Aug 1, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the country has completely exhausted its stockpile of Patriot air defense interceptor missiles following another large-scale overnight Russian assault. According to Zelenskyy, defense forces were able to intercept only a single ballistic missile during the latest barrage.

The announcement follows recent heavy bombardments targeting Ukrainian cities, including a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv that left nine people dead and 23 injured. Ukraine has repeatedly called on its Western allies for urgent replenishments of advanced air defense systems to counter Russia's intensified long-range strikes against critical infrastructure and urban centers.

Sources: HRT Vijesti

German defense contractor Rheinmetall has secured two major international military equipment contracts.

In the United States, subsidiary American Rheinmetall received an 18-month contract under the US Army's "Project Sustainment" initiative, managed through the National Advanced Mobility Consortium. The company will develop hybrid-powered autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles designed for company-level logistics and resupply operations.

Separately, Rheinmetall was awarded a contract valued in the low three-digit million-euro range to supply weapon systems for 72 RCH 155 wheeled howitzers bound for British land forces. The RCH 155 system is offered by ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Germany.

Sources: ESUT.

German firearms manufacturer Heckler & Koch AG announced a substantial increase in its financial performance for the first half of the year. According to preliminary calculations released by the company, the defence group achieved a turnover of approximately €263.9 million, representing a 47 percent surge compared to the €179.5 million generated in the same period last year.

Total operating performance also increased significantly, reaching around €263.3 million up from €195.7 million previously, accompanied by even stronger growth in operative earnings. The company expects this positive momentum in revenue and operating performance to continue over the coming period.

Sources: ESUT

Scottish National Party ministers are facing criticism over transparency after withholding key internal documentation regarding their £500 million First Homes Fund. Released documents show that the Scottish government redacted entire risk assessments and value-for-money analyses for the flagship homebuyer initiative.

Critics contend that withholding details about the program's financial viability and potential housing market impacts reflects a wider "culture of secrecy" within the administration. The withheld evaluation sections evaluated potential risks and value outcomes prior to implementation. Opponents continue to demand full disclosure regarding the long-term impact on taxpayers.

Sources: The Herald

Leaders from Scotland's two largest city regions have launched a cross-party effort requesting further powers from the UK government. Susan Aitken, the SNP leader of Glasgow City Region, and Norman Hampshire, the Labour leader representing Edinburgh and South East Scotland, urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to consider a "second stage devolution" model for the Scottish Central Belt.

The local authorities are seeking decentralisation comparable to proposed governance expansions for English regions. As part of their campaign, the Scottish council leaders have reached out to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for assistance in advocating for greater regional autonomy. The joint proposal aims to secure increased decision-making authority for central Scotland.

Sources: The Herald