US approves possible $5 billion Saudi Arabia sale covering 10,000+ JDAM kits and bombs
The United States Department of State has approved a possible $5 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia covering more than 10,000 JDAM guidance kits, more than 10,000 general-purpose bombs, and associated equipment, according to UK Defence Journal and Airforce Technology. A separate approval for tank engines brought total cleared sales to $5.75 billion. The JDAM package awaits congressional notification.
Why it matters: Washington is arming Riyadh at scale again—$5 billion in precision munitions suggests the Gulf is back on the Pentagon's priority list.
Zelenskyy says US decisions on Ukraine arms shipments 'hard to explain' as delays continue
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters that recent US decisions on military aid to Ukraine are difficult to justify, pointing to delayed shipments and unmet requests. The Trump administration has approved intercept missile transfers but not yet shipped them, according to Washington Post reporting. Zelenskyy's remarks come amid sustained Russian ballistic and cruise missile strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and cities.
Why it matters: The gap between announced US policy and actual deliveries is widening while Russia hammers Ukraine's grid — Europe is watching how much Atlantic solidarity costs in practice.
UkraineUnited StatesVolodymyr Zelenskyy Defense News →Defence24 →
UK Ministry of Defence publishes operational update on military support to Saudi Arabia
The UK Ministry of Defence published an operational update on British military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. No details were provided in the public announcement.
New Zealand confirms purchase of five MH-60R SeaHawk helicopters for over $930 million
New Zealand has confirmed the acquisition of five MH-60R SeaHawk anti-submarine warfare helicopters from the United States for more than $930 million. The order will replace the Royal New Zealand Navy's aging ASW helicopter fleet operating from its two ANZAC-class frigates. Three defense ministers have handled the procurement over the past year.
Putin reportedly proposes trilateral summit with Trump and Xi on Ukraine, Zelenskyy excluded
Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed a trilateral meeting with Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not participate. The summit could take place in China in November, though no agreement has yet been reached.
Why it matters: Moscow is testing whether Trump will negotiate Ukraine's future without Kyiv in the room—Europe's nightmare scenario, and a preview of how alliance commitments unravel when Washington wants out.
RussiaUnited StatesChinaUkraineVladimir PutinDonald J. TrumpXi JinpingVolodymyr Zelenskyy Defence24 →