Policy
Don’t call it a slush fund: Pentagon’s top buyer says looser pursestrings will foster innovation
But some lawmakers and outside experts have their doubts.
Defense Systems
In shakeup, Army cancels planned scout helo, will retire two drones
After sinking nearly $2 billion into the FARA program, service leaders decide "enduring, unmanned, and space-based assets" would do the job better.
Policy
What 2024 has in store for Space Force acquisition
Several troubled programs appear finally set to deliver.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 140: The future of defense acquisition
The Army's top buyer and the Pentagon's integration chief talk Ukraine, non-traditional suppliers, and more.
Defense Systems
How the war in Ukraine is reshaping US Army modernization
The rapid evolution of electronic warfare and drone tactics have the service tweaking its acquisition plans.
Ideas
The inside story of how the Navy spent billions on the 'Little Crappy Ship'
Littoral combat ships were supposed to launch the Navy into the future. Instead, they broke down across the globe. Now the service is getting rid of them.
Ideas
We got all six defense-industry stakeholders in a room. Now what?
A unique forum reveals rifts—and potential ways forward—in the quest to improve defense innovation.
Threats
How innovation cells in Army combat units are harnessing soldiers’ ideas
Four divisions are turning projects around in record time, from leashed drones to mold trackers.
Policy
What a counter-drone truck says about US aid to Ukraine
Many programs are moving quickly—but there’s plenty of room for improvement.
Ideas
Don’t Kill CAPE
The storied Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office is invaluable to the Pentagon. Three former directors explain why.
Business
GE Joins Lockheed in Lobbying for New Tanker Competition
Coalition turns up heat three months after USAF said they’d probably just buy Boeing.
Defense Systems
The Army Is Tearing Up Its Playbook for Software Upgrades
Four programs are trying out a new method based on commercial practices.
Ideas
DOD Managers Need a New Approach. SOCOM Can Lead the Way
The Pentagon's McNamara-era philosophy is woefully insufficient to a world that changes daily. U.S. Special Operations Command is working to craft a better one.
Business
Navy, Shipyards Settle Dispute that Delayed Submarine Orders
It’s unclear how the sides came to agreement, or just how late the two Virginia-class subs will eventually arrive.
Ideas
Want More Pentagon Innovation? Try This Experiment
A former Defense Secretary and Air Force Secretary propose more budgetary flexibility and a new approach to program management.
Policy
Let Me Start Weapons R&D Faster, Air Force Secretary Asks Congress
Frank Kendall wants freedom from rules that require lawmakers’ approval to get anti-China weapons off the ground.
Defense Systems
The Army Is Putting All Its Network Efforts Under One Roof
By October, Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical is expected to absorb network portfolios from its sister PEO for enterprise services.
Policy
Air Force Slashes ‘Bridge Tanker’ Buy, Sets Deadline for Clean-Sheet Aerial Refueler
Stealthy new tanker jet should arrive in the 2030s, service’s top weapons buyer says.
Defense Systems
Tougher Cybersecurity Rules May Be More than a Year Away—But Don’t Wait to Get Ready
Contractors should prepare for independent checks on their data systems, and maybe more reporting requirements as well.
Policy
DOD to Favor Small-Business Contracts Over 'Best-in-Class' Awards
Contracting officers will prioritize goals for small- and disadvantaged-business contracting over BIC objectives "if achievement of both goals is not possible."
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