Ideas
Assad’s fall lays the ground for wider peace—if the US can seize the moment
A key will be reshaping the role of the Kurdish militants in Syria.
Defense Systems
US Ospreys to resume flight after gearbox inspections
New flight restrictions added after part failed in last year’s deadly crash.
Policy
US force in Syria is larger than previously known, Pentagon says
Military operations against ISIS are increasing, along with diplomatic outreach to the new government.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 170: Year in review
We listen back on more than a dozen guests from conversations across 2024.
Exclusive
Policy
Army will trim 5% of general-officer jobs in coming years, chief’s spokesman says
Gen. Randy George agrees the Army is “too top-heavy.”
Defense Systems
Air Force may curtail F-35 plan if newer tech pans out, SECAF says
Outgoing secretary Frank Kendall also clapped back at recent comments by Elon Musk about manned vs. unmanned systems.
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