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."
Policy
Is the Pentagon Changing Fast Enough?
So far, two former defense insiders say, new service organizations are more promise than improvement.
Science & Tech
It’s Official: Space Force Sets Sights on Smaller Satellites
The newest service’s acquisition chief also calls for more fixed-price contracts and fewer classified programs.
Policy
Aides Recall How Ash Carter Changed Pentagon’s Weapons Buying
Over decades, the physicist-turned-defense leader worked to speed up and streamline arms procurement.
Threats
Ukraine: Russia’s Draft, Setbacks Mean It’s Time for More Advanced Weapons
Kyiv’s winter wishlist includes long-range artillery, armored Humvees, kamikaze drones, and more.
Threats
USAF to Unveil B-21 Stealth Bomber in December
The strategic bomber has been developed in near-total secrecy at Northrop Grumman's plant in Palmdale, California.
Policy
Defense Firms Sound Inflation Alarm as Congress Mulls 2023 Budget
One trade association says Pentagon would lose $110 billion in buying power.
Ideas
Get to Know the Middle Tier of Awesome…Er, Acquisition
Speeding good ideas into reality through rapid prototyping and fielding is awesome. Don’t let disbelievers muck it up.
Defense Systems
The Pentagon’s Plan to Buy Weapons Software Faster
The DOD’s dedicated software acquisition pathway is nearly two years old, and is already being used by a few dozen programs.
Ideas
HIMARS’ Hidden Superpower and Other Acquisition Lessons from Ukraine
With no U.S. troops on the ground, acquisition professionals are the operators making the difference.
Defense Systems
Faster Attacks Have Cyber Command Looking to Add All-Too-Scarce Experts
“I think the only way that I'm going to be able to do that in the near term is to grow the workforce myself,” command official says.
Ideas
Pass the CHIPS Act
Two former senior defense and intelligence leaders lay out the case for Congressional action to help the U.S. semiconductor industry.
Ideas
The Pentagon Gets the Better Part of a Trillion Dollars a Year. Why Isn’t That Enough?
The budgeting process has calcified, with huge sums going to the priorities of yesteryear.
Business
At UK Airshow, Defense Execs Warn of Inflation, Supply Chains, and Worker Shortages
The Biden administration needs to invest in apprentice schools, CEO of top aerospace and defense firm says.
Threats