In mid-October, Ukrainian officials said access to Starshield, the military-grade version of SpaceX’s Starlink service, was limited, with speeds reduced without warning. Service was later restored by October 24. As the pro-Ukraine Center for Strategic and International Studies reported at the start of November, the incident “underscores the risk taken on by nations when they rely on a service provided by a company for national security.” Putin Speaking at Railway Conference Russia Government Photo. Putin Back in 2018. Image Credit: Creative Commons And now, Ukraine is claiming that it happened again, and they think they know why. Another Disruption Per NBC News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that Ukraine’s Starshield service has been disrupted again. This coincides with an American delegation touching down in Moscow Thursday morning for peace talks, which the Ukrainian leader does not believe was a coincidence. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow Thursday and are set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky is scheduled to meet with the two American envoys in Dublin this Friday, NBC said. That shuttle diplomacy followed two days of talks, in which representatives of the Russian and Ukrainian sides met in Abu Dhabi for the first…

The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division is on the hunt for new capabilities to identify and track foes that use the darknet and encrypted digital messaging platforms such as Signal, Telegram and Discord to organize and plot against the U.S. military. The organization aims to move from a “reactive footing” to a “proactive model” as it carries out its missions, according to an RFI released this week. “Modern adversaries targeting DoW personnel, high-value assets, and critical Army infrastructure have migrated away from mainstream online spaces. Instead, they exploit decentralized, highly encrypted, and ephemeral digital networks to coordinate, radicalize, and plan hostile actions,” officials wrote, using an acronym to refer to the Department of War, the Trump administration’s preferred name for the Department of Defense. To get after these types of threats, Army CID “requires an advanced, cloud-hosted commercial threat intelligence and investigative software platform that bypasses the limitations of legacy, keyword-based Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools by leveraging automated behavioral analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence,” per the RFI. According to a capability matrix released with the RFI, officials are interested in technologies that could automatically flag early indicators of “mobilization to violence” against military personnel, installations, or assets.…

Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross urged U.S. defense, federal and law enforcement officials to determine and describe their organizations’ unique threats and protection requirements before they move to field or buy commercial counter-drone assets from the government’s online marketplace. During the Commercial Drone Alliance’s Drone Security Industry and SLTT Grant Forum on Monday, he and other speakers from teams supporting Joint Interagency Task Force 401 supplied updates about their ongoing work to coordinate government efforts against rising security risks from unauthorized drone incursions and related steps they’re simultaneously taking to promote aviation safety and commercial innovation. “One thing that I haven’t talked a lot about previously is, as an interagency task force, we’ve actually tapped into the entire Intelligence Community,” Ross, who leads JIATF-401, told the audience. The Defense Department and other federal agencies have deepened collaboration in this realm over the last few years, largely in response to surging reports about unlawful unmanned aerial systems flying or swarming near sensitive national security sites and U.S. military installations. Set up in 2025 by the second Trump administration, JIATF-401 is a Pentagon-led team that’s synchronizing counter-UAS initiatives, policies and procurements across DOD and with its interagency partners. “I love the progress…

U.S. Army Rangers with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment fast-rope during training at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, June 2, 2014. Photo: U.S. Army / Spc. Coty Kuhn Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has directed the elevation of the Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict to the same level as the service secretaries, and he is restoring the name of the World War II precursor to the present day special operations forces, the Office of Strategic Services. This document was published by the Department of War on November 12, 2026. It is dated November 2, 2026 and numbered as OSD011630-26/CMD014882-26. Elevation of Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations memorandumDownload The memo directs a legislative proposal to change the title of the Secretariat for Special Operations to the Office of Strategic Services. The same proposal would create an Under Secretary of Strategic Services as a new position in the Department of War which shall succeed the Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. Until legislation is passed to change the existing statute, the Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict will be known as the Assistant Secretary of War for…

US Army soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division brought a different kind of horsepower to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway, delivering the pace car by CH-47 Chinook🚗 The pre-race flyover also featured two Chinooks and two Black Hawks, showcasing Army aviation in action✈️ #bfbsforcesnews #forcesnews #news #uk #shorts #army #navy #airforce #military #usa #vehicles #nascar #chinook #chevrolet

Trump Goes Off at Democrats as They Prepare Investigations – U.S. President Donald Trump launched a series of attacks against the Democratic Party on November 12, accusing Democrats of widespread corruption and warning Republicans that they must prepare to fight back against the incoming Democratic congressional majority. The president’s comments come as the White House prepares its lawyers for two years of investigations into the administration, Trump’s family and business interests, senior officials, and others in his orbit. Writing on Truth Social in an early morning post, the president accused Democrats of attempting to distract the American public from corruption in Democratic-controlled states. He also said in the 5:50 am post that his administration has done nothing wrong and that Republican lawmakers should do all they can to defend it. President Donald J. Trump holds a press conference at the 2026 NATO Summit, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, Turkey. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok) President Donald Trump holds a press conference with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Monday, May 12, 2025, in the Roosevelt Room. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian) The statements came only a…

The United States Navy developed Underwater Demolition Teams during World War II. Called Frogmen, those original UDT members became the precursors to what are now Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC).The rich history of Naval Special Warfare will be reflected in what Navy’s football players wear in their annual rivalry game against Army. They will meet Saturday, December 12, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.Navy’s athletic department made the announcement Thursday, four days after Army issued a similar news release about their uniforms for that game. Army’s uniforms will honor the 4th Infantry Division.Also Read: Army honors the 4th Infantry Division with its 2026 Army-Navy Game UniformsThe two military service academies have worn special alternate jerseys for their matchup every year since 2008. What Navy’s Players Will Wear Navy’s football team will honor the Naval Special Warfare Command during its game against Army on December 12 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Navy athletics) The Midshipmen will wear uniforms incorporating a combination of white, various shades of blues, and camouflage. The jerseys’ shoulders and sleeves reflect a camouflage design originally designed for Naval Special Warfare operators, the release said. A typography special to those warriors is reflected…

Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly instructed the military to increase preparations for possible strikes against Iran, in a directive reported on November 11 by Israeli public broadcaster KAN. Tehran responded to the prospect of renewed hostilities by threatening to expand retaliation beyond the Middle East. Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei warned that US military installations in Europe could become targets if Washington launches another war. Israeli F-16I Fighter. Image Credit IDF F-16I Sufa. Image Credit: Creative Commons. These developments come as the Trump administration pursues diplomacy while maintaining economic and military pressure. So both sides appear to be signaling a readiness to escalate, even though negotiations remain on the table. Israel’s Preparations According to KAN, Israel’s security cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, directed the military to step up preparations for potential operations against Iran. KAN warned that the directives could result in activities capable of triggering another war. However, no reports currently indicate that Israel has made a final decision to attack or that a specific strike date has been selected. Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot urged Netanyahu not to deploy the military without a direct and immediate threat. The warning carries political significance because Netanyahu is serving…

Ukraine says it is facing re-imposed speed limits on military satellite communication systems, affecting its fastest interceptor drones. Ukrainian military units across the frontline have faced major issues with Starshield over the past few days, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 12th November. Neptune Cruise Missile Ukraine Government Photo Neptune Missile. Image Credit: Creative Commons. Devices using the system face restrictions when traveling faster than approximately 161 km/h (100 mph). “Unfortunately, this is helping the Russians kill more Ukrainians and carry out more accurate strikes against Ukraine.” Kyiv is demanding answers from the United States, but it is not clear who imposed the new speed limits. Fast Interceptor Drones Impacted Starshield is a military-focused communication service provided by SpaceX, founded and controlled by Elon Musk. Ukraine uses satellite communication to control drones, coordinate military efforts, and intercept Russian weaponry. Zelenskyy said the reimposed speed limits meant Ukraine’s interceptor systems could not reach the speed needed to catch Russian jet-powered drones. The Ukrainian leader said these issues had allowed some Russian strikes to succeed. A senior Ukrainian commander fighting in Donetsk Oblast told the Kyiv Independent that the speed limit was still causing issues for mid-range strike drones. Helicopters hunting Shahed-style drones…

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO) confirmed they conducted an eight-hour drone attack on Russia’s largest oil refinery in the Siberian city of Omsk, more than 1,550 miles away from the Ukrainian border. Residents reported explosions, power cuts and fires at the Gazprom Neft refinery. Russian officials confirmed a drone attack, but not whether or not the refinery was struck. Ukraine Cruise Missile Ministry of Defense Photo Ukraine Cruise Missile 2026. Image Credit: Creative Commons. Ukraine’s SSO said the attack was the farthest-reaching drone strike conducted by Ukraine on an oil refinery in Russia, with their drones flying around 1,864 miles to strike the facility. Drone Alert Sounds for Eight Hours “Russian Defense Ministry air defense forces are repelling an attack by Ukrainian UAVs on the Omsk region,” the governor wrote on Telegram. The drone alert began at around 3:40 p.m. local time and lifted at 11:46 p.m. Flights at Omsk airport were paused temporarily, and mobile phone networks and internet were restricted. Governor Khotsenko warned locals not to go outside or take pictures of the air defense systems, as emergency crews worked to clear drone wreckage. Ukrainian monitoring channel Exilenova+ reported explosions and fires at the oil facility. “Drone activity…

From the Black Sea to British shores, Ukrainian sea drones that have transformed naval warfare are set to be built in the UK, backed by £113m of British investment. A major boost for UK-Ukraine defence ties🤝 More💻: www.forcesnews.com/ukraine/uk-start-producing-ukrainian-sea-drones-helped-destroy-russias-black-sea-fleet #bfbsforcesnews #forcesnews #news #uk #shorts #army #navy #airforce #military #technology #drone #ukraine #russia

Almost half of MAGA Republicans see the movement as the loser in the midterm elections, according to a new poll. A new Politico survey found that 62% of American adults consider President Donald Trump a loser in the midterms, with 59% saying the same about his MAGA movement. Former President of the United States Donald Trump speaking with attendees at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s 2023 Annual Leadership Summit at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. By Gage Skidmore. Trump at Turning Point Creative Commons Image The poll follows a devastating midterm election for the president, which saw the Republican Party lose control of both chambers of Congress. MAGA Supporters Separate Trump from the Movement While 45% of MAGA supporters described the movement as the loser of last week’s vote, only 34% said the same of Trump himself. 43% of MAGA voters said moderate Republicans were the elections’ losers, while 42% pointed to working-class Americans. Among the poll’s 2,000 respondents, 51% viewed moderate Republicans as losers, followed by former Trump administration official Elon Musk at 48%. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO pumped nearly $500 million into GOP campaigns in the lead-up to the election. Still, MAGA supporters…

Iran has threatened to strike U.S. military bases in Europe if American aircraft based there were used to stage new attacks. “If the Americans make a mistake and attack us, we will not limit ourselves to nearby bases,” Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said in an interview with the Hezbollah-aligned Al Mayadeen television station in Lebanon on Wednesday. U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcons perform a formation maneuver during the California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport in Mather, California, Oct. 10, 2026. The aerial demonstration highlighted the precision and skill of the Air Demonstration Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Collett) U.S. Air Force Maj. Taylor “FEMA” Hiester, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs aerial maneuvers in a U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon during a practice demonstration at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Sep. 29, 2026. The team travels to airshows across the U.S. and abroad to demonstrate the capabilities of the F-16 and the professionalism of the Airmen who operate and maintain them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Steven Cardo) “We may even target some American military bases in European countries,” he added. Rezaei said the Iranian…

Moscow didn’t even wait for its delegation to get home. Hours after the second day of U.S.-brokered peace talks wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, Russia launched ballistic missiles at Kyiv overnight on Nov. 12. According to the Kyiv Independent, its journalists on the ground reported explosions rocking the capital at around 1 a.m., only a few minutes after Ukraine’s Air Force warned that ballistic missiles were inbound. Less than 30 minutes later, a second series of loud blasts rolled across the northwest part of the city. The Kyiv City Military Administration reported the following morning that the combined drone and missile attack killed one person and wounded seven others in the capital. Putin at November 2023 Science Fair Russian Government Photo Russian President Putin in 2024 Russian Federation Photo Nationwide, Russian strikes killed 10 people and injured 40 across Ukraine over the previous 24 hours, hitting power grids, warehouses, and farm facilities from Kharkiv to Zhytomyr. That’s the Kremlin’s response to a negotiating table. Delivered by Iskander. Abu Dhabi Produced A Prisoner Swap And Little Else The Abu Dhabi round was the first trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. since February. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner…

This video describes the military situation in Ukraine on the 12th of November 2026 0:00 🎬 Introduction 0:11 🤝 Third round begins: Dmitriev welcomes Witkoff and Kushner at Vnukovo airport 1:38 🇷🇺 Putin meets the US delegation in the Kremlin — not talks, but a new batch of ultimatums 2:20 🗺️ Putin: no gray zones — the only line of demarcation is the state border; Ukraine must withdraw from 4 regions 4:27 🕊️ Putin proposes a humanitarian operation in Kostiantynivka — 5 days to clear mines 5:29 📊 Map comparison: Russia claims full control of the city, pro-Ukrainian sources show only 5% — a tricky trap in the proposal 8:56 ☮️ Putin: Russia wants a permanent peace — current deal is the best Ukraine will get, worse conditions in 6 months 10:25 ✈️ Zelensky’s 13th day abroad: demands the return of mobilization-age men, calls the "Russian boss" angry 11:52 🇺🇸 US delegation heads to Ireland to convince Zelensky; Macron wants to be the face of Europe 12:58 📡 Starlink and Starshield deliberately restricted to 161 km/h along the entire front line 14:04 🚀 Russian reconnaissance with drones and Banderol missiles — massive strike expected tonight 15:49 💣 Car bombing in…

A divisive bill that cuts disability benefits for veterans with sleep apnea and tinnitus while simultaneously granting compensation for combat veterans was passed by the House on Veterans Day — evoking condemnation from Democrats and veterans groups. The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act is a large legislative package with dozens of bills, including a controversial set of policies that drew strong opposition from the start. Veteran Service Organizations said that the package would cut disability benefits from one group — veterans with sleep apnea and tinnitus ratings — and act as an “offset” to pay for another group, combat wounded veterans. Democrats and veteran advocates criticized House Republicans for passing disability cuts on Veterans Day — and doing so with a voice vote where members call out “aye” or “no” the loudest, instead of recording an official vote under their name.  “On a day when America honors the brave men and women who stepped forward to defend our freedom, House leaders chose to sneak through legislation threatening earned benefits for millions of veterans, their families and survivors,” Disabled American Veterans National Commander John Donovan said in a statement. “Veterans risked their lives to guarantee our right to vote, and…

President Donald Trump’s administration is currently divided on how to end its ongoing, unpopular war against Iran, according to a new report. While Vice President JD Vance has been pushing Trump to bring the war to an end through a peace agreement with Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been pushing for the war to continue through economic means instead of physical combat, reported Al Jazeera’s Stephen Quillen. Marco Rubio Backs Economic War Against Iran to Bring Them to Heel “The economic campaign is so devastating that right now there is no need for major combat operations,” Rubio told U.S. allies at the G7 forum in Paris on Tuesday. “We don’t need to conduct military strikes if we’re achieving the same objective through economic means and economic pressure. That’s not a stalemate.” Rubio added that “the economic pressure on Iran is going to get even worse,” and told allies that the U.S. military would continue its presence near the Strait of Hormuz. JD Vance Seeks Peace Agreement With Tehran to End Increasingly Unpopular Conflict Vance, meanwhile, has repeatedly pushed for the conflict to come to a close and acknowledged the war as a significant factor in the Republican Party’s…

The Trump administration is preparing for war with the incoming Democratic Congressional majority, warning that it plans to investigate threats to Republicans and even initiate criminal investigations against lawmakers themselves. The warning comes days after the Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterm elections, leaving President Trump facing two years of congressional investigations into his administration and political allies. Visit of US Congressional Delegation – House pf Democracy Partnership In a letter dated Monday, November 9, White House counsel Will Scharf warned California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, who is expected to assume control of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in January, that Democrats could face criminal investigations if they use their congressional power to intimidate Trump administration officials. The official warning comes after President Trump said on November 7 that he would instruct the Department of Justice to investigate Democratic lawmakers for allegedly threatening Republican administration officials with impeachment. White House Warns Democrats Reports on Thursday revealed that Scharf accused Democrats of preparing to abuse their investigative authority once the new Congress convenes in January. The White House counsel argued that legislators seemed more interested in punishing political opponents than conducting…

Months ago, there seemed to be a way out of the war with Iran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said back on September 1 that Tehran was prepared to return to the interim ceasefire with the United States. But there’s a catch: Washington must first resume compliance with its commitments under the agreement. An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron takes off for a training sortie at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 26, 2018. The 494th trains regularly to ensure RAF Lakenheath brings unique air combat capabilities to the fight. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew) The F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, arrives to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida March 11. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end through combined developmental and operational tests. The 40th Flight Test Squadron and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron personnel are responsible for testing the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Karissa Rodriguez) Pezeshkian announced this on September 1 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. His offer follows renewed US-Iran military exchanges after more than a month without…

Months ago, there seemed to be a way out of the war with Iran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said back on September 1 that Tehran was prepared to return to the interim ceasefire with the United States. But there’s a catch: Washington must first resume compliance with its commitments under the agreement. An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron takes off for a training sortie at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 26, 2018. The 494th trains regularly to ensure RAF Lakenheath brings unique air combat capabilities to the fight. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew) The F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, arrives to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida March 11. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end through combined developmental and operational tests. The 40th Flight Test Squadron and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron personnel are responsible for testing the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Karissa Rodriguez) Pezeshkian announced this on September 1 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. His offer follows renewed US-Iran military exchanges after more than a month without…

A tough test, valuable lessons…🏉 The UK Armed Forces were put to the test by Belgium in their annual Remembrance fixture at Kingsholm – a tough encounter ahead of next year’s International Defence Rugby Competition More💻: https://www.forcesnews.com/sport/rugby-union/valuable-lessons-ukaf-belgium-bring-international-quality-kingsholm #bfbsforcesnews #forcesnews #news #uk #shorts #army #navy #airforce #military #sports #rugby #belgium #remembrance

For the last four and a half years, Russia has been at war in Ukraine, with NATO and other Western countries backing Ukraine. There have occasionally been instances of drones landing in NATO airspace and “hybrid warfare” attacks that have taken place in Western countries, with Russia holding some plausible deniability about its direct involvement. M1 Abrams Tank Firing In Test Run. Image Credit: Creative Commons. U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 3-278 Armored Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Reaper, fire the 120mm cannon on an M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank during live fire training for exercise BRIGHT STAR 25 at Mohamed Naguib Military Base (MNMB), Egypt, Sep. 2, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 showcases our unified resolve and ability to respond to evolving challenges together. Strong defense partnerships like BRIGHT STAR build lasting capacity, improve interoperability, and send a clear message of deterrence to those who threaten (our partners) and regional peace and stability. (U.S. Army Photo by Joseph Kumzak) However, the situation has not devolved into a full-on war in Europe. But it could. And a RAND Europe report this week laid out a scenario in which that could happen. The 56-page RAND report is titled “Ready for War 2030: A Scenario…

For the last four and a half years, Russia has been at war in Ukraine, with NATO and other Western countries backing Ukraine. There have occasionally been instances of drones landing in NATO airspace and “hybrid warfare” attacks that have taken place in Western countries, with Russia holding some plausible deniability about its direct involvement. M1 Abrams Tank Firing In Test Run. Image Credit: Creative Commons. U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 3-278 Armored Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Reaper, fire the 120mm cannon on an M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank during live fire training for exercise BRIGHT STAR 25 at Mohamed Naguib Military Base (MNMB), Egypt, Sep. 2, 2025. BRIGHT STAR 25 showcases our unified resolve and ability to respond to evolving challenges together. Strong defense partnerships like BRIGHT STAR build lasting capacity, improve interoperability, and send a clear message of deterrence to those who threaten (our partners) and regional peace and stability. (U.S. Army Photo by Joseph Kumzak) However, the situation has not devolved into a full-on war in Europe. But it could. And a RAND Europe report this week laid out a scenario in which that could happen. The 56-page RAND report is titled “Ready for War 2030: A Scenario…

President Donald Trump’s approval rating continues to drop after the Republican Party’s defeat in the midterm elections, falling another 3% in just two weeks. A new survey conducted by The Economist and YouGov last week placed Trump’s approval rating at just 36% — down three percentage points from the week prior. President Donald J. Trump, joined by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and others, makes an announcement on coal, Thursday, June 4, 2026, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley) Donald Trump In New York City White House Photo Trump’s approval rating is currently at its lowest recorded by The Economist and YouGov since September, when it was also placed at 36%. Meanwhile, 62% of Americans disapprove of the job Trump is doing in the White House, including 25% of those who voted for Trump in the 2024 election, 27% of conservatives, and 72% of moderates. By race, Trump was overwhelmingly the most unpopular among African American and black voters — 80% of whom expressed disapproval of Trump’s second term. 64% of Hispanic voters also disapproved of Trump’s job in the White House, along with 57%…

President Donald Trump’s approval rating continues to drop after the Republican Party’s defeat in the midterm elections, falling another 3% in just two weeks. A new survey conducted by The Economist and YouGov last week placed Trump’s approval rating at just 36% — down three percentage points from the week prior. President Donald J. Trump, joined by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and others, makes an announcement on coal, Thursday, June 4, 2026, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley) Donald Trump In New York City White House Photo Trump’s approval rating is currently at its lowest recorded by The Economist and YouGov since September, when it was also placed at 36%. Meanwhile, 62% of Americans disapprove of the job Trump is doing in the White House, including 25% of those who voted for Trump in the 2024 election, 27% of conservatives, and 72% of moderates. By race, Trump was overwhelmingly the most unpopular among African American and black voters — 80% of whom expressed disapproval of Trump’s second term. 64% of Hispanic voters also disapproved of Trump’s job in the White House, along with 57%…

The Joint Expeditionary Force was launched 12 years ago, but only this week was real flesh put on the bones of how the northern European alliance train, plan and operate as a fully-fledged fighting unit. While its new structures have been greeted as a potential game-changer, with no new assets to back it up, can the JEF really do the job of stopping Russian subs, ships and cable-cutters in the High North and Atlantic sea lanes? Prof Michael Clarke and Kate Gerbeau are joined by one of the architects of the JEF, Brig (Retd) Robbie Boyd. #bfbsforcesnews #forcesnews #news #podcast #uk #army #navy #airforce #military #politics #warships #submarine #russia #atlantic

Since 2022, Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping has purged at least 100 senior military officials, according to a February report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, with more cases occurring since then. The rate of dismissals and disappearances has increased substantially in the last two years. Recent examples include Gen. Zhang Youxia, Gen. Liu Zhenli, and Zhong Shaojun, formerly the head of the General Office of the Central Military Commission. Many of these officials have been accused of corruption, with some facing trial.These widespread purges have fundamentally changed the high command of China’s military at a time when The post How Purges Are Affecting Chinese Military Readiness and Taiwan Contingencies appeared first on War on the Rocks.

Tehran just put its war aims on the record. Actually, they’ve been stating it for months, but now more people are paying attention. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera published Wednesday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and its lead negotiator, said the Strait of Hormuz will “never return” to its status before the US-Israel war on Iran. He added that Iran and Oman have reached an understanding to oversee the waterway together as part of Tehran’s seven-point proposal to end a conflict now in its ninth month. Trump Speaking in Arizona. Creative Commons Photo. Donald Trump at CPAC in 2022. Creative Commons Photo. Ghalibaf went further. He argued there are no international waters in the strait, that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea doesn’t apply there, and that the two countries on either shore set the rules of the road. Iran and Oman. Nobody else. That’s the line Washington, Riyadh, Beijing, and every shipping company on the planet should be reading twice. The Law Of The Sea Argument Is The Tell The headline quote grabs the attention. However, the legal claim is the real story. Under UNCLOS, straits used for international navigation carry a…

Tehran just put its war aims on the record. Actually, they’ve been stating it for months, but now more people are paying attention. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera published Wednesday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and its lead negotiator, said the Strait of Hormuz will “never return” to its status before the US-Israel war on Iran. He added that Iran and Oman have reached an understanding to oversee the waterway together as part of Tehran’s seven-point proposal to end a conflict now in its ninth month. Trump Speaking in Arizona. Creative Commons Photo. Donald Trump at CPAC in 2022. Creative Commons Photo. Ghalibaf went further. He argued there are no international waters in the strait, that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea doesn’t apply there, and that the two countries on either shore set the rules of the road. Iran and Oman. Nobody else. That’s the line Washington, Riyadh, Beijing, and every shipping company on the planet should be reading twice. The Law Of The Sea Argument Is The Tell The headline quote grabs the attention. However, the legal claim is the real story. Under UNCLOS, straits used for international navigation carry a…

Air Force fixed-wing aviators are getting a much-needed helmet upgrade. Full story: https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-fixed-wing-pilot-helmet/ Task & Purpose is a military news and culture-oriented channel. We want to foster discussion about the defense industry. Join our Discord server: https://discord.gg/73eTfddFMy Merchandise: https://store.taskandpurpose.com Like this video? You’ll love https://taskandpurpose.com/ Sign up for the T&P newsletter: https://taskandpurpose.com/email-signup/ And you can follow us on social, too: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taskandpurpose/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/taskandpurpose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taskandpurpose

Let’s start this with the obvious: The Nazis were moral stains on the underwear of humanity. Militarily, they were stains in the armpits of humanity. And politically…fine. Like, they did get power from average Germans. So I guess they were successful there. Terrible, but successful. But they were also a military of bank robbers that smashed and grabbed their way across Europe in order to fund genocide, and they got righteously smacked down for it.Also Read: A National Guard unit saw the most combat during World War IIBut, all that said, there is a cool video from just prior to the fall of Berlin where dolled-up ladies are learning to fire anti-tank weapons with training from the Volkssturm. And that’s a cool image. Imagine Pin-Ups for Vets if someone actually thought to give them a bunch of oversized weapons—in Pin-Ups for Vets’ case, that would actually work, since most of them are veterans themselves (and the Pin-Ups are not Nazis. Can’t emphasize that enough). View this post on Instagram Who Were the Volkssturm The Volkssturm, the German home guard, wa sestablished in October 1944 and was responsible for conducting the kind of training depicted in the video. Although we highlighted…

Russia again attacked Kyiv with missiles and drones, killing one woman and injuring eight in an attack hours after U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks ended with no deal reached in Abu Dhabi on November 12. An explosive Russian drone hit a nine-story residential building in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district, igniting a fire and causing damage to several floors of the structure, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Putin Back in 2018. Image Credit: Creative Commons Putin Speaking at Railway Conference Russia Government Photo. The attack comes as U.S. representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visited Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Apartment Building Hit A Russian drone hit a residential building in Kyiv around 8 a.m., starting a fire in the apartments. “A drone strike caused a fire on the third to sixth floors of a nine-story residential building,” Klitschko said in a post on the Telegram messaging app. The Kyiv city prosecutor’s office later confirmed that one woman in her 40s died in the incident and seven were injured, most of whom suffered from acute stress reactions. Firefighters responded to the scene, and investigators have started an investigation into war crimes. Explosions were heard throughout Kyiv earlier in the morning after…

From US Special Forces to Catterick, US Army Captain Luke Redmond is now helping shape the next generation of British soldiers🤝 More💻: https://www.forcesnews.com/usa/he-supported-us-special-forces-now-hes-helping-next-generation-british-army-recruits #bfbsforcesnews #forcesnews #news #uk #usa #shorts #army #navy #airforce #military #specialforces

Iran said it attacked navigation systems on an Omani island that it claims was supporting passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Three sources told Reuters that navigation systems on Didamar had been attacked, while Tehran claimed responsibility on Tuesday, November 10. Littoral Combat Ship Deck National Security Journal Image by Stephen Silver. Littoral Combat Ship Deck Gun U.S. Navy. Image Taken by National Security Journal on October 14, 2025. However, a senior Omani official denied that the systems had been struck, while satellite imagery taken on Tuesday does not suggest any substantial damage. Iran Targets Equipment It Says Supports Unauthorized Transit According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC) said Didamar Island’s equipment was being used to support shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The Institute for the Study of War dated the apparent attack to Sunday, November 8, two days before Iranian media claimed responsibility. Reuters verified a video showing smoke rising from the island, while satellite imagery from the European Union’s Copernicus program showed thermal activity. It is unlikely to have a substantial impact on shipping through the strait, according to sources speaking to Reuters. Other navigational systems reportedly remain in…

Last month’s hack of French supermarket fridges and freezers caused millions of euros’ worth of food to spoil by remotely ramping up temperatures to over 50 degrees – and in some cases the freezers even caught fire. And the UK’s food security is also vulnerable. In the past, UK officials have been keen to keep military cyber operations under wraps, but now they are starting to share more detail. More💻: https://www.forcesnews.com/services/tri-service/hunting-hackers-how-military-cyber-operatives-protect-country-attack #bfbsforcesnews #forcesnews #news #uk #army #navy #airforce #military #cybersecurity #cyberattack

The Army recently published a series of photos of an award ceremony for a soldier credited with saving lives following an Iranian drone strike on U.S. troops in Kuwait at the start of the Iran war.  Sgt. 1st Class Oscar M. McGrew was awarded a Bronze Star with “V” device for valor during an Oct. 23 award ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas. The images, which were uploaded on Oct. 26 to the military’s image database, mark one of the rare instances in the ongoing conflict where an enlisted soldier has received the award for valor. Task & Purpose was the first to report that Sgt. 1st Class Oscar M. McGrew had been recognized for his response during the March 1 Iranian one-way drone and ballistic missile attack on Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. The attack was part of a series of Iranian retaliatory strikes on American bases around the Middle East in the opening hours of the war. The strike killed six Army Reserve soldiers and injured more. To date, it remains the deadliest of the war. The Army confirmed to Task & Purpose in September that McGrew was the Directorate of Logistics noncommissioned officer-in-charge for Area Support Group-Kuwait.  Sgt. 1st Class…

Iran continues to manufacture dozens of ballistic missiles every single month as the United States and Israel hesitate to launch new strikes against its military infrastructure, according to new intelligence assessments. The findings, reported by Bloomberg on November 10, demonstrate that Iran still possesses military capabilities that could cause significant damage to U.S. military assets in the Middle East and potentially further afield. Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier in Test Run. Image Credit: Creative Commons. U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier Sailing. Image Credit: Creative Commons. According to the report, Iran is capable of producing as many as 50 ballistic missiles every month. Though it is roughly half the number it was producing before the war began in February, it is still a substantial figure. A Western official familiar with Western military intelligence assessments told Bloomberg that Tehran retains as many as 1,700 ballistic missiles, despite much of its conventional military infrastructure having been destroyed. The findings come as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also unveils a new underground missile facility intended to protect its remaining weapons and production capabilities from future American and Israeli strikes. Thousands of Missiles and Drones According to Bloomberg, Iran’s missile manufacturing industry is still operational despite successive…

U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States is no longer seeking a deal with Iran, suggesting that his administration may now be preparing to abandon negotiations with Tehran in favor of maintaining its naval blockade and economic sanctions campaign against the country indefinitely. The president also announced that Vice President JD Vance, who has played a central role in diplomatic efforts with Iran, including the failed June “memorandum of understanding,” will now focus his energy on investigating alleged corruption in Democratic-run states. B-1B Lancer Bomber. Image Credit: Creative Commons. B-1B Lancer Getting Closer. Image Credit: Creative Commons. Writing in a Truth Social statement on Thursday, November 12, the president said that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz and has Iran in an economic stranglehold. It is a remarkable departure from the president’s position just earlier this week, when he said negotiations were progressing and further military strikes were not likely to be necessary. The news also comes as reports reveal that Vice President Vance has been considering engaging in direct negotiations with senior Iranian security officials in a last-ditch effort to bring the war to an end. What Trump Claimed Writing on Truth Social, the president…

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC) said on Thursday, November 12, that two oil supertankers had been struck by sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The two tankers “exploded after hitting naval mines,” according to Iranian state media cited by Reuters. Iranian media also shared what it claimed to be footage of the incidents. Harpoon Missile Onboard USS Iowa. Image Credit: National Security Journal. USS Iowa Harpoon Canister. Image Credit: Harry J. Kazianis/National Security Journal. The announcement followed reports of attacks on navigation equipment on an Omani island. New Incidents Follow a Month of Heavy Shipping Attacks The latest Iranian claim follows repeated alerts from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) throughout the week. No further information on the two supertankers struck on Wednesday night, including the fate of the crew and any environmental damage, is available as of 8 a.m. EST. In the past week, Iranian state media, citing the IRGC, said three tankers had been hit for using “unauthorized routes” through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters verified footage posted Sunday, November 8, showing a Navig8 tanker burning near Oman, with confirmation of the damaged vessel coming from the European Union’s Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite. The…

AeroVironment has secured a $405m international contract to supply its LOCUST X3 high-energy laser weapon systems for countering uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) in the Middle East.

The Air Force intends to use four airfields in the Pacific for more than 6,000 aerial operations per year, as part of its expanding operations in the region. Calling it a “unique opportunity” to support new operational objectives, the Air Force plans to use Saipan International Airport, Tinian International Airport, Tinian North Field and Rota International Airport, all located in the Northern Mariana Islands, for thousands of training flights and aerial exercises per year. The operations are meant to support the service’s Agile Combat Employment, or ACE, strategy, which aims to disperse aerial operations over several locations to avoid creating one large target. The plan was announced in a notice of intent published late in October. The notice calls for getting environmental impact statements on plans to stage aircraft on the three Pacific islands. Top Stories This Week News An A-10 named ‘Rainbow Warrior’ sports Marilyn Monroe door art in the Middle East By Nicholas Slayton News Blue Angels aviator removed from team before homecoming show By Nicholas Slayton News The Army wants more pilots to apply for its special operations helicopter regiment. Here’s why By David Roza According to the notice, the Air Force wants to carry out up…

Thanks to recently posted photographs on social media, it is now apparent that at least two F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets in the Oregon National Guard are equipped with conformal fuel tanks, a measure intended to boost range and endurance. Outfitting CFTs on F-15EX Eagle IIs helps the jets carry more fuel and weapons without necessarily sacrificing the jet’s external hard points and, therefore, its weapon payload capacity. A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II flies over the Gulf of America, September 16, 2025. The F-15EX, from the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is one of the first F-15EXs in the Air Force, and is going through developmental and operational test series at Eglin to confirm its operational capabilities before it is delivered to the combat Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Blake Wiles) A 96th Test Wing F-15E Strike Eagle flies during a test mission May 22, 2025 over Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 96 TW and the 53rd Wing teamed up to test AGR-20F Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II laser-guided rockets on the F-15E in May in an effort to get the capability to the warfighter as quickly…

The United States Air Force’s fleet of F-22 Raptor fighters is benefiting significantly from a new approach to maintenance and servicing: an all-digital strategy that will squeeze the most life possible from some of the world’s highest-performance jet engines. Using a raft of advanced diagnostic and evaluation equipment, the flying branch hopes to keep its F-22s airborne into the 2030s — and long enough to overlap with the upcoming F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter. Zooming Forward  U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, pilot and commander of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, performs an aerial demonstration during the 52nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, April 14, 2026. Capt. Le Tourneau showcased the unmatched capabilities of the F-22 to the SUN ‘n FUN crowds by performing multiple series of combat maneuvers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Bowers) U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, pilot and commander of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, performs an aerial demonstration during the 52nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, April 15, 2026. Capt. Le Tourneau showcased the unmatched capabilities of the F-22 to the SUN ‘n FUN crowds by performing multiple…

Marjorie Taylor Greene calls out Trump for election lies – After Donald Trump lost the 2020 election and denied that he had, Marjorie Taylor Greene—then newly elected to Congress—was one of the biggest backers of those election lies. On one of her first days in Congress, in January 2021, Greene even wore a “Trump won” facemask. Six years later, following the Republicans’ midterm election wipeout, Trump has expressed some doubts about the election results, although one doesn’t get the sense that his heart is entirely in it. President Donald J. Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, for a campaign trip to Chillicothe, Ohio. (Official White House Photo by Patrick Witty) President Donald J. Trump participates in a roundtable discussion in support of Wisconsin farmers at Custer Farms in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Friday, June 5, 2026. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian) And Greene, now out of Congress after breaking with Trump, is very much not on board with this latest election denial push. She’s even hinted at a lack of continued faith in the 2020-was-stolen cause. What Trump Denied In 2020, Trump denied the results from the start,…

The fight over Iran has reportedly moved to the telephone. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly had a phone call that one source described to Israel’s Ynet as “a shouting match from hell.” The story, first reported by Ynet and its sister paper Yedioth Ahronoth, was quickly picked up by U.S. outlets, including the New York Post. An Israeli Air Force pilot climbs into an F-35I Adir prior to a Red Flag-Nellis 23-2 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 16, 2023. Red Flag is an opportunity to build on the success of JUNIPER OAK 23-2, JUNIPER FALCON, and additional combined exercises to enhance interoperability with Israel, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and improve capabilities in ways that enhance and promote regional stability and reinforce the United States’ enduring commitment to Israel’s security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trevor Bell) Merkava Tank Israel. Image Credit: Creative Commons. The subject was the same one that has strained these two leaders since the spring. Netanyahu wants to restart the strikes on Iran. Trump wants to give diplomacy more time. Netanyahu’s office quickly dismissed the report as “fake news, complete nonsense.” A senior Israeli…

A phone call between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last weekend reportedly descended into a “shouting match from hell.” Sources familiar with the conversation told Israeli outlet Ynet that the exchange became unusually heated after Netanyahu pressured Trump to resume strikes against Iran. F-35I Adir Fighter from Israel. Image Credit: Creative Commons. The two leaders are believed to differ in their approaches to Iran, with the president preferring a diplomatic approach to end the conflict. Netanyahu Pushes for Strikes as Trump Holds Back Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly pushing President Trump to resume the military campaign against Iran not seen since the war’s initial weeks earlier this year. Negotiations with Tehran have proved futile, with no agreement to end the war readily in sight. Washington has led an economic campaign against Iran in the absence of continual bombardment, blocking Iranian ports and placing economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic and its trading partners. According to reports, the ongoing status quo has frustrated the Israeli prime minister, who has been calling the U.S. president on a near-daily basis. One call over the weekend descended into what sources speaking to Ynet described as a “shouting match from hell,”…

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported the largest number of people in recorded history this year, as President Donald Trump considers performing a U-turn on his hardline immigration policies. According to Department of Homeland Security data obtained by CBS News on Thursday, ICE has deported a record 483,200 people in the 2026 fiscal year alone. Tens of thousands of others were arrested by ICE agents in 2026 but not removed. President Donald Trump exits the stage after delivering remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Davos Congress Center. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok) President Donald J. Trump participates in a restricted bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara, Turkey. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok) ICE deported 40,560 more people in the 2026 fiscal year than its previous record of 442,640 in 2025, with the numbers bringing the Trump administration’s level of deportations in line with former president Barack Obama’s level of deportations. Trump is Finally Reaching the Level of Deportations Carried Out by Barack Obama Obama deported more illegal immigrants between 2009 and…

Majority of Trump Voters Say President Has Lost Much of ‘His Power’ Since Midterm Defeat: A majority of Americans, including a majority of voters of President Donald Trump, believe that the president has lost and is continuing to lose “his power” following the Republican Party’s defeat in the midterm elections. According to a new Politico poll, 67% of Americans believe Trump has lost at least some of his power since the midterms, with just 18% believing the president has the same amount of power as before. Even MAGA Thinks Trump’s Power is in Decline, While a Majority of Americans Blame Trump For GOP Defeat Donald Trump In New Hampshire. Creative Commons Photo. Donald Trump Doing The Trump YMCA Dance. Creative Commons Photo. A majority of Republicans also said Trump’s power was on the decline, with 68% of non-MAGA Trump voters believing that the president had lost some or much of his power since the midterms and 52% of MAGA Trump voters saying the same. Despite Trump’s repeated insistence that he is not to blame for the Republican Party’s defeat, a majority (53%) of Americans told Politico that the GOP lost both the House and the Senate as a result of…

Iran’s missile industry went underground. That’s the conclusion drawn from a Times of Israel report this week which, citing a Western intelligence estimate first reported by Bloomberg, says Tehran is building about 50 ballistic missiles a month. That’s about half its prewar production. The same estimate puts Iran’s remaining inventory at a minimum of 1,700 ballistic missiles, after US and Israeli airstrikes that began on February 28. Ford-Class. Image Credit: Creative Commons The Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550) transit the Atlantic Ocean March 20, 2021, marking the first time a Ford-class and Italian carrier have operated together underway. As part of the Italian Navy’s Ready for Operations (RFO) campaign for its flagship, Cavour is conducting sea trials in coordination with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office’s Patuxent River Integrated Test Force to obtain official certification to safely operate the F-35B. Gerald R. Ford is conducting integrated carrier strike group operations during independent steaming event 17 as part of her post-delivery test and trials phase of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley McDowell) Then, almost on cue, the IRGC Aerospace Force rolled…

Austin Cindric, the winning driver in the No. 2 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, representing Team Air Force, fought Team Marines’ Robert Noaker for first throughout the inaugural Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic. Also Read: Ford Racing launched the ‘Army-Navy Game for NASCAR’ with the Veterans Day ClassicCindric is a Daytona 500 winner, NASCAR O’Reilly champion and Rolex 24 podium finisher. Noaker is a two-time champion of the IMSA Ford Mustang Challenge Series with wins in the Mazda MX-5 Cup and Michelin Pilot Challenge GS class.The two pulled away from the pack early, leaving everyone else in their wake. The rest of the drivers fought their own battles for position, but when it came to the final lap, it looked like someone forgot to tell Cindric and Noaker that this wasn’t for a cup or championship. Cindric finished a mere 0.136s ahead of Noaker.“Air Force, hell yeah!” said Cindric after the race. “That’s an awesome, awesome way to end on Veterans Day.” Robert Noaker in the #13 Marines Ford Mustang Dark Horse R, drives ahead of Austin Cindric during the inaugural Ford Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic. (James Gilbert/Getty Images) Cindric, usually No. 2 for Team Penske Ford…