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US helps defend Israel from Iranian missile attack
The attack follows Israel's airstrikes on Iran's nuclear program and military leadership Thursday.
Air Force F-35 buy would be cut in half under Pentagon spending plan
The Air Force typically buys four or five dozen F-35s each year. The plan to purchase only 24 would represent a major scaling back.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Coverage: Paris Air Show 2025
Defense News is covering the top headlines and stories coming out of Paris Air Show.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful 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.
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Pentagon & Congress
What to expect at the Army’s 250th anniversary parade
More than 6,000 troops are poised to march near the National Mall to honor the Army’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, which happens to be Trump's birthday.
US shifts warships in Mideast in response to Israel strikes
The Navy has directed the destroyer Thomas Hudner, capable of defending against ballistic missiles, to begin sailing toward the eastern Mediterranean.
House appropriators OK rebukes to recent DOD scandals in budget bill
Republicans inserted language restricting military actions on U.S. soil and blocking unsecure communications among senior officials in their 2026 budget.
Appeals court rules Trump can deploy National Guard to LA for now
A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order directing President Trump to return control of the California National Guard to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In other news
Hegseth doesn’t initially commit to obeying courts on LA deployments
The defense secretary later clarified that he wouldn't "defy" a ruling from the Supreme Court.
Why Homer Simpson is a government fixture familiar to all troops
If you’ve spent time in the armed forces, you’ve had a Homer in your unit. He's not a comedic exaggeration. He’s a federal fixture.
Why Master Chief shunned the red tape of realistic military promotions
Halo's Master Chief has single-handedly turned the tide of interstellar wars. Yet despite his legendary exploits, his rank has remained static.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why troops secretly relate to SpongeBob’s ‘I’m a Goofy Goober’ spiral
For all its absurdity, SpongeBob’s “Goofy Goober” breakdown in “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" has become an unlikely touchstone in military circles.
How Battle Brick Customs carved out a space for military collectors
The company produces kits based on real military vehicles, ranging from World War II tanks to modern U.S. Army Humvees and Special Forces boats.
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What will the Trump administration's Army look like? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 6.14.25
Army Sec. Daniel Driscoll discusses the Army Transformation Initiative and details how the largest branch will navigate the defense industry in years to come.
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MORE STORIES
GOP green lights FY25 defense bill, but more social fights ahead
Abortion, diversity training and COVID prevention are again hot-button issues in the military appropriations plan for next year.
Breastfeeding troops can recoup cost of shipping milk during PCS moves
A new Pentagon policy allows troops to be reimbursed up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of shipping breast milk back to a baby during military moves.
By Karen Jowers
Congressman accuses Army of political attacks over combat badge
Rep. Troy Nehls has received criticism for wearing a Combat Infantry Badge lapel pin after the service revoked the award last year.
Junior enlisted would see only a small pay boost under Senate plan
A Senate panel supports an extra 1% pay bump for young enlisted troops next year, far less than what House lawmakers want.
Congress still waiting on Osprey crash, safety documents from Pentagon
Lawmakers haven't received more details on Osprey proprotor gearboxes, a component that was a factor in the 2023 crash off Japan that killed eight airmen.
By Tara Copp, AP
VA home loan program added $4 trillion to US economy since WWII
A new study by a Missouri professor labels the 80-year-old VA home loan program 'a huge success' for the American economy.
Families balance grief with Osprey pilots’ love for the aircraft
On Wednesday, a House subcommittee will hold a hearing on the Osprey’s safety record as families grapple with the deaths of loved ones aboard the V-22.
By Tara Copp, AP
Junior enlisted pay bump to cost as much as two new aircraft carriers
A plan to boost young troops' pay by an extra 15% next year will cost more than $24 billion over the next five years, officials said.
Patton’s Prayer: Discussing the famed general with author Alex Kershaw
Kershaw spoke about his newest book, how faith and ego intertwined that winter in 1944, and how the Battle of the Bulge became an American triumph.
Military spouses can recoup up to $1,000 in business costs after moves
Spouses in most military branches can now apply for reimbursement of business costs related to PCS moves.
By Karen Jowers