Chinese military researchers tap US AI models to train defense systems
Chinese researchers have reportedly used leading U.S. AI models developed by OpenAI and Anthropic to train AI systems to advance defense capabilities.
F-47 program producing test aircraft, on schedule for 2028 flight
The F-47 program has begun its engineering and manufacturing phase and will fly during this presidential administration, a service official said.
Navy awards $76.6 billion for Virginia, Columbia-class submarines
The U.S. Navy is spending $76.6 billion to build five Columbia-class and nine Virginia-class submarines.
Iran war depleted US Patriot missile stockpiles, creating readiness challenges, experts say
The U.S. has depleted roughly two-thirds of its pre-war Patriot missile interceptor inventory during the conflict with Iran, new analysis says.
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Show Coverage: Eurosatory 2026
Defense News is reporting on the top news and headlines coming out of Eurosatory.
2026 Operational Transformers
Defense News’ Operational Transformers is an annual list recognizing leaders who turn defense innovation into deployed, operational capability.
Whitepaper: Protecting the Shield
Learn more about how Golden Dome’s layered missile defense architecture functions, how integrating legacy and emerging systems creates risk, and more.
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Learn more about the quantum threat to modern defense encryption, why migrating to quantum-resistant security is complex and unavoidable, and more.
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Teaching Teens Smart Credit Card Habits
A teen's first credit card can feel a little risky, but it's a great way to introduce youngsters to the concept of credit. Jeanette Mack explains.
Air
Indonesia orders Leonardo light fighters, eyes naval helicopters
The Indonesian Air Force is slated to get Leonardo M-346F light fighters, further diversifying an eclectic aircraft fleet.
Land
Australia whips together a hybrid air defense weapon
Australia successfully tested a “Frankenstein” medium-range air defense system last month harnessing existing and new capabilities in a novel way.
Pentagon
Just one in three Americans back Iran war, most unsure of Trump’s goals, poll finds
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 69% of Americans think President Donald Trump has not “clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement in Iran.”
Chinese military researchers tap US AI models to train defense systems
Chinese researchers have reportedly used leading U.S. AI models developed by OpenAI and Anthropic to train AI systems to advance defense capabilities.
The arms race for cheaper anti-ballistic weapons is underway
After years of a Patriot monopoly, new anti-ballistic alternatives are emerging. Officials hope to see some of them on the battlefield by the end of 2026.
MilTech
US strikes $58.6 billion Patriot missile deal amid rising stockpile concerns
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion to produce Patriot interceptor missiles.
House-passed defense bill includes controversial US-Israel tech measure
The House-passed defense bill includes a measure to encourage co-development and co-production between the U.S. and Israeli defense industrial bases.
Pentagon calls for cheaper long-range strike weapons, with testing in just 3 months
The Pentagon is seeking long-range weapons that cost less than $250,000 each and can be ready for demonstration within three months.
Naval
US Navy deploys GARC uncrewed surface vessel in first live-fire training exercise
The Navy confirmed its first live-fire training exercise of its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft uncrewed surface vessel.
Space
European firms plan exo-atmospheric interceptor for 2027 test
Bliksem EXO is meant to defeat ballistic threats including Russia’s intermediate-range Oreshnik missile with separating and maneuvering re-entry vehicles.
VIDEOS
Navy deploys GARC uncrewed surface vessel in first live-fire exercise
The Navy showed off its first live-fire exercise of the GARC surface vessel in dramatic attack footage on a decommissioned ship.
More Stories
More US troop withdrawals from Europe expected, NATO commander says
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said Europe should "absolutely" expect additional U.S. troop withdrawals as NATO allies provide more of their own defense.
By Rudy Ruitenberg
NATO jet shoots down Ukrainian drone over Estonia in escalation of airspace violations
The drone was shot down by a Romanian F-16 fighter jet stationed in Šiauliai, Lithuania, Estonian media reported.
By Linus Höller
Sweden picks France’s FDI frigates in potential $4.2 billion deal
Sweden picked the French vessel due to a combination of quick delivery time, an active production line and proven air-defense capabilities, officials said.
Germany to deploy Patriot battery to Turkey, relieving US forces on NATO’s southeastern flank
Germany’s contribution to intercepting Iranian missiles is framed in Berlin as an exercise in burden-sharing.
By Linus Höller
Polish officials vent worries over scrapped US troop deployment
“More than fifty billion dollars is the sum of the purchases that we are implementing in the United States,” Poland's defense minister noted.
ISIS leader killed in Africa as US commander raises force reduction concerns
Despite recent operations, U.S. force reduction moves have ignited concerns over America's ability to stifle terror plots emanating from the continent.
By Tanya Noury
Ukraine declares its first homegrown guided aerial bomb combat-ready
A 250-kilogram answer to Russia's daily glide-bomb campaign and Kyiv's dependence on Western precision strike capabilities for mid-range targets.
By Katie Livingstone
US Air Force looks to convert offshore oil rigs into rocket recovery platforms
An Air Force plan calls for old oil platforms to become Sea-based Recovery Stations for the U.S. Space Force and private spaceflight companies.
By Michael Peck
Former University of Michigan researcher accused of hiding Chinese military drone ties
Investigators say Chuan Wang claimed modest roles on visa applications when in fact he was publicly known in China for his military drones.
By Daniel Terrill
Army leaders in hot seat over Poland deployment cancellation
Lawmakers questioned the timing and the reasons, lambasting the order that Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said sent a “terrible message to Russia and our allies.”
By Patricia Kime