July 2026 • Page 31 of 77 • The Defense Post

Jul- 2026 -

21 July

Multinational forces receive a situational awareness briefing at the Chilean Navy Operations Headquarters during UNITAS LXV in Valparaíso, Chile. Photo: Petty Officer 1st Class Mitchell Meppelink/DVIDS

US Navy Moves to ‘Weaponize’ Data and AI in New Strategy

The US Department of the Navy has adopted its first department-wide strategy to integrate artificial intelligence and data across naval operations, laying out a roadmap to build an AI-first force capable of turning information into a battlefield advantage.

21 July

Asia Pacific

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says he will be "reviewing" his country's secretive 2022 security pact with China. Asked about that pact alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Solomons leader said he had been "praying and fasting" about the Chinese security deal and it would be examined by his government

Staff Writer With AFP

China Ally Solomon Islands Invites US Coast Guard Patrols

The Solomon Islands will sign a deal for the US Coast Guard to patrol its waters with local police aboard, Prime Minister Matthew Wale said on a visit to Washington.

21 July

Asia Pacific

Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands during a signing ceremony following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 21, 2023.

Staff Writer With AFP

China, Russia Conducted Firing Drill in Japan’s Economic Waters: Tokyo

Chinese and Russian naval forces conducted a joint live-firing exercise using machine guns within Japan's exclusive economic zone, Tokyo said Tuesday.

21 July

Asia Pacific

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio before departing for the Philippines.

Staff Writer With AFP

Rubio in Philippines as US Condemns ‘Dangerous’ China Actions

The US condemned "dangerous and aggressive actions" by China following a clash with the Philippine navy in the South China Sea.

21 July

Middle East

Footage released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on July 19 shows US forces launching its ninth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military capabilities.

Staff Writer With AFP

New Strikes as Trump Warns Iran Will Pay for US Troop Deaths

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Monday that it would pay "many times over" for every American soldier killed.

21 July

Americas

A woman holds a Cuban flag in Paris, France, on 11 June 2026.

Staff Writer With AFP

US Accuses Cuba of Sweeping Spy Campaign, Aiding American Left

A US State Department report on Monday accused Cuban spies of infiltrating the highest levels of government in Washington and aiding "left-wing terrorism" on American soil.

21 July

Americas

Donald Trump President of the United States of America US makes a gesture with his hands on his arrival ahead of a dinner with the President of the French Republic and his wife organised to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States at the Chateau de Versailles in Versailles France on June 17, 2026.

Staff Writer With AFP

US Seeks to Limit Key Materials From China, Others in Defense Supply Chains

The US is pushing to make it tougher for defense contractors to get waivers for critical minerals and other materials from China and certain foreign suppliers.

21 July

Middle East