Defense Now

End of an Era: The Final Deployment of the USMC AV-8B Harrier II. Join us as we commemorate the incredible legacy and upcoming retirement ("sundown") of the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II. This special feature focuses on Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223)—the military's last operational Harrier squadron—reflecting on nearly 40 years of flight operations with the squadron and the 50-plus year history of the revolutionary platform.

Through exclusive pilot interviews and historical footage, we explore the Harrier’s groundbreaking Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V-STOL) capabilities, its indispensable role in close air support across global conflicts, and the bittersweet pride of the service members executing its final deployment before the USMC transitions to an all-5th-generation tactical fleet.

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Defense Now

Hegseth Outlines U.S. Vision For Indo-Pacific at Annual Asia Defense Summit
May 29, 2026 | By Matthew Olay
During remarks today at the annual International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth discussed the strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region, as it relates to the new National Defense Strategy.

“We are charting a new course for our alliances and partnerships: one that is grounded in the realities of power and interests. It is a course that will leave America stronger, our allies and partners more capable, and the Pacific region more stable and secure,” Hegseth said near the top of his remarks.

During the 25-minute speech, the secretary outlined a strategy that embraces “true partnership” through the empowerment of partner and ally nations throughout the region, while at the same time, moving away from reliance on the United States.

“The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over. We need partners, not protectorates. We seek alliances built on shared responsibility, not dependency,” Hegseth said.

He added that such a strategy is the “maturation of alliances in a new era,” which will put those alliances on a sustainable footing to ensure fitness for the challenges of the future.

Stating that the Indo-Pacific region has profound implications regarding U.S. security and prosperity, Hegseth next addressed concerns about China’s historic military build-up and expansion of military activities both in the region and beyond it.

“This alignment is based on a clear-eyed assessment of the security environment. And a mutual understanding that a Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power and undermine the equilibrium we all seek to preserve,” he said.

To prevent such an eventuality, Hegseth said the War Department is approaching the challenge not with confrontation, but with a strong, quiet and clear posture of measured and deliberate strength.

“What we seek — and what has consistently articulated —is a genuinely stable equilibrium that works for Americans as well as for our allies. A favorable, but durable, balance of power in which no state — including China — can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question,” Hegseth explained.

He noted that the United States seeks to preserve the conditions that have long underwritten peace and prosperity in the region.

“We are the power working to sustain equilibrium, not disrupt it, plain and simple,” he said.

Hegseth further stated that, while recent discussions with the Chinese government have helped to reinforce a foundation for stable peace, fair trade and respectful relations between the two countries, it is his and the War Department’s job to provide military strength to support the president’s visionary and realistic diplomacy.

“While a decent peace is our goal, make no mistake: America is a Pacific nation, and we insist that China respect our longstanding position in this region. And not just insist, but maintain, the manifest military strength to underwrite it,” Hegseth said.

To maintain peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific region, Hegseth explained that the U.S. will no longer rely on “performative outrage” from politicians who signal virtue but fail to protect capabilities.

Rather, the U.S. military will lead first and foremost through actions, rather than words.

“We will prioritize lethal capabilities, strategic discipline and businesslike cooperation over empty rhetoric and peacocking. Any potential opponent will be forced to judge us by our hard power, collective readiness and our steadfast resolve,” he said, adding that the U.S. military posture in the Pacific region will be resilient, distributed and optimized to deny quick and decisive gains through military force.

“This is the logic of strategy, this is the essence of peace through strength, and this is the foundation of a durable peace in the Pacific that benefits all of us,” Hegseth said, adding, “We all benefit from this policy, because our quiet, but clear, strength will lead to stability and peace.”

The secretary then circled back to the National Defense Strategy and the theme of partnership over dependency, emphasizing its call to increase burden-sharing with U.S. allies and partners while empowering them to contribute toward collective defense among all friendly nations.

He noted that Trump has been crystal clear from Day 1 that alliances only work when they are true partnerships.

“It’s a two-way street you don’t have a strong alliance unless everyone has skin in the game,” Hegseth explained.

He praised several allied countries throughout the Indo-Pacific.

“In this region, I am optimistic that our allies — driven by our shared national interests and the unprecedented threat environment — will step up and step up for real. In fact, we’re already seeing progress,” he said.

He highlighted defense commitments that nine countries have committed to, including: South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and India.

“This kind of shared industrial muscle isn’t just a long-term goal; it is an immediate, operational imperative,” he said, while issuing the caveat that “Allies who refuse to step up and carry their own weight for our collective defense will face a clear shift in how we do business.”

The secretary wrapped his remarks by underscoring his appeal to partners and allies to invest in their own defense and security, as well as work with the U.S. to advance shared interests.

“Join us in embracing this vision in building a team of strong, self-reliant nations fully capable of defending their own sovereignty, while contributing to our collective security in preserving the favorable balance of power that benefits us all,” he said, adding, “That time is now; the challenges we face are real, but so is the opportunity before us. We must meet that moment, and may Almighty God bless all of our troops in harm's way.”

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Defense Now

Welcome back to Defense Now! In this pivotal address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, US War Secretary Hegseth outlines a major shift in the administration's defense strategy for the Indo-Pacific region.

Moving away from idealistic foreign policy, Hegseth delivers a core message of "pragmatic realism." He emphasizes a "Strong, Quiet, and Clear" posture, demanding that allied nations step up their concrete military capabilities and hit a new 3.5% defense spending baseline. Announcing a historic $1.5 trillion investment to supercharge the US defense industrial base, Hegseth issues a stark warning: the United States will prioritize highly capable partners and will no longer subsidize the defense of "free riders."

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Defense Now

Watch the LIVE broadcast of the 2026 Lejeune High School Graduation Ceremony! Join Defense Now in celebrating the incredible achievements, resilience, and hard work of the Class of 2026 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. 🎓✨

Broadcasting live on May 29, 2026, this commencement ceremony honors the graduating seniors of Lejeune High School. As part of the DoDEA network, these military-connected students have shown remarkable dedication. Whether you're watching from here in North Carolina, stationed overseas, or tuning in to support family and friends, welcome to the celebration!

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Defense Now

Witness the time-honored traditions of the United States Marine Corps in this formal Change of Command ceremony. This video captures the official transfer of authority and responsibilities for the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River. Watch as Lieutenant Colonel Andrew W.J. Rich officially relinquishes his command to the incoming commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew V. Barrows.

The ceremony features rich military customs, including the solemn passing of the unit's battle colors, the awarding of the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Rich for his outstanding leadership from June 2024 to May 2026, and a touching recognition of his family's sacrifices. Hear speeches from the presiding officer and both commanders, concluding with a traditional final pass in review.

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Defense Now

Tune in LIVE on May 29, 2026, at 1:20 PM EDT for the Mass Communication Systems Engineer (MCSE) Course 020-26 Graduation ceremony. Join us as we honor the dedication and hard work of the newest generation of military communication and electronics experts as they complete their rigorous training.

2 days ago | [YT] | 72

Defense Now

Watch the official graduation ceremony for Kilo Company at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego. After 13 weeks of grueling training, the Crucible, and earning the title of United States Marine, these new Marines march across the parade deck to celebrate their achievement.

The new Marines of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 29 2026. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. Following graduation, the Marines were given 10 days of leave before taking the next step in training at the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

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Defense Now

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Department of State. Watch the full bilateral meeting as they discuss security, trade, and the future of US-Pakistan relations.

In a high-stakes diplomatic engagement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, to Washington D.C. for bilateral talks at the State Department. The two leaders discussed critical regional security issues, economic cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and the strategic direction of the United States-Pakistan alliance in an evolving global landscape.

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Defense Now

Welcome to Defense Now! 🇺🇸 Watch the historic graduation ceremony of the United States Air Force Warrant Officer Training School (WOTS), Class 2604. This milestone event celebrates 36 elite candidates who have successfully completed 8.5 weeks of rigorous training to join the newly re-established corps of Air Force Warrant Officers.

The ceremony features inspiring opening remarks from the WOTS Commandant, an awards presentation for top-performing graduates, and a powerful keynote address by Brigadier General Joy Kazor. Highlighting the critical need for technical experts in the digital battlefield, Brig. Gen. Kazor challenges the new Warrant Officers to serve as "human lightning bolts," leading with courage, commitment, and care.

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Defense Now

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent takes the podium at the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room to address critical economic policies, global sanctions, and their direct impact on national security. In this briefing, Sec. Bessent outlines the financial strategies underpinning current U.S. geopolitical maneuvers and defense posturing.

Watch to understand how economic tools are being deployed as tactical assets, the financial outlook for defense procurement, and what these fiscal policies mean for the future of global security.

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