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Cost of Iran war rises to $37.5 billion, Pentagon requests $67.1 billion more
The Iran war has cost the DoD $37.5 billion to date, Hegseth told senators Tuesday, as he requested $67.1 billion more in emergency funding.
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.
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Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat makes Farnborough Airshow debut
Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat recently became the first collaborative combat aircraft to participate in a multinational, joint operational exercise.
Pentagon identifies third American soldier killed in Iranian attack in Jordan
Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, is believed to be the third active-duty soldier killed in action in an Iranian attack in Jordan, the DoD said.
Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey suffers engine fire during Air Force training exercise
The tiltrotor aircraft caught fire Sunday while taking off from an airport in Mesa, Arizona, during a joint exercise.
Iran warns Bulgaria against aiding US military operations
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman warned Bulgaria on Tuesday against allowing the U.S. to use its territory for military operations against Iran.
In other news
Airman dies in equipment incident at California Space Force base
A U.S. airman died Thursday in an equipment incident at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
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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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.
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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.
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.
Airman dies in equipment incident at California Space Force base
A U.S. airman died Thursday in an equipment incident at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
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
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.
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
‘Let the AI do it’: Former Air Force secretary pits machine against human operators
"Let the AI do it," a former Air Force secretary said this week, pitting machines against human operators.
Space Force must continue to rebuild civilian personnel staff after cuts, chief nominee says
A year after government personnel cuts swept across the military, the Space Force is still looking to rebuild their civilian staff.
Military spouses can find jobs. Keeping careers is the hard part.
Unemployment among active-duty spouses actively seeking work climbed to 29.9% in 2025, up from 21.8% in 2023.
By Natalie Oliverio
Hegseth ordered a new study of women in combat. Critics say it’s built to reach one conclusion.
Researchers who spoke with The War Horse said a new study makes sense if at least some anecdotal evidence found problems in mixed-gender combat units.
By Sonner Kehrt, The War Horse
The new military family: staying together while living apart
The DoD does not recognize “geo-bachelor” as an official personnel status or maintain department-wide data on how many families live this way.
By Natalie Oliverio