The US Department of Defence has reported that 774 American service members have been killed or wounded since the start of the country's war against Iran, with the latest Pentagon data showing 756 troops wounded in action and 18 killed. The updated figures come amid criticism over delays and changes in the way the US military has reported casualties from the conflict.

According to the Defence Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), the combined figures under the Operation Epic Furycategory and a separate “Overseas Operations” section show 756 wounded service members. The Pentagon's database lists 18 deaths connected to the operation, taking the total number of killed and injured personnel to 774. The latest update added about 50 wounded service members to the previously reported figures. The Pentagon established the “Overseas Operations” category for casualties linked to the conflict beginning July 7, the same day US forces resumed airstrikes against Iran. Washington has said those strikes followed Iranian attacks targeting shipping and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pentagon faces casualty reporting scrutiny

The latest figures have renewed attention on the Pentagon's handling of casualty data during the Iran conflict. The Defence Department previously faced criticism from media organisations and Democratic lawmakers after the number of service members listed as killed and wounded in its database temporarily declined. The Pentagon attributed those changes to what it described as “temporary data disruptions”.

The department has also faced questions over why information about wounded personnel was not disclosed more quickly. According to reports cited in the supplied material, US officials have pointed to security considerations for delays in releasing some casualty information. The updated database now provides a substantially higher number of wounded troops than earlier public figures suggested.

Iran conflict continues

The casualty update comes as Washington's military operations against Iran continue amid uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump notified Congress that hostilities had resumed, giving US forces and the US Central Command theatre another 60 days to conduct military operations with congressional approval.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint in the confrontation because of its importance to global energy shipments. The US has linked its renewed military action to attacks on commercial shipping in the region, while negotiations aimed at easing tensions and reopening the waterway have faced difficulties.

Trump has also announced a major economic campaign against Iran as Washington increases pressure on Tehran. The US administration has described the planned measures as an unprecedented financial offensive designed to restrict Iran's ability to generate revenue and access international financial networks.

The latest Pentagon casualty figures therefore provide a clearer picture of the human cost to US forces as the conflict enters another phase. With military operations continuing alongside economic pressure and strained diplomatic efforts, further changes to the casualty figures are possible as the Pentagon updates its database and verifies reports from the battlefield.

The Pentagon has dismissed Stars and Stripes publisher Max Lederer, editor-in-chief Erik Slavin and Middle East reporter Lara Korte, citing insubordination, days after the military newspaper reported concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The three were given separation notices on Friday, with Lederer and Slavin receiving five days to appeal, according to CBS News and Associated Press reports. 

The dismissals have intensified a dispute between Pentagon leadership and Stars and Stripes over the newspaper's editorial independence. Slavin said he was dismissed after participating in a CBS interview in which he defended the publication's independence and objected to any potential military interference in its reporting. Korte, who also took part in the interview, said she was fired for insubordination after stating that she worked for Stars and Stripes rather than the Pentagon, the administration or any policymaker. The Pentagon has cited insubordination as the reason for the dismissals, while the employees have linked the action to their defence of independent journalism. 

The action follows a period of growing tension over the future of Stars and Stripes. Lederer, who had served as publisher for 19 years, had announced earlier this week that he planned to retire on September 30, saying his understanding of the newspaper's mission differed fundamentally from the direction of the Department of Defense. The Pentagon has been pushing to modernise the publication and refocus its coverage, with chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell previously describing the effort as bringing Stars and Stripes into the 21st century and moving its content away from what officials characterised as "woke distractions." About half of the newspaper's roughly $29 million annual budget is funded by taxpayers, while its average daily readership is estimated at about 1.4 million. 

The dispute gained further attention after Stars and Stripes and other military publications reported on concerns surrounding the USS Abraham Lincoln, including complaints from family members about sailors' mental health and difficult living conditions during the carrier's extended deployment. The carrier, carrying about 5,000 sailors and Marines, has spent more than 200 consecutive days at sea and began its journey back to San Diego this week after a nine-month deployment. Reports have included concerns over shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing problems, deck safety and mental-health pressures. U.S. military officials have pushed back against some of the reporting, while Adm. Brad Cooper publicly praised the crew's resilience. 

The latest dismissals have prompted concerns from press-freedom advocates and lawmakers about the newspaper's ability to maintain editorial independence while receiving substantial Pentagon funding. National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. called the firing of Slavin troubling, while Democratic senators have separately questioned the Pentagon's placement of an active-duty Navy captain in a senior leadership role at Stars and Stripes. Navy Capt. William Urban, who was recently installed in a leadership position, has said he is committed to editorially independent journalism serving service members, their families and the wider military community. 

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine has reportedly urged senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration to explore an “off-ramp” from the ongoing conflict with Iran, amid concerns that further military escalation could produce limited results and carry significant risks.

According to a CNN report citing three sources familiar with the discussions, Caine has raised concerns with senior members of Trump’s national security team, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. The sources reportedly said the general believes some of the military options being considered could backfire and that air power alone may not be sufficient to achieve the objectives set by the president.

General Raises Concerns

The reported discussions come as Trump has continued to emphasise the strength of the US military while remaining reluctant to commit American ground forces to Iran.

Trump has indicated that sustained air strikes could pressure Tehran into accepting a deal on US terms. However, according to the CNN report, Caine and some other senior officials privately believe that achieving the administration’s desired outcome through air power alone could prove difficult.

One source described Caine as seeking an “off-ramp” from the conflict, suggesting that the military leadership is examining alternatives that could reduce the risk of a wider escalation.

Focus on Military Limits

Caine has reportedly warned about the potential consequences of expanding military operations, including concerns over the availability of US munitions.

Two sources cited by CNN said Caine discussed the possible downsides of further escalation during a White House meeting with Trump and other senior officials late last month.

At the same time, the general reportedly made clear that the US military could inflict significant damage on Iran if the president ordered further operations. The concern, according to the report, is whether such military action would ultimately deliver the political objectives Washington is seeking.

Caine’s Position Not Confirmed

Caine’s spokesperson, Joseph Holstead, declined to comment on the reported private discussions.

“We do not discuss the Chairman’s confidential conversations with the President, the Secretary, or other senior leaders,” Holstead told CNN, while also rejecting what he described as anonymous characterisations of those conversations.

The White House, meanwhile, defended Caine’s role within the administration and praised his contribution to Trump’s national security team.

A White House official told CNN that Caine provides the president with information and military options, while the final decisions remain with Trump.

Trump Avoids Ground War

Trump has repeatedly appeared cautious about sending US ground troops into Iran. His approach has instead centred on using American air power and military pressure to force Tehran toward negotiations.

The reported concerns within the military leadership highlight the difficulty of achieving political objectives through air strikes alone.

A sustained bombing campaign could damage Iran’s military infrastructure, but determining whether it would force Tehran to accept Washington’s demands is a separate question.

Diplomatic Exit Under Discussion

The reported search for an “off-ramp” does not necessarily indicate that Washington is abandoning its military strategy. Rather, it suggests that senior officials are considering ways to prevent the conflict from developing into a broader and potentially prolonged war.

For the Pentagon, the challenge is to balance Trump’s demands for military pressure with concerns over resources, escalation and the limits of air power.

The situation could therefore put increased emphasis on diplomatic channels if military operations fail to produce the desired outcome.

For now, there has been no official confirmation from the White House or Pentagon that a formal plan to end the conflict has been adopted. The reported discussions instead indicate that senior US officials are weighing multiple options as Washington assesses the next phase of the war with Iran.

The United States has reportedly exhausted most of its long-range precision missile inventory after five months of military operations against Iran, prompting growing concern within the Pentagon over the country's preparedness for future conflicts involving major powers such as China and Russia.

According to a Reuters report citing multiple sources familiar with internal US military assessments, the prolonged conflict has significantly reduced stocks of key precision-strike weapons, including the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the newer Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The depletion has reportedly triggered internal discussions within the Trump administration over America's military readiness.

Precision Missile Stocks Under Pressure

The report said the US Army has used "virtually all" of its available ATACMS and PrSM missiles during operations against Iran since the conflict began in February following President Donald Trump's decision to launch a joint military campaign alongside Israel.

Although officials did not disclose the exact number of missiles remaining, sources indicated that the depletion has become severe enough to raise concerns about the country's ability to respond effectively to another large-scale military confrontation.

Military planners reportedly relied heavily on long-range stand-off weapons instead of deploying more piloted aircraft for deep-strike missions, reducing risks to personnel while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Critical Weapons for Future Conflicts

ATACMS has long served as one of the US Army's primary long-range surface-to-surface missile systems, while the PrSM is its next-generation successor with greater range and enhanced strike capabilities.

Both missile systems are considered central to US military planning for any future conflict involving strategic rivals such as China or Russia. They have also been supplied to Ukraine and used extensively against Russian military targets during the ongoing war.

Defence analysts believe replenishing these advanced weapons could take considerable time despite increased manufacturing efforts.

Production Expansion Faces Challenges

According to the report, American defence manufacturers have significantly expanded production of missiles and artillery ammunition since the outbreak of the Iran conflict.

However, industry officials reportedly believe current production levels may still be insufficient to rapidly restore depleted inventories if another prolonged military campaign emerges in the near future.

The growing demand for precision-guided weapons across multiple global theatres has placed sustained pressure on the US defence industrial base.

White House Rejects Shortage Concerns

President Donald Trump dismissed reports suggesting the United States faces a serious missile shortage.

Responding to questions, Trump said the country possesses "far more munitions than anyone in the world" and emphasised that defence manufacturers are producing weapons at record levels while expanding manufacturing facilities.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also rejected suggestions that the US military lacks operational capability.

He said the American armed forces remain fully prepared to execute missions worldwide and continue to maintain a "deep arsenal of capabilities" to safeguard national interests.

Defensive Missile Systems Also Under Strain

The concerns extend beyond offensive weapons.

According to the Reuters report, inventories of defensive systems such as Patriot missile interceptors and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system have also declined substantially during the conflict.

A recent assessment by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that nearly 65 per cent of Patriot interceptors have been consumed since February, while THAAD interceptor inventories have fallen by at least 38 per cent.

Questions Over Internal Transparency

The latest report follows earlier claims published by The Telegraph, which suggested some officials close to President Trump were concerned that the Pentagon had not fully communicated the extent of missile depletion to the White House.

According to the report, some officials feared a culture of reluctance within the Defence Department may have discouraged senior military leaders from delivering negative assessments regarding declining weapons inventories.

The developments come as the United States continues to monitor multiple global security challenges while balancing operational commitments across different regions.

 The United States is considering launching a fresh round of military strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, according to US officials familiar with ongoing military planning, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

While no final decision has been made, officials said multiple military options remain under review, with President Donald Trump indicating that the US is prepared to intensify pressure if diplomatic efforts fail to produce results.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting on Friday, Trump expressed frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations with Iran.

"We will be hitting them very hard. At some point, they're going to say, 'We just can't take it anymore,'" Trump said.

Military Options Under Review

According to officials, United States Central Command has developed multiple operational plans and positioned military assets in preparation for possible action.

Among the options reportedly under consideration is a two-week air campaign targeting Iran's missile infrastructure. Military planners have also evaluated potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the underground Pickaxe Mountain complex south of Tehran.

However, officials stressed that no operation has been approved, and the plans could still be modified or cancelled.

Energy Targets Remain Sensitive

The US administration has also reviewed proposals targeting Iran's energy infrastructure but has so far refrained from approving such operations.

Officials believe attacks on Iran's oil and energy facilities could trigger retaliatory strikes against energy installations across the Gulf region, potentially disrupting global oil supplies and increasing volatility in international energy markets.

Earlier this week, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz publicly stated that Israel supports targeting Iran's energy sector to increase economic pressure on Tehran.

"We very much want to strike Iran's energy targets — the US is not approving it at this time," Katz said.

Focus on Nuclear Infrastructure

Military planners have also accelerated preparations for potential strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure as concerns persist over Tehran's missile and nuclear capabilities.

Officials cautioned that the list of possible targets extends beyond a single facility and remains subject to ongoing strategic assessments.

At present, there is no indication that Israel would participate directly in any new US military operation if strikes are authorised.

White House Reaffirms Pressure Campaign

Responding to reports about possible military action, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration remains committed to maintaining pressure on Iran.

"Iran will continue to pay until they come to the table in what President Trump deems a meaningful way," Leavitt said.

The latest developments underscore growing uncertainty in the Middle East as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military preparations. Any decision to launch further strikes could have significant implications for regional security, global energy markets and ongoing international efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.

 US President Donald Trump has clarified that the United States has not yet approved Ukraine's request to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, partially walking back earlier remarks that had raised expectations in Kyiv about a possible technology-sharing agreement.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the Camp David retreat on Friday, Trump said discussions over the proposal are still underway, but stressed that transferring advanced American missile technology requires extreme caution.

"We have not agreed to that. We're talking about it, but it's a hard thing to give away that kind of technology. You have to be very careful," Trump said.

His latest comments come just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had received permission to begin domestic production of Patriot missile interceptors as part of efforts to strengthen its air defence capabilities against continued Russian missile attacks.

Earlier Promise Faces Uncertainty

During a meeting with Zelenskyy in Turkey earlier this month, Trump had reportedly indicated that Washington would provide Ukraine with a license to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles. The proposal was widely viewed as a significant step toward enhancing Ukraine's defence industry and reducing its dependence on foreign military supplies.

However, Trump's latest remarks suggest that no formal approval has been granted, leaving the proposal under review.

The US President also referred to Ukraine's broader military requests, including Patriot systems and Tomahawk missiles.

"It's a big step. President Zelenskyy would like Patriots and Tomahawks. One is defensive, one offensive. We have to be very judicious," Trump said.

Technology Transfer Raises Security Concerns

Trump argued that advanced military technology should not be transferred without considering long-term security implications.

He warned that although such scenarios may never occur, countries receiving sophisticated defence technology could eventually become strategic risks.

"I don't think this would ever happen, but there are people that you give that technology to; they can someday turn on you," he said.

The remarks reflect Washington's continued debate over balancing military support for Ukraine while safeguarding sensitive defence technologies.

Ukraine Faces Air Defence Challenges

Trump's comments come as Russia continues to intensify missile and drone strikes across Ukraine. Kyiv has repeatedly warned that its existing stock of Patriot interceptor missiles is running low.

Patriot systems remain one of the few air defence platforms capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, making them a critical component of Ukraine's defence strategy.

For months, Ukraine has been pushing for a co-production arrangement involving the Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missile, allowing domestic manufacturing to improve long-term military readiness.

Negotiations Continue

Despite Trump's cautious position, discussions between Ukrainian officials and US defence partners remain active.

According to Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna, defence contractor Lockheed Martin, which manufactures Patriot PAC-3 missiles, remains committed to expanding cooperation with Ukraine.

Company executives recently met President Zelenskyy, and additional visits by Lockheed Martin representatives to Ukraine are expected in the coming weeks as negotiations continue.

While Kyiv remains hopeful that a production agreement can eventually be reached, Trump's latest remarks indicate that Washington has yet to make a final decision on sharing one of its most advanced missile technologies.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly put on hold at least one proposal to significantly expand military operations against Iran, as senior administration and military officials raised concerns over the strategic and logistical costs of a prolonged conflict.

According to a report by The New York Times, the decision follows internal discussions within the Trump administration over the Pentagon's dwindling stockpile of Patriot missile interceptors and other critical air defence systems. Officials reportedly fear that escalating the conflict could weaken the United States' defensive capabilities in the region and reduce its preparedness for future threats.

Pentagon Raises Operational Concerns

The report says Trump met with senior national security officials on Friday to review military options and assess the risks of further action against Iran.

Among the key concerns discussed was the shrinking inventory of Patriot missile interceptors, which have been heavily used to defend US personnel and allied assets in West Asia against missile and drone attacks.

General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reportedly cautioned that while the US military retains the capability to resume large-scale operations against Iran, doing so could substantially deplete air defence resources available to US Central Command.

The discussion gained urgency after three American soldiers were killed in Jordan earlier this week when a ballistic missile penetrated US air defences during an attack involving Iranian missiles and drones.

Diplomacy Gains Momentum

The reported reassessment also reflects growing concern within the administration that an expanded conflict could destabilise the broader West Asian region and strain relations with key Gulf allies.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung reiterated that President Trump continues to favour diplomacy while keeping military options available.

"The President has always been consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against allies," Cheung said.

He added that Iran should pursue negotiations after facing extensive sanctions and repeated military strikes, warning that the consequences of refusing diplomacy were well understood by Tehran.

Officials Question Military Escalation

According to the report, several senior officials within the administration privately questioned whether renewed large-scale strikes would achieve Washington's strategic objectives.

One official, speaking anonymously, reportedly argued that further military action could strengthen domestic support for Iran's leadership rather than force it back to negotiations, allowing Tehran to rally public opinion around an external threat.

Regional Tensions Continue

Although reports suggest the White House is delaying broader military action, hostilities in the region remain elevated.

The United States has reportedly continued air operations against Iranian targets, while clashes have also intensified between Saudi-backed forces and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen, underscoring the fragile security situation across West Asia.

The developments indicate that while the Trump administration is leaving the door open for military action, it is also weighing the long-term strategic costs of sustaining a wider regional conflict.

United States President Donald Trump plunged the Middle East into fresh uncertainty on Thursday, posting a cryptic AI-generated image of himself on Truth Social with the warning: “THE STORM IS COMING. NOTHING CAN STOP WHAT IS COMING.”

The message appeared just hours before a scheduled briefing where he is expected to receive new military options regarding Iran from CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

According to a report by Axios citing two sources familiar with the matter, the briefing signals that Trump is seriously considering a return to major combat operations. The goal, officials indicated, would be to either break the diplomatic deadlock in nuclear negotiations or deliver what some describe as a final blow before any potential truce.

Oil prices cross $126

The mere anticipation of the briefing rattled global energy markets. Brent crude oil surged past $126 a barrel on Thursday, touching a high of $126.20—a level not seen since March 2022. The spike comes as the US maintains a stiff naval blockade around Iranian ports, with CENTCOM claiming it has forced at least 42 commercial vessels to reroute.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian responded defiantly on Thursday, calling the blockade “doomed to fail” and a violation of international law. “Any attempt to impose a maritime blockade is contrary to international law and is doomed to fail,” he said in a statement, adding that such measures only deepen regional instability.

CENTCOM briefing at a critical juncture

The briefing with Admiral Cooper comes at a particularly delicate moment. Reports emerged just 24 hours ago that Iran’s revised peace proposal could be submitted by Friday, according to CNN quoting sources familiar with ongoing mediation efforts.

But Trump on Wednesday already signaled a hard line, saying “there will never be a deal unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons.”

On the ground, the situation remains volatile. Israeli forces continued operations in southern Lebanon and Gaza, with the IDF claiming it killed a Hamas operative planning an “immediate” attack on troops. Meanwhile, the Israeli navy intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters near Crete, detaining some 400 activists, a move the UN’s special rapporteur called “apartheid without borders.”

Iran’s economy under severe strain

Inside Iran, the war’s toll is increasingly visible. Official data released on Thursday showed annual inflation hitting a staggering 73.5% in the month ending April 20. The smallest banknote, worth 100,000 rials, now barely buys two loaves of bread. Unemployment has touched a record 25%, and pension payments are reportedly facing delays.

In a rare public statement, Iran’s Reformists Front called for an end to unequal internet access, arguing that cybersecurity policy should shift away from “broad shutdowns” toward more technical approaches.

The blockade and the strait

Trump, in a meeting with oil executives earlier this week, reportedly defended the blockade as more effective than bombing. Iran’s top military adviser, Mohsen Rezaei, warned on state television that Tehran “will not tolerate” an extension of the blockade.

“The Indian Ocean is extremely vast, and we can easily pass through it; we have already done so,” Rezaei said.

But US officials claim the restrictions are working. CENTCOM estimates Iran has lost over $6 billion in potential revenue from stranded oil shipments. In a further pressure move, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that Washington has seized nearly half a billion dollars in Iranian cryptocurrency assets.

What happens next

All eyes are now on the White House. The outcome of today’s CENTCOM briefing could determine whether the fragile ceasefire holds or collapses entirely. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Thursday that the consequences of this conflict may echo “for months or even years to come.”

For now, Trump’s “storm” remains a warning. But with oil at $126 and a naval blockade in place, the region is already feeling the rain.

US May Back Argentina on Falklands to Punish Britain, Leaks Suggest

Trump Unhappy Over Limited UK Support

Washington has signalled a possible shift on the Falkland Islands dispute. The move comes after Britain stopped short of fully backing American military action against Iran. According to internal Pentagon emails reviewed by Reuters, the Trump administration discussed reviewing US policy on the UK-held Falklands. Officials also weighed removing certain countries from key NATO positions.

Pentagon Email Reveals Tough Options

The email exchange among US Defence Department officials listed potential punitive steps. These included limiting Spain’s role inside the alliance and formally revisiting Washington’s stance on the Falklands. Britain and Spain have objected to the reported contents. The Pentagon has not issued any official comment, and the original message remains unpublished.

Britain Refused Airbase Access Initially

Tensions between Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer became visible during the recent Iran conflict. London initially refused access to its airbases for American strikes. After Iranian retaliation, Britain permitted limited use of bases for operations near the Hormuz Strait. Officials indicated Trump remained dissatisfied with the level of support.

Argentina Welcomes US Review

Buenos Aires has responded positively to the development. Government spokesperson Javier Lanari said Argentina is making every effort to regain the Malvinas, as the islands are locally known. President Javier Milei, seen as politically close to Trump, reiterated there would be no compromise on sovereignty. The Falklands lie 500 km from Argentina but 13,000 km from Britain.

Historic 1982 War Still Resonates

Argentina occupied the islands in 1982. Then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sent a naval task force. Within ten weeks, British forces reclaimed the territory. About 650 Argentine and 255 British soldiers died. Britain says islanders voted to remain British. Argentina insists on territorial integrity based on proximity.

US Officially Neutral but Backed UK in 1982

During the Falklands War, the US first attempted mediation. When talks failed, President Ronald Reagan provided Britain with intelligence and logistical support. Washington has never formally declared sovereignty either way. In practice, it has treated the Falklands as British-linked. The latest signals suggest that position may be used as leverage.

Spain, NATO Push Back on Leaked Proposals

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected any decision made on the basis of unofficial emails. He said Spain would stand with allies under international law. A NATO official added that no rule allows suspending or expelling a member country. Removing Spain from key roles remains practically impossible, the official noted.

What Happens Next

Diplomatic observers expect closed-door talks among US, UK, and Spanish officials. Argentina is likely to press its case further if Washington signals any formal policy review. Britain has not yet issued a detailed response. The Pentagon has remained silent. For now, the leaked email has reopened a decades-old territorial question. The coming weeks will show whether the Trump administration moves from discussion to action.

Science fiction just became reality. For the first time in the history of modern warfare, a humanoid robot — a machine that walks, sees, and carries weapons like a human soldier — is being tested on an active battlefield. Ukraine is that battlefield. And the robot is the Phantom MK-1, made by a San Francisco startup called Foundation. This is not a drill. This is not a prototype in a lab. This is happening right now — and it changes everything we thought we knew about how wars are fought.

Meet the Phantom MK-1 — The World's First Combat Humanoid Robot

The Phantom MK-1 is built for one purpose: to go where human soldiers go, do what human soldiers do — and take the bullet instead of them.

Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing approximately 175 to 180 pounds, the Phantom looks every inch the AI soldier. Encased in jet black steel with a tinted glass visor, it can carry rifles, breach doors, conduct reconnaissance, handle explosives, and operate in environments where aerial drones simply cannot reach — underground bunkers, collapsed buildings, narrow tunnels, and basement command posts.

The robot is powered by an AI-assisted control system built around a camera-first visual perception architecture. Using large language model-based task software, a human operator can issue a high-level command — and the Phantom translates that instruction directly into physical movement and action. The machine runs on approximately 20 motors, each of which must function flawlessly for the robot to maintain balance and movement in unpredictable terrain.

Foundation unveiled the Phantom MK-1 in October 2025 and has already secured research contracts worth 24 million dollars with the US Army, Navy, and Air Force, making it an approved military vendor. In February 2026, two Phantom units were deployed to Ukraine — the first known deployment of a humanoid robot to any active warzone in history.

Why Ukraine? The World's Most Advanced Military Testing Ground

Ukraine did not become the testbed for this technology by accident. Since February 2022, the war in Ukraine has accelerated military innovation faster than any conflict in recent memory. Ukraine now launches thousands of drones per day. Autonomous ground robots deliver ammunition and weapons to frontline troops. Earlier this year, footage emerged of Russian soldiers surrendering directly to an armed Ukrainian ground robot — a moment that would have seemed impossible five years ago.

Foundation co-founder Mike LeBlanc, a 14-year US Marine Corps veteran with multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, visited Ukraine before the deployment and described what he witnessed as deeply shocking. "This is a full-scale war of robots, where the robot is the primary fighter and humans only provide support," he said. "It is the complete opposite of what it was during my service in Afghanistan — back then, people were the main force and technology was just a tool."

That inversion — robots as the primary fighters, humans in support — is the new reality of the Ukraine battlefield. And the Phantom MK-1 has been dropped right into the middle of it.

What the Phantom Is Doing in Ukraine Right Now

The two Phantom MK-1 units currently in Ukraine are operating in support and reconnaissance roles rather than direct frontline combat — for now. The robots are being used to gather operational data in real combat conditions, testing their mobility, sensor performance, and software reliability in an active war environment.

The Phantom's key advantage in this environment is its human-shaped design. With a heat signature similar to a real human body, the robot can potentially confuse enemy targeting systems. It can move through spaces built for human beings — doorways, staircases, vehicle interiors — in ways that wheeled or tracked ground robots simply cannot. And it can handle standard military equipment and infrastructure without modification.

Foundation CEO Sankaet Pathak was blunt about the purpose of the Ukraine deployment: "Just like drones, machine guns, or any technology, you first have to get them into the hands of customers." Ukraine is the customer. The battlefield is the testing environment. And the data being collected right now will directly feed into the design of the Phantom MK-2 — an upgraded model scheduled for introduction in April 2026.

The Moral Case — And the Very Real Risks

Foundation's argument is built on a simple moral foundation. "We think there is a moral imperative to put these robots into war instead of soldiers," says LeBlanc. If a robot can absorb a missile strike, breach a booby-trapped building, or walk into a minefield in place of a 22-year-old soldier — that is a net good for humanity. LeBlanc's long-term vision is a Phantom that can use any weapon a human can use, in any environment a human can operate in.

But the risks are serious and well documented. The Phantom MK-1 is heavy, costly to operate, requires frequent recharging, and depends on 20 simultaneous motors working perfectly at all times. During a demonstration for journalists earlier this year, one Phantom unit fell several times during testing — a reminder that the technology is still in its earliest stages.

More troubling are the AI risks. Military AI systems can sometimes generate what researchers call hallucinations — incorrect outputs delivered with high confidence. In a factory or warehouse, a hallucinating robot is a problem. On a battlefield, it could be catastrophic. "With large language models, we cannot fully explain how they make decisions," AI researchers warn. "It is unacceptable to have lethal autonomous systems that occasionally hallucinate."

Cybersecurity is another major concern. Analysts warn that hacked humanoid robots — taken over by hostile actors — could represent one of the most dangerous new threat vectors in modern warfare.

A Global Arms Race Nobody Can Stop

The deployment of the Phantom MK-1 in Ukraine has not gone unnoticed by the rest of the world. Foundation CEO Pathak confirmed that a humanoid soldier arms race is already happening — with Russia and China both developing dual-use humanoid technology in parallel. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić has announced plans to mass-produce humanoid robots and display thousands of them at the country's next military parade — a statement that would have sounded absurd three years ago and sounds merely alarming today.

Britain's Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, acknowledged that the Ukraine war is forcing the UK and its allies to completely rethink how wars will be fought. "This revolution in military affairs," he said, is one in which uncrewed systems are beginning to dominate at the tactical level. The lessons are being absorbed in London, Washington, Beijing, and Moscow simultaneously.

The international community is attempting to keep pace. Negotiations in Geneva are currently focused on a two-tier framework for autonomous weapons — banning systems that are inherently unpredictable or that target people using biometric recognition, while setting strict rules on the geographic area, duration, and human override requirements for autonomous missions. But enforcement remains entirely unresolved.

Beyond Ukraine: US Border, Marine Corps and the Pentagon

Foundation is not limiting its ambitions to Ukraine. The company is in active discussions with the US Department of Homeland Security about deploying Phantom robots for patrol missions along the US-Mexico southern border. The Phantom platform is also scheduled for testing with the US Marine Corps, where robots will be trained to place explosives on doors to help troops breach buildings more safely — replacing the most dangerous moment of any infantry operation.

The Pentagon confirmed it continues to explore the development of militarised humanoid prototypes designed to operate alongside warfighters in complex, high-risk environments. Foundation plans to lease rather than sell the Phantom — at an estimated annual cost of approximately 100,000 dollars per unit — and aims to scale from dozens of units this year to thousands annually as manufacturing capacity expands.

The Verdict: War Has Changed Forever

LeBlanc acknowledged that what the world is seeing right now is only the beginning. "What you are seeing now is just the first clumsy attempt to show how robots could conduct our wars," he said. The Phantom MK-1 in Ukraine today is to the robot soldier of 2035 what the Wright Brothers' plane at Kitty Hawk was to a modern fighter jet.

The question is not whether humanoid robots will transform warfare. That transformation has already begun — on a muddy frontline in eastern Ukraine, where a 5-foot-9-inch black steel machine is learning what war feels like, so that one day, human soldiers might not have to.