Top stories
Pentagon seeks funds for Golden Dome, drones, AI in largest-ever budget request
According to Pentagon officials, the president's key priorities include the Golden Dome, drones, AI, data infrastructure and the defense industrial base.
US Navy to integrate PAC-3 MSE interceptor missile with Aegis Combat System
The Navy will integrate PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles with the Aegis Combat System, according to Lockheed Martin.
Latest
US Navy unmanned surface vessel fleet to grow sevenfold in Indo-Pacific
The fleet of medium unmanned surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific is expected to grow to at least 30, with smaller USVs and unmanned aerial systems.
US Navy successfully tests new long-range, winged JDAM out to 200 miles
An April 1 test saw the munition deployed from an F/A-18 Super Hornet, fly approximately 200 miles in 34 minutes and strike within meters of its target.
CNO denies reports of poor food service aboard Navy vessels
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle disputed reports that sailors were experiencing food shortages aboard vessels stationed in the Middle East.
US Navy wants helicopter sonar that can detect subs – and mines
Instead of separate tech to spot mines and subs, the Navy is exploring the convenience of having one sonar that allows a single helicopter to do both.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Your Navy
Flu vaccine requirement discarded ‘effective immediately,’ Hegseth says
The flu vaccine has been required annually for U.S. military personnel since the 1950s .
This WWI soldier saved two men from a burning tank with his bare hands
With his green unit "loaned" to the Australians, Reidar Waaler proved that bravery made up for lack of battle experience.
Trump clears path for expanded psychedelic research to treat veterans’ PTSD
The order commits at least $50 million in federal funds to boost research on ibogaine, a powerful hallucinogen.
Anduril, HD Hyundai expand partnership with first autonomous surface vessel in production
The companies are expecting their first autonomous surface vessel to hit the waters this October.
In other news
After watchdog slams understaffing, AI to vet Pentagon-backed professors’ China ties
AI’s confusion over the nature of DOD research partnerships may mask real espionage if humans are not the final judge of foreign influence, experts warn.
VIDEOS
Beating UAV threats starts with time—and better radar
Leonardo DRS explains how radar range and speed are critical to countering UAV threats.
Featured Videos
SPECIAL FEATURES
Iran Coverage
Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
Sailor reportedly finds dead rat in finished energy drink
The sailor said medical personnel informed him, “with the chemicals that are in Monster, that it should be OK.”
That time the Air Force proposed making a ‘gay bomb’
The Air Force once explored the idea of a chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to one another — striking a blow to morale.
Master Chief actor condemns use of character in White House’s Iran war hype video
“I demand that the producers of this disgusting and juvenile war porn remove my voice immediately,” Steve Downes wrote in a post on X.
‘War Machine’ review: Finally, a training scenario with aliens
The sci-fi flick raises the premise: What if the final phase of U.S. Army Ranger selection suddenly involved fighting a giant alien robot?
Don't miss
MORE STORIES
Trump clears path for expanded psychedelic research to treat veterans’ PTSD
The order commits at least $50 million in federal funds to boost research on ibogaine, a powerful hallucinogen.
By Tanya Noury
CNO denies reports of poor food service aboard Navy vessels
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle disputed reports that sailors were experiencing food shortages aboard vessels stationed in the Middle East.
By Riley Ceder
US Navy wants helicopter sonar that can detect subs – and mines
Instead of separate tech to spot mines and subs, the Navy is exploring the convenience of having one sonar that allows a single helicopter to do both.
By Michael Peck
US Navy destroyer fires on cargo vessel attempting to sail to Iranian port
The USS Spruance "disabled Touska’s propulsion by firing several rounds from the destroyer’s 5-inch MK 45 Gun into Touska’s engine room," CENTCOM stated.
By J.D. Simkins
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower experiences small fire while undergoing maintenance
The aircraft carrier has been sidelined since it began planned maintenance availability at Naval Support Activity Portsmouth on Jan. 8, 2025.
By Riley Ceder
Advocates press for preventive programs, VA benefits for struggling vets
Representatives from specialty courts and veterans’ legal organizations pressed Congress Wednesday for expansion of the Veterans Treatment Courts system.
By Patricia Kime
Starlink outage hit drone tests, exposing Pentagon’s growing reliance on SpaceX
Last August, a global outage across Elon Musk’s satellite network left U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessels bobbing off California, halting operations.
By David Jeans, Reuters
Army veteran tasked with prosecuting Nazi death squads awarded Congressional Gold Medal
Ben Ferencz was just 27 with no previous trial experience when he became chief prosecutor in one of the most significant murder trials in history.
How the US military could clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz
An arsenal of drones, explosive‑laden robots and helicopters can help reduce risk, though de‑mining crews could still be vulnerable to Iranian attacks.
By Cassell Bryan-Low, Reuters
White House offers no hint of Iran war cost as it seeks military funding surge
"I don't have a ballpark," White House budget director Russell Vought told lawmakers Wednesday about the cost of the Iran war.
By Nolan D. McCaskill and David Morgan, Reuters