US Department of Defense

Pentagon updates official count of US service members killed during Iran war - report

The Washington Post reported in September that the previous official count of 18 may have been inaccurate and that at least four service members were potentially excluded from the official tally.

US President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth salute as a US Army carry team carries the flag-draped transfer case containing remains during a dignified transfer event for US service members killed in the Middle East, at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, on July 22, 2026.
A USAF B-1 bomber takes off at RAF Fairford airbase, used by United States Air Force (USAF) personnel, amid the U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran, in Fairford, Gloucestershire, Britain, March 17, 2026.

US pulls all bombers from RAF Fairford air base threatened by alleged Iranian plot

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth participates in a ceremony in remembrance of US military prisoners of war and those missing in action (POW/MIA) at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., US, September 18, 2026.

Hegseth to announce 20% cut in generals, admirals, ends tenure for civilians at military academies

Littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11), transits the Strait of Hormuz, June 24. Sioux City is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

Eight US Marines injured in recent, undisclosed Iranian attack on ship in Hormuz - report


The Houthis' attacks are a wakeup call - editorial

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's arrival in Israel is an opportunity for the West to do the right thing and stand by Israel, as the Houthis and Hezbollah ramp up their attacks.

 Newly recruited fighters who joined a Houthi military force intended to be sent to fight in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, march during a parade in Sanaa, Yemen December 2, 2023.

In Israel, US defense chief to look to next phase of Gaza war

For Austin, the trip is a delicate balancing act.

 US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrives in Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, December 18, 2023.

As F-35 deals move forward in US, where does Israel stand? - analysis

According to the prior contract, Israel is due to receive another 14 in coming years, with about six more aircraft arriving each year.

 IAF 'Adir' F-35 fighter jets seen escorting US B-52 bombers on November 10, 2022

Leaked US intel describes Russian attempt to shoot down British spy plane

The Russian pilot reportedly misinterpreted instructions from a radar operator on the ground and thought he had permission to fire.

 A Chinese Navy J-11 fighter jet is recorded flying close to a US Air Force RC-135 aircraft in international airspace over the South China Sea, according to the US military, in a still image from video taken December 21, 2022.

Could aliens be investigating us? It's more likely than you think

Aliens may be sending us very small "dandelion seed" probes to gather information.

 An alien UFO is seen above a city in this illustrative image.

In Egypt, Pentagon chief seeks to balance human rights and security

US officials say the United States can only take limited steps against allies on rights issues if it wants to avoid rival powers gaining influence.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin lands in Cairo, Egypt, March 8, 2023.

US helicopter raid in Syria kills top IS member, wounds four US troops

"The targeted ISIS senior leader, Hamza al-Homsi, was killed," the Defense Department said.

A soldier attending the United States Army Air Assault School rappels from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, US, Feb 13, 2020.

NASA, DARPA to develop nuclear rocket engine as soon as 2027

A nuclear thermal engine for a space rocket could be three or more times as efficient as conventional chemical rockets.

 Artist concept of Demonstration for Rocket to Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) spacecraft, which will demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine.

IAI reveals 'Point Blank' missile that can be carried in a backpack

The missile uses electro-optical systems to collect surveillance information and can take off and land in a soldier's hand.

IAI's POINT BLANK missile

Taiwan reports China's largest incursion yet to air defense zone

The White House said the United States was concerned by China's military activity near Taiwan, which it called "provocative" and "destabilizing."

Chess pieces are seen in front of displayed China and Taiwan's flags in this illustration taken January 25, 2022.