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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.
US Air Force aims to double F-15EX Eagle fleet
The U.S. Air Force plans to boost the number of F-15EX Eagle II aircraft in its inventory to 267.
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MilTech
The US military wants a fleet of missile-killing laser drones
The U.S. military is once again pursuing flying directed energy weapons to counter threats to American airspace.
A century of the ‘Ma Deuce’: How the M2 Browning became America’s workhorse machine gun
The highly versatile weapon has seen action affixed to the wings of P-51D Mustangs, aboard vessels in Vietnam and atop Humvees in the Middle East.
John Phelan out as Navy secretary, Pentagon says
The Pentagon provided no reason for the move.
The Spanish Flu — a deadly postscript to WWI — started at a US military base
Approximately 43,000 service members were killed by the influenza virus that was first identified at an Army base in Haskell County, Kansas.
In other news
US in talks to resettle 1,100 Afghans in Congo
Some of the Afghans are relatives of U.S. citizens or partnered with the U.S. during the 20-year war.
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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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
The Spanish Flu — a deadly postscript to WWI — started at a US military base
Approximately 43,000 service members were killed by the influenza virus that was first identified at an Army base in Haskell County, Kansas.
US in talks to resettle 1,100 Afghans in Congo
Some of the Afghans are relatives of U.S. citizens or partnered with the U.S. during the 20-year war.
By Jessica Donati, Reuters
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.
By Jon Guttman
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.
By Tanya Noury
Flu vaccine requirement discarded ‘effective immediately,’ Hegseth says
The flu vaccine has been required annually for U.S. military personnel since the 1950s .
By Patricia Kime
Unregulated prediction market may endanger US national security, experts and lawmakers warn
With how futures markets are structured, officials could place bets anonymously and influence combat operations to ensure they get a payout, experts say.
By Riley Ceder
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
Air Force extends 3 A-10 squadrons, each expected to keep 18 Warthogs
The decision comes as A-10s have seen increased involvement during Operation Epic Fury in Iran.
By Michael Scanlon
Space Force’s 15-year vision calls for more personnel, simulators and survivability
A new Space Force vision document grapples with the future of space warfare and how the service can prepare for it.
By Michael Peck
US Air Force wants better infrared jammers for its combat rescue helicopters
The HH-60W, recently used to rescue downed pilots in Iran, lacks a capable infrared countermeasure system, Air Force Material Command said.
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
Air Force unit executes test of Anduril’s semiautonomous combat drone
Airmen operated Auduril's YFQ-44A jet-powered combat drone, which could someday fly alongside piloted fighters.
‘Actively shrinking’: Guard generals push Congress for 100 new fighters a year
A total of 22 generals signed a letter to Congress this month calling for multiyear funding to buy between 72 and 100 new fighters per year.
By Michael Scanlon
Air Force hits fiscal 2026 recruitment goal ahead of schedule
Five months ahead of the end of fiscal 2026, the Air Force and Space Force achieved their recruiting goal in part to the Delayed Entry Program.
Combat search and rescue’s uncertain future: As A-10s phase out, US Air Force faces questions of what comes next
The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with plans to retire the A-10, which for decades has proven ideally suited for combat search-and-rescue operations.
By Michael Scanlon