Zona Militar: "The CCA and beyond: The future of companion drones looks bright" / "Del CCA a los helicópteros de combate: el futuro de los drones colaborativos de combate comienza a tomar forma"

 

 

"The CCA and beyond: The future of companion drones looks bright"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar 

25 July, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/07/25/the-cca-and-beyond-the-future-of-companion-drones-looks-bright/

In the future of aerial warfare, aircraft will have companion aerial uncrewed platforms to support them. Or so the US military wants to see. In addition to the well-known Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program for the US Air Force, the defense manufacturer Anduril has recently unveiled Thunder, a rotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS) designed as a companion for the US Army’s Cheyenne helicopter and future rotary aircraft. 

 

"Del CCA a los helicópteros de combate: el futuro de los drones colaborativos de combate comienza a tomar forma"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

26 de Julio, 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/07/25/del-cca-a-los-helicopteros-de-combate-el-futuro-de-los-drones-colaborativos-de-combate-comienza-a-tomar-forma/

 En el futuro de la guerra aérea, las aeronaves contarán con plataformas aéreas no tripuladas que las acompañarán y les brindarán apoyo. O, al menos, eso es lo que busca alcanzar el Ejército de Estados Unidos. Además del conocido programa de Aeronaves de Combate Colaborativas (CCA) de la Fuerza Aérea de Estados Unidos, el fabricante de defensa Anduril presentó recientemente Thunder, un sistema aéreo no tripulado (UAS) de rotores diseñado como plataforma de acompañamiento para el helicóptero Cheyenne del Ejército estadounidense y futuras aeronaves de ala rotatoria.

 

 

Zona Militar: "AeroVironment’s Uncrewed Systems fly high with new contracts /

 

"AeroVironment’s Uncrewed Systems fly high with new contracts"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

26 July 2026

Published https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/07/26/aerovironments-uncrewed-systems-fly-high-with-new-contracts/ 

 AeroVironment, a global producer of drones and loitering munitions, is having a successful month, with contracts announced for global customers, including the US Army and the armed forces of Greece and Germany.

 

" AeroVironment suma nuevos contratos para sus drones y municiones merodeadoras en EE.UU. y Europa"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

26 de Julio, 2026

Publicado:  https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/07/26/aerovironment-suma-nuevos-contratos-para-sus-drones-y-municiones-merodeadoras-en-ee-uu-y-europa/

 

AeroVironment, uno de los principales fabricantes mundiales de drones y municiones merodeadoras, está atravesando un mes exitoso, con nuevos contratos anunciados para clientes internacionales, entre ellos el Ejército de los Estados Unidos y las Fuerzas Armadas de Grecia y Alemania. 

 

The Interpreter: "Tokyo’s runway into Central Asia"

 

 "Tokyo’s runway into Central Asia"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Marin Ekstrom

The Interpreter - Lowy Institute

24 July 2026

Published:  https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/tokyo-s-runway-into-central-asia

 

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the two most economically developed Central Asian nations, are ambitiously expanding their commercial aviation infrastructure and fleets to make their airports and airlines more globally renowned. One of the key partners in these countries’ infrastructure transformation is Japan. 

 

Future Warfare: " BAE to deliver naval guns for Brazilian patrol ships "

 

 

" BAE to deliver naval guns for Brazilian patrol ships "

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

22 July 2026

Published:  https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1179/bae-to-deliver-naval-guns-for-brazilian-patrol-ships

BAE Systems announced on 16 July the sale of two “state-of-the-art” Bofors 40Mk4 naval gun systems for Brazil. The guns will be installed aboard patrol vessels being built for the Brazilian Navy’s Patrol Vessel Construction Project (Programa de Obtenção de Navios-Patrulha: PRONAPA).

In its press release, the company explained that the guns are effective against a variety of targets, including drones, missiles, helicopters, swarming boats, surface vessels, and land targets. According to the company, the gun can switch “seamlessly” among ammunition types to deliver “versatile” targeting of air-, land- and sea-based threats. BAE also noted that Brazil already operates “dozens of Bofors 40 mm guns.”

KazInform: "Reforms transfer more power to the people — US experts on Kazakhstan’s new Constitution" / "Реформы передают больше власти народу — эксперты из США о новой Конституции Казахстана"

 

 "Reforms transfer more power to the people — US experts on Kazakhstan’s new Constitution" / "Реформы передают больше власти народу — эксперты из США о новой Конституции Казахстана 

By: Рустем Кожыбаев

10 July 2026

https://www.inform.kz/ru/reformi-peredayut-bolshe-vlasti-narodu-eksperti-ssha-o-novoy-konstitutsii-kazahs-6529c723 

 Американские эксперты — вице-президент «The America-Eurasia Center» Ральф Винни и президент консалтинговой фирмы «Second Floor Strategies» Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес — поделились с собственным корреспондентом агентства Kazinform в Вашингтоне своей оценкой конституционных реформ в Казахстане.

Президент консалтинговой фирмы «Second Floor Strategies» Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес, в свою очередь, положительно оценил введение должности вице-президента.

— Я думаю, что одним из положительных изменений в новой Конституции является введение должности вице-президента, который сможет посещать Вашингтон, — отметил он.

https://www.inform.kz/ru/reformi-peredayut-bolshe-vlasti-narodu-eksperti-ssha-o-novoy-konstitutsii-kazahs-6529c723

 

Geopolitical Monitor: "Malaysia-Latin America Relations: Engagement between Distant Partners"

 

 

"Malaysia-Latin America Relations: Engagement between Distant Partners"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion 

Geopolitical Monitor

 17 July, 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/malaysia-latin-america-relations-engagement-between-distant-partners/ 

 

The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and partnerships & alliances are being formed between countries that are geographically far apart from each other. Generally speaking, Latin America sees the United States, China, and Europe as its main extra-regional trading partners and strategic allies. However, other countries should be monitored, including Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, whose presence and engagement with Latin America have increased in recent years. However, there is one other actor that should be considered when discussing a globalized, interconnected world: Malaysia.

For analysts, scholars, and practitioners of foreign policy, Malaysia is no stranger to Latin America. One key link between the Asian nation and Latin America is the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a free-trade pact that brings together 12 economies across the Asia-Pacific, Western Hemisphere, and the United Kingdom. The other regional bloc to keep in mind is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which includes Malaysia as well as Chile, Mexico, and Peru. Moreover, while not as notorious as Beijing’s, Tokyo’s, or Seoul’s presence, Kuala Lumpur maintains friendly bilateral relations with several Latin American nations.

IPD: "Mr. Tokayev goes to Brussels"

 

 

"Mr. Tokayev goes to Brussels"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

International Policy Digest

10 July 2026

Published: https://intpolicydigest.org/mr-tokayev-goes-to-brussels/ 

 

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Brussels in late June, where he met with senior European Union officials. By most measures, the trip was a success. According to news reports, the two sides signed memoranda of understanding worth more than $12 billion. For Astana, the visit also reinforced the logic of its long-standing multivector foreign policy, which seeks to maintain constructive relationships with major global powers, including the European Union and its member states.

It has already been a busy spring and summer for Kazakhstan on both the domestic and foreign policy fronts. In March, the country held a referendum proposing amendments to roughly 80 percent of the Constitution. The referendum passed, setting in motion sweeping institutional reforms.

FW MAG: " ISR small UGVs: helping ground troops see what’s beyond "

 

" ISR small UGVs: helping ground troops see what’s beyond "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

8 July, 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1153/isr-small-ugvs-helping-ground-troops-see-what-rsquo-s-beyond 

 

Two small uncrewed ground vehicles (sUGVs) have recently entered the market: Teledyne Flir Defense’s FIRSTLOOK 125 throwable reconnaissance robot and AeroVironment’s TOM 50RE robot for reconnaissance and explosive ordnance disposal. Both systems aim to fulfill the same demand: to provide ground units, especially dismounted troops, with reconnaissance capabilities. 

Modern Diplomacy: "The (domestic) problem with Armenia’s recent elections"

 

 

"The (domestic) problem with Armenia’s recent elections"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez 

Modern Diplomacy 

5 July 2026

Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/07/06/the-domestic-problem-with-armenias-recent-elections/ 

 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been re-elected to another term after being victorious in his country’s 7 June elections. His re-election is a relief for Washington and Europe, given Pashinyan’s foreign policy ideologies and objectives. However, his domestic policies are very problematic; the repression and crackdown on freedom of speech leading up to the elections could signal a period of hardship for the Armenian population in the foreseeable future.

The elections in Armenia were closely monitored internationally, as much was at stake at a regional level. The obvious primary foreign policy issue for Armenia is the future of the peace process between Yerevan and the Azerbaijani government; Pashinyan’s re-election was critical to keeping the negotiations between the two neighbors alive. Moreover, given its location in the Caucasus, Armenia could become a critical transportation zone in regional trade networks such as the Middle Corridor; however, to achieve this goal, the Armenian government must be willing to engage and cooperate with neighbors like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and, yes, Türkiye.

Vice News: "Protecting the World Cup From Drones"

 

 

"Protecting the World Cup From Drones"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Vice News - Substack

28 June, 2026

Published: https://substack.com/home/post/p-203629382

 

Today, the sound of war isn’t the terrible rumble of a tank or a clattering Kalashnikov. It is the buzz of a drone. Death comes from above in 2026; uncrewed, unafraid and uncomplicated. Aerial warfare, prohibitively expensive since its introduction in the 20th century, is now globally accessible and affordable. This summer, authorities in North America are asking a new question: how do you prevent this threat from leaving the battlefield and entering the soccer pitch?

 

As I write, the World Cup is in full swing and for the first time in years it feels like the planet is unified in watching something joyful. But the fear in defense circles is that drones could be used by lone wolves, criminal organizations, or terrorist entities to target fans, players and officials at the largest sporting event on Earth. 

Zona Militar: "Black Recon: Teledyne Flir Defense’s new Reconnaissance Micro-Drone" / "Black Recon: el nuevo microdrón de reconocimiento de Teledyne FLIR Defense presentado en Eurosatory 2026"

  

 

 "Black Recon: Teledyne Flir Defense’s new Reconnaissance Micro-Drone"'

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

21 June, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/06/21/black-recon-teledyne-flir-defenses-new-reconnaissance-micro-drone/

Teledyne Flir Defense has launched the Black Recon micro-drone; the unveiling took place during the recent Eurosatory expo in Paris. Zona Militar spoke with a Teledyne Flir Defense spokesperson to learn about the latest addition to the company’s family of uncrewed aerial systems (UASs).

 

"Black Recon: el nuevo microdrón de reconocimiento de Teledyne FLIR Defense presentado en Eurosatory 2026"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

21 de Junio, 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/06/21/black-recon-el-nuevo-microdron-de-reconocimiento-de-teledyne-flir-defense-presentado-en-eurosatory/ 

 

Teledyne FLIR Defense presentó su nuevo microdrón Black Recon, cuya presentación tuvo lugar durante la reciente edición de la feria Eurosatory celebrada en París. Zona Militar dialogó con un portavoz de la compañía para conocer más detalles sobre esta nueva incorporación a la familia de sistemas aéreos no tripulados (UAS) de la empresa. 

 

Shephard: "South American MBTs: upgrades and payload modernisation could shape procurement paths"

 

 

"South American MBTs: upgrades and payload modernisation could shape procurement paths"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Land Warfare

Shephard

8 June, 2026

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/the-future-of-south-american-mbts-upgrades-and-payload-modernisation-present-market-opportunity/ 

 While South American geopolitics are complicated, the likelihood of inter-state warfare is low, calling into question the future of the venerable main battle tank.

Modern Diplomacy: "Ankara-Tashkent relations: What’s the next milestone?"

 

 "Ankara-Tashkent relations: What’s the next milestone?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez and Marin Ekstrom

6 June 2026

Modern Diplomacy

Published: https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/06/06/ankara-tashkent-relations-whats-the-next-milestone/ 

 How far integration will go between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan is debatable. 

 

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) recently held a summit focused on “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.” While the May 15 meeting itself did not offer any groundbreaking resolutions, all five heads of the OTS member states participated and reaffirmed their commitment to greater cooperation and integration. This summit was just one example in a series of events that demonstrate growing unity and collaboration among the Turkic states.

How far integration will go between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan is debatable. There are several regional initiatives that are bringing these countries, as well as other states across the Caucasus and Central Asia, together, including connectivity projects such as the Middle Corridor and the Uzbek-Kyrgyz-Chinese railway, as well as agencies such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union.

 

IWI: "Operations in the Amazon: The Peruvian Military’s Riverine Operations"

 

 

"Operations in the Amazon: The Peruvian Military’s Riverine Operations"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Irregular Warfare Initiative

20 May, 2026

Published: https://irregularwarfare.org/uncategorized/operations-in-the-amazon-the-peruvian-militarys-riverine-operations/ 

 

This article is a Focus Area self-published piece, and the content has not undergone standard editorial review. IWI hosts these pieces to facilitate rapid dialogue among practitioners, but the analysis, research, and original thought within the article remain the sole responsibility of the author.

The United States military is in the middle of a hard pivot to focus on the Western Hemisphere, as codified by the recent publication of the 2026 National Defense Strategy, which identified securing U.S. interests “from the Arctic to South America” as critical to its lines of effort. The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Operation Absolute Resolve was confirmation that the United States military will become more involved in South America. And if further evidence were needed, in January 2026, the Army redesignated the 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade as the Army Security Cooperation Group – South, and it will take over the Combined Jungle Operations Training Course in Panama.

This increasing focus on operations in the Western Hemisphere will require closer integration with allies and partners in the region – as well as a better understanding of the region’s geography and how it shapes those allies and partners. This analysis will focus on the Peruvian military’s riverine operations, their importance, and their unique contributions to Amazonian military operations.

Quoted in: South China Morning Post: "Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran"

"Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran"

By Cao Jiaxuanin Beijing 

South China Morning Post

30 May, 2026

Published: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3355303/why-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-isnt-nato-iran 

Central Asia is tilting more decisively towards China as geopolitical uncertainty deepens, with Beijing’s expanding influence recasting the former Soviet states’ strategic orientation. In the final instalment of a three-part series, Cao Jiaxuan examines how Central Asian members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation have shaped the bloc’s response to the US-Iran conflict. Read the first part here and the second part here. 

Quoted in: KazInform: "До 40% воды теряется впустую: эксперты из США назвали главную проблему Центральной Азии " / "Up to 40% of Water Goes to Waste: US Experts Identify Central Asia’s Main Problem"

 

 "До 40% воды теряется впустую: эксперты из США назвали главную проблему Центральной Азии " / "Up to 40% of Water Goes to Waste: US Experts Identify Central Asia’s Main Problem"

By: Rustem Kozhybaev

KazInform

2 June 2026

Published: https://www.inform.kz/ru/do-40-vodi-teryaetsya-vpustuyu-eksperti-iz-ssha-nazvali-glavnuyu-problemu-tsentr-f2f7a045 

По мнению Уайлдера Алехандро Санчеса, управление водными ресурсами пяти стран ЦА невозможно рассматривать вне региональной геополитики.

According to Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, water resource management in the five Central Asian countries cannot be considered outside of regional geopolitics

 

 

CIMSEC: "Latin America: Donations and Sales of Second-hand Hulls"

 

 

"Latin America: Donations and Sales of Second-hand Hulls"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Southern Tide

Center for International Maritime Security

3 June, 2026

Published:  https://cimsec.org/latin-america-donations-and-sales-of-second-hand-hulls/ 

 

Written by Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, The Southern Tide addresses maritime security issues throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. It discusses the challenges regional navies face including limited defense budgets, inter-state tensions, and transnational crimes. It also examines how these challenges influence current and future defense strategies, platform acquisitions, and relations with global powers.

Analyses of the status and strength of the US Navy, the Chinese Navy, and other global navies focus not only on the size of their respective fleets but also on the modernity of their hulls and their new capabilities, particularly vis-à-vis integrating new technologies. But what happens to decommissioned platforms that global naval powerhouses no longer operate? Some are kept in reserve or sent to scrapyards. However, many decommissioned vessels find a second life when sold or donated to partners and allies.

 

 

GETR: "Republic of Moldova: Integration and Tensions Between Chisinau and Găgăuzia"

 

 "Republic of Moldova: Integration and Tensions Between Chisinau and Găgăuzia"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Global Encyclopedia of Territorial Rights

22 May, 2026

P 1-9

Published: https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-319-68846-6_878-1 

 The Autonomous Territorial Unit of Găgăuzia (Unitatea Teritorială Autonomă Găgăuzia) is an autonomous region in the south of the Republic of Moldova, primarily populated by the Gagauz people, who are primarily Eastern Orthodox Turkic. The region, divided into four enclaves, has a population of around 150 thousand inhabitants and is generally underdeveloped. Găgăuzia has strong relations with both the Russian Federation and Türkiye. Moldovan President Maia Sandu and her administration have attempted to improve relations between Chisinau and Găgăuzia to promote national integration. However, the general Gagauzian population is generally Moscow-friendly and remains skeptical of Moldova’s plan to join the European Union. The region overwhelmingly voted against President Sandu and a pro-European Union referendum during the country’s October–November 2024 presidential elections, underscoring skepticism among Gagauzians about Sandu’s pro-Europe project. Sandu (who was re-elected) will continue to face a tough challenge to convince Gagauzians to support EU membership. The August 2025 conviction of Gagauzian leader Evghenia Guțul will make this situation even more problematic.

The Diplomat: " The Upcoming C5+1 Dialogue on Critical Minerals "

 

"The Upcoming C5+1 Dialogue on Critical Minerals"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat 

1 June 2026

Published: https://thediplomat.com/2026/06/the-upcoming-c51-dialogue-on-critical-minerals/ 

On the sidelines of the Astana Mining & Metallurgy Congress, the C5+1 aims to deepen cooperation on critical minerals.

 

 

Zona Militar: "L3Harris incorporará la capacidad TTL&R en los submarinos de la Armada de EE.UU.: ¿deberían interesarse las armadas de Sudamérica?" / "L3Harris will TTL&R capability for US submarines, should South America be interested?"

 

 

"L3Harris incorporará la capacidad TTL&R en los submarinos de la Armada de EE.UU.: ¿deberían interesarse las armadas de Sudamérica?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

25 de Mayo del 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/05/25/l3harris-incorporara-la-capacidad-ttlr-en-los-submarinos-de-la-armada-de-ee-uu-deberian-interesarse-las-armadas-de-sudamerica/ 

En marzo pasado, el gigante de la defensa L3Harris anunció un nuevo contrato para instalar una capacidad a bordo de los submarinos de la Armada de Estados Unidos (US Navy), específicamente el sistema Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTL&R), que permite desplegar y recuperar los vehículos submarinos autónomos (AUV) Iver4 900 de la compañía. Zona Militar conversó con Matt Graziano, vicepresidente de Estrategia y Desarrollo de Negocios Marítimos de L3Harris, para conocer más sobre este contrato y por qué las armadas sudamericanas deberían considerarlo de cara al futuro.

"L3Harris will TTL&R capability for US submarines, should South America be interested?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

25 May, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/05/25/l3harris-will-ttlr-capability-for-us-submarines-should-south-america-be-interested/ 

Back in March, the defense giant L3Harris announced a new contract to install a capability aboard US submarines, specifically the Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTL&R) system, which deploys and retrieves the company’s Iver4 900 autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Zona Militar spoke with Matt Graziano, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Maritime at L3Harris, to learn more about this contract and why South American navies should consider it for the future.

Zona Militar: "BAE Systems presentó la variante de Guerra Electrónica del nuevo Vehículo de Combate Anfibio ACV 8×8" / "BAE Systems unveils ACV Electronic Warfare variant"

 

"BAE Systems presentó la variante de Guerra Electrónica del nuevo Vehículo de Combate Anfibio ACV 8×8"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

23 de Mayo del 2026

Publicado:  https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/05/23/bae-systems-presento-la-variante-de-guerra-electronica-del-nuevo-vehiculo-de-combate-anfibio-acv-8x8/

BAE Systems continúa expandiendo su familia de Vehículos de Combate Anfibio 8×8 (ACV); durante la reciente exposición Modern Day Marine celebrada en Washington D.C., la compañía presentó el demostrador del Vehículo de Combate Anfibio de Guerra Electrónica (ACV EW). Zona Militar conversó con Rebecca McGrane, vicepresidenta y gerente general de Vehículos Anfibios de BAE Systems, sobre esta nueva variante y el futuro del programa ACV para los Marines de los Estados Unidos.

 

 "BAE Systems unveils ACV Electronic Warfare variant"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

23 May, 2026

Published:  https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/05/23/bae-systems-unveils-acv-electronic-warfare-variant/

BAE Systems continues to expand its family of Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV); at the recent Modern Day Marine expo in Washington, DC, the company displayed the Amphibious Combat Vehicle Electronic Warfare (ACV EW) demonstrator. Zona Militar spoke with Rebecca McGrane, vice president and general manager of Amphibious Vehicles at BAE Systems, about this new variant and the future of the ACV program for the US Marines. 

 

 

Shephard: "Partnerships will be critical for future projects at Latin American shipyards"

  

 

"Partnerships will be critical for future projects at Latin American shipyards"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Naval Warfare

Shephard

21 May, 2026

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/latin-american-shipyards-partnerships-will-be-critical-for-future-projects/ 

 Multiple Latin American navies are modernising their fleets by prioritising domestically manufactured surface vessels and even submarines via international partnerships.

Shephard: "Are counter-drone systems for dismounted troops emerging as the next procurement battle?"

 

 

"Are counter-drone systems for dismounted troops emerging as the next procurement battle?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Land Warfare

Shephard 

20 May, 2026

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/counter-drone-systems-dismounted-troops-emerging-next-procurement-battle/

 As uncrewed aerial systems and loitering munitions evolve, it is increasingly necessary for counter-uncrewed solutions to keep pace in order to protect not only military facilities and platforms but also dismounted troops.

Zona Militar: ""SOF Week: Polaris prepares to announce contracts, works on ULTV and 6×6" / "SOF Week: Polaris se prepara para anunciar contratos y avanza con el ULTV para los #Marines de EE.UU. y el MRZR Alpha 6×6"

 "SOF Week: Polaris prepares to announce contracts, works on ULTV and 6×6"  

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

17 May, 2026 

Zona Militar

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/05/17/sof-week-polaris-prepares-to-announce-contracts-works-on-ultv-and-6x6/

Polaris is known for producing a family of reliable MRZR tactical vehicles, including several variants. Recently, Zona Militar spoke with company executive John LaFata about the company’s ongoing contracts, projects, and long-term objectives.

Mi analisis: "SOF Week: Polaris se prepara para anunciar contratos y avanza con el ULTV para los #Marines de EE.UU. y el  MRZR Alpha 6×6" 

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

17 Mayo, 2026

Zona Militar

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/05/17/sof-week-polaris-se-prepara-para-anunciar-contratos-y-avanza-con-el-ultv-para-los-marines-de-ee-uu-y-el-mrzr-alpha-6x6/

Janes: "Southern Command will operate Tsunamis USV and test autonomy systems"

 

 

 

"Southern Command will operate Tsunamis USV and test autonomy systems"

Alejandro Sanchez

Janes

15 May, 2026

Published: https://www.janes.com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/defence/southern-command-will-operate-tsunamis-usv-and-test-autonomy-systems

Textron Systems announced, in a 30 April statement, that its Tsunami uncrewed surface vessels (USV) will be operated by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and its naval component, 4th Fleet, for three months. 

 

The Diplomat: " As Uzbekistan Prepares for the World Cup, What’s Next for Uzbek Football? "

 

 

"As Uzbekistan Prepares for the World Cup, What’s Next for Uzbek Football?"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

The Diplomat

14 May, 2026

Published: https://thediplomat.com/2026/05/as-uzbekistan-prepares-for-the-world-cup-whats-next-for-uzbek-football/ 

The current decade could become the first golden era of Uzbek football, exemplified by two youth championships and participation at the upcoming World Cup.

Zona Militar: "US missiles and munitions stockpiles: Still robust and still deadly" / "Las reservas de misiles y municiones de las Fuerzas Armadas de EE.UU.: aún sólidas y letales"

 

  "US missiles and munitions stockpiles: Still robust and still deadly"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

13 May, 2026

Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/05/13/us-missiles-and-munitions-stockpiles-still-robust-and-still-deadly/

 

 The US military has had an eventful 12 months, with several military operations keeping all services busy. The recent war in Iran tested the offensive and defensive capabilities of US troops, platforms, and installations, and there were concerns that US military stockpiles of missiles and other munitions are strained and depleted. While worries and preparations for worst-case scenarios are valid, the situation is not as bad as it seems. The successful hit of Iranian maritime targets by US ground-based munitions during the recent Operation Epic Fury highlights that US missiles and other munitions maintain their deadly accuracy, even in new environments.

 

"Las reservas de misiles y municiones de las Fuerzas Armadas de EE.UU.: aún sólidas y letales"

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Zona Militar

13 May, 2026

Publicado: https://www.zona-militar.com/2026/05/13/las-reservas-de-misiles-y-municiones-de-las-fuerzas-armadas-de-ee-uu-aun-solidas-y-letales/

Las Fuerzas Armadas de Estados Unidos han tenido unos 12 meses intensos, con varias operaciones militares que han mantenido ocupados a todos los servicios. La reciente guerra en Irán puso a prueba las capacidades ofensivas y defensivas de las tropas, plataformas e instalaciones estadounidenses, y surgieron preocupaciones sobre el desgaste y la disminución de las reservas de misiles y otras municiones. Si bien las inquietudes y los preparativos ante escenarios extremos son válidos, la situación no es tan grave como parece. El exitoso ataque a objetivos marítimos iraníes mediante municiones terrestres estadounidenses durante la reciente Operación Epic Fury demuestra que los misiles y otras municiones de EE.UU. mantienen su letal precisión, incluso en nuevos entornos.

 

E-International Relations: "Opinion – Moldova: Between Ambitious Plans and Present-Day Challenges"

 

 

 

"Moldova: Between Ambitious Plans and Present-Day Challenges"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

E-International Relations

8 May 2026

Published: https://www.e-ir.info/2026/05/08/opinion-moldova-between-ambitious-plans-and-present-day-challenges/ 

 Resolving the Republic of Moldova’s separatist issue and joining the European Union are the primary objectives of President Maia Sandu and her administration. Yet, the war between Russia and Ukraine is a constant reminder for Chisinau that there are serious, ever-present day threats to the country’s stability. Russian drones, water pollution, and energy security are daily threats and concerns for the Moldovan population and government; these challenges could also delay Moldova’s preparations for European Union membership. While Moldova has not become a target of the hostilities, incidents continue to occur. Specifically, suspected Russian uncrewed aerial systems (UAS, commonly known as drones) and missiles have been detected flying through Moldovan airspace, while some drones have crashed on Moldovan territory – a reminder that the frontlines of the war are not far away.

Future Warfare Magazine: " MDM 2026: Marines discuss short-term goals of UGV technology, Forterra & AM General unveil prototypes "

 

 

" MDM 2026: Marines discuss short-term goals of UGV technology, Forterra & AM General unveil prototypes"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

6 May 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1061/mdm-2026-marines-discuss-short-term-goals-of-ugv-technology-forterra-amp-am-general-unveil-prototypes  

Keep autonomy technology simple and focus on logistics: that was the overall message at the Autonomy/ Collaborative Autonomy/ Autonomy Afloat panel at the recently concluded Modern Day Marine (MDM) expo in Washington, DC. The speaker, US Marine Colonel Kenneth Jones, Division Director for Science & Technology at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL), specifically referred to uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) and how industry should start by focusing on logistics and then evolve the technology.

Shephard: "HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome"

 

 

"HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Naval Warfare

Shephard

6 May, 2026

Published: https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/hhi-poised-start-submarine-production-peru-election-outcome/ 

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine. 

 

Future Warfare: " SAS 2026: New technologies to support the fleet "

 

 

" SAS 2026: New technologies to support the fleet "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare

28 April  2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1044/sas-2026-new-technologies-to-support-the-fleet 

 

The development of major naval technologies, such as warships and submarines, tends to dominate the news cycle. However, niche technologies are just as important for helping the fleet operate effectively. FW MAG spoke with several defense companies prior to and during the recent Sea Air Space (SAS) summit outside Washington, DC, about new systems and contracts for high-tech technology to support the US Navy. 

Warsight: "US SOUTHCOM establishes Autonomous Warfare Command"

 

 

 "US SOUTHCOM establishes Autonomous Warfare Command"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Warsight

29 April, 2026

Published: https://warsight.com/2026/04/29/southcom-autonomous-warfare-command-est/

On 21 April 2026, US Southern Command announced the creation of its Autonomous Warfare Command (SAWC), a new entity tasked with deploying unmanned and autonomous systems across Latin America and the Caribbean. The move signals a deliberate shift in how the Pentagon plans to develop, test and deploy autonomous systems across Latin America and the Caribbean.

 

Future Warfare: " MDM 2026: Teledyne FLIR Defense and Emesent team up "

 

" MDM 2026: Teledyne FLIR Defense and Emesent team up "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

29 April 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1047/mdm-2026-teledyne-flir-defense-and-emesent-team-up

 

Teledyne FLIR Defense and Emesent are unveiling a new integrated uncrewed solution at the Modern Day Marine 2026 (MDM) expo in Washington, DC, for troops to safely inspect contested and sensitive locations, even in GPS-denied environments. FW MAG spoke with Stefan Hrabar, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Emesent, and Chris Brown, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Teledyne FLIR Defense Unmanned Systems-North America, about what this partnership means and why the US Marines Corps and other services should be interested in it.

At its core, the integrated solution entails installing Emesent’s Hovermap LiDAR Payload on Teledyne FLIR’s SKYRANGER R70 or R80D SKYRAIDER uncrewed aerial systems (UASs), the SUGV 325 small uncrewed ground vehicle, or radiation detection platforms like the MUVE R430. Hovermap is designed for recording and 3D mapping in GPS-denied locations, such as tunnels, urban structures, or areas contaminated with chemical, biological, radioactive, or nuclear (CBRN) materials. Hovermap uses the LiDAR-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) software.

 

Future Warfare: " SAS 2026: Partnerships announced to develop Uncrewed Maritime Systems "

  

" SAS 2026: Partnerships announced to develop Uncrewed Maritime Systems "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

27 April, 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1039/sas-2026-partnerships-announced-to-develop-uncrewed-maritime-systems 

Two major defense partnerships to develop uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) were announced during the recently concluded Sea Air Space expo, held at the National Harbor outside of Washington, DC. Hanwha USA will team up with Magnet Defense, while Anduril is teaming up with Kraken, HD Hyundai, and Edison Chouest Offshore.

The first announcement came from Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense. The two companies will team up to manufacture an 11.5 m (38-foot) medium uncrewed surface vessel (MUSV).

 

The National Interest: "Why Azerbaijan and Iran Stepped Away from Confrontation"

 

 

"Why Azerbaijan and Iran Stepped Away from Confrontation"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Silk Road Rivalries

The National Interest

25 April, 2026

Published: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/silk-road-rivalries/why-azerbaijan-and-iran-stepped-away-from-confrontation 

 

The presence of a large Azerbaijani community in Iran may have defused tensions between Baku and Tehran.

Whatever the future of the current war and Iran will be, the country’s neighbors will have to deal with the consequences and aftermath of this new conflict. One country that has a complex relationship with the Islamic Republic is the Republic of Azerbaijan.

When the war commenced, several analyses expressed concern that the conflict would spill over into the Caucasus and affect the already fragile relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. So far, this has not occurred as both Yerevan and Baku want to remain neutral.

Breaking Defense: " Lockheed limbo in Lima? Firm says Peru is buying F-16s, but questions remain "

 

"Lockheed limbo in Lima? Firm says Peru is buying F-16s, but questions remain"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Breaking Defense

24 April, 2026

Published: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/04/schrodingers-f-16s-lockheed-says-peru-is-buying-fighters-questions-remain-in-lima/

Peru's interim president indicated the deal was on hold, as the US Embassy in Lima insists at least part of it has already been signed.

WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin has claimed victory in a longstanding competition to sell fighter jets to Peru, though senior officials in Lima appear to be at odds with each other over the fate of the deal.

Lockheed “welcomes the Government of Peru’s announcement to purchase 12 new F-16 Block 70 aircraft to modernize the nation’s fighter fleet and strengthen its national defense capabilities,” the American aerospace giant said in a press release on Thursday.

 

Future Warfare Magazine: " SAS 2026: BlackSea Tech unveils new COMET USV "

  

" SAS 2026: BlackSea Tech unveils new COMET USV "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

24 April, 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1035/sas-2026-blacksea-tech-unveils-new-comet-usv 

 

At the Sea Air Space expo in Washington, D.C., BlackSea Technologies unveiled its new COMET Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). Additionally, the company showcased Gen II of its Global Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) called the CHASER, a small USV (sUSV). BlackSea spokesperson Jason Salata spoke with FW MAG at SAS about how modularity makes both systems ideal for a variety of missions, as many of their systems are already field- and combat-tested.

COMET is a large USV with multiple capabilities. The USV is 13.1 meters (43 feet) long, with a max speed of over 45 knots and the capability to carry 4,535 kg (10,000 pounds) in payload. At SAS, the platform displayed had two HELLFIRE missiles, two M-9X SIDEWINDER missiles, a Leonardo DRS RADA radar system, and even a second payload bay for a gun system. “The missile capability makes COMET ideal for air defense missions,” Salata told FW MAG.

 

CSIS: "Beyond Venezuela and Cuba: The U.S. Military’s Future Operations in the Western Hemisphere "

 

 "Beyond Venezuela and Cuba: The U.S. Military’s Future Operations in the Western Hemisphere"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Americas Program

Center for Strategic and International Studies

23 April, 2026

Published: https://www.csis.org/analysis/beyond-venezuela-and-cuba-us-militarys-future-operations-western-hemisphere 

After Operation Absolute Resolve, which resulted in the extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the White House is increasing pressure on Cuba for some type of political change. Whether the U.S. military will also be deployed in some capacity to the Caribbean island remains to be seen; much will depend on a potential renewed conflict with Iran.

While these three hotspots continue to make headlines, the U.S. military is also expanding its presence across Latin America and the Caribbean. Combating drug-trafficking will continue to be a priority for Washington, and the U.S. military will be heavily involved in this mission.

 

Future Warfare Magazine: " SAS 2026: MARTAC announces upcoming USV delivery to the Philippines, new projects "

 

 

" SAS 2026: MARTAC announces upcoming USV delivery to the Philippines, new projects "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

23 April, 2024

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1032/sas-2026-martac-announces-upcoming-usv-delivery-to-the-philippines-new-projects 

At the Sea Air Space expo at the National Harbor, outside of Washington, DC, FW MAG spoke with Seamus Flatley, Chief Growth Officer at the Florida-based MARTAC Systems. The company discussed with FW Mag its upcoming deliveries and projects to expand its family of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for new missions.

The company delivered one DEVIL RAY T-38 and four T-12 USVs to the Philippine Navy in July of 2024. Two additional T-38s will be delivered in May of this year, MARTAC confirmed exclusively to FW MAG. Flatley added that his company has “ongoing discussions about future opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” The T-38s are equipped with the launch-and-recovery system manufactured by the Israeli company Sealartec.

 

Quoted in azattyqasia " «Мы теряем крупнейший внутренний водоём в мире». Что происходит с Каспием и можно ли остановить обмеление?" / ""We Are Losing the World's Largest Inland Body of Water." What Is Happening to the Caspian—and Can Its Shrinking Be Stopped?"

 

 "«Мы теряем крупнейший внутренний водоём в мире». Что происходит с Каспием и можно ли остановить обмеление?/  ""We Are Losing the World's Largest Inland Body of Water." What Is Happening to the Caspian—and Can Its Shrinking Be Stopped?"

 By Khadisha Akayeva

 For Azattyq Asia

21April, 2026

Published: https://www.azattyqasia.org/a/my-teryaem-krupneyshiy-vnutrenniy-vodoyom-v-mire-chto-proishodit-s-kaspiem-i-mozhno-li-ostanovit-obmelenie/33736363.html 

 

Уайлдер Алехандро Санчес, президент консалтинговой компании Second Floor Strategies в Вашингтоне, рассказывает, что 15 апреля присутствовал на закрытом круглом столе Atlantic Council в Вашингтоне, куда была приглашена высокопоставленная казахстанская правительственная делегация. По его словам, несколько участников делегации подтвердили участие в саммите лидеров пяти стран Центральной Азии, руководства Монголии и Армении, а также премьер-министра Азербайджана. 

 

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez, President of the Washington-based consulting firm Second Floor Strategies, reports that on April 15, he attended a closed-door roundtable hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, to which a high-ranking Kazakhstani government delegation had been invited. According to him, several members of the delegation confirmed the participation of the leaders of the five Central Asian nations, the leadership of Mongolia and Armenia, as well as the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, in the summit.

 

 

 

Future Warfare: " SAS 2026: LEONIDAS HPM C-UxS system has successful tests "

 

 

" SAS 2026: LEONIDAS HPM C-UxS system has successful tests "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare

22 April 2026

Published:  https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1030/sas-2026-leonidas-hpm-c-uxs-system-has-successful-tests

Epirus, the producer of LEONIDAS, a high-power microwave (HPM) counter-uncrewed system (C-UxS) platform, is advancing across multiple fronts in 2026. Besides integrating its LEONIDAS HPM system with GDLS & Kodiak AI and seeking to break into the Latin America market, the company is also working on a maritime version: enter LEONIDAS H2O. 

Future Warfare Magazine: " SAS 2026: Saildrone unveils new SPECTRE USV "

 

" SAS 2026: Saildrone unveils new SPECTRE USV "

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

21 April, 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1026/sas-2026-saildrone-unveils-new-spectre-usv 

At the Sea Air Space (SAS) expo outside Washington, DC, Saildrone unveiled the design of its brand-new SPECTRE uncrewed surface vessel (USV). FW MAG attended a media briefing with Saildrone at SAS on Monday, 20 April, to learn more about SPECTRE. 

Future Warfare Magazine: " SAS 2026: Airbus successfully tests H145 autonomous helicopter "

  

" SAS 2026: Airbus successfully tests H145 autonomous helicopter "

 Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Future Warfare Magazine

20 April 2026

Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1020/sas-2026-airbus-successfully-tests-h145-autonomous-helicopter 

Airbus US Space and Defense announced on 15 April the fourth autonomous flight test of an H145 helicopter. Prior to the Sea Air Space expo, which will take place at the National Harbor, close to Washington, DC, on 20-22 April, FW MAG spoke with Carl Forsling, Senior Director for Strategy and Business Development at Airbus, about this new test and how the company’s autonomous rotary-wing aircraft can assist the US armed forces, particularly the Marines.

The Diplomat: " Setting Realistic Expectations for Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summit "

 

 

"Setting Realistic Expectations for Kazakhstan’s Regional Ecological Summi"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Crossroads Asia

The Diplomat

20 April, 2026

Published: https://thediplomat.com/2026/04/setting-realistic-expectations-for-kazakhstans-regional-ecological-summit/ 

The Regional Ecological Summit could kickstart a wider climate activism campaign in the greater Central Asian region, or it could just be a short-term, pro-green mirage.