Policy
Bill aims to beef up US shipbuilding
Bipartisan SHIPS Act would add funding, goals, oversight to boost U.S. military, commercial fleets.
Policy
US military needs to talk to China on space, cyber issues, officials say
While communications have improved since 2023, high-level strategic talks are still wanting.
Threats
Pentagon’s annual China-power report notes nuclear, influence threats—but also corruption
New edition takes note of intelligentized warfare, cognitive domain operations.
Threats
Extra parts, people powered F-35 readiness on latest Pacific deployment
VMFA-225 worked around delays with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group.
Science & Tech
US has the tech to down Jersey drones—but not the policy, officials say
One maker of counter-drone tech says it’s ready to “shoot down whatever is going overhead.”
Defense Systems
Recoil, hold the smoke: the latest in military sims
A walk around the floor at the I/ITSEC training-and-simulation conference.
Business
SpaceX’s Shotwell wants space launch regulators to move faster
Elon Musk’s company aims to launch nearly 200 times next year.
Policy
Biden admin will send aid to Ukraine through the end of term
More than $1B in remaining security assistance likely to be spent by end of 2024.
Defense Systems
‘Navy wasted $1.84 billion’: GAO slams cruiser-rehab effort
Poor planning, myriad changes have marred the Congress-mandated effort to refit Ticonderoga cruisers for five more years of life.
Threats
As Trump pushes ceasefire talks, Ukrainians push back with conditions
One Ukrainian lawmaker says Kyiv needs security guarantees and promised weapons.
Threats
Several Pentagon commands failed to keep good track of classified mobile devices, audit finds
IG criticizes SOCOM, EUCOM, DISA.
Ideas
How China is adopting battlefield lessons from Ukraine
A drone-assisted ambush of a Ukrainian tank drew particular notice by PLA analysts.
Defense Systems
Marines will spend nearly $1B to develop littoral warfighting, upgrade tactical systems
ManTech will do both jobs under two five-year contracts.
Science & Tech
Are AI defense firms about to eat the Pentagon?
Competitors are becoming collaborators in the industry’s hottest segment.
Threats
A Coast Guard commander miscarried. She nearly died after being denied care.
Tricare stuck to its denial even after her doctor said continuing the pregnancy would endanger her life.
Ideas