Morning Brief: White House Confirms Delay to US Air Force F-47 Next-Gen Fighter; Clashes Resume in Southern Syria as Druze, Bedouin Forces Reignite Violence

· Guy D. McCardle

Syria's Ministry of Defense hit by Israeli airstrike on Wednesday. (Screenshot/X)

Defense priorities are colliding in Washington as the Air Force’s next-gen jet hits delays, while US forces flex missile power in the Pacific. Syria’s fragile ceasefire shatters, Europe tightens sanctions on Russia, and Germany ramps up deportations. Meanwhile, Ukraine eyes battlefield tech innovation, and North Korea quietly shutters its new resort. Here’s what you need to know this Friday morning, July 18, 2025.

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White House Confirms Delay to US Air Force F-47 Due to Navy’s Sixth-Gen Fighter Push

The White House confirmed this week that Congressional efforts to accelerate the Navy’s sixth-generation fighter program, the F/A-XX, will delay the Air Force’s top-priority F-47 next-gen fighter.

The administration made the announcement in a Statement of Administration Policy responding to the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee’s budget markup.

House lawmakers added $972 million for the Navy’s F/A-XX program, intended to replace the aging F/A-18 fleet, despite concerns from the White House.

The administration emphasized that advancing two sixth-gen jet programs simultaneously strains the industrial base and would hinder the timely fielding of the Air Force’s F-47, which is prioritized to fly before the end of President Donald Trump’s term.

The Navy had included $1.4 billion for F/A-XX in its Unfunded Priority List, signaling internal disagreement with the administration over airpower development priorities. Navy officials described the F/A-XX as vital to the future of Carrier Strike Groups and the “air wing of the future.”

NGAD F-47 fighter jet
Graphical artist rendering of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform. (DVIDS)

Boeing won the F-47 contract in March after Lockheed Martin exited the F/A-XX race. Boeing maintains that the defense sector is capable of handling both sixth-gen programs simultaneously.

The White House also addressed funding disputes over surveillance aircraft. It reaffirmed its decision to cancel the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail program, citing its $2.6 billion cost and limited survivability, and instead endorsed funding four E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes from Northrop Grumman as an interim measure until space-based early warning systems are fielded.

The administration’s stance highlights a growing strategic and budgetary rift between services and policymakers over the future of air dominance and joint force modernization.

 

US Air Force Delays Next-Gen Jet Engine Program to FY2030

The US Air Force has confirmed a two-year delay in its Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, pushing the completion of prototype engine fabrication to the second quarter of fiscal year 2030.

Originally slated to finish by FY27, the timeline was updated in the Trump administration’s FY26 budget request due to ongoing supply chain issues.

GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, both under $3.5 billion ceiling contracts, are currently developing competing adaptive engine designs. Despite the setback, both companies claim they are meeting program milestones and have completed detailed design reviews, with GE noting it could accelerate development if required.

NGAP builds on the Air Force’s earlier Adaptive Engine Transition Program and is expected to revolutionize military jet propulsion by allowing engines to shift between high-thrust and fuel-efficient modes mid-flight.

The service will eventually select one engine design to move into production for sixth-generation fighters and potentially other future aircraft.

 

US Army Fires SM-6 from Typhon System During Talisman Sabre 2025 in Australia

The US Army successfully launched a Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) from its Typhon missile system against a maritime target during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 in Australia. This marks the first time the containerized, land-based launcher — based on the Navy’s MK 41 — has been tested outside the United States.

Operated by the Hawaii-based 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF), the Typhon system, also known as the Mid-Range Capability (MRC), demonstrated forward-deployable long-range maritime strike capability.

The launch validated the 3rd MDTF’s ability to command and control land-based precision fires alongside Australia’s 10th Brigade, a newly formed unit specializing in advanced missile systems.

The Typhon system can fire both SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles and integrates with multiple radar platforms.

The Army withheld details on the exact target, but the test sends a clear deterrent message, particularly aimed at China’s expanding naval power in the Indo-Pacific. Officials noted the SM-6’s versatility, which includes anti-air, anti-ship, and land-attack roles.

Australia, which previously operated only short-range artillery, is seeking to acquire ground-based strike options, with a decision between HIMARS-launched Precision Strike Missiles or Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile expected by year’s end.

Australia is also pursuing hypersonic capabilities with US assistance. While an MRC battery has been stationed in the Philippines since April 2024, none have been fired there.

A Congressional Research Service report noted China views MRC deployments as destabilizing, but analysts argue their presence enhances deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and potentially beyond.

 

Clashes Resume in Southern Syria as Druze and Bedouin Forces Reignite Violence

Renewed fighting broke out overnight in Syria’s southern Sweida province between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin clans, just days after a ceasefire halted intense violence that killed hundreds.

Syrian government forces, who had previously withdrawn under the US- and Turkey-brokered truce, are now preparing to redeploy to restore stability and secure state institutions, according to Syrian officials.

The original conflict erupted Sunday when clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes escalated, prompting government troops to intervene on the side of the Bedouins. The confrontation led to widespread casualties, destruction of homes, and allegations that pro-government forces executed Druze civilians and looted property.

Israel intervened in defense of the Druze minority, launching multiple airstrikes, including a strike on Syria’s Defense Ministry in Damascus.

The Israeli Druze community, which often serves in the military, has close ties to the Druze in Syria.

The ceasefire announced Wednesday tasked Druze clerics and factions with maintaining local security. However, the fragile peace unraveled quickly as reports emerged of Druze revenge attacks on Bedouin villages, causing further displacement.

With government forces set to re-enter Sweida, tensions remain high amid fears of deeper sectarian conflict in a region already destabilized by years of civil war. The situation continues to test Syria’s interim leadership and the post-war transition process.

 

Burkina Faso Junta Dissolves Electoral Commission, Tightens Control Over Future Elections

Burkina Faso’s military-led government has officially dissolved the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission, further consolidating control over the electoral process and delaying any return to civilian rule.

The move was announced Wednesday following a Cabinet meeting and confirmed by Minister of Territorial Administration Emile Zerbo.

Zerbo cited high operating costs and the need to “reinforce sovereign control” and “limit foreign influences” as justification for the commission’s abolition. The state-run broadcaster RTB reported that the interior ministry will now oversee all future elections.

The electoral commission had previously been responsible for organizing national polls. Its dissolution marks another step by the ruling junta to solidify power after seizing control in a 2022 coup that ousted Lt. Col. Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba—who himself had led a military takeover months earlier.

Initially, the junta promised to hold elections by July 2024. However, a revised national charter signed in 2023 now permits junta leader Capt. Ibrahim Traoré to remain in power until July 2029.

Burkina Faso joins a growing list of West African nations where militaries have capitalized on public dissatisfaction with elected governments over security failures to entrench authoritarian rule.

The transitional government continues to operate under a constitution approved by an assembly dominated by army officers and select civil groups.

 

EU Imposes Tougher Sanctions on Russia, Targets Oil Revenues and Shadow Fleet

The European Union (EU) approved a new sanctions package against Russia on Friday, aiming to cripple the Kremlin’s war economy amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The measures include lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel, a ban on transactions with the Nord Stream gas pipelines, and expanded targeting of Russia’s shadow fleet tankers.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the move “one of its strongest sanctions packages to date,” underscoring Europe’s continued commitment to pressuring Moscow until it ends the war.

The new oil cap aims to slash Russia’s vital energy revenue, which underpins military spending. Although the cap is below the current market price, previous enforcement has proven difficult, and the US under President Trump declined to join this round due to rising global oil prices.

The sanctions also ban any transactions with the inactive Nord Stream pipelines — destroyed in a 2022 sabotage — to block future revenue opportunities. Russia’s Rosneft refinery in India and two Chinese banks involved in financial support were also sanctioned.

Additionally, the EU blacklisted over 100 more ships suspected of aiding sanctions evasion, adding to the 200 vessels targeted in May. These include tankers linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.”

The EU has sanctioned over 2,400 Russian officials and entities since the war began in February 2022. However, internal divisions are mounting, with countries like Slovakia expressing concern over the economic fallout, particularly regarding Russian gas supplies.

The package comes as European nations begin purchasing US weapons for Ukraine, reinforcing military support while tightening economic pressure on the Kremlin.

 

Germany Deports 81 Afghans Under New Hardline Migration Policy

Germany deported 81 Afghan men to their homeland on Friday, marking its second such operation since the Taliban regained control in 2021 and the first under Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s new government.

The deportation, coordinated with Qatar, targeted individuals previously flagged by judicial authorities.

The move underscores Berlin’s tougher stance on migration.

Merz, who took office in May, campaigned on stricter immigration controls and has since increased border enforcement and suspended family reunification for many migrants.

Friday’s flight took off hours before Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt convened a high-level meeting with counterparts from France, Poland, Austria, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner to discuss joint border policies.

The meeting is being held at Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain on the Austrian border.

Germany’s latest deportation signals the Merz government’s intent to escalate removals of rejected asylum seekers, including to countries like Afghanistan, despite ongoing security and human rights concerns.

 

Cyprus Talks Show Limited Progress as UN Chief Seeks More Results

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged limited progress Thursday after separate meetings with rival Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders in New York. While calling the discussions “constructive,” Guterres said he had hoped for more tangible outcomes and warned that a long road remains ahead in resolving the island’s decades-long division.

The meetings focused on implementing six confidence-building measures agreed to in March.

Guterres highlighted progress on four: the creation of a youth committee, environmental initiatives, restoration of cemeteries, and demining efforts—though the latter still requires technical work.

Plans to open four new border crossings stalled due to disagreements, with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar accusing Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides of blocking the deal by insisting one crossing go through the UN buffer zone.

Tatar expressed deep frustration over the impasse and reiterated his demand for a two-state solution backed by Ankara. He vowed not to resume formal peace talks unless Turkish Cypriots are granted sovereign equality and international recognition.

Christodoulides, supporting the UN-backed federal model, said the results were positive but limited by a lack of political will.

Cyprus has remained divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasion, and formal reunification talks have been stalled since 2017. Property rights, troop presence, and federal decision-making power remain key sticking points.

Tatar also criticized ongoing Greek Cypriot legal action targeting property sales in the Turkish-held north, calling it an economic attack.

The two leaders agreed to meet again with Guterres during the UN General Assembly in September, with another informal session planned later in the year. Despite entrenched divisions, the UN aims to maintain momentum through technical cooperation and people-to-people engagement.

 

Hungary Bans Ukrainian Military Officials Over Death of Dual Citizen, Escalating Diplomatic Rift

Hungary on Thursday banned three Ukrainian military officials from entering its territory over the death of a Hungarian-Ukrainian dual citizen allegedly mistreated during mobilization in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has accused Ukrainian authorities of beating the man to death, though Ukraine denies the allegation and cites medical evidence pointing to a pulmonary embolism as the cause of death.

Ukrainian officials say the man had deserted his unit and later admitted himself to a hospital that found no signs of physical abuse. Kyiv has pledged a full investigation into the incident.

Despite this, Hungarian officials, backed by pro-government media, continue to claim he was killed by military recruiters.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said the banned individuals include a military personnel chief, a regional commander, and a Defense Ministry official responsible for mobilization.

Hungary has also requested the European Union place them under sanctions.

The move deepens tensions between Hungary and Ukraine.

Orbán, an outspoken critic of Kyiv, has consistently refused to provide military aid to Ukraine, blocked EU initiatives supporting Ukraine’s EU accession, and advocated for rapprochement with Russia. He recently derailed a European Council consensus on Ukraine’s membership path, becoming the only EU leader to do so.

 

Ukraine Launches ‘Test in Ukraine’ Program to Field-Test Foreign Weapons on Front Lines

Ukraine will allow international arms manufacturers to field-test their latest weapon systems against Russian forces under a new initiative called “Test in Ukraine,” Kyiv’s state-backed defense technology agency Brave1 announced Thursday.

Participating companies will ship their systems to Ukraine, train local troops remotely, and receive performance feedback after battlefield use.

Brave1’s head of investor relations, Artem Moroz, unveiled the program at a defense conference in Wiesbaden, Germany, calling it a rare opportunity for arms makers to evaluate their tech in live combat conditions.

While Moroz declined to name any firms involved or disclose financial terms, he confirmed that interest has been strong.

Brave1 has prioritized technologies such as air defense systems, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drone interceptors, counter-guided bomb solutions, naval unmanned systems, electronic warfare tools, and AI-enhanced fire control systems for artillery.

The program is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to boost domestic defense production and attract foreign investment as it faces a grinding Russian offensive along a 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) front and intensifying air attacks.

Brave1, founded in 2023, serves as a matchmaking hub for military tech developers and Ukrainian combat units.

Officials say the effort aims to accelerate battlefield innovation while providing real-world validation for cutting-edge defense systems in Europe’s largest war zone.

 

Russia Downs 73 Ukrainian Drones in Overnight Barrage, Including Three Near Moscow

Russian air defenses intercepted 73 Ukrainian drones overnight, including three that targeted Moscow, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

The majority of drones were shot down over southwestern regions, with 31 destroyed over the Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed drone debris fell in the capital but reported no casualties or damage. Emergency services responded to the impact sites.

The federal aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, temporarily suspended operations at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports, while Vnukovo Airport halted flights after midnight but resumed service by morning.

Ukraine has not commented on the attack but routinely justifies such strikes as necessary to disrupt Russia’s war infrastructure, as the full-scale conflict approaches its fourth year.

 

China Warns Students About Safety in the Philippines

China’s Education Ministry on Friday issued a safety alert for Chinese students in the Philippines, citing a recent string of unspecified criminal incidents.

The ministry advised students to heighten their awareness and take precautions while studying in the country.

Although no specific events were detailed, the warning comes as political and maritime tensions between China and the Philippines escalate, especially over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

China continues to challenge Philippine sovereignty using aggressive maritime tactics, including water cannons, and has rejected a 2016 UN-backed ruling invalidating its claims.

The number of Chinese students in the Philippines has reportedly dwindled to a few hundred in recent years.

The alert mirrors a similar advisory issued in April regarding Chinese students in the United States, underscoring Beijing’s pattern of using educational and cultural levers to signal geopolitical displeasure.

 

North Korea Bans Foreign Tourists from Mega Resort Amid Image Concerns

North Korea has temporarily banned foreign tourists from entering its newly opened Wonsan-Kalma beach resort, according to an announcement Friday on the state-run DPR Korea Tour website.

The notice gave no reason or timeline for the suspension, which comes just days after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited the site for talks with Kim Jong Un.

The Wonsan-Kalma resort, designed to host up to 20,000 guests, opened to domestic tourists on July 1 and welcomed its first foreign visitors — a small group of Russians — last week.

Pyongyang had promoted the site as a major tourism success, with Kim calling it “one of the greatest successes this year.”

Analysts say the sudden tourism freeze likely stems from a critical Russian media report that implied the North staged scenes for Lavrov’s visit, using mobilized citizens rather than actual tourists.

Experts also cite low foreign demand and high costs as factors that may complicate North Korea’s hopes of drawing significant Russian and Chinese visitors.

Despite the setback, observers believe the ban is temporary. With large-scale investment and economic pressure to generate foreign currency, Pyongyang is expected to eventually reopen the site to Russian and Chinese group tours, which historically accounted for most of North Korea’s tourism revenue.

The ban follows a pattern: earlier this year, North Korea briefly reopened Rason to international tourists before shutting it down again.

 

Sources: News Agencies