Evening Brief: Pentagon Launches ‘Project G.I.’ to Rapidly Deploy Next-Gen Drones, Trump Taps Navy SEAL Vice Adm. Frank Bradley to Lead Special Operations Command

Good evening! SOFREP’s Evening Brief is here, wrapping up your Tuesday with the latest updates on defense and global affairs for June 3, 2025. Here are tonight’s headlines: The Pentagon launched “Project G.I.” to quickly deploy small- to mid-sized drones, offering $20 million to top contenders. Trump nominated Navy SEAL Vice Adm. Frank Bradley to head SOCOM. The US is cutting its Syria presence to one base amid reduced ISIS threats. A Nigerian airstrike killed 20 civilians mistaken for militants. Ugandan forces killed two terror suspects ahead of Martyrs Day. Israel shot down a Houthi missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport. Russia and Ukraine remain deadlocked in ceasefire talks. China’s former top general Xu Qiliang, a key Xi ally, died at 75. South Korea elected Lee Jae-myung president after the martial law fallout.

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Pentagon Launches ‘Project G.I.’ to Rapidly Deploy Next-Gen Drones

The US Department of Defense has recently launched “Project G.I.,” a new initiative to speed up the development and fielding of small- and medium-sized drones in response to evolving battlefield needs.

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) leads the program, which prioritizes mature, mission-ready unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that can be delivered at scale with direct soldier feedback.

Project G.I. aims to bypass the traditional slow procurement cycle by focusing on drones that are not necessarily complex but adaptable for combat. Companies have until December 31, 2025 to submit viable designs, and the top three will split $20 million in funding.

DIU Director Doug Beck emphasized the program’s urgency, stating that current forces lack adequate unmanned platforms for training and combat. The initiative draws lessons from the war in Ukraine, where rapid drone deployment has proven critical to modern warfare.

Trump Taps JSOC Commander, Navy SEAL Vice Adm. Frank Bradley to Lead SOCOM

President Donald Trump has nominated Vice Adm. Frank Bradley to lead the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the Pentagon announced Tuesday.

If confirmed, Bradley will be promoted to admiral and replace Army Gen. Bryan Fenton, who has led SOCOM since August 2022.

Bradley currently commands Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), a role he assumed in August 2022. A decorated Navy SEAL and Naval Academy graduate (Class of 1991), he completed BUD/S training in 1992 and has commanded at every level within the special operations community.

His leadership history includes command of Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), Special Operations Command Central, and multiple Joint Task Forces. He was among the first US Special Operations Forces deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11.

Bradley’s nomination now moves to the Senate Armed Services Committee for confirmation hearings.

US Reduces Military Presence in Syria, Plans to Retain Only One Base

The United States has begun scaling back its military footprint in Syria, aiming to consolidate its forces to a single base, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack confirmed in an interview with Turkey’s NTV.

The drawdown is part of the wind-down of Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led mission launched in 2014 to combat ISIS.

Barrack stated the US has already reduced its bases from eight to five, and now to three, with plans to eventually leave only one active site. The reduction follows the December ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was replaced by interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and his Islamist-led coalition.

Despite the end of Syria’s 14-year civil war, Barrack acknowledged persistent security issues, including sectarian violence and tribal divisions. He emphasized the need for national integration among Syria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.

Trump’s envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, has confirmed that the U.S. has already withdrawn from three of its eight bases, effectively completing a full withdrawal from Deir Ezzor province.

He stated that the gradual drawdown will continue, reducing from five bases to three, and… pic.twitter.com/aQ02kvsZ1D

— The National Context (@NatlContext) June 3, 2025

In April, the Pentagon announced a troop reduction to fewer than 1,000 personnel, citing ISIS as a diminished threat now consisting of scattered remnants.

The US maintains support for regional stability but is shifting toward a reduced direct military role.

Nigerian Air Strike Kills 20 Civilians in Zamfara State Amid Anti-Bandit Operation

A Nigerian military airstrike mistakenly killed at least 20 civilians over the weekend in Zamfara state, residents told AFP on Monday.

The victims, local vigilantes pursuing bandits who had raided nearby villages, were hit by a fighter jet believed to have misidentified them as militants.

The Nigerian Air Force claimed the strike killed 20 “armed terrorists” in a “precision engagement,” but did not comment on reports of civilian casualties. Residents of Maraya village and surrounding areas had mobilized after bandits attacked Mani and Wabi villages, stealing livestock and kidnapping dozens.

Eyewitnesses said the vigilantes were bombed between Maraya and Wabi while attempting a rescue. It marked the third such deadly incident in Zamfara state.

Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the repeated use of indiscriminate airstrikes and urged a transparent investigation.

The Nigerian authorities must transparently investigate the military air strike that killed 20 people and wounded dozens at Maraya and Wabi in Maru LGA of Zamfara state. Victims of the air strike were vigilantes who gathered to confront bandits that attacked their villages.

— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) June 2, 2025

Nigeria’s northwest remains plagued by banditry and insecurity. Military operations targeting these criminal groups have frequently resulted in mass civilian casualties. Previous airstrikes in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna have killed hundreds, including women and children.

Ugandan Forces Kill Two Terror Suspects in Kampala Ahead of Martyrs Day

Ugandan security forces shot and killed two armed terrorists in Kampala on Tuesday, according to army spokesman Chris Magezi.

The incident occurred in the upscale suburb of Munyonyo amid unconfirmed reports of a bomb explosion near the Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine.

Magezi said a counter-terrorism unit “intercepted and neutralized” the suspects and that security forces remain on high alert to ensure the annual Martyrs Day celebrations proceed without disruption.

UPDF Kills two terrorists in Munyonyo

Kampala, Tuesday, 3 June 2025

A UPDF counter-terrorism unit this morning intercepted and neutralized two armed terrorists in Munyonyo, an upscale city suburb. It was an intelligence led operation, and the security services are on heightened…

— Chris Magezi (@ChrisOMagezi) June 3, 2025

Martyrs Day, observed each June 3, commemorates the execution of 45 Christian converts in the 1880s under Buganda’s King Mwanga II. The event draws thousands of pilgrims from across East Africa.

Uganda, under President Yoweri Museveni’s nearly 40-year rule, has faced repeated threats from terrorist groups, including Islamic State-linked actors.

Israeli Military Intercepts Houthi Missile Aimed at Ben Gurion Airport

The Israeli military intercepted a missile launched Monday from Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for targeting Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.

The army confirmed the interception following air raid sirens and loud booms over Jerusalem.

🚨It’s only June 3, and for the third time this month millions of Israelis are running to shelter because of Houthi missile fire🚨 pic.twitter.com/x3jcYKdZ61

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 3, 2025

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group’s missile forces executed the strike as part of their ongoing operations in solidarity with Palestinians.

The attack marks the latest in a series of Houthi-launched missiles and drones aimed at Israel since the Gaza war began in October 2023 following Hamas’s assault on Israeli territory.

The Houthis paused their attacks during a two-month Gaza ceasefire, but resumed strikes after Israel restarted its military operations. Though most launches have been intercepted, a missile earlier in May did impact inside Ben Gurion airport’s perimeter.

Israel has responded to the cross-border attacks with airstrikes on Houthi positions, including targets in Yemen’s ports and at Sanaa airport.

Ceasefire Talks Stall as Russia, Ukraine Maintain Irreconcilable Demands

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul revealed starkly opposing positions, with little hope for a swift resolution.

Russia submitted a memorandum outlining its conditions for a 30-day ceasefire and a future peace treaty—terms Kyiv and its Western allies immediately dismissed as unacceptable.

Russia offered two ceasefire options: a Ukrainian withdrawal from the four illegally annexed regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—or a broader “package” requiring Ukraine to halt mobilization, freeze Western arms deliveries, demobilize its forces, and ban foreign troop presence.

Moscow also demanded Ukraine lift martial law and hold elections as precursors to a peace treaty.

For a comprehensive treaty, Russia’s demands included recognition of its annexation of Crimea and eastern regions, Ukrainian neutrality, NATO withdrawal, armed forces limits, official language status for Russian, and dissolution of nationalist groups. The Kremlin also called for lifting sanctions, restoring diplomatic ties, and UN Security Council endorsement.

2/ Russian forces appear to be intensifying efforts to widen the frontline in northern Sumy Oblast along three axes of advance north and northeast of Sumy City. pic.twitter.com/asaJB5C0TX

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) June 3, 2025

Ukraine, meanwhile, reiterated its call for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire without territorial concessions.

Kyiv rejected all Russian annexation claims, upheld its NATO aspirations, and demanded no limits on its military or foreign partnerships. It also insisted on the return of deported children and a full prisoner exchange, with phased sanctions relief only if Russia complies with peace terms.

Analysts view Moscow’s offer as a formal entrenchment of its position, signaling continued fighting despite ongoing diplomatic contacts.

Former People’s Liberation Army General Xu Qiliang, Key Xi Ally, Dies at 75

Xu Qiliang, a former vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission and close ally of President Xi Jinping, has died at age 75, according to China’s Defense Ministry.

Xu played a central role in modernizing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and remained politically unscathed amid Beijing’s sweeping military anti-corruption purge.

A veteran of the PLA since 1966, Xu rose through the ranks during the Mao-era Cultural Revolution and became one of the highest-ranking air force officers to influence the traditionally army-dominated military leadership.

He served alongside Xi during the president’s first years in office, helping to realign China’s military structure to integrate naval and air assets into strategic planning.

Top Chinese general Xu Qiliang, a close ally of President Xi Jinping who was the former vice chair of the powerful Central Military Commission, died of illness at age 75 on Monday in Beijing, state media reported. https://t.co/f0658WWp4J

— Reuters China (@ReutersChina) June 3, 2025

The Defense Ministry hailed Xu as a “loyal communist soldier” and “outstanding leader of the PLA.” Known for his ideological loyalty, Xu championed Xi’s military reforms and doctrine. He led efforts to modernize China’s armed forces, phasing out outdated Cold War-era equipment in favor of advanced platforms like stealth jets and strategic bombers.

In 2018, Xu met with then-US Defense Secretary James Mattis, advocating military-to-military dialogue to reduce risks. That engagement came before relations between the US and Chinese militaries deteriorated sharply.

Xu’s passing comes amid ongoing turmoil within China’s military ranks, as Beijing remains silent on the disappearance or investigation of two former defense ministers, fueling speculation of internal purges related to corruption or espionage.

Lee Jae-myung Wins South Korea Presidency After Martial Law Turmoil

Liberal opposition candidate Lee Jae-myung has been elected president of South Korea, defeating conservative Kim Moon Soo in a vote marked by backlash over ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law.

With nearly all votes counted, Lee secured 48.86% to Kim’s 41.98%.

Kim conceded early Wednesday, and Lee will be sworn in immediately for a five-year term with no transition period.

Lee, a former Gyeonggi province governor, ran on promises to revitalize the economy, pursue peace with North Korea, and bridge deep political divides. He inherits a fragile political landscape and looming external challenges, including US President Donald Trump’s steep tariff hikes and North Korea’s growing nuclear threat.

South Korea’s main opposition party named ex-leader Lee Jae-myung as its candidate for the snap presidential election on June 3. Lee pledged to work toward national unity https://t.co/XQ6v1XhCS7 pic.twitter.com/ojiQT4dnFQ

— Reuters (@Reuters) April 27, 2025

Despite past criticism for leaning toward China and North Korea, Lee emphasized that the US-South Korea alliance remains central to Seoul’s foreign policy. He has pledged pragmatic diplomacy, backing a trilateral relationship with Washington and Tokyo while cautioning against rushing any summit with Kim Jong Un.

Analysts expect few dramatic shifts in foreign policy due to limited leverage with North Korea and economic risks tied to diplomatic moves.

Domestically, Lee faces pressure to unify a polarized public. His call for accountability over Yoon’s martial law declaration has sparked fears of political retaliation. Still, Lee urged citizens to “move forward with hope,” signaling a push to stabilize the country after months of turmoil.

Sources: News Agencies, The Associated Press