This week’s LOWDOWN unpacks the shifting balance of power across multiple theaters:

• Russia continues grinding forward in Ukraine with drone-heavy assaults and manpower-driven tactics, betting that Western fatigue will erode support for Kyiv.
• China sharpens its challenge in the Indo-Pacific, revealing new naval and missile capabilities while tightening control over contested seas.
• North Korea positions itself as a critical partner to Moscow and Beijing, deepening cyber and military cooperation.
• Iran faces strikes on its regional proxies and recalibrates alliances as Israel and Gulf partners adapt.
• Meanwhile, U.S. and allied forces bolster defenses, launch major joint drills, and fast-track innovation—from drone-killing drones to AI-driven wargaming—to maintain the edge in contested domains.

In a world where adversaries are coordinating across regions and domains, Washington and its allies are racing to reinforce deterrence and readiness.

Thank you for listening to The LOWDOWN.