Defense News and Headlines

Before Trump Bombing, Oman FM Called US-Iran Deal ‘Within Reach’
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Before Trump Bombing, Oman FM Called US-Iran Deal ‘Within Reach’

Hours before President Donald Trump announced air strikes on Iran, Oman's foreign minister Badr Albusaidi appeared on CBS's Face the Nation and declared a U.S.-Iran nuclear deal within reach. He said Iran had pledged zero stockpiling of weapons‑grade material and...

By Asia Times – Defense
Kuwait Defends Ali Al Salem Air Base From Missile Strike
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Kuwait Defends Ali Al Salem Air Base From Missile Strike

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence announced that its air‑defence forces successfully intercepted multiple ballistic missiles aimed at Ali Al Salem Air Base, with debris falling nearby but no casualties reported. The engagement demonstrates Kuwait’s active missile‑defence posture and its layered systems...

By Defence Blog
Competing with Dick Bong to Be WWII’s Top Ace This Pilot Met a Fateful End
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Competing with Dick Bong to Be WWII’s Top Ace This Pilot Met a Fateful End

Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr. became the United States’ second‑ranking WWII fighter ace, tallying 38 aerial victories before his fatal crash on 7 January 1945 while attempting to rescue a fellow pilot. His rivalry with fellow ace Maj. Richard I. Bong, who...

By Military Times
Iran Targets U.S. Naval Base Radar with Shahed Drone
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Iran Targets U.S. Naval Base Radar with Shahed Drone

Iran deployed a Shahed‑type one‑way attack drone that struck a radar installation at the U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain, a key logistics hub for the Fifth Fleet. Video evidence shows the low‑altitude UAV impacting the radar, though U.S. officials have...

By Defence Blog
Critical Minerals Need Reliable Financing Frameworks
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Critical Minerals Need Reliable Financing Frameworks

The article argues that the rapid expansion of critical mineral supply chains is being hampered by inconsistent financing structures. It highlights China’s strategic advantage, where processing capacity is tightly coupled with manufacturing demand and backed by patient, large‑scale capital. The...

By RealClearDefense
Reforming Army Processes for Continuous Transformation
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Reforming Army Processes for Continuous Transformation

The Modern War Institute argues that the Army’s traditional staff education, epitomized by a multihour “How the Army Runs” course and a 500‑page manual, no longer equips officers for modern conflict. It calls for a shift toward continuous transformation, embedding...

By RealClearDefense
UAE Warns Iran over Missile Attacks on Gulf States
NewsFeb 28, 2026

UAE Warns Iran over Missile Attacks on Gulf States

The United Arab Emirates condemned recent Iranian missile launches after debris from an intercepted projectile killed a Pakistani civilian. The UAE warned Tehran that continued strikes could bring “grave consequences” and called for restraint and diplomatic de‑escalation. Iranian officials say...

By Defence Blog
Golden Age for the German Arms Industry
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Golden Age for the German Arms Industry

Germany’s defence budget has surged to about €100 billion for 2025, roughly double the 2021 level, and the majority of the €170 billion spent between 2020‑2025 has gone to domestic firms. Domestic procurement now accounts for €109 bn, while arms exports have risen...

By Defence24 (Poland)
Major Explosions Rock Riyadh: Saudi Tourism, Air Travel & Regional Conflict Impact
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Major Explosions Rock Riyadh: Saudi Tourism, Air Travel & Regional Conflict Impact

Massive explosions rattled Riyadh, prompting immediate safety alerts and disrupting air traffic at King Khalid International Airport. Authorities have not confirmed causes or casualty numbers, but flights face delays and possible rerouting amid heightened regional tension. Western governments issued travel...

By eTurboNews
Houthis Vow to Resume Attacks Following Iranian Strikes
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Houthis Vow to Resume Attacks Following Iranian Strikes

Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced they will resume attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, ending a four‑month lull. BIMCO warns that ships linked to US or Israeli interests face heightened risk, though...

By Splash 247
US-Israeli Strikes on Iran Trigger Ballistic Missile Retaliation
NewsFeb 28, 2026

US-Israeli Strikes on Iran Trigger Ballistic Missile Retaliation

The United States and Israel launched a large‑scale military operation targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, as announced by President Donald Trump. Within hours Iran fired Fateh‑110 short‑range ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory, prompting full‑scale air‑defence alerts across the region....

By Defence24 (Poland)
2D Fab to Work with the Norwegian Military Academy on Graphene-Enhanced Concrete
NewsFeb 28, 2026

2D Fab to Work with the Norwegian Military Academy on Graphene-Enhanced Concrete

2D Fab has partnered with the Norwegian Military Academy to test graphene‑enhanced ultra‑high performance concrete (UHPC). Using its 2Dx® CO‑NXT additive and microfibers, the mix aims to boost strength, crack control and energy absorption. Initial plates, 8 cm thick, were subjected...

By Graphene-Info
PH Joins Japan-Pacific Defense Dialogue for First Time Amid RAA Push
NewsFeb 28, 2026

PH Joins Japan-Pacific Defense Dialogue for First Time Amid RAA Push

The Philippines joined the 3rd Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD) in Tokyo, marking its first participation in the forum. Led by Defense Assistant Secretary Marita I. Yoro, the delegation discussed humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, climate change and maritime security....

By Manila Bulletin – Business
Can The F-35’s Software Really Be Jailbroken?
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Can The F-35’s Software Really Be Jailbroken?

Allied concerns over U.S. dominance of F‑35 software have resurfaced after the Dutch defense minister suggested the jet could be “jailbroken” like a smartphone. While experts dismiss a built‑in kill switch, the United States still controls critical firmware updates through...

By Simple Flying
Austal USA Launches Final EPF - Future USNS Lansing (EPF 16)
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Austal USA Launches Final EPF - Future USNS Lansing (EPF 16)

Austal USA launched the U.S. Navy’s final Expeditionary Fast Transport, USNS Lansing (EPF 16), marking the 26th ship to use its modular launch system. The vessel was lifted, moved onto a barge, floated for the first time in a dry dock, and...

By The Maritime Executive
Trump, Iran and Geopolitical Mind Games
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Trump, Iran and Geopolitical Mind Games

The Trump administration has escalated threats of military action against Iran while covert nuclear talks continue, and Tehran’s state media claim the pressure is a distraction linked to the Epstein scandal. In parallel, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit...

By Al Jazeera
Kim’s Daughter Is a Princess – but Not Necessarily Crown Princess
NewsFeb 28, 2026

Kim’s Daughter Is a Princess – but Not Necessarily Crown Princess

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) says Kim Jong Un has identified his roughly 13‑year‑old daughter as a possible successor, citing recent public appearances in matching leather jackets at the Workers’ Party Congress. The agency also cautions that a male heir...

By Asia Times – Defense
Drone Operator Who Flew Near California Football Game Charged with Criminal Flight Violations
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Drone Operator Who Flew Near California Football Game Charged with Criminal Flight Violations

A 27‑year‑old man, Junwei Guo, appeared in federal court charged with a Class A misdemeanor for violating FAA airspace restrictions by flying a DJI Mavic Pro drone near Levi’s Stadium during a 49ers‑Rams NFL game. The temporary flight restriction prohibited...

By Courthouse News Service
Air Force Modernizes Physical Fitness Program to Bolster Readiness, Long-Term Health
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Air Force Modernizes Physical Fitness Program to Bolster Readiness, Long-Term Health

The U.S. Air Force issued a Directive Type Memorandum updating its Physical Fitness Readiness Program (PFRP) with higher score thresholds and new occupational‑specific charts. A baseline diagnostic window runs from March 1 to June 30 2026, after which the revised standards take effect...

By U.S. Air Force
US Says It Supports Pakistan's 'Right to Defend Itself' Against Afghan Taliban
NewsFeb 27, 2026

US Says It Supports Pakistan's 'Right to Defend Itself' Against Afghan Taliban

The United States publicly affirmed its support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against attacks by Afghanistan’s Taliban, whom Washington designates as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. The statement follows a rapid escalation after Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory...

By Al-Monitor
USAF Officially Designates Leidos SCM as AGM-190A
NewsFeb 27, 2026

USAF Officially Designates Leidos SCM as AGM-190A

The U.S. Air Force officially designated Leidos’ Small Cruise Missile, known as Black Arrow, as AGM‑190A, confirming its transition to an operational weapon system. Test flights demonstrated a 200‑pound missile capable of over 400 nautical miles standoff range when launched...

By Airforce Technology
Securing Commercial Satellite Networks: A National Security Imperative
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Securing Commercial Satellite Networks: A National Security Imperative

Bipartisan senators have reintroduced the Satellite Cybersecurity Act to address growing cyber and electronic‑warfare threats against commercial satellite constellations. Low‑cost systems such as Starlink now underpin military command, intelligence, logistics and civilian services, making them attractive targets. The article highlights...

By Federal News Network
Life Mirrors Art: Ransomware Hits Hospitals on TV & IRL
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Life Mirrors Art: Ransomware Hits Hospitals on TV & IRL

The recent episode of HBO’s drama "The Pitt" portrayed a hospital’s IT systems being shut down by ransomware, forcing clinicians to revert to paper‑based processes. Hours later, the University of Mississippi Medical Center confirmed a real ransomware breach that crippled...

By Dark Reading
Air Guard Cuts Tactical Air Control Units, Adds Cyber Operators
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Air Guard Cuts Tactical Air Control Units, Adds Cyber Operators

The Air National Guard will deactivate the 177th Air Control Squadron in Georgia and cut 83 positions across Georgia and Iowa, converting those roles to cyber operations. New cyber squadrons will be established at Fort Gordon, Ga., and the 132nd...

By Air & Space Forces Magazine
Beyond the Third Neighbor: Mongolia-US Ties in an Era of Great Power Competition
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Beyond the Third Neighbor: Mongolia-US Ties in an Era of Great Power Competition

The United States and Mongolia marked 39 years of diplomatic ties while deepening their Strategic Partnership with flagship projects such as the $462 million MCC Water Compact and a USTDA‑backed aviation safety program. Mongolia’s recent accession to the Trump‑led Board of...

By The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific
Microsoft Testing Windows 11 Batch File Security Improvements
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Microsoft Testing Windows 11 Batch File Security Improvements

Microsoft released Windows 11 Insider Preview builds that add a new batch‑file security mode, letting administrators lock batch files in use via the LockBatchFilesInUse registry key or the LockBatchFilesWhenInUse manifest control. The change reduces the need for per‑statement signature validation, boosting script...

By BleepingComputer
Sam Altman Aims to 'Help De-Escalate' Tensions with Pentagon as OpenAI Employees Voice Support for Anthropic
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Sam Altman Aims to 'Help De-Escalate' Tensions with Pentagon as OpenAI Employees Voice Support for Anthropic

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sent an internal memo urging the company to help de‑escalate the growing dispute between rival Anthropic and the U.S. Department of Defense. Anthropic faces a Friday 5:01 p.m. ET deadline to decide whether to grant the Pentagon...

By CNBC Technology
One Click, 3,800 Contracts: Unison Automates FAR Deviation Mods at Scale
NewsFeb 27, 2026

One Click, 3,800 Contracts: Unison Automates FAR Deviation Mods at Scale

Unison, a federal acquisition software provider, used its bulk modification tool to issue more than 3,800 contract changes for an unnamed agency in a single click. The automation replaced weeks of manual drafting, handling FAR deviation updates required by the...

By Washington Technology
Whoops: US Military Laser Strike Takes Down CBP Drone Near Mexican Border
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Whoops: US Military Laser Strike Takes Down CBP Drone Near Mexican Border

The Pentagon’s high‑energy laser counter‑UAS system mistakenly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone operating near the Mexican border. The strike occurred without prior coordination with the FAA, prompting temporary flight restrictions in the Fort Hancock area. The mishap...

By Ars Technica – Security
Dutch MOD Receive First Shipment Hexonia Combat Clothing System
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Dutch MOD Receive First Shipment Hexonia Combat Clothing System

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has taken delivery of the first batch of the Defence Operational Clothing System (DOKS) from German maker Hexonia GmbH. While the new kit replaces legacy uniforms, it retains the Netherlands Fractal Pattern (NFP) camouflage introduced...

By Overt Defense
Pentagon Shifts to Data-Centric Security to Boost Resilience
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Pentagon Shifts to Data-Centric Security to Boost Resilience

The Pentagon is moving from network‑centric to data‑centric security, embedding zero‑trust principles across the Navy and Marine Corps. Initiatives such as Project Dynamis and the Operation Cattle Drive effort aim to accelerate secure data sharing, reduce technical debt, and modernize...

By GovernmentCIO Media & Research
Uncrewed Vehicle Orders Will Help Keep Rosyth Shipyard Afloat
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Uncrewed Vehicle Orders Will Help Keep Rosyth Shipyard Afloat

UK orders for uncrewed maritime vehicles (UMVs) are expected to sustain work at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard as the Type 31 frigate programme winds down in the early 2030s. The Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Defence Review calls for a hybrid fleet of...

By Naval Technology
How to Deter Chinese Aggression Against Taiwan, with Rep. John Moolenaar
NewsFeb 27, 2026

How to Deter Chinese Aggression Against Taiwan, with Rep. John Moolenaar

In a February 27 2026 Atlantic Council podcast, Rep. John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, argued that deterring Chinese aggression in the Taiwan Strait is a core U.S. national‑security interest. He discussed the economic stakes of the U.S.–China rivalry...

By Atlantic Council – All Content
Who’s Really Running AI? Inside the Billion-Dollar Battle over Regulation with Alex Bores
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Who’s Really Running AI? Inside the Billion-Dollar Battle over Regulation with Alex Bores

Alex Bores, a New York State Assemblymember, championed the state’s pioneering RAISE Act, a comprehensive AI safety bill that could become a national template. The legislation sparked a $125 million super‑PAC backlash from a Silicon Valley lobbying coalition, while Anthropic poured...

By TechCrunch AI
Wyden Blocks Nominee to Lead NSA and Cyber Command
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Wyden Blocks Nominee to Lead NSA and Cyber Command

Senator Ron Wyden has blocked Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd’s nomination to lead the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, citing insufficient experience for the urgent cyber threat landscape. Meanwhile, the Army is piloting AI to speed doctrine writing, the Ninth Circuit...

By Federal News Network
US Army Renews Clearview AI Facial Recognition Contract for Special Operations
NewsFeb 27, 2026

US Army Renews Clearview AI Facial Recognition Contract for Special Operations

The U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Command has awarded Clearview AI a new contract to extend its facial‑recognition software subscription from March 2026 through March 2027, with options to continue until 2030. The agreement covers five software licenses and maintains...

By Biometric Update
Stick to Your Guns: Why the Marine Corps Is Opting for the M27 over the Army’s M7
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Stick to Your Guns: Why the Marine Corps Is Opting for the M27 over the Army’s M7

The U.S. Marine Corps has confirmed it will continue fielding the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle rather than adopting the Army’s new 6.8 mm M7 Next Generation Squad Weapon. Marine officials say the 5.56 mm‑chambered M27 aligns with the Corps’ amphibious doctrine, close‑combat...

By Military Times
Next-Gen Supersonic Platform Targets Evolving Missile and Drone Threats
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Next-Gen Supersonic Platform Targets Evolving Missile and Drone Threats

SNC and Specter Aerospace announced a next‑generation supersonic aerial platform aimed at countering hypersonic missile attacks and dense drone swarms. The system promises significantly longer range than existing counter‑missile solutions, extending operational reach for joint forces. By operating at supersonic...

By AIAA – Industry News (Aerospace)
UK Hosts Senior NATO Leaders to Discuss Nuclear Deterrence
NewsFeb 27, 2026

UK Hosts Senior NATO Leaders to Discuss Nuclear Deterrence

On 27 February the United Kingdom convened senior NATO political and military leaders to review the Alliance’s nuclear deterrence strategy and Euro‑Atlantic security. The gathering underscored NATO’s unwavering commitment to nuclear deterrence and highlighted the UK’s unique position as the only...

By UK Ministry of Defence (GOV.UK)
New Alliances: The Space Defence Implications of the Canada-Japan ETTA
NewsFeb 27, 2026

New Alliances: The Space Defence Implications of the Canada-Japan ETTA

Canada and Japan have signed an Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement (ETTA) to co‑develop defence projects and share technology, including space‑related capabilities. The deal aligns with Canada’s push to diversify away from US‑centric procurement and Japan’s move to expand its...

By SpaceQ
IAEA Report Says Iran Must Allow Inspections, Points at Isfahan
NewsFeb 27, 2026

IAEA Report Says Iran Must Allow Inspections, Points at Isfahan

The International Atomic Energy Agency released a confidential report urging Iran to grant unrestricted access to all nuclear facilities, highlighting the Isfahan site where a new enrichment plant and tunnels store uranium enriched up to 60%. The agency estimates Iran...

By Al-Monitor
February Land Forces Roundup: ST Engineering and Russia Lift the Lid on New Platforms
NewsFeb 27, 2026

February Land Forces Roundup: ST Engineering and Russia Lift the Lid on New Platforms

The World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh attracted nearly 1,500 exhibitors and 140,000 visitors, cementing its status as a premier land‑forces exhibition. Turkish manufacturers BMC, Otokar and FNSS showcased more than a dozen new vehicles, while Russia’s Rosoboronexport introduced the...

By Shephard Media
Nato Allies Agree to Move AFSC Programme to Next Stage
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Nato Allies Agree to Move AFSC Programme to Next Stage

NATO allies have approved the transition of the Alliance Federated Surveillance and Control (AFSC) programme into its establishment phase, setting the groundwork for a multi‑domain surveillance architecture. The move anticipates the retirement of the current AWACS fleet by 2035 and...

By Airforce Technology
US Approves $280m FMS of KuMRFS Radars to Jordan
NewsFeb 27, 2026

US Approves $280m FMS of KuMRFS Radars to Jordan

The U.S. State Department has cleared a $280 million foreign military sale to Jordan for Raytheon’s Ku‑band Multi‑Function Radio Frequency System (KuMRFS) radars and associated command‑and‑control, logistics, and training packages. The deal, led by RTX Missile Defense Technologies, includes generators, GPS...

By Army Technology
The Case for Why Better Breach Transparency Matters
NewsFeb 27, 2026

The Case for Why Better Breach Transparency Matters

Cybersecurity experts Adam Shostack and Adrian Sanabria argue for greater breach transparency at RSA Conference. They highlight that current practices treat incidents as legal liabilities, limiting shared learning. The speakers propose structured feedback loops similar to aviation and medicine. Without...

By Dark Reading
CISA Warns that RESURGE Malware Can Be Dormant on Ivanti Devices
NewsFeb 27, 2026

CISA Warns that RESURGE Malware Can Be Dormant on Ivanti Devices

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has detailed how the RESURGE implant silently resides on Ivanti Connect Secure appliances, exploiting the zero‑day CVE‑2025‑0282. The 32‑bit Linux shared object libdsupgrade.so remains dormant until it detects a specific inbound TLS...

By BleepingComputer
Falfurrias-Backed Woven Solutions Acquires Government Consultancy Valence
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Falfurrias-Backed Woven Solutions Acquires Government Consultancy Valence

Woven Solutions, a Reston‑based software provider for the national security community, announced the acquisition of Valence, a government consultancy. The deal is backed by private‑equity firm Falfurrias Capital Partners, which has been fueling Woven's expansion. Valence brings deep advisory expertise...

By PE Hub Europe
AIAA Announces 2026 Key Issues to Advance U.S. Aerospace Leadership
NewsFeb 27, 2026

AIAA Announces 2026 Key Issues to Advance U.S. Aerospace Leadership

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics released its 2026 Key Issues, outlining priority actions to preserve U.S. aerospace leadership across aviation, defense, research, and space. It calls for sustained NextGen funding to modernize the National Airspace System, clearer pathways...

By AIAA – Industry News (Aerospace)
Singapore to Acquire Three Gulfstream Maritime Surveillance Aircraft
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Singapore to Acquire Three Gulfstream Maritime Surveillance Aircraft

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence announced the purchase of three Gulfstream G550‑MSA maritime surveillance aircraft. The G550‑MSA, fitted with an AESA radar, electro‑optical/infra‑red sensor suite and self‑protection systems, will complement the recently selected Boeing P‑8A Poseidon and replace aging Fokker 50...

By Breaking Defense