Top stories
Iran missile strike damages five KC-135 tankers in Saudi Arabia, officials say
The aircraft were reportedly parked on the flight line at the time of the strike and sustained damage but were not destroyed.
‘Radiant’ mother from Kentucky was among 6 US service members killed in air crash in Iraq
The KC-135 was supporting operations against Iran on Thursday in “friendly” airspace when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred.
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.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Veterans
Judge orders VA to reinstate contract with employee union
A judge ordered the VA to recognize a bargaining contract that represents roughly 300,000 employees.
Army general left classified maps on a train in Poland, watchdog finds
Then-Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Aguto, now retired, was also found to have sustained a concussion following a night of drinking to intoxication.
Marine Raider’s remains identified 80 years after being killed in action
Pfc. Norton Retzsch was first reported missing in action on July 9, 1943, during the Battle of Enogai on New Georgia in the Solomon Islands.
‘My God what have we done’: Enola Gay pilot’s combat notebook is for sale
Capt. Robert A Lewis wrote the account during and in the immediate aftermath of dropping the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
In other news
Iran’s new supreme leader was ‘wounded and likely disfigured’ in US-Israeli strikes, Hegseth contends
Khamenei has remained out of view since his selection on Sunday by Iran’s clerical establishment.
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?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
When veterans take the pen, war stories start to change
Hollywood has never lacked war stories. But it has often lacked veteran storytellers telling them.
How MREs inspired today’s meal-delivery industry
The MRE has to survive heat, cold, impact and time. And it has to do all of that at scale. Sound familiar?
Don't miss
VIDEOS
The impact of US interceptors on the Iran war | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 3.17.26
Since the beginning, part of the war in Iran has been a contest of Iranian missiles and drones versus U.S. interceptors. How is the matchup shaking out?
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
Pentagon identifies six airmen killed in KC-135 crash in Iraq
Six airmen were killed when a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed during ongoing combat operations against Iran.
By J.D. Simkins
Trump fundraising email uses photo of March 7 dignified transfer of deceased soldier
A fundraising email distributed by a Trump-linked political action committee featured a photo of a dignified transfer of a U.S. soldier killed in Kuwait.
By J.D. Simkins
US bombs key Iranian island amid oil concerns
President Trump said U.S. forces “totally obliterated" every military target on Iran's oil hub, Kharg Island.
By Tanya Noury
After 36 years, rescue pilot ends service with record-breaking flying hours
He shattered the record for flying more than any other helicopter pilot, logging 1,000 more hours than the pilot with the second most.
Marine Raider’s remains identified 80 years after being killed in action
Pfc. Norton Retzsch was first reported missing in action on July 9, 1943, during the Battle of Enogai on New Georgia in the Solomon Islands.
‘My God what have we done’: Enola Gay pilot’s combat notebook is for sale
Capt. Robert A Lewis wrote the account during and in the immediate aftermath of dropping the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
Iran’s new supreme leader was ‘wounded and likely disfigured’ in US-Israeli strikes, Hegseth contends
Khamenei has remained out of view since his selection on Sunday by Iran’s clerical establishment.
By Tanya Noury
Military hospitals, clinics resume billing civilians following 3-year pause
An estimated 137,000 civilians are expected to receive bills for medical care they received at military hospitals and clinics since 2023.
By Karen Jowers
Six US service members killed in KC-135 crash in Iraq
“All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased,” CENTCOM announced.
By J.D. Simkins
US Air Force KC-135 goes down in Iraq, CENTCOM says
“The incident was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the release said, adding that rescue efforts are ongoing.
By J.D. Simkins
B-21 Raider completed ‘close-proximity flight’ with KC-135 tanker, US Air Force confirms
The event represents a precursor step toward validating capabilities essential for the B-21’s long-range, penetrating strike role.
By Michael Scanlon
Price tag for Epic Fury tops $11 billion in first six days, Pentagon tells Congress
The figure omitted a range of war-related expenses and is likely to rise.
By Tanya Noury
Facing death 275 feet beneath the sea, this pioneering naval diver earned the Medal of Honor
For more than two hours, Frank Crilley struggled to save his entangled shipmate below the sea.
By Jon Guttman
Ukraine’s top drone units to bring frontline lessons to Washington this month
Some of Ukraine’s best-known drone military commanders and experts will be visiting Washington later this month to brief policymakers and defense leaders.
By Katie Livingstone
Engineer acquitted of charges in probe into fatal 2017 Marine plane crash
A former Air Force engineer charged with making false statements and obstructing justice during a criminal investigation into the crash was acquitted.
Ecuador readies major offensive on criminal groups with US support
The announcement came days after Ecuador and the U.S. began joint military operations against organized crime groups in the South American country.
By Gonzalo Solano, AP