Business
F-35 performance-based logistics deal is dead—for now
Pentagon balks at moving away from fix-on-demand arrangement during global uncertainty.
Science & Tech
Navy still bullish on lasers but widely-deployed directed-energy ship defense remains years away
Quest gains urgency as enemy drones and missiles get better, cheaper, and more widely used.
Threats
Replicator passes a milestone as some troops complete training with cheap new drones
DepSecDef says the systems will be a formal part of the 2026 budget.
Policy
Germany vows continued Pacific presence to ‘protect the international order’
Two German warships at RIMPAC highlight Europe's growing presence in the region.
Policy
The US is helping the Philippines modernize its military
The move comes at a time of rising tensions in the South China Sea.
Ideas
Chinese warships off Alaska signal a new stage in seapower competition
Understanding why requires a look at "near waters," "far waters"—and the colonial past.
Policy
US Forces Japan to be upgraded to warfighting command
The shift will move operational control of Japan-based forces east from Hawaii and, officials say, deepen cooperation with the Japanese military.
Business
F-35’s price might rise, Lockheed warns
After years of declines, the jet’s cost is being pushed by upgrades, inflation, and a proposal to buy fewer of them.
Threats
Navy still picking winner for F/A-XX next year, Northrop CEO says
Despite the service’s proposal to cut funding, “we have not received” word that 6th-gen plans have changed.
Defense Systems
Lockheed resumes F-35 deliveries after year-long pause
But the tech-development problems that halted deliveries of the TR-3 version of the jet persist.
Ideas
How the navy-less Ukrainians defeated Russia’s Black Sea Fleet
Their revolution in weapons and tactics offer lessons and warnings for the world’s navies.
Defense Systems
Concepts expected soon for NATO's next-gen rotorcraft
Up to three firms are expected to vie to make a fast aircraft to replace a thousand European helicopters.
Business
The Pentagon is paying a consultant up to $2.4B to boost submarine production
Deloitte Consulting is to provide the labor, equipment, and materials to push annual U.S. production to three subs.
Science & Tech