Ideas
What's at stake as Congress hashes out the 2024 defense budget
A guide to the biggest differences between proposals for the four-months-late defense appropriations bill.
Defense Systems
Marine Corps to field squad-level loitering munitions by 2027
The Corps’ experience with logistics drones is yielding valuable lessons on deconflicting with friendly aircraft.
Business
Software delay will reduce F-35 deliveries for a second straight year
Lockheed says the TR-3 upgrade, due last year, has slipped to third quarter of 2024.
Threats
What the US military can learn from Ukrainian command posts
Two foreign volunteer soldiers described operations centers in frontline Ukraine, from surviving Russian missiles to managing drone feeds.
Threats
Marines using cheap commercial tech to hide command posts in plain sight
Command posts must be survivable to be effective, one commander says.
Threats
Flight recorder found as Pentagon investigates deadly Osprey crash
Military’s entire fleet of V-22s remains grounded.
Business
Industry isn’t building enough parts for upgraded F-35s, DOD says
Lawmakers said the Technology Refresh-3 upgrade is headed for a nearly $1B cost overrun.
Threats
Pentagon grounds all Ospreys, one week after deadly crash
Investigators suspect a “potential materiel failure” may have caused the Nov. 29 mishap off Japan.
Business
Lawsuit could further delay F-35 deliveries
Lockheed is suing a key supplier of titanium structural parts.
Policy
Hundreds of promotions approved after Tuberville drops hold
Senate swiftly approves 425 officers’ advancement, but 11 four-star jobs remain in limbo.
Threats
US military still flying Ospreys after deadly crash off Japanese coast
One of the eight airmen aboard has been declared dead, DOD says.
Business
Pentagon to give Pratt & Whitney sole-source F-35 engine upgrade work
Company declares itself on track to deliver preliminary design for January review.
Policy
Senate confirms first woman to lead Navy, fills Joint Staff vacancies
However, hundreds of confirmations are still blocked by Sen. Tommy Tuberville.
Threats