INTERNACIONAL
A drone for every soldier in army of the future, Driscoll says
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The Army is rapidly developing small, first-person-view drones — the same kind that have proven devastatingly effective in Ukraine — and envisions a future where «every infantryman will have a drone with them,» according to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
«We’re doing essentially a call to arms where we are ingesting the lessons being learned in Ukraine,» Driscoll told a small group of reporters on the sidelines of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual conference. «Ukraine was able to take out almost $10 billion worth of Russian equipment with $100,000 worth of drones.»
He added that the Army’s elite units are already planning around drones for every mission. «When you meet with our lead units like the Ranger Regiment or Delta Force,» he said, «they envision drones being a core part of every action they do.»
The remarks came during the Association of the United States Army’s annual conference in Washington, where hundreds of Army leaders met with defense executives showcasing the latest battlefield technology. The event — one of the Army’s largest industry gatherings — almost didn’t happen this year amid the government shutdown.
ARMY PUSHES BATTLEFIELD AI AS COUNTER-DRONE FIGHT TAKES CENTER STAGE
A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a first-person-view drone provided by the Come Back Alive foundation to a Ukrainian Airborne Brigade amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine in Kyiv on Feb. 14, 2024. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Reuters/File photo)
AUSA stepped in with a $1 million donation to cover travel costs and fly in Army officers from around the world, allowing the service to continue its meetings with industry and push ahead on modernization plans.
Driscoll said the Army sees drones and counter-drones as «different sides of the same coin,» noting that future soldiers will need to be proficient at both. «You can’t really defend against one without being an expert in the other,» he said.
The service is also developing defensive networks that merge sensors and interceptors to protect key assets from aerial threats. «We’re using new technologies like drones to create a sensing layer that, paired with interceptors, will essentially allow us to build mini ‘Iron Domes’ over protected assets,» Driscoll said.
PENTAGON EXPLORING COUNTER-DRONE SYSTEMS TO PREVENT INCURSIONS OVER NATIONAL SECURITY FACILITIES
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll (Spc. Luke Sullivan/75th Ranger Regiment)
He described this «drone-pervasive» vision as part of a sweeping modernization campaign that spans artificial intelligence, industrial reform, and energy resilience — all of which, he said, are necessary for the Army to operate in contested environments such as the Indo-Pacific.
In a separate but related effort, Driscoll and Energy Secretary Chris Wright unveiled the Janus Program, a next-generation energy initiative that would place small nuclear microreactors at Army bases across the United States. The goal: make installations self-sufficient in power and less dependent on vulnerable fuel convoys or overseas supply chains.
«These reactors will be commercially built and operated,» Driscoll said, «and they’ll give us the ability to provide resilient, secure, round-the-clock power at our most critical installations.»
ARMY’S NUCLEAR COMEBACK: SWEEPING NEW PROGRAM AIMS TO BREAK ‘TYRANNY OF FUEL’ AT BASES ACROSS THE GLOBE
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll briefed reporters on Army modernization. (Cheriss May/Getty Images )
Wright said the program aims to replicate the reliability of nuclear propulsion in Navy submarines. «These engines are installed, they run the life of the submarine without refueling,» he said. «That changed the game for our Navy. And I think we can do the same thing for our Army with small reactors that can be deployed in all different settings.»
The Janus reactors, which will be developed in partnership with the Department of Energy, are designed to be small and transportable. Driscoll said each would be shielded with armor-grade materials — «the same material you put around a tank» — and protected by the same layered sensor and drone network envisioned for base defense.
One of the biggest hurdles to scaling microreactors is uranium enrichment. The reactors require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) — a higher concentration of uranium-235 than is currently produced for civilian use.
(Iryna Rybakova/Press Service of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces/Handout via Reuters)
«Nobody produces it today,» Wright told reporters. «Congress allocated some money a couple of years ago, but it’s been sat on too long. We’ll be giving awards to accelerate the rise of American-owned enrichment capacity in America.»
Wright said the goal is to restore the domestic uranium supply chain and eliminate reliance on foreign sources. «We built 100 reactors quickly, providing 20 percent of U.S. electricity — and then it stagnated for decades,» he said. «Now nuclear provides around 5 percent of global energy output. This is deeply disappointing.»
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Driscoll acknowledged that safety and security will be top concerns as the Army moves forward. «From a cyber perspective, no one is going to allow a nuclear reactor that is remotely operated,» he said. «They’ll be connected by fiber optic — there’s no remote operation possibility.»
He added that the reactors’ small size and design make them unattractive proliferation targets. «These will be in the 50 U.S. states, not deployed to the front,» he said. «They’re small targets, with very small amounts of material inside.»
army,drones,armed forces topics,military tech
INTERNACIONAL
Una turista contó cómo vivió el operativo contra “El Mencho” entre bloqueos, disparos y un “estado de guerra”
Entre disparos y bloqueos de narcotraficantes, decenas de turistas quedaron atrapados el domingo en unas cabañas de Tapalpa, en el estado mexicano de Jalisco, donde fue abatido en un operativo militar Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”.
“Desde que desperté, los helicópteros ya sobrevolaban muy cerca, y fue alrededor de las 7:00 cuando nuestros familiares intentaron contactarnos“, relató a EFE una turista que pidió mantener el anonimato.
Fue entonces que se dio cuenta de que estaba hospedada cerca de la guarida de “El Mencho”, en el complejo turístico Tapalpa Country Club.
Leé también: Escondida en un bosque y protegida por muros de piedra: así es la mansión donde cayó “El Mencho”
En esta zona boscosa, rodeada por centenares de árboles y residencias de lujo, la mujer y su grupo de amigos se encerraron en una habitación al fondo de una cabaña, “la más segura”, porque “no tenía tantos cristales que pudieran ser atravesados por una bala”.
Con la poca señal que llegaba a sus teléfonos celulares, recibieron decenas de mensajes enviados a un chat del condominio, integrado por aproximadamente 60 personas -entre turistas nacionales e internacionales y organizadores-, quienes solicitaban a huéspedes y propietarios “no salir de las cabañas”.
“Estado de guerra”
Afuera de las cabañas se desarrollaba un fuerte operativo del Ejército mexicano para capturar a “El Mencho”, el líder del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) y uno de los narcotraficantes más buscados del mundo.
“Al inicio pensábamos que era un operativo normal, pero después empezaron a llegarnos videos de grupos armados pasando entre las cabañas y, minutos más tarde, escuchamos disparos. Una hora de disparos”, recordó.
Dos soldados custodian una zona de Tapalpa, en Jalisco (Foto: Reuters)
El tiroteo terminó al mediodía.
Según se supo después, el líder narco se escondía desde el 21 de febrero en una exclusiva cabaña con su pareja sentimental.
Las conversaciones durante esas horas eran de temor y aislamiento.
Leé también: El narcotráfico dio una brutal muestra de poder de fuego ante el cambio de estrategia del gobierno mexicano
“Estábamos en un estado de guerra del que no podíamos salir”, señaló la turista. Afuera había un bloqueo con un camión que impedía el paso.
“No teníamos más comida” y, sobre todo, “queríamos regresar a casa”, porque “nuestras familias viven en Guadalajara, donde la situación estaba “aún peor”, agregó.
El operativo contra el capo mexicano desató una ola de violencia en todo el país, en la que fallecieron 25 integrantes de la Guardia Nacional y más de 30 miembros del CJNG.
Cómo fue el regreso a casa
Regresar a la ciudad de Guadalajara la tarde del domingo fue una “misión imposible”. Además de los bloqueos ilegales en Tapalpa, se reportaban otros 18 en todo el estado de Jalisco, según las autoridades federales.
“En el chat de los condominios se decía que seguían quemando autos y negocios y que no era seguro regresar. Mientras pasaban las horas, yo enviaba cada treinta minutos un mensaje a mi mamá para decirle que todo estaba bien”, relató.
“El miedo no se me quitaba de la piel”, subrayó.
La noche del domingo estuvo marcada por el “insomnio”, ante la psicosis de que “alguien entrara o las balas volvieran a sonar”.
“Al despertar sabíamos que teníamos que salir de ahí”, indicó al explicar que la estrategia de escape la realizaron entre pequeños grupos de turistas que iban abandonando Tapalpa y, al mismo tiempo, avisando por mensajes de Whatsapp el estado del camino hasta Guadalajara.
Leé también: Con la muerte de “El Mencho”, México aleja el fantasma de la intervención de Trump
Con la llegada del primer grupo a la capital de Jalisco, la testigo logró salir de Tapalpa en un trayecto de dos horas y media, durante el cual contabilizó más de 15 vehículos volcados en la carretera, todos “llenos de ceniza”.
“En cada curva te encontrabas un camión quemado o surcos tapados con tierra para que los autos no se hundieran”, resaltó.
Tres días después, Guadalajara, uno de los principales puntos de operación del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, sigue con el código rojo activado y las actividades en suspenso.
(Con información de EFE)
México
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U.S. and French officials signaled Tuesday they are working to steady relations after a diplomatic flare-up that led France to restrict U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner’s access to senior government officials.
The U.S. Embassy in France told Fox News Digital that the two sides remain in contact following the dispute, which was triggered by U.S. government social media posts about the killing of a French activist earlier this month.
«Ambassador Kushner and Foreign Minister Barrot, who have met regularly during the Ambassador’s tenure, spoke today in a frank and amicable call, reaffirming their shared commitment to working together, along with all other Ministers and French officials, on the many issues that impact the United States and France, particularly as the two countries celebrate 250 years of rich diplomatic relations,» the statement said.
The outreach suggests both governments are seeking to contain the fallout from a clash that briefly raised questions about diplomatic protocol and political sensitivities between two of NATO’s closest allies.
U.S. and French officials signaled Tuesday they are working to steady relations after a diplomatic flare-up that led France to restrict U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner’s access to senior government officials. (Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images)
France had moved to limit Kushner’s access to top officials after he did not attend a summons at the French Foreign Ministry over remarks posted by official U.S. government accounts following the death of 23-year-old activist Quentin Deranque, who was killed during clashes between far-left and far-right groups in Lyon earlier this month.
The Associated Press reported that Deranque, described as a far-right activist and a fervent nationalist, was beaten during the confrontation and later died of brain injuries sustained in the attack.
In a Feb. 19 post on X, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism wrote that reports — corroborated by France’s interior minister — that Deranque was killed by left-wing militants «should concern us all,» adding: «Violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque’s death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety.» The U.S. Embassy in France later shared the statement on its official account.
France had moved to limit Kushner’s access to top officials after he did not attend a summons at the French Foreign Ministry over remarks posted by official U.S. government accounts following the death of 23-year-old activist Quentin Deranque, who was killed during clashes between far-left and far-right groups in Lyon earlier this month. (Olivier Chassignole/AFP via Getty Images)
TRUMP KEEPS MACRON UNDER SPOTLIGHT AS GREENLAND TALKS GRIND FORWARD FROM DAVOS
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot characterized the remarks as an unwelcome intrusion into France’s domestic political debate and said Kushner’s failure to appear at the Quai d’Orsay «will naturally affect his ability to carry out his mission in our country.» He described the no-show as a «surprise,» saying ambassadors are expected to respect «the most basic practices of diplomacy» when summoned.
«We have no lessons to learn in matters of maintaining order or public order in matters of violence, and we have no lessons to learn at all from the reactionary international, simply,» Barrot said in an interview with public broadcaster France Info.
While Tuesday’s call between Kushner and Barrot indicates both sides are attempting to prevent the disagreement from escalating, the episode unfolded against a broader backdrop of periodic tension in transatlantic relations.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot characterized the remarks as an unwelcome intrusion into France’s domestic political debate and said Kushner’s failure to appear at the Quai d’Orsay «will naturally affect his ability to carry out his mission in our country.» (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
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France has at times pushed for greater European «strategic autonomy» in defense and foreign policy — an approach that can diverge from Washington’s priorities, particularly as President Donald Trump has pressed NATO allies to increase defense spending and align more closely with U.S. strategic objectives. Trade has also been a recurring friction point in recent years, with tariff disputes between the United States and the European Union periodically affecting French exports.
Despite those differences, France remains one of Washington’s closest security partners in Europe, cooperating extensively on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing and NATO operations. Diplomatic access to senior officials plays a central role in coordinating those efforts, making even symbolic restrictions notable.
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france,foreign policy,state department,politics
INTERNACIONAL
South African president thanks Putin after 17 men ‘lured’ to Russian frontlines begin returning home
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin after 17 men who the government said were «lured» to Russian frontlines in its war against Ukraine began returning home.
In a statement Tuesday, Ramaphosa’s office said the South African government, working closely with Russian authorities, secured the repatriation of the men after receiving distress calls requesting assistance.
The group, ranging in age from 20 to 39, was allegedly recruited into «mercenary activities.»
The circumstances surrounding their recruitment remain under investigation.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation address in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 12, 2026. (Rodger Bosch/Pool via Reuters)
Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to Putin for responding positively to his request for help during a Feb. 10 phone call between the two leaders.
Four of the men have already returned to South Africa, while 11 are expected to arrive soon.
Two remain in Russia — one receiving treatment at a hospital in Moscow and another being processed before finalizing travel arrangements.
KENYA DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM RUSSIA OVER RECRUITMENT OF CITIZENS TO FIGHT IN UKRAINE WAR
South African police officers and soldiers stand on the tarmac as a Russian Air Force Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber lands at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa, on Oct. 23, 2019. (Emmanuel Croset/AFP via Getty Images)
South Africa’s embassy in Moscow is continuing to monitor the hospitalized individual until he is cleared to travel, according to Ramaphosa’s office.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in November that Kyiv estimates at least 1,436 foreign nationals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia, warning the true number may be higher.
AMERICANS WARNED OF AL QAEDA-LINKED TERRORIST PRESENCE IN POPULAR VACATION GETAWAY
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a meeting of the Federal Security Service board in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 24, 2026. (Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via Reuters)
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Sybiha said Russia uses a range of tactics to recruit foreigners, including financial incentives, deception and coercion.
«Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death sentence,» he wrote on X. «Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate. Most of them are immediately sent to the so-called ‘meat assaults,’ where they are quickly killed.»
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south africa,vladimir putin,russia,ukraine
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