Editor’s Note
The Daily Report will not publish Friday, July 4 as we celebrate Independence Day. We’ll be back in your inboxes Monday, July 7.
‘What ACE Is All About’: Dispersion Protects Airmen, Planes During Iran Attack
As the Air Force readied for its June 21-22 strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the service was also putting its Agile Combat Employment strategy into action, dispersing combat aircraft and Airmen from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in preparation for a possible Iranian retaliatory attack. Some defense experts say that was a successful use of Agile Combat Employment that may be more necessary in the future as threats from missiles, offensive drones, and other aerial weapons continue to threaten large, fixed air bases.
Pentagon Keeping Bolstered Presence in Middle East in Wake of Iran Strike
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Air Force Wants Extra $71 Million for Officer Aircrew Bonus
The Air Force is requesting a $71.2 million increase in hazardous duty incentive pay for commissioned Airmen, as the service expects more officer aviators to take the bonus in fiscal year 2026.
If America Wants Airpower, It Needs to Invest in Its Air Force
The Pentagon’s fiscal 2026 defense budget, submitted to Congress last week, accelerates the downsizing of the U.S. Air Force. It proposes divesting 340 aircraft, while only acquiring 76. These cuts risk the Air Force’s ability to prevail.
Radar Sweep
Trump Says Israel Agrees to Conditions for Gaza Cease-Fire Proposal
The New York Times
President Trump said July 1 that Israel had agreed to “conditions to finalize” a 60-day cease-fire with Hamas, though he provided no detail about the terms of a potential deal.
OPINION: Defense Reconciliation Bill Begins Rebuild and Transformation of Our Military
Defense One
“Over the past few weeks, House and Senate leadership have been able to advance President Trump’s ‘one big, beautiful reconciliation bill’ and brought us closer to delivering the reforms we promised the American people,” write Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chairs of the armed services committees in Congress.
Ukraine Arms Freeze Part of Wider Military Aid Review, Pentagon Says
Defense News
A day after the White House confirmed that the U.S. has suspended some military aid to Ukraine, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson said the decision stemmed from a larger review of America’s military support for countries around the world.
VIDEO: An Independence Day Message from AFA
AFA
As our nation prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July, the Air & Space Forces Association reminds you to thank the Airmen, Guardians, and other service members who help protect our freedom.
DOD Creating Joint Interagency Counter-Drone Task Force
DefenseScoop
The Department of Defense is standing up a joint interagency task force to tackle drone threats, according to a senior officer. “We recently did a session with the secretary of defense and we are going to stand up a joint interagency task force” focused on thwarting drones, Gen. James Mingus, vice chief of staff of the Army, said.
Army Eyes New Program, Test with Castelion’s Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile in 2026
Breaking Defense
As the U.S. Army pushes to find new, non-traditional industry partners, it is planning to test out a developmental hypersonic round from defense startup Castelion that can be launched from a future autonomous launcher, according to budget documents and officials.
Space Force to Fund Development of Atomic-6 Solar Power for Satellites
SpaceNews
Composite materials startup Atomic-6 secured a $2 million agreement with the U.S. Space Force to mature its solar power array for military satellite applications, the company announced July 2.
New F-22 Upgrade Package to Keep the Jets Viable Laid Out
The War Zone
The U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor stealth fighters are set to get an array of new “viability” upgrades to help protect them from emerging threats and otherwise ensure their continued relevance in future conflicts.
Can Pizza Orders Predict Military Action? One Man Keeps Track.
The Washington Post
If foreign adversaries want to predict when and where the United States will launch a military campaign, they might rely on satellite imagery, intercepted communications or AI analysis. But if garden-variety subreddit conspiracy theorists want to gain such insights before news breaks, they might just follow the pizza.
