Business

Eyeing China, Biden’s First Pentagon Budget Would Cut Troops, Buy Future Weapons

DepSecDef Hicks called the president’s $715 billion spending request “a foundation for fielding a full range of needed capabilities.” Republicans called it “a cut.”

Science & Tech

Biden Requests Less Than 1% Boost to Pentagon R&D, Despite Hyping New Defense Tech

As the Defense Department shifts its focus toward more technologically advanced potential adversaries, it will have to research and develop more and sustain less.

Policy

US Air Force Details Proposed Cuts to Planes, Flying Hours

2022 budget request would retire scores of fighters and tankers and cut thousands of flying hours to fund modernization.

Ideas

Don’t Just End the War in Afghanistan, Repeal the Resolution That Authorized It

No current threat remotely justifies roving presidential authority to wage war on multiple continents.

Business

As Space Junk Multiplies, Pentagon Is Stuck Tracking It for Civilians

Private industry is launching at a pace with which the military’s space-surveillance system can’t keep up. Now lawmakers say the Commerce Department’s fix is running late.

Policy

US Planning to Evacuate Afghan Interpreters, Top US General Says

“There are plans being developed very, very rapidly here,” said Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley.

Ideas

Your Home Insurance Policy Helps Illustrate Why Modern Conflict Is Destabilizing

Will insurers pay to repair houses in Gaza? How about U.S. infrastructure damaged by state-sponsored ransomware?

Threats

Peace with Russia, China ‘Fraying at the Edge,’ Milley Tells Graduating Cadets

New Air Force officers should work “to set the conditions for a future that prevents great power war,” Joint Chiefs chairman says.

Defense Systems

DHS to issue new pipeline security regulations after Colonial attack

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the new guidance for pipeline security will be issued in the coming days.

Defense Systems

Accelerating information availability to support mission-critical decisions

Because of the scalable design, object stores can hold almost endless amounts of data for long periods of time whether collecting performance and maintenance data from a jet fighter or planning logistics for materiel distribution.

Defense Systems

Questions loom over who will pay for the cyber EO mandates

New marching orders for agencies and technology vendors in the Biden administration's new cybersecurity policy need to be supported in the budget, industry reps say.

Defense Systems

Software and startups top priorities for DOD tech chief pick

Heidi Shyu, who previously served as the Army's assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, debuted her priorities to modernize the military with a strong emphasis on software during her Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on May 25.