Defense Systems
Air Force wants to build a $500,000 counter-air missile, despite cheaper options already in inventory
The service wants ideas by December, and hopes to see a ground-launched prototype in two years.
Ideas
The Pentagon chooses learning over losing
The secretary’s reforms reveal a revolution: the recognition that adaptability trumps performance.
Business
Govini founder arrested on child solicitation charges
The arrest of Eric Gillespie comes a month after the company secured a Bain Capital investment to expand its artificial intelligence tools to a wider landscape.
Science & Tech
DOGE veteran could bring much-needed change to Navy research, observers say
New ONR chief Riley did defense-reform work at McKinsey, former officials say.
Sponsor Content
GovExec TV: Five Questions with Jeff Schrader
Lockheed Martin’s Jeff Schrader discusses Golden Dome, homeland defense priorities, and advancing space-based capabilities to counter evolving near-peer threats.
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Business
Funding for E-7 Wedgetail included in bipartisan deal to end 41-day government shutdown
Despite Pentagon and Air Force protests, Congress continues to support the radar jet program.
Business
Just one prototype won’t cut it anymore, Pacific Marine commander tells industry
MARFORPAC is working faster, so it needs companies with innovative gear to show up with multiples.
Sponsor Content
Building decision advantage in an era of accelerating threats
Explore how AI, data integration, and partnerships are redefining defense readiness and delivering decision advantage in today’s complex threat landscape.
Threats
Longest shutdown in history creating a readiness hole of unknown proportions
The heads of several military professional organizations came together to beg Congress to open the government.
Policy
Senate moves on shutdown deal that would fund DOD by CR until Jan. 30
Deal would also ensure administration follows law ensuring backpay. Next up: more procedural moves to send it to the House.
Voices
Business
Unveiling acquisition overhaul, Hegseth tells industry to get with the program
One expert said the reforms would sweep away Cold War processes—and draw backlash from established primes.
Threats
Pacific soldiers push forward with transformation, with an eye on China
“The cost of failure is too damn high,” Gen. Ronald Clark says.
Threats
Defense One Radio, Ep. 198: Jon Wolfsthal and “A House of Dynamite”
A veteran of the National Security Council shares what the movie got right and wrong on U.S. missile defense and nuclear command and control.
Business
Defense tech companies will weather the shutdown. But what happens next?
Some primes are doing all right, while small companies brace for uncertainty under a CR.
Science & Tech
Space Force astronauts? New report says guardians in space would be asset for future ops
Experts say humans in space would be advantage, alongside needed tech improvements.
Ideas
The Pentagon must activate this powerful, underused approach to acquisition
The modular open systems approach is already encouraged. It’s just not used enough.
Policy
Pentagon policy shop shifts story on pause in Ukraine aid again
A second Senate hearing this week further mined the tension between DOD and its congressional oversight bodies.
Threats
Exercise underscored need for AI, autonomy, C2, and networks
Operating with speed, scale, and agility in the Indo-Pacific is “probably the most challenging thing” the military does, PACAF commander says.
Exclusive
Business
Draft list of attendees for Hegseth acquisition-reform speech shows wide industry interest
The guest list for the Pentagon’s new policy roll-out reveals the rapidly changing face of defense tech.
Policy
Experts see promise, risk in Pentagon’s draft acquisition reforms
A draft memo is circulating ahead of SecDef Hegseth’s Friday speech.
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