Continent Radar - North America

Six US service members were killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during combat operations against Iran. The incident occurred on March 12 while the crew was on a combat mission. Two aircraft were involved, with the second landing safely. The circumstances of the crash are under investigation.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed a bill to implement the European Union's Security Action For Europe (SAFE) scheme, which would have provided around $50.3 billion in low-cost loans for Poland's military. The move has sparked a row with the centrist government, which plans to absorb the loans for defense acquisitions anyway. The government has signaled that it may override the veto by incorporating the loans into an existing fund, but this would require alternative means to tap into the funds.

A US Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during combat operations against Iran, killing all six crew members. The incident occurred in friendly airspace, and the cause is not attributed to hostile or friendly fire. This is the fourth manned US aircraft lost this month, amid ongoing operations in the region.

The US Air Force has confirmed that a B-21 Raider flight test aircraft conducted a close-proximity flight with a KC-135 Stratotanker, a crucial step towards validating the bomber's long-range, penetrating strike capabilities. The event, which took place over the Mojave Desert near Edwards Air Force Base, California, represents a key milestone in the B-21's test campaign. While aerial refueling remains a critical milestone, the program continues to make progress, with the first operational B-21s on track for arrival at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in 2027.

The selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader has sent shockwaves across the region, as the country grapples with the aftermath of US-Israeli military strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. RAND experts weigh in on the implications of this development, highlighting the regime's attempts to project stability and strength, while also consolidating the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, the experts also note that the death of Ali Khamenei has highlighted deep divisions within Iranian society, with opponents of the regime celebrating his death and regime supporters mourning him. As the war continues to weaken and fragment Iran's proxy network, the experts caution that the playing field may not be leveled enough for the Iranian public to be equal to the violent resistance they face from their government.

The UK Government's 10-year plan for the NHS in England emphasizes intensive rehabilitation, but experts warn that effective implementation by healthcare professionals is key. Physical activity has been embedded within the NHS to support long-term condition management, but the new approach may conflict with established evidence and exacerbate barriers to access. Partnership working between the NHS, sport, and leisure sector, and local authorities will be vital in making best use of existing facilities and skills to give the public access and support to become physically active.

The Moon's resources, including helium-3, water ice, and precious metals, are attracting billions of dollars in investment. Companies like Interlune and Astrobotic are developing technologies to extract these resources, while NASA's Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment 1 (Prime-1) has demonstrated the feasibility of lunar resource extraction. However, the international legal framework governing the Moon's exploitation is limited and outdated, with the 1967 outer space treaty and 1979 Moon agreement providing little clarity on sharing benefits and regulating private entities. As new players like China, Russia, and Japan enter the lunar exploration scene, the need for clear international rules has become increasingly urgent.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hinted at adopting a 'cusp state' strategy, embracing volatility and pragmatism in a shifting world order. This approach would see Australia balance multiple influences, pursuing unique approaches to national interests and leveraging its position as a middle power. By adopting a cusp state identity, Australia could increase its strategic autonomy, hedging between rival power centers and manipulating relationships with great powers to gain concessions. However, this approach also carries risks, including damaging its reputation and fostering mistrust among allies and partners.

The rapid development of quantum technology is poised to transform industries and daily life. From faster drug discovery to more efficient energy materials, quantum computing and sensors are on the cusp of revolutionizing healthcare, navigation, and environmental monitoring. With the ability to solve complex problems and optimize systems, quantum technology is set to reshape the future.