defense secretary of the us

A Pakistani journalist's query about India's alleged Agni-6 ICBM test at the Shangri-La Dialogue was based on misinformation. India confirmed a recent test involved an advanced Agni missile with MIRV technology, not the Agni-6. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth avoided singling out either India or Pakistan as a threat.

President Trump has signed an executive order for early government access to advanced AI models, aiming to assess cybersecurity risks and protect critical infrastructure. This voluntary collaboration with tech firms allows US agencies to review cutting-edge AI up to 30 days before public release, bolstering national security and combating AI-enabled cyber threats.

In a significant policy shift, President Trump has mandated leading AI firms to voluntarily submit their advanced models for government cybersecurity testing. This 30-day pre-release screening aims to identify vulnerabilities and bolster national security, addressing growing concerns over powerful new AI systems. Tech giants like Google and OpenAI are already engaged in discussions with officials.

A US F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iran by a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile, marking a significant escalation. While US officials investigate, China denies providing recent military support, though past assistance and potential radar technology transfers are noted. The incident complicates ongoing US-China relations amid peace negotiations.

A significant $14 billion arms package for Taiwan has been put on hold by the US Navy, prioritizing munitions for operations against Iran. This decision sparks concerns about wavering US resolve amid escalating Chinese pressure. The pause, while attributed to operational needs, raises doubts for Taiwan about American support, especially with China's 2027 invasion readiness warnings.

Tensions in West Asia surged as Iran's IRGC claimed to target a US military base, while Washington announced fresh strikes on Iranian radar and command-and-control sites. Kuwait's air defense systems also responded to drone and missile attacks amid ongoing exchanges and diplomatic efforts.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took another swipe at Washington's NATO and European partners on Saturday, saying those that do not hike defence spending sufficiently "will face a clear shift in how we do business". "Allies who refuse to step up and carry their own weight for our collective defence will face a clear shift in how we do business."

India's defence exports have soared to an unprecedented Rs 38,424 crore, with the US emerging as the top buyer for sub-systems and components. This remarkable growth, nearly tripling in five years, is fueled by strategic partnerships like the proposed Reciprocal Defence Procurement Agreement with the US and domestic reforms, positioning India as a global defence exporter.

Oil prices remained elevated as markets awaited confirmation of a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, with Brent crude trading near $100 per barrel. Asian shares rose, led by Japan's Nikkei hitting a record high, though caution persisted regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict on global energy markets.

Oil prices fluctuated as US-Iran talks showed signs of progress, clashing with US military strikes on Iranian missile sites and vessels. Hopes for the Strait of Hormuz reopening were dampened by fresh clashes, adding to market uncertainty after a major energy shock.

The US warned of renewed military action against Iran if necessary, with President Trump demanding a permanent end to Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high, exacerbated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and continued fighting in Lebanon.

President Donald Trump last week halted a planned executive order. This order would have required government safety checks for advanced artificial intelligence models. Major tech companies like Google and Microsoft were to be affected. Trump cited a desire to maintain America's lead over China as the reason for the cancellation. The decision came after his state visit to China.

The US has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran's new Strait of Hormuz authority, escalating economic pressure. This follows US strikes on Iranian military sites after drone downings. The sanctions target the agency regulating transit and charging tolls, impacting global oil and gas supplies. Negotiations for a war-ending deal continue amidst heightened tensions.

Defense Intelligence Agency faces a legal challenge from Palantir Technologies over its massive internal tech project, MARS. Palantir alleges the DIA is wasting taxpayer money by developing its own system instead of using commercially available software. A White House official supports private sector competition, suggesting potential intervention to ensure fair bidding for defense tech overhauls.

A recent Iran conflict has significantly depleted US high-end missile stockpiles, raising alarms in Washington. Critical systems like Tomahawks and Patriots may take years to replenish, creating a 'window of vulnerability' amid rising tensions with China. Production bottlenecks and allied demands complicate rebuilding efforts, impacting future defense readiness.

According to images examined by Reuters, China has built more than 80 launch pads along with three large octagon-shaped facilities near the Hami nuclear missile silo field in the country's north-west. The launch pads could be used by mobile missile launchers and air-defence systems, while the larger facilities may support communications, electronic warfare and military command functions, according to security analysts who reviewed the imagery.