Science & Tech
US military used new 'non-kinetic' cell to guide cyber ops during Maduro capture
The unit is part of a broader push to better integrate cyber, EW, and other non-destructive effects into missions, leaders told lawmakers on Wednesday.
Business
Northrop CEO: deal to accelerate B-21 production could arrive in months
Last year’s government shutdown delayed negotiations between the company and service. Another is looming.
Ideas
Our allies passed your test, Mr. President. Would we?
A former U.S. infantryman responds to Trump’s amnesiac take on Afghanistan.
Sponsor Content
GovExec TV: Five Questions with Jeff Schrader
In this rapid-fire “Five Questions” interview, Jeff Schrader, vice president of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin Space, discusses the strategic imperative behind Golden Dome for America amid the evolving threats posed by near-peer adversaries.
Business
Boeing takes $565m hit on KC-46 tanker
Despite the “bad contract,” the company remains optimistic about negotiating future deals.
Threats
Air Force mum on details of Mideast exercise amid military buildup
Similarly, details of a NORAD exercise in Greenland this month were not disclosed.
Sponsor Content
Protecting Executives With Social, Deep Web, and Dark Web Data
Learn how Echosec supported executive protection professionals in real-world use cases.
Policy
Sen. Kelly’s lawyers say Pentagon is attempting to violate his constitutional rights
In a court filing, they say that DOJ erred in asserting that retired military officers can be punished for speaking out against DOD policies.
Policy
Congress hurtles toward partial shutdown after Alex Pretti killing in Minneapolis
Senate Democrats want new limits on federal agents in a compromise bill to fund the Defense Department before Friday's deadline.
Business
Navy shipbuilding stands to get $27 billion in funding in 2026
Compromise spending bill reflects a $6.5 billion increase over the president’s budget request for shipbuilding—and corrects One Big Beautiful Bill accounting miscalculations.
Voices
Threats
Border Patrol agents kill VA nurse during protest
He was the third person shot recently by federal officers in Minnesota, where the Trump administration says they are conducting national-security operations.
Policy
Air Force revives a deployment concept used for the GWOT—with a few twists
Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 is the latest move away from Biden-era attempts to orient the force toward China.
Policy
Space Force probably needs twice as many guardians, vice chief says
The service’s budget and constellation have doubled since its founding, Gen. Shawn Bratton noted.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 202: The known perils of regime change
A scholar of civil wars warns against repeating the past mistakes from U.S. military interventions abroad.
Threats
As ICE becomes more violent, state and local officials struggle to fight back
They seek limits and accountability for the deadly immigration crackdown that the White House calls vital to national security.
Science & Tech
As combat evolves, leaders seek not ‘super-athletes’ but ‘human weapon systems’
The military wants to measure and build the ability to perform missions, not just do pushups.
Science & Tech
DOE seeks batteries with four times the juice
Six teams will get money to build manufacturable prototypes in two years.
Ideas
Bombing Iran would shore up its regime
External attacks stir up nationalism and redirect public anger outward, a “rally-around-the-flag” effect long documented by political scientists.
Threats
Russian hybrid warfare has become indistinguishable from politics
The war of realities in 2026 will determine the reality of war in 2027.
Ideas