India's DRDO Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) successfully developed its first 350kg thrust-class expendable turbojet engine. This indigenous technology is crucial for platforms like cruise missiles and target drones, reducing import dependence and enhancing capabilities for non-contact kinetic warfare.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing for a "generational investment" of nearly $1.5 trillion for 2027 military spending, a 44% increase, while also seeking emergency funds for the ongoing, unpopular Iran war. This comes despite a previous order for budget cuts and questions about $75bn in unobligated funds from a prior bump.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed Congress that the US-led war on Iran has cost $37.5bn so far and requested an additional $67bn to continue operations. Lawmakers grilled Hegseth over the escalating costs and lack of clear results, as the conflict has led to US casualties, depleted weapon stockpiles, and soaring domestic petrol prices and inflation.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's $87.6 billion emergency defense spending request for the Iran war, which has cost $37.5 billion so far, during a heated Senate hearing. Democrats questioned the funding scale and strategy, warning of a "forever war" amid public division and rising casualties.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate, revealing the US-Israel war on Iran has cost $37.5bn and requesting $88bn in supplemental funding. Lawmakers expressed fury over rising costs, 17 American deaths, and the conflict's spiraling nature, questioning the administration's strategy and constitutional authority.
Democrats grilled US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during Senate testimony over the Iran war, questioning the effectiveness of President Trump's campaign and a request for $87 billion in additional funding. Hegseth defended the strategy, despite recent US casualties and concerns over Iran's missile capabilities.
Houthi rebels threaten to blockade Yemen's Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, jeopardizing Saudi oil exports and escalating regional tensions with the US and Iran. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces Congress over US military funding for Iran operations and rising casualties, as the FDA continues its Cyclospora investigation linked to Mexican lettuce.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit Israel for talks with PM Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz. Discussions will cover regional tensions and potential F-35 jet sales to Turkey. The visit follows recent US strikes on Iran.
Europe is concerned the US defense industrial base cannot fulfill weapons pledges to NATO allies due to depleted stockpiles from conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. This leaves allies considering new defense avenues as US arms shipments are delayed or canceled.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated Europe requires US defense support for another decade and leaders should avoid alienating Donald Trump. However, he cautioned against Trump's attacks on Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, calling her the 'queen of center-right in Europe'. Francken emphasized the EU's need for continued US help while it builds its own military capabilities.
NATO summit opens in Ankara, focusing on defense spending increases amid Russia's Ukraine invasion and US calls for greater European burden-sharing. Leaders will discuss concrete plans to meet the 2035 goal of 5% of GDP for defense expenditures.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the EU and Canada will match US defense spending, with European allies and Canada already investing nearly 4% of their GDP in defense and security. He also noted a significant increase in defense expenditures for the upcoming years.
Spain's government has instructed state-backed companies to cease new contracts with US defense firm Palantir, citing national security concerns. This follows similar bans in France and Germany, though the Spanish military has an exemption for an existing deal.
Germany aims to expand defense cooperation with the US, including licensed production of American weapons systems within Germany. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated this move supports European rearmament and reduces one-sided dependencies without abandoning transatlantic ties.
Alibaba has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Defense, demanding removal from the list of 'Chinese military companies.' The tech giant argues the designation lacks factual and legal basis, harms its reputation, and impacts its US business relationships. This follows a similar lawsuit by Chinese biotech firm WuXi AppTec and highlights escalating US-China tech competition.
Alibaba has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Defense, contesting its designation as a "Chinese military company." The e-commerce giant argues the label lacks factual basis and seeks its removal from the Pentagon's blacklist, which restricts companies from contracting with the DoD.
The US Senate's defense bill includes provisions for enhanced congressional oversight of the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea. This move reflects concerns in Washington that the transfer might be driven by political expediency rather than military readiness, amid a precarious security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized NATO allies for their defense spending and performance, announcing a Pentagon review tied to US troop presence and investment in Europe. European leaders are assessing progress on security priorities amid concerns over Russian aggression.
Le secrétaire à la défense américain, Pete Hegseth, a annoncé une révision de la présence militaire des États-Unis en Europe, surprenant les ministres de la Défense de l'OTAN réunis à Bruxelles. Cette décision, qui vise à assurer que l'OTAN progresse vers une Europe autonome, marque une fin de la transparence de Washington envers ses alliés.
Le secrétaire américain à la Défense, Pete Hegseth, a annoncé une révision de la présence militaire américaine en Europe, surprenant les ministres de la Défense de l'OTAN réunis à Bruxelles. Cette décision de six mois vise à assurer que l'OTAN progresse vers une Europe autonome, mais marque aussi une fin de la transparence de Washington envers ses alliés.
The U.S. Department of Defense is requesting $80 billion to cover costs related to the Iran conflict and other non-war expenses, according to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg. A broader funding request including non-defense priorities may follow soon.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month Pentagon review of US forces in Europe, linking its outcome to European allies taking greater responsibility for their own security. He criticized allies for failing to provide access for potential attacks on Iran and for focusing on gender equality and climate change over defense budgets.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of US military presence in Europe, linking future troop numbers and NATO dues to allies' defense spending. He criticized "free riding" and "shameful" inaction on using airbases for strikes against Iran, threatening force reductions in low-spending nations.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of America's military presence in Europe, urging NATO allies to increase defense spending and responsibility. The review will examine troop levels, basing rights, and access, with future US budget contributions tied to allies meeting spending targets.
