Good Morning. 

The Israeli parliament voted to ban UNRWA from operating in Israel citing Hamas ties, Russia conducted a large-scale nuclear response simulation, the U.S. charged Russian developer Maxim Rudometov for creating the RedLine malware that stole data from millions of computers, Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun claimed India runs spy networks in the U.S. and Canada, and Sudan's RSF and allied forces sexually abused victims ranging from 8 to 75 years old during the 18-month conflict.

Let’s dive in.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

Pentagon Depletes Air-Defense Missiles as Middle East Conflicts Intensify

• The Pentagon's stockpile of air-defense missiles, particularly Standard Missiles, is running critically low after launching over 100 interceptors (worth $1.8 billion) since October 2023 to protect Israel and Red Sea shipping from Iranian-backed attacks.

• Production capacity cannot keep pace with current demand—manufacturer RTX can only produce a few hundred Standard Missiles annually, which must be shared among 14 U.S. allies, while each defensive operation typically requires launching two interceptors per incoming threat.

• Military officials and analysts warn this depletion of missile defense systems could compromise U.S. military readiness in the Pacific, as missiles being used in the Middle East were originally intended for potential conflicts with China.

Counterterrorism

• The Israeli parliament voted to ban UNRWA from operating in Israel, citing Hamas ties, despite international criticism and U.S. pressure. ➚

• The Pentagon reports North Korean troops have deployed to Russia's Kursk region, with about 10K more expected to arrive. ➚

• A teen suspect in the Southport stabbings of three young girls faces additional terrorism charges after police found ricin and al Qaeda materials in his home. ➚

Military & Defense

• Russia conducted a large-scale nuclear response simulation, test-firing missiles across multiple platforms amid rising global tensions. ➚

• Myanmar's resistance forces have pushed the military regime into retreat, capturing significant territory and threatening its control of the country. ➚

• The U.S. reaffirmed its "one China" policy despite pressure from Xi Jinping to change its diplomatic language regarding Taiwan independence. ➚

• Russia protested Germany's new NATO maritime command headquarters in Rostock, claiming it violates a Cold War-era treaty. ➚

Cybersecurity

• The U.S. charged Russian developer Maxim Rudometov for creating the RedLine malware that stole data from millions of computers. ➚

• China leads globally in training cyber specialists through extensive hacking competitions. ➚

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who was allegedly targeted for assassination by Indian operatives, claimed India ran spy networks in U.S. and Canada. ➚

• U.S. intel chief warned of surge in foreign spies targeting U.S. tech firms, especially from China. ➚

• China detained an unnamed South Korean citizen on espionage charges under its expanded counter-espionage law. ➚

• A boy briefly fell ill after interacting with Sergei Skripal on the same day the former spy and his daughter were poisoned with Novichok in Salisbury. ➚

Transnational Organized Crime

• Sudan's RSF and allied forces sexually abused victims ranging from 8 to 75 years old during the 18-month conflict, according to UN investigators. ➚

• Multiple U.S. ballot boxes were attacked with incendiary devices, prompting homeland security warnings about increased threats to election infrastructure. ➚

• Tren de Aragua has expanded operations along the U.S.-Mexico border, forming alliances with Mexican cartels for migrant kidnapping and extortion. ➚

The America Builds podcast sits at the nexus of national security, technology, and venture capital. Hosts Will Allen and Hayley Menser interview the brilliant operators and investors pushing the boundaries of frontier technology.