Threats
Space Force picks next mission areas for new ‘integrated’ units
Officials want to create more Integrated Mission Deltas to boost readiness.
Policy
Army brass opposes drone branch
The service must first establish how it wants to use drones, leaders say.
Threats
DOD: Russia’s use of Starlink will be a ‘continuous problem’ in Ukraine
The Pentagon and SpaceX have been working together to shut off Russia’s use of Starlink.
Ideas
To foster regional security, forge a long-term counterterrorism partnership with Iraq
In a remarkably complex situation, it’s a hedge worth building.
Policy
Meet the frustrated negotiators seeking a Gaza ceasefire
Qatar is increasingly the world’s mediator, but this is the energy-rich sheikdom’s toughest case yet.
Policy
Austin on Rafah operation: ‘There's better ways to do this’
U.S. officials are voicing greater concern about Israel's new operation. That hasn’t changed policy.
Defense Systems
A new way to sound the alarm about open-source hacks
Recent attempts to sabotage free-to-use software components have a leading developers group working to spread the word about exploits.
Threats
'Fast movers': Chinese satellites zoom around for inspections—or interference
In a previously unreported incident, one of China's maneuvering satellites was tracked and approached by a Russian one.
Policy
Defense One Radio, Ep. 154: Behind the rise in global defense spending, Part 3: The wider world
In the final episode in a three-part series, we revisit the guns-vs.-butter debate and take another look at the consequences of Washington's "porcupine" strategy for Taiwan's defense.
Ideas
The urgency of European strategic autonomy is more pronounced than ever
With Russia pressing from the east and Trump polling well in the west, the EU needs a dramatic increase in its defense capabilities.
Ideas
The new rules of geopolitics in Africa
Washington should foster coalitions that can offer a better value proposition than competing revisionist powers.
Ideas
What has China learned from Russia and Iran’s use of proxies?
The answer may help U.S. planners anticipate and spot Beijing's next moves.
Defense Systems
Made in the USA: Defense companies tense as Congress pressures them to buy domestic
A draft version of the 2025 defense authorization act has several provisions targeting China-made critical materials.
Policy
Defense One Radio, Ep. 153: Behind the rise in global defense spending, Part 2: China and the Indo-Pacific
Why is the region in the middle of an arms race? And what do analysts think China is really spending on its military?
Policy
Defense One Radio, Ep. 152: Behind the rise in global defense spending, Part 1: Russia
Russia is spending as much on its military as it did in the 1980s. How sustainable is that?
Science & Tech
Navy secretary vows more money for anti-drone lasers
The Defense Department’s spending on lasers is down, but the need is up.
Business