Public edition
Evening Edition
Archive edition. The analysis and confidence labels reflect the evidence available at publication.
China and North Korea are expanding their military capabilities while Taiwan accelerates a $6.6 billion unmanned‑systems build, raising the risk of heightened Indo‑Pacific confrontation. Washington must weigh additional support for Taiwan's drone program, reinforce Pacific basing, and sustain pressure on Iran's nuclear negotiations. Watch for U.S. congressional response to the Taiwan budget, further Chinese assessments of U.S. stealth tech, and any follow‑up inspections in Iran.
INDO-PACIFIC
Taiwan Budget Calls for $6.6b for Attack Drones, Unmanned Surface Vessels
What changed
Taiwan's executive branch pitched a $6.6 billion budget last week to procure more than 200,000 domestically‑made unmanned aerial and surface systems. The request was reported on June 24, 2026.
INDO-PACIFIC
North Korea Commissions First‑in‑class Destroyer Choe Hyon
What changed
The vessel was launched on April 25, 2025 and entered service on June 24, 2026.
INDO-PACIFIC
China Studied US Stealth Aircraft and Learned Wrong Lessons
What changed
A Chinese Air Force researcher said China's assessments of U.S. stealth aircraft diverge from technical reality and operational practice. Reported on June 24, 2026.