Science & Tech
Marines say they’re ‘leading the way’ in battlefield autonomy
But unique technical challenges and tech wariness keep robot trucks on a short leash.
Policy
‘Gimmicks’: GOP lawmakers slam Trump’s ‘trillion-dollar’ defense-spending proposal
White House claims of a 13% increase rest on unusual budgetary maneuvers, not a higher DOD topline.
Science & Tech
Army’s latest networked-warfare experiment ‘took back’ Fort Irwin
Project Convergence-Capstone 5 points to a need for more robots and combining offensive and defensive fires.
Science & Tech
China’s counter-UAV efforts reveal more than technological advancement
They also show the PLA’s dedication to learning from conflict and tech trends and its determination to dominate the electromagnetic battlespace.
Policy
Defense One Radio, Ep. 179: The Army’s updated fitness test
We discuss nearly three decades of Army fitness tests, and the combat-related changes slated for introduction next year.
Policy
Top NSC official wants to normalize offensive hacking as tool of US might
Alexei Bulazel's remarks are the clearest indication yet that the United States is working out ways to hack back against foreign enemies and rivals.
Policy
Trump’s pick for Air Force No. 2 civilian defends past political comments
Democratic lawmakers voiced concern over Lohmeier’s previous calls for “serious consequences” for officials who “hyper-politicized” the military.
Policy
Hegseth issues Army a lengthy to-do list
The Wednesday memo includes deadlines for weapons and tech, orders to streamline units and organizations, and more.
Ideas
A lesson from 1958 could help deter China from taking Taiwan
After China began shelling a nearby island, a four-pronged U.S. response led to decades of cross-strait peace.
Defense Systems
Air Force begins ground testing for CCA program
The service has picked Beale Air Force Base in California as the CCA base.
Policy
Marines’ top goal: 3 amphibious ready groups at sea
Ship maintenance backlogs have kept the amphib fleet limping for years.
Threats
Experts see rise of powerful non-state groups as US retreats from global stage
“Syria is an absolute case study in proxy warfare” and a possible window into the future.
Defense Systems
Ospreys won’t return to full flight operations until 2026
The program office expects upgraded gearboxes to begin arriving in January.
Ideas
America’s response to measles is eroding its ability to deter biological attacks
The rising death toll for a preventable disease reveals just how ill-prepared the country is to handle a malicious bioweapon.
Policy
‘Just wait’ to see how CISA reforms play out, DHS head tells cyber community
Kristi Noem said her cuts to nation's lead cyber defense agency plus other unspecified changes will eventually strengthen it.
Threats
Pentagon warns it’s not prepared for homeland drone attack
NORAD commander Gen. Guillot has signed a new “standard operating procedure” for base commanders to deal with drones.
Business