BIG: European military powers are working on a 5-10 year plan to reduce reliance on the U.S. within NATO.

The UK, France, Germany, and Nordic countries are among those engaged in informal discussions on a managed transition.

Source: FT

Trump warns that anyone sabotaging Tesla cars could face up to 20 years in prison.

Trump to Announce Winner of New U.S. Fighter Jet Contract

President Donald Trump will personally announce the winner of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) contract on Friday.

The contract, worth at least $20 billion, will replace the F-22 Raptor with a new sixth-generation fighter jet designed to work alongside drones.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin are the final contenders, with the winner expected to receive hundreds of billions of dollars over the program’s lifetime.

Elon Musk has criticized expensive crewed fighter programs, arguing that cheaper drones are a better solution.

The official decision will be made at 11 a.m. (1500 GMT) in the Oval Office with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth present.

Source: Reuters

BREAKING: Sudan's Army retakes control of the Presidential Palace in central Khartoum from RSF militias after two years.

The U.S. seeks to renegotiate mineral deal with Ukraine, aiming to include the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP) as part of a broader economic deal.

Source: FT

Qatargate Scandal in Israel

Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has unanimously voted to dismiss Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, marking the first time in Israel’s history that a sitting head of the internal security agency has been fired.

Heathrow Airport has been shut until midnight following a major power outage caused by a fire at an electrical substation in Hayes, west London.

The fire, which began late on March 20, has left over 16,000 homes without power and forced the evacuation of 150 people.

Over 1,300 flights canceled, affecting 145,000+ passengers.

Officials expect prolonged disruptions in the coming days.

Armenia's Pashinyan Turns Back to Russia

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is moving to restore ties with Russia, instructing government departments to re-engage with Moscow.

Armenian newspaper Hraparak described this move as that of a “prodigal son” returning to Moscow’s fold.

His upcoming May 9 visit for WWII anniversary celebrations is seen as a pivotal moment for Armenia’s political future.

The report suggests that Russia is working to consolidate its influence in the region and could soon begin a “sweep” of foreign elements it perceives as obstacles.

The article hints that Moscow may seek to eliminate or neutralize political figures in neighboring countries who have distanced themselves from Russian interests.

Source: Hraparak

EU Defense Budget Plan Excludes Israel’s Arms Industry

The European Union has unveiled a new €150 billion loan fund under its Rearm Europe Plan (“Readiness 2030”), which aims to boost Europe’s defense capabilities.

Israel has been excluded from participating in contracts financed by this fund due to strict procurement rules favoring European-made defense systems.

Source: Globes

Germany has called on the United Kingdom to consider rejoining a customs union with the European Union.

Germany’s top diplomat in London, suggested using Türkiye’s long-standing customs union with the EU as a model for the UK.

Source: Politico

Pentagon Briefing for Elon Musk on Potential War With China

The Pentagon planned to brief Elon Musk on the U.S. military’s operational plans for a potential war with China.

The briefing was set to cover top-secret U.S. war plans, including military strategies, targets, and contingency measures in the event of conflict with China.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Admiral Christopher W. Grady (acting Joint Chiefs chairman), and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo (head of Indo-Pacific Command) were scheduled to present the details.

The meeting was to be held in “The Tank”, a secure Pentagon conference room used for top-level military briefings. Musk’s role remains unclear, as he is not part of the military chain of command.

Following reports, President Trump denied that the meeting would involve China, stating, “China will not even be mentioned or discussed.”

However, multiple officials confirmed the original purpose was China-focused.

Despite these denials, The Wall Street Journal confirmed that Musk was set to receive details on China war plans.

Source: NYT, WSJ

The Netherlands has unveiled a new initiative to attract leading international scientists, particularly those leaving the U.S. due to political pressures on research fields like climate science and gender studies.

Source: NL Times

Chief of the Russian General Staff Gerasimov inspects ‘Center’ military grouping invading Ukraine.

Gerasimov received reports from the army commander and issued directives for the group’s next moves.

This group involved in invading settlements in Donetsk.

Sudanese Army spokesperson says the military has taken control of the Presidential Palace and seized ammunition from the paramilitary RSF.

Sudan's Army has also secured key government ministries in central Khartoum.

The RSF, which has set up a parallel government, still controls parts of Khartoum, Omdurman, and western Sudan, where it battles for al-Fashir, the Sudan Army’s last Darfur stronghold.

Capturing the capital could cement the Army’s grip on central Sudan.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei:

The U.S. and others must know that if they commit any foolish act against the Iranian people, they will receive a severe and crushing slap.

Iran has no proxies in the region, those groups act independently.

UK Energy Minister on Heathrow Airport:

"There is no suggestion that there is foul play."

Trump:

China will not even be mentioned or discussed.