Speaking to participants in a reserve combat officers’ training course at Kibbutz Migdal Oz in the occupied West Bank region of Gush Etzion, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s long-term security would depend on maintaining an independent defense industrial base while continuing to value support from key allies.

“I deeply appreciate the support we have received, and which I have also brought over the years, from our American friends,” Netanyahu said. “But today I say: We need our own independent armaments network. We must manufacture our own armaments.”

The remarks come as Israel continues to reassess its security and defense requirements following a period of heightened regional conflict involving Iran and Tehran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

Netanyahu said Israel had inflicted significant damage on its adversaries but cautioned that broader security challenges remained unresolved.

“Where we will be 30 years from now depends on our strength,” he said, underscoring the need for sustained investment in military production, technological innovation and leadership development within the armed forces.

Israel maintains one of the world’s most advanced defense sectors, producing a wide range of military equipment including missile defense systems, drones, armored vehicles, precision-guided munitions and cybersecurity technologies. However, the country also relies heavily on strategic military cooperation with the United States, which remains its largest defense partner and supplier of advanced weapons systems.

Netanyahu’s comments reflect growing emphasis within Israeli security circles on ensuring uninterrupted access to critical military equipment during periods of conflict, particularly as regional tensions continue to evolve.

The prime minister also highlighted the importance of integrating emerging technologies into future military planning and preparing a new generation of commanders capable of addressing threats across multiple operational fronts.

His remarks came amid ongoing concerns over Iran’s military capabilities and the activities of Tehran-aligned groups operating across the region. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel remains focused on maintaining a qualitative military advantage and preserving its ability to respond independently to security threats.

The speech forms part of a broader national debate over defense preparedness, strategic autonomy and the future direction of Israel’s military-industrial policy as regional security dynamics continue to shift.

Taiwan is expanding efforts to improve civilian drone skills as concerns over military pressure from China drive broader participation in civil defence initiatives, with new training programs drawing interest from citizens seeking practical ways to contribute during a potential crisis.

In a classroom in Taipei, participants of varying ages recently gathered to learn the basics of drone operation under what organizers describe as Taiwan’s first civil defence-focused drone training program. The initiative, launched in May by the civil defence organization Kuma Academy, reflects a growing emphasis on unmanned aerial systems in public preparedness planning and follows lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine, where drones have become a central feature of modern conflict.

The course introduces participants to drone piloting through practical exercises designed to build manual flying skills. Organizers say the objective is not military training but improving public understanding of how drones can be used for observation, information gathering and emergency response in crisis situations.“The war in Ukraine has really changed how drones are used,” said Pan Chien-chin, a 48-year-old employee of a food company attending the program. For Pan, learning to fly a drone represents acquiring a practical skill that could prove useful if Taiwan ever faces a major emergency.

Taiwan’s civil defence movement has expanded significantly in recent years. Alongside drone training, volunteer organizations across the island have increased programs focused on first aid, casualty evacuation and emergency preparedness. More than 30 volunteer-led civil defence groups are currently active, reflecting growing public interest in resilience measures amid a deteriorating regional security environment.

The latest drone initiative comes as Taiwan faces sustained military pressure from China, which claims the self-governed island as its own territory. Beijing has increased military activities around Taiwan in recent years, including large-scale exercises and regular deployments of aircraft and naval vessels near the island.Tang Tsong-yi, a spokesperson for Kuma Academy, said the drone course aims to help participants understand the capabilities and limitations of unmanned systems in contemporary conflicts.

According to Tang, the training allows civilians to move beyond traditional emergency preparedness by gaining skills that could assist in observing risks and sharing information during a crisis.Interest in drone technology has expanded beyond civil defence organizations. Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration reported that the number of registered drones surpassed 39,000 by December.

Regulatory changes introduced in 2024 lowered the minimum age for drone registration to 14, widening access to the technology among younger users.Educational institutions have also begun incorporating drone-related activities into their programs. Some high schools in Taipei now organize summer camps where students learn to assemble drones and apply them to search-and-rescue scenarios.

Demand for the new civil defence drone training has been strong. Sessions organized by Kuma Academy have sold out through August, with approximately 75 participants able to be trained each month.The participant profile reflects a broad cross-section of Taiwanese society. During one recent session, trainees included teenagers, working professionals and retirees. Women accounted for more than half of attendees.

Among them was 65-year-old retiree Karren Wang, who said drone operation could offer a meaningful way for older citizens to contribute during emergencies. Wang described the training environment as supportive and accessible for beginners, allowing participants with no prior experience to gain confidence in operating the devices.

Several participants interviewed during the training said they had previously completed first-aid courses and other civil defence programs. The addition of drone skills represents a further expansion of citizen preparedness efforts that have gained momentum across Taiwan in recent years.The growing interest in drones also reflects their evolving role in military operations.

In Ukraine, unmanned aerial systems have become deeply integrated into battlefield tactics, conducting reconnaissance, surveillance and attack missions. Military officials have estimated that drones are responsible for a substantial share of battlefield casualties, underscoring how rapidly the technology has altered modern warfare.

For Taiwan, drones are viewed as potentially valuable in any future emergency because of the island’s geography. Mountainous terrain and dispersed population centers can complicate communications and situational awareness, making unmanned systems useful for surveillance and information gathering.The training drones used in the course weigh less than 100 grams and are manufactured entirely in Taiwan.

Organizers deliberately selected systems without GPS guidance or autonomous flight capabilities. The decision reflects concerns that automated commercial drones could become vulnerable to electronic warfare measures such as signal jamming during armed conflict.Instead, trainees are encouraged to develop manual piloting skills and visual navigation techniques that would remain functional even if satellite-based systems were disrupted.

The emphasis on domestically produced equipment also aligns with broader efforts by Taiwan to strengthen supply chains for drone manufacturing independent of China. Taiwanese authorities and industry stakeholders have sought to position the island as a contributor to alternative global drone production networks at a time when concerns over supply-chain security have become increasingly prominent.

Those efforts, however, face political and budgetary challenges. A recently approved special defence budget passed by Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature removed funding designated for domestic drone production, highlighting continuing debates over defence spending priorities.Taiwan remains dependent on the United States for many major defence systems despite maintaining some domestic weapons manufacturing capabilities.

Questions surrounding future security assistance have drawn additional attention following changes in the political landscape in Washington and ongoing discussions regarding arms support for Taiwan.

For some participants, these uncertainties reinforce the importance of individual preparedness. One attendee, who requested anonymity because of employment ties to a defence-related company, said the motivation for joining the program stemmed from a desire to contribute as a citizen despite not serving in the military.

Pan expressed a similar view, saying that while individuals cannot influence broader geopolitical developments, they can take practical steps to prepare themselves.As security concerns continue to shape public debate in Taiwan, civil defence organizations are increasingly incorporating emerging technologies into their training programs, reflecting a wider recognition that skills once associated primarily with military operations are becoming part of broader societal preparedness efforts.

The updated designation was released weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders sought to maintain dialogue amid ongoing strategic and economic competition. Trump has subsequently invited Xi to visit Washington in September.

The Pentagon’s revised list identifies companies that the United States considers to be Chinese military companies or entities contributing to China’s military modernization efforts. Although inclusion on the list does not automatically trigger sanctions, it is often viewed as a precursor to potential restrictions on investment, procurement or other business activities.

The new version closely resembles a list briefly published and then withdrawn by the Pentagon in February without public explanation. Two memory-chip manufacturers that had been removed from the earlier version were reinstated in Monday’s update.

Those companies are ChangXin Memory Technologies and Yangtze Memory Technologies, both significant players in China’s semiconductor sector.

The revised list also includes several of China’s most prominent technology firms involved in artificial intelligence and digital services. Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent were among the companies identified, although Tencent had already appeared on previous versions of the designation.

Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the U.S. House Select Committee on China, described the update as a warning to American businesses and government institutions. He urged U.S. companies to avoid commercial relationships that could contribute to China’s military capabilities.

The designations drew swift criticism from affected companies.

Baidu rejected the Pentagon’s assessment, stating that there was no factual basis for classifying the company as a military-linked entity. The company said it would pursue all available options to seek removal from the list.

Alibaba similarly disputed the designation, calling it an error and arguing that the company neither functions as a military enterprise nor participates in China’s military-civil fusion strategy. The company indicated that legal action remained under consideration.

In addition to major technology firms, the Pentagon added pharmaceutical company WuXi AppTec and robotics start-up Unitree, known for developing humanoid robots.

The updated list reflects Washington’s continuing scrutiny of Chinese firms operating in sectors viewed as strategically important, particularly semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. The move comes as U.S.-China competition increasingly extends beyond trade into areas involving national security, technology leadership and military capability.

Official trade data showed Taiwan exported 181,159 drones between January and April, almost 20 times the volume recorded during the same period a year earlier and exceeding total exports for all of 2025. The majority of shipments were sent to the Czech Republic and Poland, destinations industry observers believe serve as transit points for equipment ultimately supporting Ukraine’s defense effort.

The sharp rise highlights how the Russia-Ukraine war has transformed the global drone market, with low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles becoming essential tools for reconnaissance, surveillance and precision strikes. The conflict has accelerated military spending worldwide and increased demand for alternative drone suppliers outside China.

Taiwan is positioning itself as an Asian production center for so-called “non-red” drones and components, a term used by industry participants to describe products free from Chinese materials and supply chains. The strategy aligns with broader efforts by Western governments and defense industries to reduce dependence on Chinese technology.

While Taiwanese manufacturers benefit from the island’s advanced electronics ecosystem, including strengths in semiconductors and artificial intelligence, they face significant cost disadvantages. Industry executives say non-Chinese drones can cost up to three times more than comparable products from Chinese manufacturers such as DJI, which dominates the global commercial drone market through large-scale production.

Analysts say overseas sales have become increasingly important for Taiwan’s emerging drone sector because domestic demand remains limited. Samara Duerr, a policy analyst at the Taiwan government-backed Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology, said international markets provide manufacturers with the scale and operational experience needed to expand production capacity.

The export boom also reflects opportunities created by Beijing’s tightening restrictions on drone exports in recent years. Those controls have encouraged foreign buyers to seek alternative suppliers, benefiting Taiwanese firms attempting to establish themselves in global supply chains.

Taiwan’s government has set ambitious targets for the sector, aiming to increase monthly production capacity to 100,000 drones by 2030, significantly above earlier goals. Officials view drone manufacturing as both an economic opportunity and a strategic necessity as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities in the face of military pressure from China.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has intensified military activity around the island in recent years. Taipei sees the development of a domestic drone industry as part of broader efforts to enhance self-reliance and deterrence.

Industry leaders argue, however, that progress is being constrained by delays in government procurement programs. Plans to acquire more than 200,000 domestically produced drones under a proposed defense package worth nearly $40 billion have been stalled in Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament.

Max Lo, chairman of drone manufacturer AeroSoarX, said overseas contracts were essential for maintaining production lines while domestic orders remain uncertain. Taiwanese companies have increasingly pursued customers in Eastern Europe, particularly those involved in supporting Ukraine’s war effort.

Despite strong export growth, industry experts caution that Taiwan faces formidable competition. Ukraine has rapidly developed its own drone manufacturing ecosystem during the war and could emerge as a major exporter once hostilities end. Chinese producers also continue to dominate many segments of the market through lower prices and extensive manufacturing capacity.

Marcin Jerzewski of the European Values Center for Security Policy said one challenge for Taiwanese firms is proving their systems can perform under combat conditions, an area where Ukrainian manufacturers now possess extensive battlefield experience.

Analysts say Taiwan may ultimately find its strongest competitive advantage in specialized drone components rather than complete systems. Artur Savchii of Ukraine’s Snake Island Institute pointed to areas such as lithium-ion cells and advanced electronic components, where Taiwan’s technology sector could help reduce global dependence on Chinese suppliers.

Taiwanese companies are also expanding internationally through partnerships and joint ventures. Drone manufacturer Thunder Tiger has established a venture to produce drone motors in the U.S. state of Ohio and is exploring further expansion into Europe, betting that security concerns over Chinese technology will continue to drive demand for alternative suppliers.

The document, titled Magnifica Humanitas, is the first encyclical of the American-born pontiff and outlines a comprehensive ethical framework for the governance of artificial intelligence. Leo argued that governments, technology companies and society must ensure that AI serves humanity rather than concentrated political, military or commercial interests.

The publication had been closely anticipated since the pope declared shortly after his election that artificial intelligence represented the most significant challenge facing humanity. In the text, he warned against what he described as a “culture of power” driving the global race to develop increasingly sophisticated AI systems.

Leo directed particular criticism at the use of AI in warfare, declaring that irreversible decisions involving the use of lethal force should never be delegated to autonomous systems. He argued that accountability for military actions must remain firmly in human hands and called for greater transparency in the development and deployment of AI-enabled weapons.

The encyclical also questioned whether traditional Catholic principles governing the ethical use of force remain adequate in an era of rapidly advancing military technologies.

Leo suggested that technological transformations in warfare require renewed moral reflection and updated international safeguards.Beyond security concerns, the pope warned about the concentration of data, wealth and influence among a small number of technology companies.

He argued that ethical commitments by private firms alone were insufficient and called for robust legal frameworks, independent oversight mechanisms and stronger democratic regulation.The Vatican formally presented the document at an event that included participation from representatives of anthropic, one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence companies.

The company’s involvement reflected the Vatican’s long-running engagement with Silicon Valley on the social and ethical implications of emerging technologies.Despite hosting technology executives, Leo repeatedly emphasized that public authorities must not abdicate responsibility for regulating AI.

He urged developers and policymakers to slow the pace of deployment when necessary and to prioritize the common good over commercial gain.The pope framed the AI revolution within the broader tradition of Catholic social teaching. He linked the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to those addressed in Rerum Novarum, the historic 1891 encyclical issued by Pope Leo XIII that examined workers’ rights and the social consequences of industrialization.

Signed on the 135th anniversary of that document, Magnifica Humanitas argues that AI raises comparable questions about labor, economic power and human dignity. Leo warned that the pursuit of efficiency and profit must not come at the expense of workers whose livelihoods could be displaced by automation.

Technology experts and scholars said the encyclical is likely to become an influential reference point in debates surrounding artificial intelligence governance. Taylor Black said the rapid evolution of AI was already prompting deeper questions about the meaning of human identity, while Paolo Carozza described the document as a potentially defining contribution to discussions about the relationship between technology and society.

The manifesto also contained a historic acknowledgment of the Catholic Church’s role in legitimizing slavery during earlier centuries of European expansion. Leo issued the first papal apology specifically addressing the Holy See’s involvement in granting rulers authority to subjugate and enslave non-Christians, extending the document’s focus beyond technology to broader questions of historical responsibility and human dignity.

The encyclical marks the most comprehensive intervention by the Vatican to date on artificial intelligence and places the Catholic Church at the center of a growing global debate over how emerging technologies should be governed as they reshape economies, societies and international security.

The nonpartisan budget office said in a report released Tuesday that the projection reflected “one illustrative approach rather than an estimate of a specific Administration proposal,” citing limited details from the Pentagon regarding the scale and design of the system.

Trump ordered development of the futuristic missile shield during his first week back in office through an executive order calling for a comprehensive defense network capable of countering advanced missile threats from rival powers.

“Over the past 40 years, rather than lessening, the threat from next-generation strategic weapons has become more intense and complex,” Trump said in the order, referring to evolving missile technologies developed by U.S. adversaries.

The proposed system is envisioned as a multilayered defense architecture combining ground-based and space-based technologies designed to detect, track and intercept missiles during multiple phases of flight.
The initiative draws comparisons to Iron Dome, Israel’s missile defense network that has played a central role in intercepting rockets and missiles during regional conflicts. However, analysts note the U.S. project would operate on a vastly larger geographic and technological scale.

According to the CBO report, uncertainty surrounding the number and type of systems to be deployed makes precise long-term cost forecasting difficult. Last year, the agency estimated that space-based elements alone could require up to $542 billion over 20 years.

Congress has already approved approximately $24 billion for the initiative through a broader Republican-backed tax and spending package enacted last summer.

Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, the U.S. Space Force officer overseeing the Golden Dome project, defended the program’s financial outlook during congressional testimony last month, arguing that outside estimates relied too heavily on legacy defense procurement models.

“That is not what Golden Dome is doing,” Guetlein told lawmakers. “We are laser focused on affordability.”
Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, who requested the CBO assessment, criticized the scale of the projected expenditure, describing the missile shield initiative as a costly expansion of defense contracting.

The report is likely to intensify debate in Congress over military spending priorities as the administration pushes forward with one of the most ambitious missile defense proposals since the Cold War-era Strategic Defense Initiative.

In a statement issued in Geneva, the UN human rights office said its Sudan monitoring team had determined that drone attacks accounted for more than 80 percent of all conflict-related civilian deaths recorded during the first four months of 2026.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said the rapid expansion of drone warfare had transformed the nature of the conflict.“Armed drones have now become by far and away the leading cause of civilian deaths,” Turk said.

The warning underscores escalating concerns among humanitarian agencies and international observers over the intensifying use of unmanned aerial systems in Sudan’s civil war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The conflict has devastated large parts of the country, displaced millions of civilians and triggered what aid organizations describe as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.The UN did not specify which parties were responsible for the drone strikes cited in its report, but rights monitors have repeatedly warned that the growing availability of armed drone technology has widened the scale and reach of attacks on populated areas.

Human rights officials cautioned that the increasing reliance on drones risked accelerating civilian casualties while further complicating efforts to secure ceasefires or humanitarian access.

Sudan’s capital Khartoum and several regions including Darfur have witnessed heavy fighting, air strikes and widespread destruction since the war began, with repeated allegations of violations of international humanitarian law by both sides.

International mediation efforts led by regional powers, the African Union and the United Nations have so far failed to produce a durable ceasefire.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Yurii Lutovinov told Reuters the policy change by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was “a very big step forward,” even though Japan still restricts exports to active conflict zones.

“This allows us to talk,” Lutovinov said, adding that any future transfer would require a defense technology agreement between the two countries.Kyiv is also seeking Japanese investment for domestic air-defense systems to reduce dependence on U.S.-made Patriot missiles and is discussing Tokyo’s possible participation in NATO’s arms-funding mechanism for Ukraine.

Japan has linked Ukraine’s security to its own concerns over China’s growing military power and tensions around Taiwan, with Tokyo viewing the war as part of a broader global security challenge.

Zelensky has conducted a series of high-level visits to Gulf and regional states, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and Syria, positioning Kyiv as a provider of security expertise in a region where influence has often tilted toward Russia.

Analysts say Ukraine’s battlefield experience, particularly in countering Iranian-designed drones used by Russian forces, has enabled it to offer specialized anti-drone capabilities abroad.

Ukrainian officials said more than 200 experts were deployed to multiple countries in response to escalating drone activity during the regional conflict.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said Moscow was reacting negatively to Kyiv’s expanding ties in the Gulf, accusing Russia and Iran of spreading disinformation aimed at undermining Ukraine’s role in the region.

The diplomatic push marks a shift from 2022, when Kyiv relied heavily on Western partners for military assistance following Russia’s invasion. The proliferation of drone warfare has since allowed Ukraine to develop niche capabilities that are now in demand internationally.

While details of the security agreements remain undisclosed, analysts say Ukraine may seek financial backing from Gulf states to scale its defense technologies. Some observers suggest Kyiv could leverage these partnerships to secure investment and sustain its military innovation sector.

However, analysts caution that the outreach has yet to produce a strategic breakthrough. Many Middle Eastern states have maintained balanced relations with both Kyiv and Moscow, avoiding sanctions on Russia while positioning themselves as mediators in the conflict.

The durability of Ukraine’s expanded role may also depend on the trajectory of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire and continued demand for its defense capabilities in the region.

Zelenskiy said the framework deal, signed ahead of talks with Mohammed bin Salman, establishes a basis for future contracts, joint technological development and investment between the two countries.

“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,” Zelenskiy said on Telegram, adding that Saudi capabilities were also of interest to Ukraine.

The visit comes as Kyiv reassesses its external support network in the fifth year of its war with Russia. A report by the Washington Post said the United States is weighing redirecting weapons supplies intended for Ukraine to the Middle East, where tensions linked to a conflict with Iran are straining American stockpiles.

Zelenskiy’s outreach to Gulf partners signals an effort to diversify defence cooperation and secure alternative funding and technology flows as geopolitical priorities shift.

Earlier this month, Ukraine sent more than 220 military and security experts to several Middle Eastern countries to advise on countering drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

According to video released by Zelenskiy’s office, the delegation included air defence specialists and officials from Ukraine’s SBU security service.

The group conducted workshops for Saudi officials, reported to the Saudi General Staff and is preparing to share operational experience in air defence.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine expects financial compensation and access to technology in exchange for providing such assistance.Drones have become a central feature of the battlefield in Ukraine’s war with Russia, prompting Kyiv to accelerate domestic production and innovation to offset Moscow’s manpower advantage.

Zelenskiy told Reuters this week that, with sufficient financing, Ukraine could produce up to 2,000 drone interceptors per day, underscoring the scale of its defence manufacturing ambitions.

The agreement with Saudi Arabia reflects a convergence of interests as Middle Eastern states seek to strengthen air defence capabilities against drone threats, while Ukraine looks to leverage its battlefield experience for strategic and economic gains.