SpaceNews.com
• Frank A. Rose
A Brookings discussion with Gen. Chance Saltzman, then a senior fellow and now chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force, examines how conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are shaping thinking about space warfare, military operations and the future role of the domain.
Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact
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A Brookings discussion with Gen. Chance Saltzman, then a senior fellow and now chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force, examines how conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are shaping thinking about space warfare, military operations and the future role of the domain.
Ukraine may be able to use its F-16 fleet to target Russian ballistic-missile launchers within weeks, but the effort depends on Washington authorizing or enabling a specific capability. The potential mission would expand the aircraft’s role beyond conventional air operations into counter-launcher missions.
Australia, the United States and Japan have formalized a trilateral agreement to strengthen air logistics cooperation among their air forces. The accord signals deeper operational coordination between the three partners, potentially improving the ability to move personnel, equipment and supplies across the region.
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International Airlines Group reported a solid first half, led by British Airways’ premium and rerouted business traffic, despite higher fuel costs and Middle East disruption. Adjusted second-quarter operating profit fell 16.3% to €1.41 billion, while IAG said 2026 capacity would remain flat; Aer Lingus remained a drag.
Cypriot authorities arrested a British-Azerbaijani national from London on suspicion of spying on a British airbase in Cyprus and passing information to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to the Metropolitan Police. The case highlights the security risks surrounding overseas military facilities and their supporting infrastructure.
A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam, for a rare port call, highlighting deepening security ties between Washington and Hanoi as Vietnam navigates rising maritime tensions with China. The visit signals growing strategic importance for the region’s defense relationships and naval presence.
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Tesla is reportedly considering selling or spinning off its China operations as part of preparations for a potential merger with SpaceX. A separate China business could reduce regulatory complications tied to SpaceX’s U.S. defense work and possible scrutiny from Beijing, though Musk has denied plans to separate the unit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked U.S. President Donald Trump to enable Starlink support for operations targeting ballistic-missile launchers inside Russia. The request would expand the role of commercial satellite connectivity in Ukraine’s military targeting and strike activities.
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