An Air Force F-16 crashed at Balad AB, Iraq during its takeoff at 4:55 p.m. July 15 (Baghdad time). The pilot ejected safely. The Viper was slated for a close air support mission at the time of the accident, which is under investigation.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told NATO allies that the U.S. is embarking on a sweeping review of the American military presence in Europe. He also warned that the U.S. would cut American funds to the alliance’s operating budget if allies did not fulfill their commitment to boost military spending.…