The Venezuelan military was unable to set up the S-300 and Buk-M2 air defense systems received from Russia. This left the country's airspace vulnerable during a US military operation that ended with the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro.
The German concern Rheinmetall will transfer five Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. The contract value is several tens of millions of euros.
The Pentagon stated that the US blockade in the Caribbean Sea forced at least 7 'shadow fleet' vessels carrying Venezuelan oil to change course. Interceptions of vessels will continue at any time and place.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset mocked the effectiveness of Russian air defense systems in Venezuela after a US operation in Caracas. He noted that Russian systems failed to activate when US special forces operated in the center of the capital.
A rare US Air Force RQ-170 "Sentinel" drone was spotted in Puerto Rico after a night operation against the infrastructure of the Nicolas Maduro regime in Venezuela. The RQ-170 Sentinel is one of the most classified developments of the US Army, designed for high-resolution image collection and electronic intelligence.
The US Army deactivated the 5th Air Squadron of the 17th Regiment, based in South Korea, on December 15, 2025. This event is part of a global reform and does not involve a reduction in the US military presence in the region.
The Venezuelan government accused the United States of military aggression after a series of explosions in Caracas and other regions. President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency and mobilized defense forces.
The US Department of Defense has signed an $8. 6 billion contract with Boeing to supply 25 new F-15 fighter jets to the Israeli Air Force, with an option to purchase 25 more aircraft. Work under the contract, which is part of the Foreign Military Sales program, is expected to be completed by the end of 2035.
Poland will acquire three Swedish A-26 submarines for $2. 8 billion to protect critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. NATO is intensifying patrols, and countries in the region are taking measures in response to systematic attacks linked to Russia's "shadow fleet."
The Pentagon claims that China is undertaking a "historic" military buildup, making the US more vulnerable. This casts doubt on Trump's plans for limiting the nuclear arsenals of the US, China, and Russia.
The US has suspended the lease of five major offshore wind farms along the US East Coast. The reason cited was classified risks identified by the Pentagon related to radar interference.
US forces have launched a large-scale strike against ISIS infrastructure and weapons facilities in Syria. This is in response to the attack on US and allied forces on December 13.
Donald Trump stated that Operation "Hawk Strike" in Syria is retaliation for the killing of American servicemen by ISIS. He emphasized that the US is delivering decisive blows to ISIS strongholds.
US President Donald Trump will sign into law on December 18 the defense policy bill for fiscal year 2026, which regulates military pay raises and measures to respond to geopolitical threats, and also provides for the allocation of $800 million to Ukraine for the purchase of American weapons.
The United States has approved an $11. 1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, the largest ever arms package for the island. The move comes amid increasing military pressure from China and includes HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, and Javelin anti-tank missiles.
On December 18, the US military struck a vessel in the Pacific Ocean that was transporting drugs. The operation resulted in the deaths of three people involved in drug trafficking and terrorism.
The US Senate has approved a national defense bill worth almost $900 billion, which includes $800 million for Ukraine for 2026-2027. The funds will be distributed in equal parts for the procurement of weapons.
The President of Mexico is ready to mediate negotiations between the US and Venezuela to prevent a regional conflict. This happened after Donald Trump imposed a blockade on oil tankers and increased military presence in the region.
The US Pentagon reported an attack on three boats in the Pacific Ocean, whose crew is suspected of drug smuggling. As a result, 8 people died, and President Donald Trump justified these attacks as a necessary escalation to stop the flow of drugs into the US.
The Pentagon plans to downgrade several major headquarters of the US armed forces and shift the balance of power among top generals. This will lead to the most significant changes in the military hierarchy in decades.
US President Donald Trump has announced "very serious retaliation" after two US servicemen and one civilian were killed in Syria. The attack, which the US blames on the Islamic State group, took place in an uncontrolled part of the country.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Berlin this weekend to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. He will also hold meetings with his counterparts from France, Great Britain, and Germany.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has removed US Army commander Dan Driscoll from participating in peace talks on Ukraine. This happened amid rumors of Driscoll's possible appointment as Secretary of Defense and his exceeding of authority.
In Washington, the idea of creating a new Core 5 group (USA, China, India, Japan, and Russia) was discussed, which would bring traditional adversaries closer together. The White House categorically denies the existence of a document about Core 5, but experts consider it expedient for the current administration.
Andrius Kubilius, the EU's chief representative for defense, criticized the new US National Security Strategy, calling it antagonistic to the European Union. He claims that the document is aimed at preventing Europe from uniting into a single force.
The US Armed Forces are analyzing the use of autonomous weapon systems in the war in Ukraine to apply these developments in their own operations. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth emphasized that AI will play a key role in future wars, calling on allies to increase defense budgets.
The United States is demanding that Europe take on a greater share of NATO's conventional defense capabilities by 2027, including intelligence and missiles. Some European officials consider this deadline unrealistic, as Europe needs time to build up its potential.
European leaders are warning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to succumb to Russia's demands without ironclad security commitments from the United States. They advise clearly defining America's role in security guarantees for Kyiv before agreeing to Russia's demands.
The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon, challenging new rules that prohibit most major media outlets from being in the building. The publication claims that these rules violate constitutional freedoms and restrict the work of journalists.
A Pentagon report found that Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal app to discuss airstrikes in Yemen posed a threat to US troops. Information could have been compromised, and messages were not properly stored.
