Taiwan launches major war games to test command flexibility
Taiwan began major military drills to test commanders’ ability to fight on the fly while temporarily limiting internet access for the first time.
France’s drone production shifts from policy ambition to factory floor
France’s push to enlist its car industry to produce military drones is moving to industrial implementation.
Lockheed seeks US mineral supplies after Trump supply-chain push, sources say
The deals would mark a significant step in the U.S. push to build domestic mineral supply chains.
US Army wants a surface-to-air missile that can destroy small drones
The U.S. Army wants new surface-to-air missiles, costing less than $150,000 apiece, that can destroy small drones.
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Air
US Air Force jet engine manufacturing plagued by ‘significant challenges’
Jet engine manufacturing is plagued by production delays, quality control issues and material shortages, the U.S. Air Force said.
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
US used ‘virtually all’ long-range precision missiles during Iran war, sources say
The U.S. Army has reportedly used up much of its stockpile of highly accurate long-range missiles during America's five-month war with Iran.
Pentagon moves to triple Patriot, quadruple THAAD interceptor production
The Pentagon is looking to triple Patriot missile production and quadruple THAAD interceptor production through framework agreements announced Monday.
Just one in three Americans backs 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.”
MilTech
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.
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.
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 Reserve retention bonuses on the rise | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 8.7.26
The Navy ups the ante for recruiting and retaining Reserve sailors, and a service medal is revived by the Pentagon. Plus, a tour of a military museum.
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Ukraine peace plan ‘scares the bejesus out of us,’ officials say
The U.S.-led plan caps Ukraine's military end-strength at a smaller number than it currently stands, while doing little to check Russian hostilities.
By Katie Livingstone
Trump says US ‘hit’ facility where alleged drug boats ‘load up’
Trump declined to say if the military or CIA was involved or where it occurred.
Iran leader says country in ‘full-fledged’ war with US, Israel, Europe
Pezeshkian is ramping up rhetorical attacks on what he sees as unfairly repressive measures emanating from Washington and its allies.
By Tanya Noury
Israel fields new SIGMA artillery cannon, Iron Beam laser system
Israel's Iron Beam laser system is expected to enter operational service in early 2026.
China stages military drills around Taiwan to warn ‘external forces’
The drills came after Beijing expressed anger at what could be the largest-ever U.S. arms sale to the self-ruled territory.
What to know about the militants targeted by US airstrikes in Nigeria
President Donald Trump said on social media that the “powerful and deadly” strikes in the Nigerian state of Sokoto were carried out against IS gunmen.
China sanctions 20 US defense companies over arms sales to Taiwan
The announcement of the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, valued at more than $10 billion, has drawn the ire of Beijing.
By AP staff
Japan’s Cabinet OKs record defense budget that aims to deter China
Japan's draft defense budget for fiscal 2026 is up 9.4% from 2025.
China’s military buildup makes US increasingly vulnerable, DOD says
The Pentagon's latest annual report on the People’s Liberation Army described China’s recent buildup as “historic.”
By Tanya Noury
Over $13 billion in US military aid to Israel improperly tracked: IG
Investigators warned that such lapses increase the risk of sensitive U.S. weapons technology falling into the hands of hostile actors.
By Tanya Noury