U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine hold an on-camera press briefing in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room.


US-Iran War: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Briefs Media on 10 Days of Operation 'Epic Fury'

AI firm Anthropic is preparing a legal challenge after the Pentagon reportedly labeled the company a potential supply-chain security risk. The dispute could trigger a major legal battle over AI technology, defence procurement, and national security oversight in the United States. watch this report for more details!


Tech Firm Anthropic Sues Donald Trump Administration Over Pentagon Blacklist

Anthropic Vows Court Battle After Pentagon Flags AI Firm As Security Risk | WION 

The United States Department of Defense on Wednesday (Mar 4) identified four of the six US Army Reserve soldiers killed in a drone strike in Kuwait earlier this week, as the conflict between Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran continues to escalate.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mojtaba-khamenei-iran-elects-new-supreme-leader-to-replace-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-1772587904561">Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader</a><h2>Who are the four US soldiers killed in Kuwait?</h2>According to a press release by the US Army Reserve, the four fallen soldiers are: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20.The four soldiers were killed on March 1 at a US military site in Port Shuaiba during an unmanned aircraft system attack. "All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa," reads the statement, adding that the incident remains under investigation.Two other American service members who died during what US officials have called Operation Epic Fury have not yet been publicly identified.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is with heavy hearts that we announce the deaths of four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers supporting Operation Epic Fury on March 1st. “We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation.” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve. <a href="https://t.co/r4zBm3hfyt">pic.twitter.com/r4zBm3hfyt</a>&mdash; U.S. Army Reserve (@USArmyReserve) <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmyReserve/status/2029010189928603974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Capt. Cody A. Khork</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HCh9T_hXwAAPUKb?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="Capt. Cody Khork"></figure>According to the press release, Khork, a resident of Lakeland, Florida had served in uniform for more than a decade. He enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 and was commissioned as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. He was deployed to Saudia Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021, and Poland in 2024.His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 Year Device and “M” Device, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-drone-hits-near-us-consulate-in-dubai-no-injuries-reported-1772571823266">WATCH | Drone hits near US consulate in Dubai, no injuries reported</a><h2>Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens</h2><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HCh9yEuXoAEAWED?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="Sgt 1st Class Noah Teitjans"> Noah L. Tietjens, a resident of Bellevue, Nebraska, joined the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. Over the years, he earned several honours, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal With “M” Device.<h2>Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HCh9jLzXoAAWQOY?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="Sgt 1st Class Nicole Amor"></figure>Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, a resident of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, began her military in 2005 when she enlisted in the National Guard as an automated logistics specialist. A year later she transferred to the Army Reserve. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 and also received the Army Commendation Medal along with several other awards.Over the years, she earned several honours, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.&nbsp;<h2>Sgt. Declan J. Coady</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HCh-BAKXwAApkyK?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="Sgt Declan Coady"></figure>Coady was the youngest among the four. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an information technology specialist. After his death, he was posthumously promoted from specialist. His decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

Who are the US soldiers killed in the Kuwait drone strike? The Pentagon has identified four Army Reserve troops who died in the attack as tensions with Iran escalate.

Who were they and where were they stationed? Scroll down to read more.

The United States Department of Defense on Wednesday (Mar 4) identified four of the six US Army Reserve soldiers killed in a drone strike in Kuwait earlier this week, as the conflict between Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran continues to escalate. Also read | Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader Who are the four US soldiers killed in Kuwait? According to a press release by the US Army Reserve, the four fallen soldiers are: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20. The four soldiers were killed on March 1 at a US military site in Port Shuaiba during an unmanned aircraft system attack. "All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa," reads the statement, adding that the incident remains under investigation. Two other American service members who died during what US officials have called Operation Epic Fury have not yet been publicly identified.

Who are the US soldiers killed in the Kuwait drone strike? The Pentagon has identified four Army Reserve troops who died in the attack as tensions with Iran escalate.Who were they and where were they stationed? Scroll down to read more.

Pentagon identifies four soldiers killed in Kuwait attack: All we know about them

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine hold a press briefing in the Pentagon Briefing Room on Operation Epic Fury.

Secretary Of War: US Conducted The Most Precise Strikes on Iran

Tensions between the United States and Iran are mounting as U.S. warships and military assets amass in the Middle East amid stalled nuclear talks and growing security concerns. American aircraft carriers and destroyers are being repositioned near Iran’s strategic waters, raising alarm over possible conflict in West Asia. 


US-Iran Tensions: Pentagon Flexes Overwhelming Force 

AI company Anthropic has reportedly declined a Pentagon ultimatum seeking unconditional use of its artificial intelligence systems by the US military. The development signals tensions between major AI firms and defence authorities over how advanced AI technologies should be deployed, particularly in military and national security contexts.


AI: Anthropic Defies Pentagon, Refuses Unconditional US Military AI Access | WION 

The Pentagon has issued a strict ultimatum to AI company Anthropic over the use of its artificial intelligence models in defense applications. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that failure to comply with Pentagon guidelines could lead to contract termination. The move underscores growing scrutiny over AI in military operations and the need for strict oversight of advanced technologies with national security implications.


Pentagon Has Issued a Sharp Ultimatum to AI Firm Anthropic on Military Use of Its Models

In a major development tied to the expanding role of artificial intelligence in defense operations, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly issued a firm deadline to Anthropic, pressing the AI company to permit unrestricted military access to its technology. During a meeting on Tuesday (February 24) with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Hegseth made clear that failure to cooperate by Friday (February 27) could jeopardize the company’s standing in a key federal contract.&nbsp;Sources familiar with the discussion described the conversation as cordial but resolute. Amodei maintained Anthropic’s long-standing ethical boundaries, particularly objecting to the deployment of fully autonomous weapons systems and the use of AI for surveillance targeting American citizens. He has previously voiced strong reservations about handing governments unchecked control over advanced AI capabilities.&nbsp;Anthropic is currently the only major AI developer that has not integrated its systems into the US military’s newly established internal AI network. Defense officials have indicated that if the company refuses to participate, it could face serious consequences, including designation as a supply chain vulnerability. In more extreme circumstances, the Pentagon could invoke the Defense Production Act, granting authority to compel access to Anthropic’s technology for defense-related use.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-welcome-my-friend-laughter-flows-as-modi-and-netanyahu-notice-sara-matching-indian-pm-s-saffron-flair-1772020029080">WATCH | ‘Welcome my friend’: Laughter flows as Modi and Netanyahu notice Sara matching Indian PM's saffron flair</a>&nbsp;The standoff reflects broader tensions surrounding AI’s expanding footprint in national security. Critics argue that the growing reliance on AI for battlefield decision-making and intelligence gathering demands stricter oversight. Hegseth, however, has consistently advocated for rapid modernization, emphasizing the need for AI systems that operate without what he describes as ideological or cultural constraints within defense institutions.&nbsp;Founded by former OpenAI researchers, Anthropic has positioned itself as a proponent of responsible AI development. Amodei has frequently warned of the risks posed by autonomous weapons, AI-directed drones, and large-scale surveillance programs, urging policymakers to establish stronger regulatory safeguards before expanding military deployment. While Anthropic initially received approval to operate within classified defense systems, other firms, such as Google, OpenAI, and xAI, have so far operated in more limited, unclassified capacities. Recently, Pentagon leadership has shown increased preference for companies willing to align fully with its evolving AI strategy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-denies-paying-ransom-to-free-abducted-students-1772027966109/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-denies-paying-ransom-to-free-abducted-students-1772027966109/embed</a>&nbsp;Last summer, the Department of Defense awarded contracts to four AI companies, each potentially valued at up to $200 million. The uncertainty surrounding Anthropic’s participation now places the company at a crossroads, balancing lucrative government partnerships against its publicly stated ethical commitments. The situation echoes earlier controversies, including backlash over Project Maven, when technology employees protested involvement in military drone and surveillance initiatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;As defense agencies accelerate AI integration, experts continue to call for clearer regulatory standards to prevent misuse—particularly in areas involving lethal force and domestic monitoring.The unfolding dispute underscores the complex intersection of technological innovation, military readiness, corporate ethics, and civil liberties, all at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping the global security landscape.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sets deadline for Anthropic over military AI access

In a major development tied to the expanding role of artificial intelligence in defense operations, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly issued a firm deadline to Anthropic, pressing the AI company to permit unrestricted military access to its technology. During a meeting on Tuesday (February 24) with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Hegseth made clear that failure to cooperate by Friday (February 27) could jeopardize the company’s standing in a key federal contract. Sources familiar with the discussion described the conversation as cordial but resolute. Amodei maintained Anthropic’s long-standing ethical boundaries, particularly objecting to the deployment of fully autonomous weapons systems and the use of AI for surveillance targeting American citizens. He has previously voiced strong reservations about handing governments unchecked control over advanced AI capabilities. Anthropic is currently the only major AI developer that has not integrated its systems into the US military’s newly established internal AI network. Defense officials have indicated that if the company refuses to participate, it could face serious consequences, including designation as a supply chain vulnerability. In more extreme circumstances, the Pentagon could invoke the Defense Production Act, granting authority to compel access to Anthropic’s technology for defense-related use. Also Read: WATCH | ‘Welcome my friend’: Laughter flows as Modi and Netanyahu notice Sara matching Indian PM's saffron flair The standoff reflects broader tensions surrounding AI’s expanding footprint in national security. Critics argue that the growing reliance on AI for battlefield decision-making and intelligence gathering demands stricter oversight. Hegseth, however, has consistently advocated for rapid modernization, emphasizing the need for AI systems that operate without what he describes as ideological or cultural constraints within defense institutions. Founded by former OpenAI researchers, Anthropic has positioned itself as a proponent of responsible AI development. Amodei has frequently warned of the risks posed by autonomous weapons, AI-directed drones, and large-scale surveillance programs, urging policymakers to establish stronger regulatory safeguards before expanding military deployment. While Anthropic initially received approval to operate within classified defense systems, other firms, such as Google, OpenAI, and xAI, have so far operated in more limited, unclassified capacities. Recently, Pentagon leadership has shown increased preference for companies willing to align fully with its evolving AI strategy. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-denies-paying-ransom-to-free-abducted-students-1772027966109/embed Last summer, the Department of Defense awarded contracts to four AI companies, each potentially valued at up to $200 million. The uncertainty surrounding Anthropic’s participation now places the company at a crossroads, balancing lucrative government partnerships against its publicly stated ethical commitments. The situation echoes earlier controversies, including backlash over Project Maven, when technology employees protested involvement in military drone and surveillance initiatives. As defense agencies accelerate AI integration, experts continue to call for clearer regulatory standards to prevent misuse—particularly in areas involving lethal force and domestic monitoring. The unfolding dispute underscores the complex intersection of technological innovation, military readiness, corporate ethics, and civil liberties, all at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping the global security landscape.

Pentagon pressures Anthropic to allow unrestricted military AI use, raising concerns over ethics, surveillance, and autonomous weapons

The Pentagon has reportedly issued a deadline to AI firm Anthropic amid a growing dispute over the use of its artificial intelligence models in defense-related applications. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is said to have demanded compliance with specific guidelines, warning that failure to meet the requirements could lead to contract termination.


Pentagon Sets Deadline for Anthropic Amid Dispute Over AI Usage

Pentagon officials are reportedly scrambling to find ways to spend the additional $500 billion in its budget. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump approved a roughly 50% increase in the budget.


Pentagon Has a Problem: How to Spend $500 Billion Bonanza From Trump 

Reports indicate Elon Musk’s companies, including SpaceX and xAI, are bidding for classified Pentagon projects involving drone swarm technology. The developments have drawn attention amid discussions around military AI, autonomous systems, and next-generation warfare capabilities.


Elon Musk Firms In Pentagon Race To Develop AI Drone Swarms — Reports | Gravitas

Elon Musk: Pentagon Builds Autonomous Killer Drones, Voice Control Drones Redefine Future of War

The US Department of Defence is considering cutting ties with Anthropic and could designate it a “supply chain risk”. This would potentially bar any possible contractors from working with the US military and use Anthropic's AI tools, according to a report by Axios.“The Department of War's relationship with Anthropic is being reviewed. Our nation requires that our partners be willing to help our warfighters win in any fight. Ultimately, this is about our troops and the safety of the American people,” said Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, to Axios. He further threatened that it would be a huge discomfort to disentangle, and they would make Anthropic miserable.&nbsp;Anthropic's AI model is the only one available for the US military's classified applications. According to Axios, a senior military official said that competing models “are just behind”. Anthropic is so deeply embedded in the US military's function that it's Claude was used during the Maduro raid in January.&nbsp;Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is very serious about the terms over which the US military could use Claude. But he remains pragmatic about reaching a solution. It contends that any implication of its tool to spy on the American people or develop a weapon that can function and target autonomously is unacceptable.“We are having productive conversations, in good faith, with DoW on how to continue that work and get these new and complex issues right,” said an Anthropic spokesperson. The Pentagon contract is reportedly valued at up to $200 million, a minute portion of Anthropic's annual revenue of $14 billion. But this would have some reputational and strategic risk to the company.Pentagon officials are not pleased with the terms and are considering other models such as OpenAI, Google and xAI. A senior Pentagon official has claimed that all three models will agree to the "all lawful use" standard. Almost 8 out of 10 big companies use Anthropic in their business applications, designating it as a “supply chain risk” will require all those companies to certify that they don't use Anthropic's models.

The U.S. Department of Defence may designate Anthropic a “supply chain risk” after a dispute over military use of AI models, Axios reports

The US Department of Defence is considering cutting ties with Anthropic and could designate it a “supply chain risk”. This would potentially bar any possible contractors from working with the US military and use Anthropic's AI tools, according to a report by Axios. “The Department of War's relationship with Anthropic is being reviewed. Our nation requires that our partners be willing to help our warfighters win in any fight. Ultimately, this is about our troops and the safety of the American people,” said Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, to Axios. He further threatened that it would be a huge discomfort to disentangle, and they would make Anthropic miserable. Anthropic's AI model is the only one available for the US military's classified applications. According to Axios, a senior military official said that competing models “are just behind”. Anthropic is so deeply embedded in the US military's function that it's Claude was used during the Maduro raid in January. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is very serious about the terms over which the US military could use Claude. But he remains pragmatic about reaching a solution. It contends that any implication of its tool to spy on the American people or develop a weapon that can function and target autonomously is unacceptable. “We are having productive conversations, in good faith, with DoW on how to continue that work and get these new and complex issues right,” said an Anthropic spokesperson. The Pentagon contract is reportedly valued at up to $200 million, a minute portion of Anthropic's annual revenue of $14 billion. But this would have some reputational and strategic risk to the company. Pentagon officials are not pleased with the terms and are considering other models such as OpenAI, Google and xAI. A senior Pentagon official has claimed that all three models will agree to the "all lawful use" standard. Almost 8 out of 10 big companies use Anthropic in their business applications, designating it as a “supply chain risk” will require all those companies to certify that they don't use Anthropic's models.

The U.S. Department of Defence may designate Anthropic a “supply chain risk” after a dispute over military use of AI models, Axios reports

Pentagon threatens to cut ties with Anthropic and label it 'supply chain risk'

Elon Musk's SpaceX, as per reports, is stepping into a new and controversial area of defence technology by joining a Pentagon competition to develop autonomous drone swarming systems powered by artificial intelligence. The project will also involve Musk's AI company xAI. Here’s what the technology is, and why the Pentagon wants it.<h2>What is autonomous drone swarming?</h2>Drone swarming technology allows multiple, networked unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to operate as a single intelligence unit rather than as individual machines. Instead of a human pilot controlling each device separately, software enables the drones to communicate with one another, adjust their movements in real time, and complete missions together.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-robots-need-your-body-would-you-work-for-an-ai-overlord-this-website-lets-machine-rent-humans-all-you-need-to-know-about-rentahuman-ai-1770455263542">'Robots need your body': Are you up to 'rent' yourself to Artificial Intelligence? Deets inside</a>The Pentagon’s latest competition, which is set to last six months, focuses on voice-controlled swarms. The goal is to build systems that can translate voice commands from military personnel into digital instructions that guide multiple drones.<h2>SpaceX and xAI enter the contest</h2>According to a Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the effort, SpaceX and xAI are among a small group of companies selected for the Pentagon's $100 million prize competition. OpenAI is also a contender in the competition launched in January by the Defense Innovation Unit and the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group. The six-month contest will unfold in phases, beginning with software development and eventually moving to real-world testing.SpaceX has long worked as a defence contractor with the US military on rockets, satellite launches, and communications systems. However, building software for offensive drone operations would mark a new direction for the company.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-jesus-watches-over-her-whoops-disturbing-epstein-files-email-mocking-young-victim-s-faith-goes-viral-1771055911141">'Jesus watches over her… whoops': Disturbing Epstein files email mocking young victim’s faith goes viral</a><h2>Ethical and strategic concerns</h2>The project highlights the Pentagon’s push to integrate AI into warfare. A new defence strategy, 'AI Acceleration Strategy', released earlier this year, seeks to "unleash" AI into the battlefields, expanding the use of autonomous systems in planning, surveillance, and potential participation in operations involving lethal strikes.At the same time, AI-driven weapons raise serious questions. Large language models are known to be prone to bias, and Musk himself previously signed an open letter warning against "new tools for killing people". &nbsp;

Elon Musk’s SpaceX and xAI are now competing to build AI-powered drone swarms for the Pentagon, where multiple drones act like one coordinated “intelligent” weapon system. What does that mean? Scroll down to learn how it works.

Elon Musk's SpaceX, as per reports, is stepping into a new and controversial area of defence technology by joining a Pentagon competition to develop autonomous drone swarming systems powered by artificial intelligence. The project will also involve Musk's AI company xAI. Here’s what the technology is, and why the Pentagon wants it. What is autonomous drone swarming? Drone swarming technology allows multiple, networked unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to operate as a single intelligence unit rather than as individual machines. Instead of a human pilot controlling each device separately, software enables the drones to communicate with one another, adjust their movements in real time, and complete missions together. Also read | 'Robots need your body': Are you up to 'rent' yourself to Artificial Intelligence? Deets inside The Pentagon’s latest competition, which is set to last six months, focuses on voice-controlled swarms. The goal is to build systems that can translate voice commands from military personnel into digital instructions that guide multiple drones. SpaceX and xAI enter the contest According to a Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the effort, SpaceX and xAI are among a small group of companies selected for the Pentagon's $100 million prize competition. OpenAI is also a contender in the competition launched in January by the Defense Innovation Unit and the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group. The six-month contest will unfold in phases, beginning with software development and eventually moving to real-world testing. SpaceX has long worked as a defence contractor with the US military on rockets, satellite launches, and communications systems. However, building software for offensive drone operations would mark a new direction for the company. Also read | 'Jesus watches over her… whoops': Disturbing Epstein files email mocking young victim’s faith goes viral Ethical and strategic concerns The project highlights the Pentagon’s push to integrate AI into warfare. A new defence strategy, 'AI Acceleration Strategy', released earlier this year, seeks to "unleash" AI into the battlefields, expanding the use of autonomous systems in planning, surveillance, and potential participation in operations involving lethal strikes. At the same time, AI-driven weapons raise serious questions. Large language models are known to be prone to bias, and Musk himself previously signed an open letter warning against "new tools for killing people".

Elon Musk’s SpaceX and xAI are now competing to build AI-powered drone swarms for the Pentagon, where multiple drones act like one coordinated “intelligent” weapon system. What does that mean? Scroll down to learn how it works.

What is autonomous drone swarming tech? Musk's SpaceX, xAI bid in secret Pentagon competition | WION Explains

The Pentagon is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into classified combat operations, bringing advanced algorithms closer to the military “kill chain.”

US: Pentagon pushes AI into classified combat, algorithms move closer to the kill chain

The Pentagon has directed a second aircraft carrier strike group to prepare for possible deployment to West Asia as the United States weighs military options against Iran. 


US-Iran Tensions: Trump Hints at Sending Another Aircraft Carrier to West Asia

The sudden closure of airspace over El Paso, Texas, was forced due to a dispute between the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over plans for a laser test to shoot down drones used by Mexican drug cartels, according to a report. This comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted flight operations at El Paso airport for 10 days, citing security-related concerns, which were later lifted. The Trump administration said that the airspace was closed after Mexican drug cartel drones breached US airspace and were disabled.Associated Press reported, citing people familiar with the situation, Pentagon’s laser test plans resulted in friction with the FAA, which wanted to ensure commercial air safety, as the two agencies sought to coordinate. Despite a scheduled meeting later this month to discuss the issue, the Pentagon was planning to go ahead with the test, prompting the FAA to shut the airspace over El Paso.The news agency reported that the laser was deployed near Fort Bliss without coordinating with the FAA, according to a person familiar with the issue, adding that the technology was used despite the scheduled discussions.While the restrictions were lifted shortly after, it is unusual for an entire airport to shut down for even a short period of time. The incident stranded travellers with luggage lined up at airline counters and car rental desks.The FAA classified the area as “NTL Defense Airspace” and stated that the restriction that covered airspace over El Paso, Texas, and parts of Santa Teresa and New Mexico, was implemented for “special security reasons.”Earlier on Wednesday (Feb 11), a US administration official said that Mexican drug cartel drones breached US airspace and were disabled.United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in a post on X, “The FAA and DOW acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion. The threat has been neutralised, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region. The restrictions have been lifted, and normal flights are resuming.”

The Trump administration said that the airspace was closed after Mexican drug cartel drones breached US airspace and were disabled.

The sudden closure of airspace over El Paso, Texas, was forced due to a dispute between the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over plans for a laser test to shoot down drones used by Mexican drug cartels, according to a report. This comes after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) halted flight operations at El Paso airport for 10 days, citing security-related concerns, which were later lifted. The Trump administration said that the airspace was closed after Mexican drug cartel drones breached US airspace and were disabled. Associated Press reported, citing people familiar with the situation, Pentagon’s laser test plans resulted in friction with the FAA, which wanted to ensure commercial air safety, as the two agencies sought to coordinate. Despite a scheduled meeting later this month to discuss the issue, the Pentagon was planning to go ahead with the test, prompting the FAA to shut the airspace over El Paso. The news agency reported that the laser was deployed near Fort Bliss without coordinating with the FAA, according to a person familiar with the issue, adding that the technology was used despite the scheduled discussions. While the restrictions were lifted shortly after, it is unusual for an entire airport to shut down for even a short period of time. The incident stranded travellers with luggage lined up at airline counters and car rental desks. The FAA classified the area as “NTL Defense Airspace” and stated that the restriction that covered airspace over El Paso, Texas, and parts of Santa Teresa and New Mexico, was implemented for “special security reasons.” Earlier on Wednesday (Feb 11), a US administration official said that Mexican drug cartel drones breached US airspace and were disabled. United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in a post on X, “The FAA and DOW acted swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion. The threat has been neutralised, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region. The restrictions have been lifted, and normal flights are resuming.”

The Trump administration said that the airspace was closed after Mexican drug cartel drones breached US airspace and were disabled.

Mexican drug cartel drones or Pentagon-FAA dispute? REAL reason why El Paso airspace was closed

Pentagon systems neutralized unauthorized drones entering US airspace near Texas, prompting a temporary FAA flight halt at El Paso airport for security.


Breaking: Pentagon Downs Cartel Drones Over Texas Airspace

American warships are inching closer and closer towards Iran. Pentagon cites that Iran is on the move, and is trying to assemble its nuclear parts. West Asia seems to be on a knife's edge.

Pentagon Cites, Iran is on the Move, US Assembles Warships Near Iran

US Assembles Warships Near Iran 

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy marks a significant shift in US military priorities, focusing on homeland defense and China deterrence while reducing support to international allies. The strategy adopts a softer tone toward China and Russia compared to the Biden administration's approach, emphasizing border security as a national security priority and elevating Latin America through the "Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine." The document represents a fundamental reorientation toward regional dominance and reduced global commitments.



Pentagon's New Strategy Document Adopts a Softer Tone Towards China

The United States has fallen behind Russia and China in the hypersonic missile race, missing its deadline to field the first operational hypersonic weapon despite years of development. 


US falls behind in missile race, deployment of Dark Eagle hypersonic missile delayed 

The Pentagon has launched a six-month review of women serving in U.S. ground combat roles more than a decade after those positions were formally opened. The move comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revisits long-running debates over combat standards and readiness. While military officials say standards will remain elite and gender-neutral, critics argue the review risks reopening a settled issue. ABC News examines the stakes, the data, and the voices from inside the ranks.


U.S. Pentagon Reviews Women Serving in Ground Combat Positions

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