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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.
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US F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran
A search and rescue operation is underway for survivors.
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.
Bipartisan group of senators vow to keep US in NATO despite Trump threats
The senators reaffirmed America's commitment to NATO just one day after Trump threatened to abandon the transatlantic alliance.
Golden Dome, ships and missiles top Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense wish list
Trump is set to unveil the fiscal 2027 defense budget request on Friday.
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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."
‘Drone Hunters of Kherson’ takes viewers into a war that blends ‘trench warfare and the Terminator’
The documentary focuses on an American embed as he follows Ukrainian counter-drone units patrolling against the Russian threat.
Trump threatens to walk away from NATO
Trump’s rebuke of NATO allies stems from their reluctance to support American efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In other news
Opinion
If chaplains are ‘officers second,’ which staff corps officers are next?
Removing rank insignia from chaplains sets a precedent for treating staff officers differently than others, the author of this op-ed argues.
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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Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
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2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
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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MORE STORIES
Here’s the 2026 cost-of-living boost for veterans, military retirees
The Cost of Living Adjustment takes effect in January and is set based on the rate of inflation.
By Karen Jowers
Judge orders ‘immediate’ return of books removed from 5 DOD schools
The censored items included materials about slavery, Native American history, women’s history, LGBTQ history, and preventing sexual harassment and abuse.
By Karen Jowers
Netflix drops trailer for upcoming ‘Marines’ documentary
All four episodes are set to air on the service’s 250th birthday on Nov. 10.
He was awarded a Silver Star for a battle the US said never happened
On Aug. 11, 2025, 57 years after the battle, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the recovery of James Henry Calfee from Lima Site 85.
By Richard Sisk
Troops and families: How has the shutdown affected you?
Military Times wants to hear about your experience during the federal government shutdown.
By Karen Jowers
Troops, families use credit card relief at commissaries amid shutdown
In the days since a 90-day, interest-free offer for Military Star card holders at commissaries was announced, use of the cards jumped about 14%.
By Karen Jowers
DOD decides against privatizing service members’ household goods moves
Instead of privatizing the process for moving troops' household goods, Hegseth directed defense officials Wednesday to improve the DOD's legacy program.
By Karen Jowers
Troops request assistance at ‘unprecedented’ rate as shutdown persists
Due to processing time, Congress would need to act to ensure military pay Monday or earlier in order to avoid troops' checks being delayed, DFAS confirmed.
By Karen Jowers
Marines retire ‘workhorse’ Assault Amphibious Vehicle after 50 years
From the shores of Grenada to the deserts of Iraq, Assault Amphibious Vehicles shielded and carried Marines from ship to sea to shore since 1972.
Shutdown halts funding for military spouse tuition assistance program
No new requests for military spouse MyCAA financial assistance have been approved since Sept. 30.
By Karen Jowers