The War Department increased its artificial intelligence offerings by launching versions of Grok and ChatGPT to GenAI.mil to go alongside Google's Gemini. 

The 86th Airlift Wing recently supported Exercise Saber Junction 26 with joint air mobility operations alongside Army and Marine Corps forces at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

The Michigan National Guard debuted its newly acquired Mark VI patrol boat in Lake Huron during Exercise Northern Strike 26-2 to simulate fast-attack threats and train visiting aviation units in complex maritime targeting.

Service members assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border used the Army Multipurpose High Energy Laser system to stop three hostile, unmanned aircraft systems deemed a threat. They were believed to be linked to drug cartels. 

Senior leaders and security cooperation personnel from across the War Department gathered for the 2026 National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program conference in Atlanta to align activities and engagements with national defense strategy lines of effort. 

U.S. soldiers participated in Exercise Saber Junction 26 alongside allied troops in Germany to test combat readiness and new drone technology.

The Army's Janus Program selected five nuclear energy vendors and five initial locations to build and operate nuclear microreactors.