National security, technology
and geopolitical risk

Daily Brief

Daily Brief

Reported developments, analysis and source notes. Each edition keeps its original date.

Public edition

Evening Edition

Published Thursday, June 25, 2026 8:02 PM ET

Archive edition. The analysis and confidence labels reflect the evidence available at publication.

Air Force Wants New 1,000-nautical Mile Range Missile for Air, Sea Targets

What changed
The U.S. Air Force announced on June 25, 2026 its intent to develop a family of next‑generation missiles with a minimum range of 1,000 nautical miles. The weapons are designed to strike air and sea targets and support plans to counter Chinese forces. The item received an importance rating of 9/10 and a development score of 8/10.

Taiwan Budget Calls for $6.6b for Attack Drones, Unmanned Surface Vessels

What changed
Taiwan's executive branch presented a $6.6 billion budget on June 24, 2026 for over 200,000 domestically produced unmanned systems, including attack drones and unmanned surface vessels. The report carries an importance rating of 8/10.
Edition source notes · View source list
1. USNI News - Report to Congress on THAAD System 2. USNI News - Air Force Wants New 1,000-Nautical Mile Range Missile for Air, Sea Targets 3. DVIDS - U.S. Army Garrison-Fort McCoy plans change-of-command ceremony July 17 4. Bellingcat - How to Use AI to Help Find Civilian Harm 5. USNI News - RIMPAC 2026 Kicks off in Hawaii 6. The Hill - Flu cases at Texas base hit 275 as services again require recruits to get shots 7. Task & Purpose - US military helping plan Venezuela earthquake relief 8. USNI News - Taiwan Budget Calls for $6.6B for Attack Drones, Unmanned Surface Vessels