Global Scans · Military · Weekly Summary

• [New] A new US military wargame simulated a nuclear weapon in orbit, highlighting the risks of space-based conflicts. Coaio Limited
• [New] Global military AI spending is estimated to have doubled from $4.6 billion to $9.2 billion between 2022 and 2023, and is projected to reach $38.8 billion by 2028. TheDefenseWatch.com
• [New] With military modernization accelerating worldwide, the drone sector is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing areas within the global aerospace and defence industry for years to come. Cision PR Newswire
• [New] Beijing should recognize that launching a military unification campaign would not merely involve military risks, but would amount to jeopardizing the foundations of China's broader modernization process. E-International Relations
• [New] Control of Taiwan would allow China to project military power directly into the Western Pacific. E-International Relations
• [New] Although the Trump-Xi summit might temporarily ease U.S.-China tensions, the deeper and longer-term issue concerning Taiwan, the United States, and China is how to avoid a potential military confrontation over the Taiwan Strait and the trap of systemic collapse. E-International Relations
• [New] Any escalation around Taiwan could have massive global economic and military consequences. Pulse India News
• [New] North Korea and Russia will sign a five-year military cooperation plan later in 2026. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] The most acute short-term danger is the Strait of Hormuz crisis, where UK military posture is drawing direct Iranian threats of retaliation. Daily Intelligence Brief
• [New] Last month, France had said it planned to add a further 36 billion euros ($39 billion) to its defence spending between now and 2030 under an updated military planning law that expands its nuclear arsenal and boosts missile and drone stocks. Global Banking & Finance Review
• [New] Iranian missile and drone strikes against U.S. bases and civilian infrastructure in the Middle East are a stark reminder that China and other adversaries could similarly conduct strikes against military and civilian targets in the Indo-Pacific. Center for Strategic and International Studies
• [New] The Military AI market's foremost strength lies in advanced technological capabilities, such as autonomous weapon systems that enhance defence precision and reduce human risk, providing a competitive edge in global defence strategies. The Niche Research
• [New] Cyber warfare between regional powers and global intelligence agencies will likely continue even if open military conflict slows. STL.News
• [New] The United States has maintained significant military assets throughout the Persian Gulf region, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard has repeatedly warned against additional foreign military activity near Hormuz. STL.News
• [New] Iran argues that foreign military presence near its coastline threatens its national sovereignty and security. STL.News
• [New] As AI capabilities rapidly advance, Chinese AI-enabled cyberattacks and military operations may soon become the largest national security threat the United States and its allies face. Council on Foreign Relations
• [New] The first comprehensive military doctrine issued by Germany since the Cold War identifies Russia as the main threat to European security, warning that Moscow is laying the groundwork for a military attack on NATO member states. Virginia's home for Public Media
• [New] PRC military infrastructure in Pakistan could improve PRC power projection in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] The PRC could use Pakistan's reliance on its military relationship with the PRC to support power projection efforts in the Indian Ocean. American Enterprise Institute - AEI

Last updated: 17 May 2026