Threats
Trump’s Qatari Air Force One would pose massive security risks
Treating the aircraft as safe for the commander in chief with just a few modifications is "absurd," one former senior defense official said.
Threats
How China’s tech giants wired the Gulf
Ubiquitous Chinese gear, infrastructure, and deals belie the narrative of close U.S.-Gulf cooperation—and raise grave security concerns.
Science & Tech
AI is helping the Pentagon go from finding targets to predicting threats
With the next chapter of Maven, NGA aims to spot not just known objects but “anomalies.”
Ideas
Norms have changed in South Asia, making future de-escalation much harder
The India-Pakistan ceasefire shouldn’t disguise the fact that philosophy, proliferation, and U.S. inattention are working against it.
Defense Systems
Golden Dome push sets stage for telecom battle over spectrum access
The White House’s project to beef up domestic missile defense could lead to a regulatory and legal fight over radio frequencies.
Defense Systems
Make big things small and small things big: SOCOM’s gear wishlist
As special operations forces prepare to take on a wider set of missions, their tech needs are growing more ambitious.
Science & Tech
Air Force Special Operations wants to fire cruise missiles from Reaper drones
The demand for AFSOC forces is increasing, creating new pressure to re-imagine current tools.
Ideas
State defense forces can fill a homeland gap
With just a few changes, these volunteer military units can do much more to help with Army and Guard missions.
Exclusive
Policy
State Department plans deeper-than-anticipated staff cuts
Some 3,400 jobs are now expected to be eliminated starting on June 2, up from around 2,000.
Policy
Senators question Army undersecretary nominee on transformation plan
The Anduril senior director was also questioned about his determination to hold onto defense-industry stocks.
Threats
Boeing says it can deliver Air Force One in 2027—if requirements are relaxed
The Air Force has already lowered security requirements so Boeing can move faster.
Business
A closer look at the Chinese space company accused of helping the Houthis
The ostensibly private Chang Guang Satellite Technology emerged from and benefited from state funding.
Policy
Trump’s F-15 basing decision adds to Air Force’s training troubles
Service already had too few jets to prep pilots.
Defense Systems
Army leaders clash with Connecticut lawmaker on future of Black Hawk helicopter
The service’s transformation plan is raising questions from Congress.
Policy
