Top stories
Iran leaves door open for peace talks as hunt for missing US pilot continues
The prospect of a U.S. service member alive and on the run in Iran comes days after Trump threatened to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages.”
A-10 Warthog crashes near Strait of Hormuz
A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II reportedly crashed near the Strait of Hormuz at around the same time an F-15E fighter jet was shot down.
Latest
Iran ‘skirmish’ has no effect on strong US economy, White House advisor claims
The rosy analysis was prompted by the monthly jobs report, which showed the jobless rate for all veterans came down from 4.1% in February to 3.9% in March.
Trump seeks to double number of ship requests with 2027 defense budget
The proposed $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 defense budget would allocate $65.8 billion for shipbuilding, the White House said Friday.
US forces rescue downed F-15 crew member in Iran, search for second continues
One of two U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle pilots shot down by enemy fire in Iran has been rescued.
US F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran
A search and rescue operation is underway for survivors.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Iran Coverage
Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has the latest information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Pentagon & Congress
Trump’s budget proposes massive defense spending with 10% cut to other programs
The proposed surge in defense spending includes a 5-7% pay raise for military personnel.
Pentagon expands firearm access for off-duty military members on base
The memorandum instructed installation commanders to consider requests with a “presumption of approval."
USS Gerald R. Ford returns to sea after brief stop in Croatia
The release did not specify whether the Ford would be returning to combat operations as part of Operation Epic Fury.
15 Fairchild airmen awarded for refueling roles in combat operations
The airmen were recognized for providing "crucial refueling" in contested airspace.
In other news
US defense stocks see no Iran war lift after early surge
U.S. defense stocks have declined even as the Iran war drags on.
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?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
When veterans take the pen, war stories start to change
Hollywood has never lacked war stories. But it has often lacked veteran storytellers telling them.
How MREs inspired today’s meal-delivery industry
The MRE has to survive heat, cold, impact and time. And it has to do all of that at scale. Sound familiar?
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VIDEOS
"It's real, it's here." Elbit shows off "combat proven" Sigma mobile Howitzer at AUSA Global Force
Elbit says its Sigma mobile Howitzer platform is American-made, combat effective and ready to roll out to the Army and other customers.
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MORE STORIES
Space Force unveils new themes for weapon systems to boost identity
The force has named satellites and ground systems after mythological creatures, ghosts and Norse pantheon, to name a few.
Lawmakers move to further restrict cellphones in DOD schools
Overall, cellphone use is not a systemic issue, says DODEA.
By Karen Jowers
Drill sergeants accused of sexual misconduct, abusing authority
Two drill sergeants are facing possible court-martial after Army investigators found evidence that they abused their authority over trainees.
By Eve Sampson
Troops will see an average 4.2% boost in 2026 housing allowance
Service members will see a 4.2% bump, on average, in their monthly Basic Allowance for Housing as of Jan. 1, defense officials announced Thursday.
By Karen Jowers
70 commissaries will offer customers doorstep delivery within a month
Here's the list of 70 commissaries that will have doorstep delivery service by Jan. 11.
By Karen Jowers
Army OB-GYN charged with secretly filming dozens at Fort Hood
Maj. Blaine McGraw has been charged with four counts and 61 specifications for allegedly secretly filming women during medical exams.
By Eve Sampson
Is carrier Wi-Fi distracting sailors? Jet mishap probe raises concerns
The arrival of readily accessible Wi-Fi onboard ships is reducing crews’ commitment to professional excellence, the investigation found.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Lawmakers move to block effort to privatize military commissaries
Lawmakers have moved to prevent the Defense Department from privatizing military commissaries as part of Congress’ proposed compromise defense policy bill.
By Karen Jowers
Five minutes of chaos: How the Navy shot down its own jet
A long pattern of rushed training and failed equipment contributed to the embarrassing and costly error, a recently published command investigation found.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Army stands up Western Hemisphere Command in major force restructure
The new command, headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will combine U.S. Army North, U.S. Army South and Army Forces Command.
By Eve Sampson