US Selected Golden Dome Design | Sweden Condemned Israeli Gaza Plan | US Cleared Leonardo Helicopter Sale To Bosnia
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Americas
The US has selected a design for the futuristic “Golden Dome” missile defense system, says President Donald Trump, adding that it will be operational by the end of his time in office. Just days after returning to the White House in January, Trump unveiled his intentions for the system, aimed at countering “next-generation” aerial threats to the US, including ballistic and cruise missiles. An initial sum of $25billion has been earmarked in a new budget bill – although the government has estimated it could end up costing 20 times that over decades.
The Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (RIA-JMTC) plans to ramp up production of 3D-printed drones for the US Army. This is part of the Army’s Transforming in Contact initiative, introducing new technologies directly into operational environments for field testing and evaluation. The program’s goal is to gather direct feedback from soldiers and assess the drones’ technical and operational capabilities under real operational conditions.
Middle East & Africa
Sweden’s foreign minister on Monday condemned Israel’s plans to “take control” of the Gaza Strip, saying the move would violate international law. Israel earlier this month approved plans for the expanded offensive currently under way and said it was aimed at the “conquest” of Gaza and the displacement of its people. “We will take control of all the territory of the Strip,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video posted to his Telegram channel on Monday.
Europe
The US government has cleared the possible sale of Leonardo Helicopters AW119Kx rotorcraft to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Announced by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 20 May, the Department of State Foreign Military Sales (FMS) approval covers an undisclosed number of helicopters, as well as related equipment, training, and support.
Asia-Pacific
The New Zealand Army has taken delivery of a VAMTAC ST5 four-wheel drive vehicle prototype from Spain as part of a 2024 contract. The platform was transferred from Galicia to the Wellington International Airport via a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft. It will now receive communications design and testing according to the military’s requirements, and will be used for associated clearances and operator training once necessary evaluations are completed.
