President Donald Trump has suggested that the US provide pilots and warplanes as part of security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace deal with Russia. Trump has ruled out the possibility of boots on the ground. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte calls it a "breakthrough," but details remain unclear.

White House officials emphasized that military and overseas ballots will continue to be counted in upcoming elections, even as President Donald Trump advocates for stricter mail-in voting rules nationwide. The administration did not specify what measures will be taken to protect military mail-in voting, which affects over a million service members each election cycle. Military advocates have expressed concern, particularly given recent efforts to impose stricter documentation and deadlines, but current federal law still mandates that ballots be sent to military voters well ahead of election day.

The Pentagon is developing a battery strategy to meet the growing demand for drones and other military technologies, updating a 2023 lithium-ion battery strategy. The new strategy, mandated by Congress, aims to secure supply chains for batteries and critical minerals, with nearly 80% of Defense Department weapon systems relying on critical minerals, most of which come from China.

The Defense Department is planning $3.5 billion in expenditures to replenish stockpiles after repeated military operations related to Israel. The funds, detailed in budget documents, will go toward weapons restocking, including $1 billion for RTX missile interceptors, radar maintenance, vessel refurbishment and munitions transportation.

The US Navy is making a definitive move away from optionally manned vessels, favoring a fleet of fully unmanned surface ships designed to operate alongside traditional manned warships. Leaders like Capt. Matt Lewis and Capt. Garrett Miller emphasized that unmanned designs are now the clear preference due to the complexity and expense of accommodating crew members. The shift marks a significant step in the Navy's modernization and operational efficiency approach.

At Maxwell AFB, Ala., the Space Force's Schriever War game spotlighted five emerging tech concepts to drive space operation in the Indo-Pacific over the next decade. With hundreds of US industry leaders and allied militaries engaged, the event will steer the service's force design and shape next-gen mission capabilities.

The Defense Health Agency will end coverage of GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound for Tricare for Life beneficiaries, as well as for civilians with access to military hospitals and clinics, starting August 31. This change affects military retirees and their families who relied on Tricare for Life as secondary coverage and previously had access to these medications for obesity. Those using GLP-1 drugs for Type 2 diabetes will continue to have coverage, but access for weight loss purposes will be discontinued.

Lowe's and Hiring Our Heroes have launched a six-week Skilled Trades Academy to help military members and spouses transition to careers in high-demand trades such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical work. The program, supported by a $500,000 investment from Lowe's and the Lowe's Foundation, aims to address the national shortage of trades professionals and high unemployment rate among veterans and military spouses. The first session is in Jacksonville, N.C.