Air Force unit halts rappelling, ropes training after airman dies during public demonstration
After Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died from injuries sustained during a public demonstration, his squadron ceased all rappel and rope training events.
Veterans
Tom Skerritt, Air Force veteran and ‘Top Gun’ star, dies at 93
Skerritt served in the U.S. Air Force before launching an acting career that spanned from the 1960s to the 2020s.
US Air Force wants AI to assist aerial refueling
The goal is for AI to automatically analyze refueling operations from cameras mounted on the tankers and provide “hot wash” feedback to the tanker crews.
Military takeover of New Mexico borderlands challenged in court
The lawsuit argues that the government unlawfully expanded the scope and duration of its “national defense area” designation.
Errors in disability cases for ‘painful scars’ resulted in overpayment: VA watchdog
During a review period from June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, the VA made at least one error in 17,900 cases regarding disability decisions.
Trump, Putin negotiate release of US Air Force veteran from Russian prison
Stephen Hubbard, a retired teacher and U.S. Air Force veteran, was released from Russian custody on Wednesday after spending over four years in prison.
Pentagon, Lockheed agree to 10-year deal for 850 F-35 jets
The decade-long framework guarantees at least 850 F-35 Lightning II fighters for the U.S. military, pending congressional approval and funding.
The Pentagon wants ketamine wafers as a battlefield medicine option
The Pentagon awarded a multi-million-dollar contract to the Singapore-based iX Biopharma to develop a small, ketamine-packed wafer.
Pentagon ignored cybersecurity flaws before data breach, Marines’ lawsuit says
A pair of Marines filed a class-action lawsuit Tuesday against the Pentagon over a data breach at the Defense Manpower Data Center.
US Air Force outlines the fighter fleet it needs by 2035
A new Air Force report calls for 1,509 combat-coded fighters by 2035, with F-35s making up 40% of the fleet and F-47s replacing F-22s.
Pentagon AI oversight office struggles to keep pace with department’s ambitions, GAO finds
The Pentagon office tapped in 2022 to oversee the military’s responsible use of AI had filled just three of 10 authorized positions as of February 2026.
Military spouse commission weighs expanding employment programs across services
The President’s Military Spouse Commission is examining how to expand existing employment programs across the military services and federal agencies.
Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer tapped as Barracks Task Force senior advisor
Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer was selected as Secretary Hegseth's senior advisor and will visit military installations across the country.
US Air Force F-22 pilot controls unmanned FQ-44 in flight
The fighter jet’s pilot served as an airborne “quarterback” and gave high-level directives to an Anduril-made Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
Hegseth discusses Iran with Netanyahu in unannounced visit to Israel, officials say
Netanyahu and Hegseth discussed “the threats in the region” and the U.S.-Israel partnership in dealing both offensively and defensively with those threats.
Pentagon, BAE sign deal for up to 25,000 precision-guided munition kits a year
The Pentagon and BAE Systems signed a framework agreement for up to 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, or APKWS, guidance kits a year.
National Guard member expected to recover from Southeast DC shooting
A National Guardsman and a suspect are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during a shooting in Southeast, D.C., late Sunday night.
