When asked to rank various countries on a scale with 10 being the most influential, both Russians and Americans rated the US above 8—Americans (8.77) and Russians (8.74). Respondents to the World Public Opinion.org and Levada Center poll did not rate any other nation near 8. Russians gave the next highest influence ranking (7.14) to the European Union.
The Pentagon announced new long-term agreements with four defense companies May 13 to develop and produce large numbers of low-cost cruise missiles. And while the effort will focus mostly on the Army to start, it pairs with Air Force efforts to find more affordable munitions.