Defense

• Google and the U.S. Department of Defense have finalized an agreement allowing the Pentagon to use Google's AI models for classified military and defense purposes, amending an existing contract between the two entities. • The deal grants the DOD access to Google's artificial intelligence capabilities for what the company describes as "any lawful government purpose," expanding the scope of prior defense collaborations. • The partnership marks a significant expansion of Big Tech's involvement in U.S. defense operations, continuing a trend of major tech companies providing AI infrastructure to government agencies.

• The US and Japan signed an upgraded defense agreement Friday expanding joint military operations, technology sharing, and coordinated response protocols to counter Chinese military activities in the Indo-Pacific region. • The agreement authorizes increased US military presence in Japan, including enhanced surveillance capabilities and expedited weapons deployments, representing the most significant defense treaty expansion since 2015. • Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the alliance upgrade as destabilizing and counterproductive to regional peace, while Taiwan and South Korea welcomed the commitment to deterring further territorial aggression.

• Fortra announced the launch of its new Defense and Intelligence Unit (DIU) on April 16, 2026, from Minneapolis to deliver integrated cyber solutions to defense and national security organizations worldwide. • The unit focuses on cross-domain cyber innovation, AI-powered capabilities, and mission expertise for critical infrastructure and allied nations. • This development strengthens US cybersecurity posture amid rising global threats to defense sectors.

Expert said federal law bars officials from taking actions in their jobs that benefit their own financial interestsA high-profile US defense department official who oversees the agency’s artificial intelligence efforts made a profit of up to $24m selling a private investment he held in Elon Musk’s AI company earlier this year, according to government ethics records released this month. The value of his stake totaled a maximum of a million dollars when he joined the department.Emil Michael, who is the Pentagon’s under secretary for research and engineering under the Trump administration, oversees negotiations with AI companies and has been pushing the defense department to rapidly increase the widespread use of AI. Continue reading...

• The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 110-105 on Tuesday at Chase Center in a defensive battle. • Draymond Green discussed key adjustments the Warriors made with Steph Curry on the floor during postgame interviews. • The victory showcases Golden State's continued competitiveness in the Western Conference standings.

Man working for V2X died in night attack as five sources say they are being placed in harm’s wayA man employed by the US defense contractor V2X has been killed in a drone attack on Erbil airbase, amid concerns from colleagues that they are being placed in harm’s way and pressured to remain in Iraq despite security risks, five sources said.The worker, from Kenya, died in a night attack in his sleeping quarters on the base on 24 March. Another five workers were injured. They are from Kenya and India, and are among a group of about 45 workers employed by V2X who have remained on the base. One of the workers is in a critical condition with severe burns, sources said. Continue reading...