, forcing the Israeli military to adapt its tactics. The group is manufacturing these drones domestically, exploiting perceived weaknesses in Israeli defenses.

Kyiv said on Wednesday that Russia had violated a unilateral ceasefire called by Ukraine by attacking Ukrainian cities with 108 combat drones and three missiles overnight. Russia had on Tuesday launched waves of drone, missile and bomb attacks on multiple cities across Ukraine, killing at least 28 people and wounding dozens in one of the deadliest days for civilians in weeks.

Iran is reportedly considering using mine-carrying dolphins against US warships in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions and an economic blockade. This unusual tactic, reflecting a push for new weapons, follows Iran's past acquisition of military-trained dolphins. The move comes as hardliners view the blockade as an act of war, potentially leading to renewed conflict.

Israel has reportedly sent its advanced 'Iron Beam' laser defence system and surveillance tech to the UAE to counter Iranian threats, marking a significant defence cooperation step. This deployment, alongside US military sales to regional allies, underscores escalating tensions and a bolstered regional security posture amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday accused Russia of "utter cynicism" for launching deadly attacks while also seeking a truce to stage its May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow. "It is utter cynicism to ask for a ceasefire in order to hold propaganda celebrations while carrying out such missile and drone strikes every single day leading up to it," Zelensky said in a statement in response to the attacks.

Oil prices surged Tuesday as Iranian-linked attacks and military clashes heightened fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose 6% to $114.44 a barrel, while WTI settled 4% higher at $106.42. The Fujairah Oil Industry Zone was struck by a drone, with Emirati officials blaming Iran.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the forces have struck two Russian oil tankers near Novorossiysk port. This action highlights Ukraine's ongoing strategy to disrupt Russia's energy sector. Drone warfare has intensified, with Ukraine increasingly targeting Russian territory. Russia has also conducted extensive drone attacks across Ukraine. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire are ongoing.

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.

On the first anniversary of India’s military response to Pahalgam, an Air Vice Marshal (retd) writes that armed forces did an exceptional job in conveying India’s new resolve to Pakistan

Punjab counter-intelligence has busted two ISI-controlled spy modules, arresting three suspects for using solar-powered CCTV cameras to monitor military locations. Footage was transmitted live to Pakistan-based handlers via mobile apps. The cameras, equipped with 4G connectivity, were strategically placed to bypass traditional wiring for surveillance.