Europe defense autonomy is in reach at €50 billion a year: German experts
A new paper identifies “ten central capability gaps” Europe needs to plug to be able to act autonomously, without U.S. military assistance.
A small town in Germany braces for end to decades of life with US troops
A picturesque Bavarian town has hosted U.S. forces since the end of WWII and could bear the brunt of the U.S. military's withdrawal from Germany.
Pentagon turns to AI targeting to help troops shoot drones
The technology can detect threats and distinguish them from non-threats, such as birds, faster than a human operator can.
Dueling Victory Day ceasefires for war in Ukraine collapse almost immediately
Both sides had proclaimed a ceasefire surrounding the important celebration marking the Soviet Union’s contribution to victory over Nazi Germany.
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Iran Coverage
Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
2026 Tech Disruptors
The Defense News 2026 Tech Disruptors is an annual list of top tech leaders shaping defense technology.
Whitepaper: The Ongoing Evolution of Ground Vehicles
This whitepaper explores how Army modernizing vehicles are being used to counter emerging threats, how open systems allow fast tech upgrades, and more.
Whitepaper: How Modular Systems Help Ensure Defense Readiness
Learn how a Modular Open Systems Approach avoids proprietary lock-in, how ease of sourcing replacement parts helps ensure readiness, and more.
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How to Stay Ahead of AI Scammers — Money Minute
Jeanette Mack from Navy Federal Credit Union is here with advice on how you can avoid sophisticated AI scammers
Air
B-52 engine replacement clears critical design review, first modifications to begin this year
The Air Force’s program to replace the B-52H Stratofortress’s 1960s-era engines cleared its critical design review, the service announced May 4.
Land
As the US Army adds drones to formations, here’s how one base trains its operators
Fort Stewart soldiers are figuring out how to train on unmanned systems after the base stood up the Marne Unmanned Center of Excellence.
Pentagon
US, Iran launch new attacks as they wrestle for control of Gulf waters
It was the first apparent attempt to use military force since last month’s ceasefire announcement.
Career submariner selected to perform duties of under secretary of the Navy
Retired Navy Capt. William Toti is filling in as the Navy’s No. 2 civilian.
US destroys six Iranian small boats, shoots down missiles, drones, admiral says
Adm. Brad Cooper said Iran was trying to interfere with a U.S. military operation to open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic.
Air Warfare
Former Qatari aircraft on track for summer Air Force One delivery
The new aircraft in the Boeing VC-25B Bridge program completed modifications and flight testing and is now being painting red, white and blue.
US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, US officials say
The move comes as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe.
Some US troops cite benefits of Germany presence as Trump threatens pullback
Germany is the U.S. military’s largest footprint in Europe, with some 35,000 active-duty military personnel, and serves as a key training hub.
Naval
US forces fire at, disable Iran-flagged tanker trying to evade blockade
While President Trump said Project Freedom was paused, the U.S. Navy blockade continues to ban vessels from entering and exiting Iranian ports.
Space
US Space Command provides update on phased headquarters relocation to Alabama
The command plans to break ground on a new headquarters facility on an approximately 60-acre site near the center of Redstone Arsenal in 2027.
VIDEOS
Navy looks to expand tech, autonomy for future fleet | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.5.26
The commander of the Naval Research Laboratory outlines goals for the fleet at Sea-Air-Space 2026. Plus, global defense spending updates for the year.
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US Navy wants new railroad car to transport unarmed ballistic missiles
Existing railcars are almost 50 years old and will soon be retired. But the Navy still has a need to transport Active Inert Missiles.
By Michael Peck
Proposed defense bill would fund Golden Dome, next-gen fighters
The proposed NDAA would authorize $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending in fiscal 2026, an $8 billion increase over DOD's budget request.
Opinion
Don’t let Trump let Putin miscalculate on Europe
Taken together, Trump’s policies towards Europe have an isolationist flavor with lack of clarity about U.S. commitments
By Hans Binnendijk
Tanks, howitzers galore: Australian Army embraces influx of new armor
Australia has never operated a self-propelled howitzer before, and the weapon extends the range of the army’s tube artillery to around 25 miles.
The disarming of Hezbollah tests fragile government in Lebanon
In essence, according to one analyst, the situation amounts to a catch-22 that could escalate at any time.
Polish rearmament plan banks on US weapons bought with EU backing
The Polish government wants to involve U.S. producers in additional procurements of weapons and equipment that could be bankrolled by SAFE loans.
Hegseth defends strikes on alleged cartel boats
Hegseth has defended U.S. military strikes on alleged drug cartel boats, saying Trump has the right to take military action “as he sees fit.”
By David Klepper, The Associated Press