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Formula 1: Sergio Perez signs two-year extension with Red Bull

Sergio Perez has signed a two-year extension with Red Bull, keeping him in Formula 1 until 2026.

The Mexican driver has played the role of understudy to champion Max Verstappen in recent years, finishing second in the Drivers’ Championship in 2023.

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He has also been instrumental in helping Red Bull win the Constructors’ World Championship in the last two years but has so far struggled to keep pace with his Dutch team-mate in 2024.

The 34-year-old is a five-time race winner with his current team and is Mexico’s most successful driver in the sport.

He put on a heroic defence against Lewis Hamilton in Abu Dhabi in 2021, slowing the Brit down in his pursuit to win the title at the final event and allowing Verstappen to catch up and eventually overtake him for first place.

His future has often been questioned as he has never really challenged Verstappen for race wins or Championships, but his new deal has put an end to that speculation.

Speaking after it was announced, Perez said: “I am really happy to commit my future to this great team, it is a challenge like no other racing for Oracle Red Bull Racing, both on track and off track.

“I am delighted to be staying here to continue our journey together and contribute to this Team’s great history for two more years.

“Being part of the Team is an immense challenge, and one I love. We have a great challenge this year and I have full trust in the whole team that the future is bright here and I am excited to be part of it.

“I want to thank everyone for all the trust they are putting in me, it is a lot and I want to pay it back with excellent results on track, and off track.

“I think we have a lot of work to do, we have a lot more Championships to win together.”

The likes of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz had been linked with the Red Bull seat but Perez has become a favourite of Team Principal Christian Horner.

Horner, 50, has always strived to lead his team to the top and believes Perez is a key part of the project.

He added: “Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo.

“Continuity and stability are important for the Team and both Checo and Max are a successful and robust partnership, securing our first ever one-two finish for the team in the Championship last year.

“Checo has had a strong start to 2024 with second places in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Japan and then his podium in China.

“The past few races have been tough, there is convergence on the grid, but we are confident in Checo and look forward to his return to proven form and performance, that we so often see.

“Last year was a unicorn season and we will need to work hard to retain our titles, but we are assured in our line up and with the Team as a whole, which is imperative in what is shaping up to be a close-fought Championship this year.”

Insight to impact: Free campaign planning event for home and garden marketers

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Door4, a digital marketing agency specialising in the homes and gardens sector, is promising to arm marketers with the insights they need to improve the performance of their digital marketing campaigns – making ads work smarter, not harder.

A free in-person event will take place on Thursday, June 6, from 9am at Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston (Junction 31 of the M6)  Register here to reserve your place.

‘From Insight to Impact: Campaign Planning for Home & Garden Marketing’ is the next in a series of quarterly events hosted by Door4 which is designed to give marketeers and business owners in the homes and gardens sector crucial insights to improve the ROI on their marketing campaigns.

With a specific focus on campaign planning, the event will shine a light on how marketeers can adapt to changing consumer behaviours and preferences, specifically in the home and garden market. It will also give attendees the tools that they need to elevate their visibility in a highly competitive online landscape; as well as tactics to enhance return on investment.

Sean Dwyer, director at Door4 who will be speaking at the event, says: “This event is not to be missed. We will be taking a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of campaign planning to give attendees valuable insights into crafting consistent marketing frameworks that deliver results time and time again.

“It is no secret that the homes and gardens sector is predicted to experience slow growth this year, making it an absolute must to have a robust digital marketing strategy that will help businesses stand out in a crowded and highly competitive marketplace.

“Our events are fun and interactive – there will be lots of opportunities for participation and a great chance to network with your peers. The event kicks off at 9am with a free hot breakfast, the presentation will begin at 9:30am.”

For more information or to register to attend visit:https://door4.com/nextevent

Takeaway boss prosecuted for fraudulently claiming £20,000 Covid support grants

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A takeaway business and its owner have each been fined after attempting to claim more than £20,000 in government grants that they were not entitled to.

Ajibola Jerimiah Adenuga (35) of The Gardens, Eccles, was sentenced to a 12-month community order and 200 hours unpaid work with five Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days attached.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £1,400 and a £114 victim surcharge. The court also suspended his personal licence to sell alcohol for two months.

This sentence was for three charges under the Fraud Act 2006 as director of Ministry of Booze Group Limited.

The company, registered at an address on Chester Road in Manchester as Ministry of Booze (trading name Suya Republick) was also fined £1,000, along with £1,400 in costs under the Fraud Act 2006 for three offences. The court also ordered the company to pay a £400 victims surcharge.

In total, Adenuga – through his business – benefited from £17,669.21 in fraudulent Covid support grant claims – and attempted to claim a further £2,667.

Adenuga pleaded guilty to the total of six offences at a Magistrates Court hearing in November 2023, before being sentenced at a separate hearing on May 31.

The case was initially referred to Internal Audit in February 2022, as a result of the subject applying for an Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) of £2,667. This grant was declined and referred for investigation as it was found that the applicant was running a takeaway, rather than a restaurant as claimed in his application. Takeaways were not eligible under this scheme as they were not required to close.

Following investigation, it was found that the applicant had also received a Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) totaling £9,669.21 claiming to be a sexual entertainment and hostess bar when operating as a takeaway.

Mr Adenuga also received a Restart Grant (RG) of £8,000, claiming to be an outdoor bar supplying alcoholic beverages when actually operating as a takeaway.

Takeaways were not eligible under these schemes as they were not required to close.

Mr Adenuga was interviewed twice by council officers following investigation in June and July 2022. He admitted that he had made false applications to support his business.

He confirmed he had supplied false applications and documentation but was not able to claim any other funding to support his business.

Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar, Manchester City Council’s executive member for finance, said: “Covid grants were made available to support businesses who were at threat of failing because of the impact of the pandemic and grants were paid out in good faith that they were supporting our residents to weather the lockdowns.

“Defrauding this system for personal gain flies in the face of the spirit of support that the grant fund intended. I hope this case shows other people who have committed similar crimes that when we find you, we will investigate, and we will take the case through the court to seek justice.”

Stagecoach offers free bus travel for military personnel

Stagecoach has confirmed free travel on some of its bus services across the UK for military and ex-military personnel on both D-Day and Armed Forces Weekend.

Free travel will be available to serving personnel in uniform, carrying a military ID card, veterans carrying a medal or veteran’s badge, and cadets on both June 6 and over June 29 and 30.

The offer will not include travel on Megabus, London and Manchester Bee Network.

The announcement follows the unveiling of a special liveried D-Day bus by Stagecoach’s South team, in partnership with The D-Day Story, the only UK museum dedicated to telling the events of June 6, 1944, through objects, interactives and video.

The bus forms part of a commemoration, headlined by the D-Day in 80 Objects book, which showcases 80 carefully selected objects spotlighting stories of individuals involved in the D-Day landings.

Stagecoach will be operating a special Park & Ride service with the D-Day and Poppy buses to get spectators to the event throughout the day and into the night.

Stagecoach will also offer free travel on June 29 and 30 for Armed Forces Day, which is a chance for the public to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community; from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

Simon Tramalloni, interim operations director at Stagecoach Merseyside and Veterans Network Chair, said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to confirm free travel for all serving personnel, veterans and cadets on the 80th D-Day commemoration throughout the UK. This is our ongoing commitment to the wider armed forces community and a privilege to remember those that in 1944 gave their tomorrow so we could have our today, this is the least we could do to honour their memory”.

UK Signage Firm JMF Group Invests £250K in New Technology and Equipment

North East-based JMF Group is looking ahead by enhancing its operational efficiency and the quality of its signage products.

Signage firm JMF Group in Newcastle Upon Tyne has announced a major investment aimed at delivering significant efficiencies and enhancing the quality of its products.

The rapidly expanding company is preparing for future growth by adding state-of-the-art equipment to its facility in the Swalwell area. Known for its premium signage materials used for marketing, signage solutions, and retail POS, the company will now offer its clients an enhanced service.

In addition to delivering premium quality consistently, JMF Group will now be able to produce signage products with much shorter turnaround times. According to the company, signage manufacturing processes that previously took 90 minutes will now be completed in as few as 15 minutes.

Representatives from the business hope that this drastic reduction in lead times will allow JMF Group to handle much larger volumes and enhance customer satisfaction. Fewer errors and more accurate signage processes will also deliver a significant rise in quality and consistency levels.

Four of the new additions to the company’s signage operation include the integration of the AXYZ INFINITE 6010 ATC and the 1530 PIRANHA ATC CNC machines, which have significantly boosted productivity and efficiency within JMF Group. With advanced automatic tool change capabilities, these CNC machines have streamlined production processes, reducing downtime associated with manual tool changes and allowing for uninterrupted workflow. The precision and speed offered by these machines have enabled JMF Group to meet tight deadlines with ease while maintaining high quality standards. Overall, the implementation of these cutting-edge CNC machines has propelled JMF Group towards greater operational efficiency and competitiveness in their industry. With the capability of cutting anything from 1mm to 50mm thick acrylics and aluminium from 0.7mm to 8mm thick to any shape desired, they have ensured clients have plenty of options for CNC cutting.

Next is a modern Dual Output Laser Welder. Using this new technology, JMF Group can now weld stainless steel and aluminium with ease, creating more durable and precise joints. Up to 10 times more efficient than the company’s previous welding solution, the Dual Output Laser Welder creates welded surfaces that require no post-treatment processes. Additionally, the ALB (Automatic Letter Bender), the latest model, is an innovative combo bending machine for spatial letters. It is a significantly modernised version with a very good reputation and popularity among professionals.

JMF Group’s investment is great news for the local area. According to company bosses, a range of new positions have now been created. The goal is to hire a dedicated team member for each piece of equipment. This approach to signage should deliver significant improvements to performance, output, and workflows.

The addition of the CNC machines, the Dual Output Laser Welder, and the ALB (Automatic Letter Bender) machines has already set JMF Group apart in the North East of England. The company is believed to be the only signage specialist in the region to have all the new machines on site. This should give the firm a distinct advantage over its competitors in terms of industry-leading quality and production efficiency.

JMF Group Managing Director, Jack Foggin, is optimistic about what this significant investment will mean for the signage firm. He said: “This new investment in cutting-edge signage equipment democratises job opportunities within our workforce, as it empowers less experienced employees to undertake tasks that traditionally required higher skill levels.

“As a result, this investment improves our operational efficiency and promotes upward mobility and higher earning potential for our team members. We’re an ethical employer, and this investment allows us to enhance the culture of reward and respect at JMF Group.

“By significantly increasing our productivity and reducing turnaround times, we can handle a higher volume of work. And that’s great news for our clients. We can now meet tighter deadlines and deliver at scale without compromising quality. In fact, this new investment will increase quality across many product ranges.

“This investment lays a solid foundation for our growth and sustainability for the foreseeable future. It’s also a clear signal of our commitment to delivering exceptional signage solutions and keeping costs as low as possible for our clients.”

JMF Group has a long-term plan for growth and expansion, and this investment is only the beginning. The new equipment will complement the company’s existing operations — increasing productivity, efficiency, and capacity within its Gateshead production facility.

This is positive news for everyone involved. Not only are jobs at JMF Group now secure, but the firm is creating a range of new positions at its North East headquarters. Additionally, businesses across the region and the UK will now benefit from faster turnaround times, enhanced product quality, and greater capacities.

As signage materials need to be created quickly to support internal and external signage needs, including promotional campaigns and brand awareness initiatives, retailers, marketers, and events organisers now have a partner they can trust.

Bodyvie Launches Innovative Exosome Facial Aesthetic Treatment in the UK

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Bodyvie, one of London’s most renowned aesthetic clinics, celebrated for its innovative treatments and exceptional patient care, is thrilled to announce the introduction of its new Exosome Facial Treatment. This pioneering service, now available at their Richmond clinic, harnesses the power of exosomes to rejuvenate and revitalise the skin, offering clients an advanced solution for achieving a more youthful and radiant complexion.

Harnessing Exosomes for Skin Rejuvenation

Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles derived from stem cells that play a crucial role in cellular communication and regeneration. These powerful biological entities carry essential proteins, lipids, and genetic material that can stimulate and accelerate the skin’s natural healing processes. The Exosome Facial Treatment at Bodyvie leverages these benefits to deliver unparalleled skin rejuvenation.

Dr Andrew Weber, Medical Director at Bodyvie, explains, “This treatment represents a significant advancement in aesthetic medicine. By utilising exosomes, we can offer our clients a highly effective and non-invasive solution to address various skin concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to texture irregularities and overall skin vitality.”

Comprehensive Skin Rejuvenation

The Exosome Facial Treatment is designed to deliver comprehensive skin rejuvenation by enhancing skin repair, boosting collagen production, and reducing inflammation. This innovative approach not only addresses signs of ageing but also improves skin tone, texture, and elasticity, resulting in a healthier, more vibrant appearance.

Benefits of the Exosome Facial Treatment

  • Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Stimulates collagen and elastin production to smooth and firm the skin.
  • Enhanced Skin Texture and Tone: Promotes even skin tone and improves texture for a more radiant complexion.
  • Accelerated Healing: Speeds up the skin’s natural healing processes, reducing downtime and enhancing results.
  • Non-Invasive: Offers a safe and painless alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures.

A Personalised Approach to Skincare

Bodyvie’s commitment to personalised patient care ensures that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s unique needs and skin concerns. The Exosome Facial Treatment begins with a thorough consultation to assess the client’s skin and determine the most effective treatment strategy.

The Best Social Media Agencies in London for 2024

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Need help taking your brand’s social media to the next level of success? Then you’ll need a social media agency. They’ll help to put together killer campaigns that drive traffic to your website, boost brand awareness, and ultimately win you more customers.

A good social media agency has its fingers on the pulse of everything that’s happening in the digital marketing world. They exist in the epicentre — and in today’s world, that’s very much London. The UK’s capital is home to some of the world’s leading social media agencies. Let’s take a look at the top ten you’ll find in the city.

The Good Marketer

The Good Marketer is the social media agency London businesses rely on for social media success. Established in 2017, the London-based agency has won rave reviews for its creative approach to social media marketing and management. Whether you’re looking for content creation for Instagram, paid TikTok campaigns, or anything else social media-related, The Good Marketer’s experienced, expert team of digital professionals can help make your social media ambitions a reality.

They work with businesses in all types of industries, from education and transport to food and fashion. In other words: you can trust that they have the know-how your business needs in order to stand out in the crowded digital space.

One Umbrella

One Umbrella has earned itself a host of excellent reviews thanks to its commitment to excellence. Established in 2019, One Umbrella works mostly with professional services companies, utilising a methodical approach; they’ll diagnose what’s currently not working with your social media campaigns, understand your goals, and then put together a formulaic plan that’ll generate results.

They can handle any aspect of a brand’s social media management, from running paid advertising campaigns to creating content that organically grows the number of followers.

The Social Shepherd

The Social Shepherd is an agency filled with experienced social media professionals who know how to get results. They’ve worked with some big names, including EasyJet, Uniqlo, and Premier Inn, and offer a wide range of social media services to brands looking to develop their digital presence. They can create a content strategy, develop creative, engaging videos, run paid ad campaigns, or work with influencers to boost your reach. This is a large agency with offices in London and New York, so you’ll lose some of the intimacy of working with a smaller agency, but their track record of success speaks for itself.

Burst Digital

Burst Digital is an apt name for this collection of digital creatives; unconcerned with the status quo, they develop campaigns that allow their clients to burst onto the scene. They can work with influencers, run paid campaigns, or optimise your profiles. Whatever works best, basically!

Ninja Promo

Ninja Promo put together comprehensive marketing strategies that help brands attain their long-term objectives. Whether it’s through organic campaigns or paid strategies, they’ll work closely with you to ensure your brand’s voice gets heard.

COAL

COAL is actually a multi-city social media agency — they have offices in Birmingham and Hong Kong — but London is its home. They offer end-to-end marketing services, from content planning to managing advertising campaigns, and everything in between. They’ve worked with some big brands in the past, including TikTok, Department for Education, and EAT. Their success comes down to a desire to understand the brand’s objectives and then use their creative talents to create campaigns that grab the attention of the target audience.

The Brains

With The Brains, it’s all in the name. They use analytics and their own experience to put together social media campaigns that can’t fail. Utilising creativity, data insights, and psychology, they’re a powerful social media agency with a track record of outstanding results.

Favoured

Favoured is a social media agency which, it says, mixes art with science. Utilising the latest data insights, they put together social media campaigns that get results. As well as creating social media posts and running ads, they also work with micro-influencers. They can work with your brand to identify appropriate social media influencers, and then create smart and engaging posts. They’ve been honoured with numerous awards over the years thanks to the effectiveness and creativity of their work, including being named as one of the leading TikTok marketing agencies of 2024.

Darwin

Darwin is a small-scale agency by design. They prefer to give their clients the boutique treatment, and that translates into work that feels like it comes with an additional personal touch. They’re experts in creating brand narratives that engage audiences and offer a host of social media services, including paid advertising, content creation, and general social media management. They adapt their services for each client they work with, but the outcome is always the same: exceptional, measurable results.

Roast

Roast has extensive experience working in the social media field. Based in Soho, they can manage all aspects of a brand’s social media, including profile management, content creation, and audience planning. They’ve worked with brands in all industries, including fashion, retail, gambling, and finance.

T20 World Cup 2024: Buttler and England ready for challenge of Scotland

Jos Buttler says England will rise to the tough challenge of Scotland in their opening T20 World Cup match in Barbados on Tuesday.

England begin the defence of their title won in Australia in 2022 in Bridgetown (3.30pm BST) in their opening game of Group B which also features the Scots, Australia, Namibia and Oman.

Despite England’s preparations being hit by two of their four warm-up matches at home to Pakistan falling foul of the weather last month, skipper Buttler told BBC Sport his team were ‘excited’ to get going in an expanded tournament featuring 20 teams from around the globe.

He said: “It’s a great place to be, here in Barbados on the eve of our first World Cup game so yeah very excited.”

“It feels like a real World Cup, lots of teams involved. There are never any easy games. Every game we have to be right on it and match the intensity required for the game.

“All we are focussed on is that Scotland match. That is the biggest and most important thing right now.”

Scotland upset England in their last meeting in an ODI in Edinburgh six years ago and Buttler knows they cannot take their opponents lightly.

“We know there is expectation but I am fully focussed on what we need to do,” he said.

“We need to prepare really well. We expect a tough challenge. We need to train well, prepare well and play well.”

The track in Bridgetown will be the same one on which Namibia beat Oman in a thrilling finale on Monday, with only 218 runs scored in 40 overs with 16 wickets falling before Namibia won in a super over after the scores were tied.

Buttler said the pitch wasn’t an undue concern and added: “We have always mentioned to the guys to assess conditions and play accordingly – what does the team need from you?

“It is not in the batters favour all of the time in T20 cricket we need to be able to adapt and communicate well as a team and work out what will be a winning score.

“We are trying not to play the game before the game has been played. It is good to be here and get a feel for conditions but on each day you have to be ready to adapt, read conditions and share that with the team.”

Conor McGregor: UFC 303 Dublin press conference mystery

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The UFC has postponed a UFC 303 news conference in Conor McGregor’s home city of Dublin which had been scheduled to feature the two-weight former champion and his opponent on June 29, Michael Chandler

The pair had been due to speak to the media at the city’s 3Arena ahead of their bout in Las Vegas, when McGregor will compete for the first time in almost two years.

“When we have further information on a new date and time, we will share it immediately,” a statement from the UFC said.

Read our other sports news stories: 
Usyk v Fury rematch set for December
England v Pakistan abandoned before play

Conor McGregor seen partying

The 35-year-old cancelled scheduled interviews on Sunday at short notice, BBC Sport said, while several outlets reported that Chandler and UFC president Dana White had not taken scheduled flights from the US to attend the event.

McGregor has not fought since suffering successive defeats to Dustin Poirier in 2021, breaking a leg in the second of those losses.

He remains the most marketable and best-known fighter in MMA and has said he hopes to fight three times before the end of 2024.

McGregor v Chandler records

Chandler is two years McGregor’s senior and has a mixed record since joining the UFC, losing three of his five bouts.

The fighter known as ‘Iron’ knocked out Dan Hooker on his promotion debut in 2021 but was stopped by Charles Oliveira when he challenged for the lightweight crown.

He then lost a thriller by decision against Justin Gaethje and knocked out Tony Ferguson in impressive style at UFC 274.

The American has not fought since suffering a submission loss to Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022.

McGregor and Chandler have been on a collision course because of their positions as rival coaches on the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter reality TV series.

After his fighters fell 6-0 behind in bouts against Chandler’s team, McGregor hurled insults at Chandler in an altercation which became physical before White stepped in.

How Military Technology Shapes Modern Warfare

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Throughout history, advancements in military technology have fundamentally altered the landscape of warfare. From the invention of gunpowder to the atom bomb, new weapons and tools have changed how wars are fought. In the 21st century, modern military technologies continue to evolve rapidly, shaping the nature of modern combat in significant ways. This article will examine some key examples of how new military technologies are impacting contemporary warfare.

The Rise of Unmanned Systems

One of the most transformative military technologies to emerge in recent decades is the military drone. First used for reconnaissance, drones equipped with missiles and bombs have enabled targeted strikes and attacks without putting pilots directly in harm’s way. Their use has been controversial, but military drones have become a centerpiece of American counterterrorism operations. With unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) able to loiter over targets for hours, drone strikes allow for persistent surveillance and a quick response time not possible with manned aircraft. From the Reaper and Predator to new stealth drones, UAVs seem poised to take on an even greater role in future American military engagements.

Networked Battlefield

Modern militaries rely on advanced communications and digital networks to coordinate operations in the field. Data links between command centers, aircraft, ground vehicles, and individual soldiers create a networked battlefield where forces can share information and situational awareness in real time. This is not only good for tactics, but it also has an effect on the mental health of the soldiers. Handheld devices allow soldiers to access digital maps, imagery, and databases to enhance mission effectiveness. Systems like Blue Force Tracker provide location data on friendly and hostile forces. Networked communications systems grant unprecedented command, control, and intelligence capabilities – though this technology also brings vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks and hacking. Overall, digital connectivity is reshaping modern warfare into a highly networked affair.

Precision Strike

One major shift in modern warfare is the emphasis on precision strike and targeting. Advanced sensor systems, guidance, and propulsion technologies now enable munitions to hit within meters of intended targets. This allows strikes on enemy infrastructure and positions that limit collateral damage and civilian casualties. GPS-guided bombs, cruise missiles, and hypersonic missiles exemplify this focus on precision. Advanced targeting pods on aircraft gather high-resolution imagery to verify targets, while guided artillery rounds hit with pinpoint accuracy. Munitions can now be carefully tailored for specific missions and targets. From stealth helicopters to railguns, American R&D continues advancing precision strike capabilities.

The Cyber Battlefield

Alongside conventional domains like air, land, and sea, the cyber realm has emerged as a critical battlefield in the 21st century. Cyber warfare involves using computer hacking and malware to access, disrupt, and damage enemy systems and infrastructure. From shutting down power grids to taking command networks offline, cyber-attacks offer a potent asymmetric capability. At the same time, digitization has created new vulnerabilities that adversaries actively probe and exploit. Maintaining cyber security and superiority has become essential to modern militaries. Offensive and defensive cyber capabilities will likely play a major role in future wars as targets ranging from data centers to the Internet of Things can be weaponized.

Modern military technology has clearly transformed contemporary warfare. The instances above are just some examples of innovations changing military operations. While technology will continue advancing, human judgment remains critical in applying force ethically and appropriately.