pentagon

Elon Musk has refuted claims that Starlink increased fees for pentagon drones during the 2026 US-Iran conflict, calling the report "bs" and attributing it to a former AWS employee. The pentagon also denied the report, stating SpaceX remains a valued partner and the claims are not based in reality.

The US Department of Defense has secured a $9.69 billion, five-year agreement with Microsoft to consolidate software licenses across military and intelligence agencies. This initiative aims to reduce redundant spending and enhance efficiency by centralizing purchases of Microsoft 365 tools and other services.

pentagon has released a new video showing a US fighter jet downing an unidentified object over Lake Huron in February 2023. This infrared footage, part of a declassified batch, depicts a "kinetic interaction" leading to the object's fragmentation. The release includes hundreds of files, documents, and videos related to "unidentified anomalous phenomena" (UAP), fueling public curiosity.

Months after Michael and Susan Dell's $6.25 billion donation to seed children's "Trump accounts," Dell Technologies secured a $9.7 billion contract with the US Department of Defense for enterprise software. This five-year deal, aimed at consolidating licensing and saving millions annually, followed a competitive evaluation process.

A recent Iran conflict has significantly depleted US high-end missile stockpiles, raising alarms in Washington. Critical systems like Tomahawks and Patriots may take years to replenish, creating a 'window of vulnerability' amid rising tensions with China. Production bottlenecks and allied demands complicate rebuilding efforts, impacting future defense readiness.

When the US launched its bombing campaign against Iran on Feb 28, President Trump expected a swift victory. Instead, within weeks, the conflict began exposing mounting losses and damage to expensive military hardware. Here’s what a report by the US Congress’s think tank reveals

A significant $14 billion arms package for Taiwan has been put on hold by the US Navy, prioritizing munitions for operations against Iran. This decision sparks concerns about wavering US resolve amid escalating Chinese pressure. The pause, while attributed to operational needs, raises doubts for Taiwan about American support, especially with China's 2027 invasion readiness warnings.

A top US military commander met Cuban military officials near Guantanamo Bay, a rare high-level engagement amid escalating US pressure on Cuba. The meeting occurred as the Trump administration intensified sanctions and rhetoric, despite ongoing, albeit limited, diplomatic contacts. A new contingent of US sailors and Marines is also deploying to the Caribbean.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took another swipe at Washington's NATO and European partners on Saturday, saying those that do not hike defence spending sufficiently "will face a clear shift in how we do business". "Allies who refuse to step up and carry their own weight for our collective defence will face a clear shift in how we do business."

Defense Intelligence Agency faces a legal challenge from Palantir Technologies over its massive internal tech project, MARS. Palantir alleges the DIA is wasting taxpayer money by developing its own system instead of using commercially available software. A White House official supports private sector competition, suggesting potential intervention to ensure fair bidding for defense tech overhauls.

Defence analysts warn the issue is not just the quantity of weapons today but the speed at which industry can regenerate what has been used. A single week of heavy combat in either theatre can consume months of production output for certain precision munitions and interceptors. This has transformed a temporary logistical challenge into a broader strategic concern.

Facing a severe computer chip shortage, US intelligence agencies are increasing their reliance on AI firm Anthropic, despite its blacklisting as a national security threat. A $9 billion emergency fund aims to secure advanced semiconductors for AI models on classified networks, crucial for sifting through vast data and countering foreign adversaries like China.

Iran has reportedly downed over two dozen US MQ-9 Reaper drones, costing nearly a billion dollars and impacting a significant portion of Washington's advanced unmanned fleet. These losses, occurring amid ongoing conflict, highlight the vulnerability of expensive drones in contested airspace. The pentagon faces challenges replacing these crucial intelligence and strike assets.

The pentagon’s UFO files have reignited interest in strange sightings and interstellar travel

The US is making a massive investment in autonomous warfare, requesting $54.6 billion for its new Defence Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG). This initiative aims to counter the growing threat of drone swarms, as seen in conflicts like Ukraine and the US-Iran tensions. The focus is shifting towards affordability and mass production to maintain a credible defence.

NATO allies are left in a state of confusion as President Donald Trump reveals the deployment of 5,000 troops to Poland, pivoting sharply from a prior decision to withdraw the same number. This abrupt change, coming after numerous discussions on scaling back US military involvement in Europe, has sparked doubts about the reliability of American support among allied nations.

Operation Epic Fury, initiated under the leadership of Donald Trump, saw the U.S. military suffer grave losses, with 42 aircraft—comprising fighter jets and drones—sustaining damage or being lost entirely. This aggressive strike prompted swift and vigorous reprisal from Iran, bringing the region to a boiling point.

The US warned of renewed military action against Iran if necessary, with President Trump demanding a permanent end to Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire, tensions remain high, exacerbated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and continued fighting in Lebanon.

Trump has said at least five times in the three months since the Iran war that it's ending. Now, it really does have to because his approval ratings are hitting all-time lows

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth lauded India's military modernization and strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific. He highlighted New Delhi as a critical anchor for regional balance and praised its growing industrial capacity for high-end military operations. The US is pursuing co-production initiatives with India, including for Javelin munitions, to enhance collective readiness.

The pentagon is forging new partnerships with companies like Anduril and Leidos to rapidly boost US strike capabilities. The Low-Cost Containerized Missiles (LCCM) program aims to procure over 10,000 affordable cruise missiles by 2027, while a separate deal with Castelion will scale low-cost hypersonic solutions. This initiative emphasizes speed, innovation, and private sector investment to rebuild America's military might.

A US F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iran by a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile, marking a significant escalation. While US officials investigate, China denies providing recent military support, though past assistance and potential radar technology transfers are noted. The incident complicates ongoing US-China relations amid peace negotiations.

Washington's campaign against Iran has surged to nearly $29 billion, surpassing initial pentagon estimates. Experts warn the escalating costs, driven by operational and equipment replacement, could ultimately reach a staggering $1 trillion. This financial burden is becoming a political flashpoint ahead of US elections, with concerns over inflation.

According to images examined by Reuters, China has built more than 80 launch pads along with three large octagon-shaped facilities near the Hami nuclear missile silo field in the country's north-west. The launch pads could be used by mobile missile launchers and air-defence systems, while the larger facilities may support communications, electronic warfare and military command functions, according to security analysts who reviewed the imagery.