US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fired the head of the Military Intelligence Agency: new purges at the Pentagon

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fired Lieutenant General Jeffrey Cruz, the head of the Military Intelligence Agency, citing a "loss of confidence." This dismissal was the latest in a series of large-scale reshuffles in the leadership of national security, which takes the purges at the Pentagon to a new level. Cruz was reportedly the victim of internal conflicts and disagreements that led to his resignation.

Reasons for the dismissal of Lieutenant General Jeffrey Cruz

The reasons for the dismissal of Lieutenant General Cruz remain unclear, but sources point to a "loss of trust" as the main reason. This may be related to internal investigations or conflicts within the Military Intelligence Agency. Cruz's dismissal underscores the seriousness of the situation and the Secretary of Defense's desire to restructure senior staff in the field of national security.

Large-scale changes in the leadership of national security

Cruz's firing is part of a broader campaign to reshuffle the national security leadership, spearheaded by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. These changes affected several key positions, including the head of the Intelligence Agency. Such large-scale changes indicate the administration's desire to carry out reforms and strengthen control over intelligence agencies.

Influence on the structure of the Pentagon

These dismissals and reshuffles significantly affect the structure of the Pentagon. They create uncertainty and can lead to temporary difficulties in coordinating and completing tasks. However, from the Administration's point of view, such measures are necessary to ensure efficiency and transparency in the work of intelligence agencies. It can also help eliminate corruption and increase discipline in the ranks of the military.

Prospects and implications for American intelligence

Firing high-ranking officers like Cruz could have long-term consequences for American intelligence. On the one hand, this may lead to personnel updates and the introduction of new strategies. On the other hand, frequent reshuffles can cause instability and decrease the effectiveness of intelligence operations. Further reforms and changes in the structure and functions of intelligence agencies can be expected in the future.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new drone policy with an unusual video

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today unveiled a new policy on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). To attract attention and demonstrate an innovative approach, he posted a vivid video in which a small unmanned aerial system delivers him a copy of the official memorandum.

Presentation Features

- An unusual format: Instead of the traditional announcement, the minister used a drone to emphasize the importance and modernity of the new policy.

- Symbolism: The delivery of the document by drones symbolizes the growing role of unmanned technologies in defense and security.

- Policy objectives: Although the details of the memorandum were not disclosed, it is expected that the new strategy will focus on expanding and regulating the use of UAVs for military and civilian purposes.

Importance for the defense sector

- Innovation support: Such an unconventional approach to the announcement shows the ministry's willingness to introduce modern technologies.

- Increased efficiency: The new policy is likely to promote the wider and more effective use of drones in various fields of activity.

- Ensuring security: An important part of the strategy will be the regulation and control of the use of UAVs to prevent threats.

It is expected that the new policy will become the basis for further development of unmanned systems and their integration into defense structures, as well as serve as an example for other countries in the field of innovation and security.

Cuts in the Pentagon's weapons testing department have halted work and caused the threat of layoffs at the Institute for Defense Analysis

In May 2025, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a 75% reduction in staff at the Pentagon office responsible for conducting live tests of American weapons systems, the Office of the Director of Operational Testing and Evaluation (DOT&E). These cuts effectively halted all office work and paved the way for mass layoffs at the Pentagon—funded think tank, the Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA), which provides technical support and analytical support to DOT&E.

In a letter to IDA staff obtained by CBS News, the institute's president, retired General Norton Schwartz, announced the suspension of all IDA tasks for DOT&E and expressed concern about the loss of funding, which directly affects the staff and capabilities of the institute. IDA is currently assessing the impact of the cuts and has not yet carried out layoffs, but the situation remains critical.

DOT&E was established in 1983 by Congress to provide independent monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of weapons in real conditions. The law requires that no weapons system enter mass production without the approval of this office. However, Hegseth's decision, motivated by a desire to reduce "redundant" and "unnecessary" functions, led to a reduction in the number of employees from 118 to 30 civilian and 15 military, as well as the termination of contracts with external contractors, including IDA.

The cuts have drawn criticism from lawmakers and experts, who warn that reducing staff and resources could reduce the quality of independent assessments and slow down the process of testing new technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. According to the former heads of DOT&E, the office in the current reduced composition will not be able to fully fulfill its obligations to Congress and ensure proper control over the safety and effectiveness of weapons.

Defense Minister Hegseth said the reorganization is aimed at improving efficiency and saving more than $300 million per year, as well as accelerating the supply of weapons to the troops. However, many experts believe that such measures may negatively affect the combat capability and security of the American armed forces in the long term.

The US Department of Defense cancels the M10 Booker light tank program

 

 M10 Booker

The US Department of Defense has decided to cancel the M10 Booker light tank program, which became part of a large-scale defense procurement reform. The decision was officially outlined in a Pentagon memorandum titled "Army Transformation and Procurement Reform," signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on May 1, 2023. The document instructs the army to stop funding several platforms, including the M10 Booker, which was previously considered a key element for enhancing the mobility and firepower of infantry brigades.

The cancellation of the M10 Booker program was the result of a review of the priorities of the American army in the face of a changing geopolitical situation and growing budget constraints. The light tank was developed as a solution to provide mobile protected firepower in infantry brigade combat teams. However, the Pentagon's new strategy focuses on other areas of modernization, including the development of long-range technologies, cybersecurity and autonomous systems.

The memorandum highlights the need to focus resources on platforms that better meet modern warfare requirements. This means abandoning projects that cannot be quickly integrated into the existing structure or do not provide a significant advantage over the enemy.

The decision to cancel the program caused a mixed reaction among military experts and analysts. On the one hand, critics of the program claim that the M10 Booker was too expensive and did not fully meet the needs of the modern battlefield. His relatively light armor and limited firepower could become serious drawbacks in high-intensity conflict conditions.

On the other hand, supporters of the project point out that the cancellation of the program deprives the army of an important link in mobile defense. The light tank could be used for operations in difficult landscapes such as mountainous areas or cities where heavier vehicles such as the M1 Abrams lose their effectiveness.

The abandonment of the M10 Booker may lead to a revision of tactics for the use of armored vehicles in infantry brigades. The U.S. Army will now have to find alternative solutions to compensate for the loss of mobile protected firepower. This may lead to faster development of new platforms or modernization of existing machines.

In addition, the cancellation of the program raises questions about the future of other projects under development. The procurement reform described in the memorandum signals that the Pentagon is willing to sacrifice lower-priority projects for investments in technology that can provide a long-term advantage.

The memorandum "Army Transformation and Procurement Reform" was an important step in rethinking the approach to the development of the US armed forces. Defense Minister Pete Hegseth emphasized that current threats require the army to be more flexible and adaptable. This means abandoning outdated concepts and moving towards innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and precision-guided missiles.

The termination of the M10 Booker program is just one example of how the Pentagon is trying to optimize its costs and focus on the most promising areas. The future of the US Army will depend on how successfully it can integrate new technologies into its structure.

Japan and the United States launch joint production of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles: a new stage of military cooperation

 

F-16 fighter launches AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range missile Air-to-air class during live firing

Japan and the United States have announced the launch of a joint program for the production of advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles AIM-120 AMRAAM. The agreement was signed during a meeting of the US Secretary of Defense. Pete Hegseth and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani in Tokyo, which highlights the deepening defense partnership between the two countries against the backdrop of growing regional challenges.   

AMRAAM production will be part of a strategy to strengthen military-industrial integration between Tokyo and Washington. AIM-120 missiles, known for their high accuracy and the ability to hit targets at ranges up to 160 km, will be used to protect airspace and counter threats in the Asia-Pacific region. This decision complements the previously reached agreements, including the joint production of SM-6 missiles and the deployment of Typhon complexes with nuclear warheads.  

The cooperation is aimed at countering the actions of China and North Korea, as well as strengthening the US-Japanese alliance, which the Pentagon calls the "cornerstone" of security in the region. However, plans to deploy intermediate-range missiles in Japan have already provoked a reaction from Russia, which has declared its readiness to take "countermeasures" to protect its interests.  

Experts note that the joint production of AMRAAM will not only strengthen Japan's defense capabilities, but also accelerate technological exchange between the countries. It could also set a precedent for expanding cooperation in other areas, including hypersonic technologies and space systems.  

Military reform of the Pentagon: saving on everything or a necessity?

US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth

The new US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, began his career in the military with large-scale economic reforms comparable in scope to the post-war cuts of the 1990s. The 8% reduction in the defense budget ($50 billion) is the first step in the global transformation of the American armed forces.

The redistribution of the military presence is particularly noteworthy - the planned withdrawal of 20% of troops from Europe and the completion of operations in Syria and Iraq indicate a significant adjustment of strategic priorities. At the same time, the Indo-Pacific direction remains untouchable, which underlines the shift in emphasis towards the Asia-Pacific region.

An interesting innovation is the transfer of control over the southern border from the Department of Homeland Security to the Pentagon. Increased aerial surveillance using the MQ-9 Reaper and a possible anti-terrorist operation against Mexican cartels demonstrate a new approach to solving internal security issues.

The nuclear arsenal program is also expected to undergo serious changes. Abandoning the expensive Columbia-class submarine project in favor of the cheaper Virginia-class could be a turning point in the development of the American navy. This decision, although motivated by economic considerations, calls into question the future of strategic nuclear deterrence.

The transition from manned aircraft to drones, reduced flight hours for pilots and cuts in medical care pose risks to the combat capability of the US Air Force. The background of the growing number of aviation incidents is particularly alarming, which may lead to a decrease in the level of training of flight personnel.

Washington's economic difficulties are becoming an obvious driver of these changes. However, the question is whether such drastic savings will be able to preserve the combat capability of the American army without compromising national security.

These changes are important for global politics. A reduced military presence in Europe and the Middle East could change the balance of power in these regions. The reorientation towards the Pacific region demonstrates the new geopolitical priorities of the United States.

Meanwhile, we are witnessing a complex process of rebuilding one of the most powerful military machines in the world under the influence of economic constraints and changing strategic objectives. This experience will be an important lesson for all countries facing the need to optimize military spending in the face of financial constraints.