Threats
Five firms—don’t ask who—will vie to make brains for USAF robot wingmen
The Air Force, which is keeping the names under wraps, will pick a winner in time for 2026 production.
Threats
US companies are unwittingly pushing foreign disinformation, IC warns
Malicious actors are hiring unwitting communications and marketing firms to help, intelligence officials said Monday.
Ideas
Can Donald Trump really build an Iron Dome over America?
In a word, no. The president-turned-candidate is still selling the same old missile-defense snake oil.
Threats
US, Japan, South Korea sign pact amid ‘deteriorating’ regional security
Agreement signed by defense chiefs is to “deepen trilateral security cooperation”; US, Japan also conclude missile accord.
Policy
US Forces Japan to be upgraded to warfighting command
The shift will move operational control of Japan-based forces east from Hawaii and, officials say, deepen cooperation with the Japanese military.
Science & Tech
As new gear flows to Army units, experiments reveal risks and rewards
The 25th ID commander says his units are reaping the benefits of a new Army fielding strategy.
Ideas
Send private-security contractors into Gaza? That’s a terrible idea
Here are some basic questions to ask before this not-even-half-baked notion becomes a policy failure.
Threats
Memo on AI's national-security implications heads for Biden's desk
The classified memo is expected to propose rules against using AI in certain scenarios.
Policy
Austin heads to Asia with $500M for the Philippines
DOD officials said the SecDef's multi-country swing will be the administration's most important visit for "U.S. defense ties in the Indo-Pacific."
Science & Tech
A boom in space-based intelligence is coming. Can ground networks keep up?
Companies that used to sell pictures and pixels are selling analysis—and looking for ways to move faster.
Business
F-35’s price might rise, Lockheed warns
After years of declines, the jet’s cost is being pushed by upgrades, inflation, and a proposal to buy fewer of them.
Threats
Navy still picking winner for F/A-XX next year, Northrop CEO says
Despite the service’s proposal to cut funding, “we have not received” word that 6th-gen plans have changed.
Ideas
As Hamas war drags on, Israeli democracy weakens
Israel is not alone; a recent report finds that the global state of democracy has been declining for the past six years.
Policy
Unpacking Harris' record on defense civilians and workforce
The vice president has fought discriminatory pay practices, helped guide how the government uses AI, and championed public-sector unions.
Defense Systems
Air Force to miss its data-linking goal for cargo aircraft, commander says
But even if just 20% of the planes get the networking gear by next year, it's already proving its value, mobility chief says.
Business