AFBytes Quarter Rundown — Thursday, August 13, 10:00 PM ET

Here are today's top stories from the last 24 hours. The Trump administration has signed a memo allowing up to two U.S. ships to be built in foreign shipyards. This move aims to accelerate fleet expansion and reduce reliance on domestic capacity. It raises questions about long-term industrial self-reliance in critical defense sectors. This policy could influence naval readiness and taxpayer costs for ship procurement. President Trump has announced new tariffs on drones, applying a 100 percent tariff to models deemed sensitive for national security reasons. The measure targets imports from both adversaries and some allied nations. This policy aims to reduce dependence on foreign drone technology for security-sensitive applications. Higher drone prices may affect hobbyists, small businesses using aerial photography, and inspection services. The United States signaled it may keep a naval blockade of Iran in place indefinitely, increasing economic pressure as ceasefire talks stall and global oil supply tightens. A prolonged blockade raises risks of higher global oil prices, affecting household energy bills and taxpayer costs. The policy aims to limit Iranian revenue used for activities opposed to U.S. interests. NBC News analysis explores the economic consequences of the Iran conflict for American households and the strain on U.S. forces stationed abroad. Conflict developments can raise energy prices and defense spending that directly touch household energy bills and taxpayer costs. Extended military commitments test the priority given to domestic industrial capacity versus overseas engagements. Heavy investment in artificial intelligence is driving up the cost of smartphones and consumer gadgets according to industry analysts. The upward pressure is projected to persist. Rising prices for smartphones and other devices directly affect household technology budgets and upgrade cycles. Domestic semiconductor manufacturing incentives aim to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains for these components. That's the day from where we sit — thanks for spending part of it with us. Stay with us at AFBytes for what's next.