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.
Whitepaper: Quantum-Ready Encryption in Hybrid Defense
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
Britain to join EU push for easing the flow of forces in Europe
London has reservations about the bloc's rules for non-members in defense projects, but playing in this one made sense, said Defence Minister Ben Wallace.
UK orders five more counter-submarine frigates for $5 billion
The new contract fulfills a longtime government commitment to field a fleet of eight Type-26 anti-submarine warships.
Top Republican on House defense appropriations panel wins re-election
Ken Calvert's competitive election victory puts him on track to chair the defense appropriations panel next year if Republicans take the House.
It’s time to reset America’s long-range strike deficit
America simply has far more demand for long-range strike aircraft than planes and crews.
By Douglas Birkey
Army awards Lockheed $500M deal to replenish rockets stockpile
Lockheed Martin has won a deal to replenish the U.S. military's Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems stockpile.
By Jen Judson
US announces sanctions targeting Russian military suppliers
The U.S. is imposing sanctions on a list of people and firms around the globe that it alleged are financial facilitators of Russia’s military supply chain.
South Korea’s defense minister lays out four results from trip to US
This year's meeting was held when the security situation was more complex and serious than ever for South Korea.
By Jong Sup Lee
General Dynamics, Amazon, Cisco form coalition to spur 5G adoption
The fifth generation of wireless technologies promises exponentially faster speeds as well as the capacity to accommodate more and more-advanced devices.
Czech drone maker Primoco wins order for UAVs as military demand soars
The company, which halted operations in Russia earlier this year, said it’s seeing increased interest in UAVs, especially from the military sector.
By Federal Times staff