Policy
Shutdown odds plummet after House and Senate strike bipartisan deal on 2026 funding bills
If the full Congress approves, the Defense Department would get $838.7 billion, a sub-1% increase.
Ideas
Trump’s Greenland ambitions could wreck alliances that underpin the modern world order
A former diplomat looks at the president's latest ally-shaking outburst.
Science & Tech
China is building ‘full-stack’ defense-innovation cities
While the U.S. struggles to add rare-earth factories and drone-test ranges, Beijing is creating them in clusters.
Defense Systems
Trump’s ‘battleship’ could be most expensive US warship in history
Congressional researchers wonder whether BBG(X)’s cost and risks were properly analyzed before its rollout.
Policy
CNO drops hints about forthcoming ‘Fighting Instructions’ strategy
The new vision will arrive amid Navy efforts to expand its fleet and keep existing ships ready to deploy.
Business
Another 340 firms approved to bid on Golden Dome work worth up to $151B
All but a handful of the 2,400-plus companies who sought approval have received it.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon leans into drone swarms with a $100M challenge
An Ender’s Game challenge illustrates the U.S. military's evolving approach to AI.
Ideas
Ukraine’s future may turn on upcoming votes in Congress
As lawmakers sprint to fund the U.S. government, America’s support for Kyiv hangs in the balance—and could determine how the conflict ends.
Policy
Rudd defends qualifications to lead NSA, Cyber Command at confirmation hearing
INDOPACOM's deputy commander stopped short of endorsing policy proposals for more aggressive cyber responses to China and other foreign adversaries.
Threats
As tensions rise in the Pacific, US partners say they are in for the long haul
“Provocative military activities are intensifying,” Japan’s defense minister said.
Threats
European allies dispatch military reinforcements to Greenland
A White House meeting produced plans for a U.S.-Denmark working group, but no change to Trump's designs on the island.
Policy
I ‘did not expect to be told to build a battleship,’ Navy’s surface warfare director says
The Trump administration’s priorities are forcing the service to rethink its shipbuilding plans.
Threats
Trump’s Golden Dome excuse for Greenland grab is ‘detached from reality,’ experts say
Longstanding diplomatic agreements and an existing U.S. base already enable military expansion.
Policy
CNO cautions against extending carrier’s deployment for Iran ops
Adm. Daryl Caudle said he is already concerned about Ford’s extra time in SOUTHCOM.
Threats