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Air Force, Northrop Grumman break ground on B-21 Raider facility
The over one-million-square-foot facility in California is set to be the final assembly line for the B-21 Raiders' accelerated produduction timeline.
US aircraft lost or damaged in Iran war nearly doubles in latest congressional report
81 U.S. military aircraft have been lost or damaged in Operation Epic Fury, according to the Congressional Research Service.
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Health Care
Planned DEERS outage could affect Tricare beneficiaries, DOD says
During the outage, pharmacies and healthcare providers may not be able to check a patient’s Tricare eligibility, officials said.
Pentagon recruits drone pilots from across services for upcoming competition
The Defense Innovation Unit is looking to recruit about 100 drone pilots and create a standing registry of operators across the military services.
Army sets date, location for execution of Nidal Malik Hasan
The execution by firing squad of Hasan is scheduled for Dec. 3 at Fort Hood, the same location where the former Army officer killed 13 and wounded 32.
Inside the push for Agent Orange victims memorial in small-town Utah
Former Air Force Sgt. Larry Kerr served two tours in Vietnam and is working with officials of Sunset City, Utah, to honor those affected by Agent Orange.
In other news
They served in Asia and came home. Decades later, the kids they left behind are searching for them.
For aging veterans and the children they left behind, DNA testing is offering a chance to answer questions that have lingered for decades.
VIDEOS
Ukraine’s ‘Army of Robots’ idea presents fearsome future | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 10.6.26
A former Ukrainian defense official launches a futuristic robotic army initiative. Plus — a retired Green Beret turns to mine clearing as a new mission.
Featured Videos
TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage
An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide.
Sailor reportedly finds dead rat in finished energy drink
The sailor said medical personnel informed him, “with the chemicals that are in Monster, that it should be OK.”
By J.D. Simkins
That time the Air Force proposed making a ‘gay bomb’
The Air Force once explored the idea of a chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to one another — striking a blow to morale.
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.
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MORE STORIES
Air Force certifies group to operate, teach Skydio X10D ahead of its fielding
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations certified drone operators to provide surveillance and monitor outdoor crime scenes with an "eye in the sky."
US military orders 2-day pause on Okinawa following Marine’s arrest for alleged murder
All U.S. military operations on the island will cease for 48 hours for a standards training period, followed by a 30-day reflection period.
Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A CCA completes first fully autonomous flight
The successful flight came just weeks after U.S. Air Force officials announced their intention to have 500 autonomous aircraft in service by 2032.
Fort Hood mass shooter Nidal Malik Hasan to die by US Army firing squad
Hasan, a former Army officer who killed 13 people and injured 32 others during a mass shooting at Fort Hood in 2009, will be executed by firing squad.
By J.D. Simkins
Has the Pentagon given up on AI polygraph analysis of loyalty?
AI-aided scanning of speech patterns, vocal stress or facial expressions to read minds lacks scientific backing and will compound errors, critics argue.
Supreme Court hears incarcerated veteran’s case challenging process for VA claims appeals
The case involves a veteran who is receiving reduced disability benefits while serving up to 40 years in prison.
By Patricia Kime
Air Force explosive ordnance technicians to sport new rust-colored beret
Air Force EOD technicians will wear a rust-colored beret with a metallic emblem in addition to their uniform to recognize their combat arms mission.
US removes B-1 bombers from UK base amid security concerns
The United States removed its B-1 bombers from a U.K. air base one week after several men were arrested there on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss, Reuters
2 veterans battle in court and online over defamation, for-profit claims processing
A local government official alleges a for-profit company attacked VSOs as having a "monopoly" on helping veterans with disability claims.
By Karen Jowers
Veterans face SNAP barriers as USDA guidance delays policy changes, GAO finds
GAO found outdated USDA SNAP guidance for veterans and recommended better outreach and coordination to help veterans access food assistance.
Air, Space forces hit recruitment goals, set higher 2027 targets
The Department of the Air Force set larger goals for 2027 after recruiting 31,950 airmen and 730 guardians in fiscal 2026.
Air Force identifies airman found dead at off-base housing in Italy
TSgt. Conner Wells, assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, served as a precision-guided munition production supervisor.
Troops get first increase in 24 years for hostile fire, danger pays
Pentagon raises danger pay for troops for the first time since 2002, increasing hostile fire pay to $450 and imminent danger pay to $275 per month.
By Hope Hodge Seck