DefenseNews

Air Force tests unarmed nuclear missile in pre-dawn video

February 21, 2025
The Air Force conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III missile early Wednesday to help ensure its land-based nuclear force still operates safely and effectively. Airmen from Air Force Global Strike Command launched the intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 1 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, the department said. The Minuteman missile carried no…
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DefenseNews

General Atomics eyes ‘huge’ MQ-9 sale to Saudi Arabia

February 20, 2025
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates —General Atomics is preparing to offer a package deal to Saudi Arabia to acquire a number of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, company executives said in an interview at the IDEX arms fair in Abu Dhabi. “We are still in the very early stages but…
DefenseNews

Navy League urges rapid expansion of battle fleet for future wars

February 10, 2025
The Navy League of the United States urged Congress on Thursday to invest in a buildup of the military’s battle force fleet. Here, a welder with Newport News Shipbuilding works on a steel panel. (Ashley Cowan/HII) U.S. leaders should invest at least $40 billion every year to grow and maintain the country’s fleet of battle force ships in preparation for long-term and large-scale wars…
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DefenseNews

US Navy hits drone with HELIOS laser in successful test

February 5, 2025
The U.S. Navy successfully tested its High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance, or HELIOS, system on one of its warships in fiscal 2024, according to a recently released report. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Preble fired its HELIOS system to zap…
DefenseNews

Amid tense presidential transition, Army chief focused on warfighting

February 4, 2025
In response to multiple audience questions about recent presidential executive orders involving the military, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George told a crowd of nearly 200 on Wednesday that he remains focused on preparing the service for future conflict. At a previously scheduled talk at the Association of the U.S. Army, the leading nonprofit support organization for the service, George spent…
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