Threats
China, China, Chi—wait, what? Air Force mulls next steps amid homeland focus
Officials tout applicability of ongoing modernization, but experts and former officials have doubts.
Exclusive
Policy
More than 60K defense civilians have left under Hegseth—but officials are mum on the effects
Months into a hastily ordered overhaul, officials declined to disclose metrics, discuss problems.
Policy
Agencies should prep for mass layoffs if shutdown occurs, White House says
OMB is requesting updated reduction-in-force plans even if a shutdown is averted.
Threats
DOGE risks Americans’ data by operating outside federal law, Democrats say
A report released by the Senate Homeland Committee's ranking member says lax security practices cause “serious cybersecurity vulnerabilities, privacy violations, and risk of corruption.”
Business
Defense One Radio, Ep. 194: Highlights from AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference
Our editors explore the dominant themes from this year's edition.
Threats
Inside NATO’s response to Russia’s violation of Estonian airspace
Russia’s increasing violations of NATO met with new radars, missiles, “calm heads.”
Threats
‘We need to be ready to go’: AFSOC preps for potential Caribbean missions
AFSOC held a long-planned exercise on St. Croix just days before the first U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat.
Policy
Foreign ties are crucial to US space dominance, officials say
More partnerships, tighter alliances are needed to counter advances by China and others, U.S. space leaders said.
Ideas
China’s new missiles on parade: showpieces or showstoppers?
The Sept. 3 parade was clearly meant to convey China's growing military strength and technological ambition.
Threats
‘A game changer’: Space Force’s leader aims to debut future operating plans this year
The document will predict future threats, so the service can better prepare for them.
Business
Has Space Force cracked the code on faster acquisition?
Leaders say the service is “disrupting” the Valley of Death, among other innovations.
Threats
The China threat goes beyond the Pacific, intel chiefs say
Air and Space Force intelligence chiefs warn of China’s global influence as military partnerships flourish.
Threats
NATO will ‘not hesitate’ to act if Russian threats continue, says Estonian defense minister
An alliance declaration about increased air defenses for Eastern Europe is expected on Tuesday.
Defense Systems
F-47’s first flight expected in 2028
That’s a year earlier than Air Force officials have previously said Boeing's sixth-gen combat aircraft might take wing.
Business
Anduril blames CCA delay on push for ‘semi-autonomous’ first flight
Air Force officials, who expected the milestone over the summer, now anticipate it by mid-October.
Business