Defense Systems
Space Force plans to put a multisatellite ‘carrier’ into orbit
Gravitics gets an up-to-$60 million contract to build a satellite that can spit out other satellites as needed.
Business
Shipbuilders swarm Capitol Hill to lobby for aircraft carrier funding
The Aircraft Carrier Industrial Base Coalition wants $600 million to secure building of the years-delayed CVN-82.
Ideas
How a beatdown at sea turned Russia's navy into China's junior partner
Even the new maritime truce with Ukraine can't change a strategic tilt of the past three years.
Science & Tech
‘Nothing will be safe’ from Army’s kit overhaul
The service wants new gear to lighten the physical and cognitive load on troops.
Ideas
Heads must roll for Signal-chat debacle
To hold no one accountable would undermine operational security and send a corrosive message to troops.
Policy
The Army wants to put $1B into Transformation in Contact 2.0
The next iteration will test more drones, more vehicles, more electronic warfare systems.
Threats
‘Sloppy,’ ‘incompetent’ intelligence chiefs hammered for Signal chat
At Senate hearing, Gabbard, Ratcliffe struggled to recall details of Yemen-strike chat shared with journalist.
Science & Tech
Can this GPS alternative keep a drone from crashing?
A product by Maxar uses satellite imagery to create 3D maps that help UAS fly even if GPS goes down.
Threats
Pentagon’s use of commercial telecoms draws scrutiny after Chinese breaches
DOD inspector general plans three-pronged inquest at senators’ urging.
Policy
Counter-terrorism efforts reduced by Trump cuts
Tens of millions of dollars slated for violence prevention have been cut or are frozen as DOGE steamrolls the national-security sector.
Policy
DOD cuts $580M in programs, contracts, and grants
The largest cut goes to an HR software program that's consumed more than seven times its budget.
Policy
Defense One Radio, Ep. 175: Air Force chief Gen. David Allvin
Our State of Defense interview series continues.
Defense Systems
Boeing wins Air Force’s next-gen fighter contract
The company beat out Lockheed to build NGAD, which has been named the F-47.
Policy
USAF chief seeks bigger budget slice
Looking to align with the new administration's priorities, Gen. Allvin said the service plays a central role in deterrence and protecting the homeland.
Science & Tech
As tanker plans remains uncertain, today’s Air Force refuelers may fly past their 100th birthday
The service may need to look at a service life extension of the KC-135, Air Mobility Command says.
Ideas