Policy
House authorizers: cut F-35 purchases to fix problems
Their version of the defense policy bill would reduce the Pentagon’s 2025 purchase by 10 jets.
Policy
An Army drone branch? Idea advances in House subcommittee
Tactical and Land Forces panel’s NDAA proposal would also fund 3 “unfunded priorities.”
Threats
Russian space nuke could render low-Earth orbit unusable for a year, US official says
Pentagon’s space-policy leader noted with concern Moscow’s recent veto of a UN resolution against putting nuclear weapons in space.
Policy
Air Force declares major cost breach for new helicopter program
The service wants to halve its buy of the helicopter, which is driving up per-unit costs.
Policy
Prepositioned stocks will get new aid to Ukraine quickly, top US officer says
Aircraft are likely “already flying” material toward the beleaguered country, senior official says.
Policy
How will Ukraine spend its new US aid?
It’s a fraught question amid Russian gains, uncertain long-term U.S. support, and Kyiv’s eventual need to end the war.
Policy
Controversial surveillance program gets 2-year extension
Biden signed a law that extends Section 702 authorities into 2026—and lacks proposed limits on intelligence agencies' right to gather and search Americans' communications.
Policy
House passes long-awaited aid for Ukraine, Israel, Indo-Pacific
Two months after the Senate acted, the lower house responds to an increasingly desperate Kyiv.
Policy
In a budgetary first, Air Force will launch two programs without asking Congress in advance
The service is using a power granted by lawmakers in the 2024 NDAA.
Threats