Latest Military and defense News

France and the Philippines to start talks on a `visiting forces agreement,' French envoy says

Apr. 25, 2024 10:12 AM EDT

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — France and the Philippines will begin talks next month on a defense pact that would allow troops from each country to hold exercises in the other’s territory, the French ambassador said Thursday. French and Philippine officials will meet in Paris next...

A Russian actress who called for peace was fined for hosting an 'almost naked' party

Apr. 25, 2024 09:43 AM EDT

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A Moscow court on Thursday imposed a 50,000-ruble ($560) fine on a TV presenter and actress who gained notoriety for hosting an “almost naked” party, saying her social media posts calling for peace discredited the military. Anastasia Ivleeva sparked an...

Army reservist who warned about Maine killer before shootings to testify before investigators

Apr. 25, 2024 09:43 AM EDT

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A U.S. Army reservist who sounded the clearest warning ahead of Maine’s deadliest mass shooting is answering questions Thursday from the commission investigating the tragedy. Six weeks before Robert Card killed 18 people at a bar and bowling alley in...

The German parliament votes for an annual veterans' day to honor military service

Apr. 25, 2024 07:37 AM EDT

BERLIN (AP) — The German parliament voted Thursday to introduce an annual national “veterans' day” to honor people who have served in the military, which often has struggled to gain recognition in the country. The proposal was drawn up by the parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz's...

Ukraine is putting pressure on fighting-age men outside the country as it tries to replenish forces

Apr. 25, 2024 07:19 AM EDT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine worked Thursday to get much-needed new supplies of weapons and ammunition from a huge U.S. aid package to its eastern front line, where Russia was pressing forward with its efforts to take ground from outnumbered and outgunned troops. Ukraine is also...

Taiwan's president-elect appoints new foreign, defense ministers as island faces continued threats

Apr. 25, 2024 05:20 AM EDT

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan's president-elect has appointed new foreign and defense ministers to join his incoming administration as the island faces continuing military threats and diplomatic isolation from China. Lai Ching-te, who assumes the presidency on May 20, announced...

US coalition warship shoots down missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels over the Gulf of Aden

Apr. 25, 2024 00:39 AM EDT

JERUSALEM (AP) — A warship — part of a U.S.-led coalition protecting shipping in the Mideast — intercepted an anti-ship ballistic missile fired over the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, the American military said, marking a new attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels after a recent lull. The...

No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad, top official tells AP

Apr. 24, 2024 22:59 PM EDT

BOSTON (AP) — There has been no final decision on whether or not all U.S. troops will leave Niger and Chad, two African countries that are integral to the military's efforts to counter violent extremist organizations across the Sahel region, a top U.S. military official told The Associated Press...

Another ex-State Department official alleges Israeli military gets 'special treatment' on abuses

Apr. 24, 2024 17:46 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former senior U.S. official who until recently helped oversee human-rights compliance by foreign militaries receiving American military assistance said Wednesday that he repeatedly observed Israel receiving “special treatment” from U.S. officials when it came to scrutiny...

Jill Biden launches bike ride for wounded service members, stresses need to support vets

Apr. 24, 2024 16:29 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden on Wednesday sounded a red horn to start the Wounded Warrior Project's annual Soldier Ride from the White House lawn, using the launch of the multiday bike ride to stress the importance of supporting service members. “My husband often says that we...