Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited a Los Angeles-based space company during his 'Arsenal of Freedom' tour to promote rebuilding the US military's space capabilities and support the defense industrial base, emphasizing the need for speed and innovation to maintain American dominance in space.
The Sangdong mine in South Korea, one of the world's largest tungsten deposits, is set to reopen and supply the U.S. with a critical mineral essential for defense technology, reducing reliance on China amid geopolitical tensions.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a controversial second strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, claiming he did not see survivors and citing the 'fog of war,' amid calls for investigation into potential war crimes and extrajudicial killings.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a major overhaul of the Pentagon's weapons buying process, shifting focus from complex, high-tech products to faster, more practical solutions to enhance military readiness, especially in response to recent conflicts like Ukraine. The new approach aims to deliver 85% solutions quickly, potentially at the expense of some transparency and thoroughness, and seeks to involve more innovative and smaller companies in defense contracting.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Southeast Asian nations to strengthen their maritime forces and work together to counter China's increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for a regional code of conduct and enhanced surveillance to deter provocations, amid ongoing tensions and China's rejection of US criticism.
Russian military aircraft, including bombers and fighter jets, flew near Alaska in a provocative move, prompting US intercepts, amid ongoing tensions and recent Russian incursions into NATO airspace, as Putin's relations with the US and Ukraine remain strained.
The article discusses the firing of the US defense intelligence chief amid a broader purge, while also covering Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's signals of potential interest rate cuts next month due to inflation and labor market conditions, amidst political pressures and economic uncertainties.
The article discusses potential impacts on the F-35 fighter jet program due to political tensions, including threats from allies not to purchase the aircraft, the rising costs of US military bases in Europe, and the effects of tariffs and diplomatic disputes on international arms sales, notably with India. These issues could affect global defense supply chains and international relations.
A senior US defense official led a thinktank that spread false information about the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, with the organization publishing fabricated crime reports. The appointment coincides with increased US pressure on Venezuela, including accusations of gang ties and military threats, despite skepticism from intelligence agencies about the veracity of these claims.
The U.S. Defense Department temporarily halted a shipment of weapons to Ukraine over concerns about stockpiles, despite military analysis indicating that aid would not threaten U.S. readiness. The decision, driven by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and supported by some officials, surprised many and was criticized by lawmakers from both parties, who questioned the justification and transparency of the move. The shipment included critical missile systems and artillery rounds, and its suspension highlights ongoing concerns about U.S. military stockpiles amid the Ukraine conflict.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, claiming they were a 'total obliteration' despite preliminary intelligence suggesting only partial damage, and criticized the media for allegedly distorting the assessment. The operation involved advanced weaponry and was praised by military officials, while political and intelligence debates continue over the true impact and leaks of classified information.
At the Paris Airshow, defense companies showcased advanced 'wingman' drones designed to operate alongside fighter jets, reflecting their growing role in modern warfare, especially in light of recent conflicts and potential future confrontations with China, with US, European, and Turkish firms leading development efforts.
OpenAI has secured a $200 million contract with the US Department of Defense to develop AI tools for national security, including cyber defense and administrative improvements, marking its first partnership under a new initiative to provide AI technology to government agencies, with work expected to be completed by July 2026.
NATO allies are increasingly concerned about relying on the US for their defense, as US defense chief warns that America cannot be solely depended upon, prompting discussions on new defense spending goals among NATO members.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned of an 'imminent' threat from China to Taiwan, urging Asian countries to increase defense spending and collaborate with the US to deter potential conflict, amid concerns over China's military buildup and territorial ambitions in Asia.