Military and defense news covering armed forces, defense contracts, military technology, strategic developments, and national security.
The United States and 40 other countries issued a joint statement at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on Tuesday urging governments to provide at least 24 hours' notice before launching long-range ballistic missiles or space rockets. The call follows China's recent SLBM test with only hours' warning and came hours before North Korea fired a missile. China rejected the statement as political manipulation.
The US military is on track to withdraw all forces from Iraq by Sept. 30, 2026, as Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed the fixed final date for ending the Global Coalition's mission. A drawdown from Erbil reportedly began three weeks ago, though troop numbers and redeployment locations remain undisclosed.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi requested parliament's Defence and Security Committee to draft a bill placing all weapons under state control, aiming to disarm Iran-backed militias. The move comes as a September 30 deadline approaches, with officials warning non-compliant groups could face terrorism charges. Iran's Quds Force commander visited Baghdad to push for keeping weapons with militias.
Gen. Michael Guetlein, head of the Golden Dome missile-defense program, warned Wednesday that without continued funding, the system will stop with everything already built and delivered. Speaking at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, he said the White House's proposed 2027 budget relies on reconciliation, and without support, 'there is no Golden Dome.' The program has obligated 90% of allocated funds and conducted successful tests.
Admiral Sam Paparo, head of US Pacific Command, used Taiwan's annual war games to press Congress for $122 billion in new missiles, hypersonic weapons, drones, and AI systems. He cited China's stated readiness target of August 1, 2027, for potential unification by force.
The Pentagon plans to sign an agreement with DHS and FAA to deploy counter-drone technologies, including high-powered lasers, at US airports and installations. David Bagnati announced the plan on Wednesday amid increased drone threats.
In a military exercise called Combined Resolve in Germany, Ukrainian drone units easily defeated U.S. Army troops and armored vehicles from Fort Hood, Texas. The exercise highlighted the effectiveness of drone warfare, with U.S. forces easily spotted and targeted.
The author argues that the US war in Iran has not achieved a decisive victory, despite initial operational dominance, and that this outcome indicates the limits of America's high-tech, long-distance style of warfare. The piece contends that the conflict's costs, including casualties, equipment losses, and economic strain, suggest a need to reassess US military strategy.
Fort Hood's 42 Bistro is the first Army dining hall to sell beer, hard seltzer, and cider from a small bar, as announced Monday. Drinks are available 5-7 p.m. weekdays and noon-7 p.m. weekends, with the Tradecraft coffee shop serving until 9 p.m. weekdays. The Army contracted Compass Group USA to operate dining facilities at five installations, with alcohol sales at the base commander's discretion.
The parents of 2nd Lt. Cailin Renee Foster filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the US Air Force Academy, alleging negligence led to her suicide. The suit claims the academy failed to protect her from sexual assault and address her trauma. Filed in Colorado, it details systemic failures in handling the 2017 assault.