Top stories
Iran war has cost $25 billion so far, Pentagon official says
Acting comptroller Jules Hurst III, testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, said that the bulk of the figure has been devoted to ordnance.
Trump says he discussed a Ukraine ceasefire with Putin
Trump said he suggested "a little bit of a ceasefire" in the war in Ukraine during his phone call Wednesday with the Russian leader.
Latest
Brain function evaluations to be part of Marine health records
By September, Marines will be screened for blast exposure and overpressure during their periodic health assessments, a Pentagon official said.
Navy releases list of ships it plans to inactivate this year
The service intends to remove 14 vessels from its fleet.
US Marines help gun down beach invaders in simulated Philippines defense
Afterwards, as the repulsed “enemy” withdrew in disorder, a coup de grace was delivered by an explosive-laden, first-person-view drone.
‘Alpha’ troops and more ships: Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao outlines vision for service
In one of his first public addresses as acting Navy secretary, Hung Cao said he didn't need "cross-dressers" or "leaf eaters" in the service.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
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Pentagon & Congress
Pentagon’s FY27 budget seeks 85 F-35s, but most ride on reconciliation
The Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 budget request seeks 85 F-35 Lightning II fighters across the joint force, up from 47 in fiscal 2026.
Golden Dome has ‘pathways to pivot’ if delays arise, general says
Gen. Michael Guetlein, the appointed czar for America's “Golden Dome” initiative, told lawmakers that plans to build the shield were proceeding apace.
What we know about the US military’s new joint laser weapon system
The Army-Navy effort aims to produce a containerized 150-kilowatt high-energy laser weapon to counter incoming cruise missiles.
Why aircraft carriers are the best (and worst) place for laser weapons
High-energy laser weapons are a natural fit for large, power-rich aircraft carriers — with limits.
In other news
A missed lane and a comeback: Ranger team wins Best Sapper
On the first day of the Army’s most elite combat engineering competition, the winning team made an error that could have knocked them out of running.
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?
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VIDEOS
The Navy absorbs lessons from Epic Fury | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.28.26
At the Navy League of the United States’ recent conference, Navy leaders digest lessons from the U.S. campaign in the Middle East and look to the future.
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MORE STORIES
How a band of Marines staved off the British and helped save the Declaration of Independence
Despite the military disaster at Bladensburg, the Marines gave the men and women of the capital precious time to flee.
Trump showcases US military in King Charles White House visit
Hundreds of U.S. service members took part in welcoming King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House on Tuesday.
By Tanya Noury
US soldier pleads not guilty to charges of gambling on Maduro ouster
Prosecutors said the U.S. Army Special Forces master sergeant was involved in the planning and execution of the raid that captured Maduro.
By Luc Cohen, Reuters
Pentagon’s FY27 budget seeks 85 F-35s, but most ride on reconciliation
The Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 budget request seeks 85 F-35 Lightning II fighters across the joint force, up from 47 in fiscal 2026.
By Michael Scanlon
Golden Dome has ‘pathways to pivot’ if delays arise, general says
Gen. Michael Guetlein, the appointed czar for America's “Golden Dome” initiative, told lawmakers that plans to build the shield were proceeding apace.
By Hope Hodge Seck
A missed lane and a comeback: Ranger team wins Best Sapper
On the first day of the Army’s most elite combat engineering competition, the winning team made an error that could have knocked them out of running.
By Eve Sampson
US Air Force seeks $3.9 billion to boost KC-46 fleet
The service also clarified plans for the size of its KC-46 fleet.
By Michael Scanlon
All Marines required to follow grooming standards within 12 months or face separation
The Corps announced that even those who request exemptions for medical conditions can face administrative separation after 12 months of non-compliance.
US Navy’s unmanned MQ-25A Stingray notches first successful test flight
The U.S. Navy and Boeing conducted the Stingray's first test flight on Saturday, showing its ability to taxi, take off, fly and land autonomously.
US Air Force looks to launch cheap missiles from cargo aircraft
The U.S. Air Force wants inexpensive, long-range missiles that can be launched in mass volleys by cargo aircraft.
By Michael Peck