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
Industry stock soars under budget caps; V-22 flies with 3-D printed part; Language matters, and more.
Vol. 3: Getting our budget on. Plus: meet up with Marcus, and he'll buy you a drink. But where?
Business
Neither Clinton Nor Trump Will Be Able to Fix the Pentagon’s Budget
With the federal budget capped through 2021, defense spending will be an immediate first test of the next American president.
Ideas
Congress Should Demand Wiser, Not More, War Spending
There’s too much slush in the supplemental, as shown by the fourfold jump in spending per deployed servicemember.
Ideas
Keep It Secret: Congress Should Back Off the B-21 Program
Lawmakers' calls for more transparency and fixed-price contracts will only hurt an Air Force acquisition effort that is doing well so far.
Ideas
Things Lawmakers Should Do Before They Complain About Military Readiness
A few common-sense Congressional actions would go a long way toward funding troops’ preparedness.
Ideas