Top stories
Pentagon identifies soldier killed in controlled detonation of Iranian drone
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, was killed Saturday during the controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone.
New executive order tightens defense supply chain waiver rules
A new executive order aims to make it harder for U.S. defense contractors to buy critical minerals and other materials from prohibited foreign suppliers.
Latest
Coast Guard monitors Chinese research vessel as it cuts through sovereign-US waters to the Arctic
The U.S. Coast Guard tracked a Chinese research vessel last week as it transited through the U.S. exclusive economic zone toward the Arctic.
Pentagon identifies American soldiers killed in Iranian attack in Jordan
1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, were killed in action in an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan.
Thunderstruck: Anduril unveils autonomous attack rotorcraft
Anduril's autonomous attack rotorcraft, dubbed Thunder, is designed to operate with current and next-generation crewed attack helicopter platforms.
New AI tool helps Afghan allies at risk find visa pathways
The veteran-led organization AfghanEvac hopes a new AI-powered tool will benefit from the extensive data it’s gathered about the tortuous visa process.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Apply for Best for Vets: Trusted Brands
Military Times is now accepting submissions from companies that offer verifiable value to the military community through programs and benefits.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has the latest 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.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Pentagon & Congress
Boeing on track for 2028 Air Force One delivery, costs rise
Boeing remains on track to deliver two new Air Force One jets in 2028, but meeting that target will require additional spending.
Space Force swears in first batch of part-time workers
In a first, the U.S. Space Force transferred 18 space-experienced Air Force reservists to become part-time guardians.
Hanwha Philly Shipyard awarded $2 billion to build 2 missile-tracking vessels
The Hanwha Philly Shipyard was awarded $2 billion to build the missile-tracking vessels set to replace the aging Pacific Tracker and Pacific Collector.
How startups are reshaping the Pentagon’s drone industry
Experts say the Drone Dominance competition reflects a broader shift in how the Pentagon acquires military technology and cultivates defense startups.
In other news
X-Bow out to tackle cost quandary with sub-$100,000 drone interceptor
X-Bow Systems is launching what it hopes will be a remedy to the ongoing conundrum of combating cheap drones with multimillion dollar interceptors.
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
VIDEOS
Are changes coming to veterans’ benefits? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 7.21.26
A leader at the center of Congress’ efforts to revamp some veterans’ benefits weighs in on the changes. Plus, testosterone tests for troops.
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
US Air Force begins piloted flights, autonomy tests for modified F-16s
Piloted flights and autonomy tests began recently for modified F-16s that allows artificial intelligence agents to fly the aircraft.
Pentagon identifies American soldiers killed in Iranian attack in Jordan
1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, were killed in action in an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan.
New Air Force One to get ‘maxed out’ upgrades after security questions
The Qatari-donated Air Force One will be sent away for "maxed out" upgrades, Trump said Sunday in response to questions about security gaps.
By Trevor Hunnicutt, Reuters
‘Our veterans deserve better’: Inside the VA nursing shortage
"Our veterans deserve better": One Department of Veterans Affairs nurse describes how clinical staffing shortages affect employees and patients.
By Natalie Oliverio
Lockheed Martin announces cheaper Patriot interceptor missile
Lockheed Martin introduced a cheaper Patriot interceptor as the U.S. and partner nations grapple with the exorbitant costs of shooting down cheap drones.
By Eve Sampson
New AI tool helps Afghan allies at risk find visa pathways
The veteran-led organization AfghanEvac hopes a new AI-powered tool will benefit from the extensive data it’s gathered about the tortuous visa process.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Trust between operators, CCAs starts with simulations: Former Air Force secretary
Simulations and exercises will be key to boosting trust between operators and CCAs, according to former U.S. Air Force secretary Frank Kendall.
As fighter pilots prepare to command drone wingmen, BAE bets on new helmet tech
BAE Systems unveiled new helmet display technology designed to enable fighter pilots to be one-person command centers.
By Eve Sampson
US service member killed in northern Iraq, US Central Command says
A U.S. service member was killed on Saturday “during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance” in northern Iraq, CENTCOM confirmed.
Doctors question evidence behind Pentagon’s testosterone screening plan
The testosterone screening mandate is one of several recent healthcare policy changes that have sparked debate among medical professionals.
By Nancy Lapid, Reuters