Market sources: Rheinmetall will establish an independent MQ-28 systems-integration center in Germany, enabling immediate national-level capability R&D, testing and integration.

The Financial Times reports a former senior U.S. intelligence official warned that in a second term Donald Trump is following a 'dictator's playbook,' weakening checks on his power and degrading U.S. security. Trump, who pledged to fight the 'deep state' on returning to the White House, has sought to suppress critics and demand personal loyalty. Former CIA station chief Paul Kolbe said dictators follow a common script for seizing and exercising power that mirrors current U.S. developments. National security lawyer Mark S. Zaid, whose security clearance was revoked by the White House last year and who is in legal dispute with Trump, warned the president will continue to consolidate power: All safeguards have been removed, the worst is far from over.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 closed down 30.20 points, or 0.33%, at 9,233.40 on Monday, Aug 10.