Ideas

The New F-35A Engine Would Be a Win-Win-Win-Win

The fuel savings alone would please taxpayers, environmentalists, the Pentagon and the industrial base.

Threats

Air Force Should Double Its B-21 Purchase Plans, Think Tank Says

The service also needs to buy the stealth bombers more quickly, a new Mitchell Institute report says.

Threats

Threats in the Mideast Are Rising, CENTCOM Chief Says

ISIS-K will be able to launch attacks abroad in less than six months, Gen. Kurilla told lawmakers.

Business

Pentagon Mobilized to Support Tech Startups After Bank Failure

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank presents the Defense Department with warnings—and opportunities.

Policy

Navy On Path To Violate 31-Amphibious-Ship Requirement in 2024

Budget proposal asks Congress to allow ship retirements that lawmakers explicitly nixed last year.

Policy

Biden Unveils Plans for New Australian-US-UK Submarine

The plan also calls for Australia to buy three American-made Virginia-class submarines, with options for two more.

Policy

R&D Tops Procurement in Air Force’s 2024 Budget Proposal

Meanwhile, the Space Force is requesting $30 billion in 2024, $3.7 billion above last year’s enacted budget.

Policy

Air Force Abandons New F-35 Engine in Favor of Upgrades

If approved by Congress, it’s a win for F-35 engine maker Pratt & Whitney and a blow to General Electric.

Threats

Fewer Than 1/3 of Navy’s Amphibious Ships Are Ready to Deploy

“We can’t live with that,” Marine commandant says after high-profile missions were delayed or scuttled.

Defense Systems

Companies Prepare to Spend More on Cybersecurity Under New Rules

Despite some complaints about the White House's new tack, industry leaders say most recognize the need for better defenses.

Threats

A Lack of Machine Tools Is Holding Back Ammo Production, Army Says

The U.S. has enough raw materials, but the heavy equipment used to make artillery shells aren’t easy to buy.

Threats

State of the Navy 2023

Has the fleet settled on a consensus shipbuilding plan just in time to be disrupted by the unmanned revolution?

Policy

New National Cyber Strategy: Raise Defensive Baseline for Critical Infrastructure

The White House wants to get electrical systems, gas pipelines, water treatment plants, and more up to a consistent level of cybersecurity.

Business

Intelligence Agencies Seek Better Ways to Buy IT and Emerging Tech

Many contracting offices are short-staffed, even though nearly 80% of the IC's budget goes to contractors.

Science & Tech

Leased Ship Will Shape USMC Amphib Requirements

The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab will wring out modified commercial ships to learn what is needed in future amphibious ships.