Threats
Fears of a nuclear arms race rise as New START expires
Fading U.S. leadership has countries from Poland to South Korea thinking about nuclear-weapons programs of their own.
Ideas
Pakistan’s burgeoning arms industry is a strategic opportunity for the US
A defense-industrial partnership could benefit the Pentagon while mitigating Chinese influence.
Policy
Partial shutdown ends less than four days after it began
Negotiations continue over Homeland Security funding, but DOD and every other federal agency are now funded through September.
Ideas
Space-based interceptors make even less sense now
The Pentagon and its Golden Dome contractors are proposing to replace one showstopping problem with another.
Science & Tech
New Pentagon science-and-innovation board arrives as administration cuts research funding
Even as department leaders work to fast-track new tech, the administration is slashing funding that supports and secures innovation.
Business
Munitions makers say they've been persuaded to invest more in production capacity
The administration's last-minute request for a funding bump garnered just $2B, but company execs seem to appreciate the effort.
Policy
White House initiates shutdown process as Congress hopes to keep duration minimal
Impacted employees will soon receive furlough notices, though they could still avoid missing any time.
Defense Systems
Lockheed CEO: Air Force RQ-170 drones used in mission to capture Maduro
Missions for the “Beast of Kandahar” stealth drone are rarely acknowledged, experts say.
Policy
JAGs are becoming federal prosecutors in Minneapolis. Experts warn it’s new territory
Military lawyers have served as special assistant U.S. attorneys before, but never like this.
Policy
Experts have questions about the new National Defense Strategy—on China, force design, and more
The document “might not be worth the paper it’s written on,” one expert said.
Updated
Policy
Shutdown deal struck after failed Senate vote
Senate Democrats and the White House reached an agreement late Thursday to fund most departments and agencies through Sept. 30 after a previous funding bill was blocked.
Policy
Nominee to lead NSA backs controversial spying law
Lt. Gen. Josh Rudd also promised to prioritize NSA efforts to protect U.S. elections.
Science & Tech