Policy
Would Better Messaging Help the Military Boost Its Budget?
Even if Pentagon leaders clarified their ‘readiness’ warnings, they’d still face an uphill battle for more funding in 2017.
Business
Boeing Might Be the Biggest Winner in Trump’s Military Buildup
The Chicago aerospace company leads more than a half-dozen contractors whose programs stand to get 9- or 10-figure boosts if the president’s budget proposal becomes law.
Ideas
Trump’s Bigger Military Won’t Necessarily Make the US Stronger or Safer
The Pentagon can’t properly train and support the people and weapons it already has. Simply adding more won’t solve the problem — and could undermine long-term readiness.
Policy
Trump Proposes More Money for Nukes, Border Security
Dubbed a “hard-power” budget by administration officials, the 2018 spending plan includes money for a controversial border wall.
Policy
ISIS War Generals to Congress: We Need the State Department
One week after Trump proposed shifting billions from the State Department to the Pentagon, two of the top U.S. generals in the Middle East and Africa say they need diplomatic help.
Policy
Trump’s Defense Topline Faces a Big Hurdle, Just as When Obama Proposed It
The new administration’s proposal to give the Defense Department $603 billion in 2018 exceeds legal limits by about 10 percent.
Business
Trump to Congress: Give Pentagon $54B. I'll Tell You Why Later
The roughly 10% boost would come out of nearly every other federal agency’s 2018 budget, including foreign aid.
Business
Can a ‘Comparable’ Super Hornet Steal Orders from the F-35C?
Two aircraft are on President Trump’s radar. Here’s how they’re different, and why it matters to more than just power players in Washington.
Business
It's About to Cost a Lot More Money to Launch a Nuclear Bomb
New estimates predict the Pentagon's first new nuclear bombers, missiles, and subs in decades will be more expensive than thought.
Policy
The Future Depends on Fixing Readiness Now, Vice Chiefs Tell Lawmakers
Service leaders’ annual pilgrimage to Capitol Hill also serves as Phase One of Mattis’ long-range plan.
Business
The Price of an F-35 Was Already Falling. Can Trump Drive it Lower?
Defense One analyzed the changing cost of the JSF since the first production orders were placed in 2007. Here’s what we found.
Policy
Trump’s First Budget Could Be A Unique Mix of Severe Cuts and Increased Spending
New presidents typically unveil a broad budget plan in February, and a more detailed version in the spring.
Business
General Fires Back at Trump: F-35 ‘Not Out of Control’ (Just Needs Another Half Billion)
The Pentagon’s F-35 boss says costs are falling and he anticipates briefing Trump’s transition team soon, but he needs another $532 million to finish flight testing.
Business
White House: $11.6B More Needed for ISIS Fight, Afghanistan
The request brings the expected 2017 price tag for both wars to $85.3 billion.
Business
Defense Stocks Soar on News of Trump Victory
In early trading, the new commander in chief's promises to rebuild the American military are helping defense stocks buck the wider market plunge.
Business
Kendall: The Pentagon’s Spending Less on Weapons, So Let Me Keep My Job
A 30-year-low in cost growth is part of the defense acquisition undersecretary’s closing argument for why Congress shouldn’t eliminate his position.
Ideas
US Military Spending Has Declined, But It Still Dwarfs All Other Nations'
It’s easy to see why a steady decline of military spending might alarm many Americans. But a bit of perspective is in order.
Ideas
Trump's Defense-and-Budget Plan Has Been Tried Before
The GOP candidate's proposals for irresponsible tax cuts and uncapped defense spending look quite a bit like George W. Bush's.
Business