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Global military spending surges and reaches record high
In addition to providing the latest numbers, SIPRI researchers also raised a concern about transparency.
Ukraine to field 25,000 ground robots in push to replace soldiers for frontline logistics
Ground robots ran more than 9,000 frontline missions in March, triple November's count, and captured their first Russian position last summer.
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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.
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.
Three’s company: Trio of US carriers operating in Middle East for first time in decades
Three U.S. aircraft carriers are operating in Central Command's area of responsibility for the first time since 2003.
US soldier charged with making $400,000 on Maduro removal bets
Gannon Ken Van Dyke, a master sergeant with U.S. Army Special Forces, used sensitive classified information to make wagers on prediction market Polymarket.
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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 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 Army eyes a heavier, hybrid-powered Infantry Squad Vehicle
While the original ISV was designed to rapidly move a nine-soldier squad across rugged terrain, the ISV-H is built to do more than just transport troops.
US Navy commissions newest Virginia-class submarine USS Idaho
The Navy welcomed the 26th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine to active service during a Saturday ceremony in Connecticut.
In other news
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.
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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Health care access a top complaint among troops, top enlisted leaders tell lawmakers
A Democratic senator also questioned whether the services are doing everything they can to increase child care slots.
By Karen Jowers
No evidence women in combat roles lower standards, top enlisted leaders say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for a review of the effectiveness of women in combat roles prompted questions during a Senate Armed Services hearing.
By Karen Jowers
VA reorganization projected to cost at least $312 million
The reforms, known as the RISE initiative, are expected to begin this year with an aim to reduce the VHA’s administrative overhead, improve clinical care.
By Patricia Kime
‘It just blows your lungs out of your mouth’: A history of thermobaric weaponry
Palestinian officials have recently accused Israel of using American-made thermobaric weaponry in Gaza.
Marine Corps continues streak as only service to pass financial audit
For its third consecutive year, the U.S. Marine Corps keeps its record as the first and only service to cleanly pass a financial audit.
Beer and wine at chow halls of the future? Commanders will decide.
With the first campus-style dining pilot opening this month, soldiers may now have the option to order beer and wine at some chow halls.
By Karen Jowers
Fort Hood soldiers to get ‘freedom dollars’ with first campus-style dining facility
Soldiers are slated to get a daily stipend of $39, or "freedom dollars," to use at campus-style DFACs.
By Karen Jowers
Research on problem gambling included in defense funding law
Under a new Department of Defense program, gambling addiction is now a topic of research.
By Patricia Kime
Veteran suicide rate slightly increased, latest report finds
While the overall number of suicides went down in 2023, due to the overall veteran population declining, the rate of veteran suicide increased.
By Patricia Kime