Science & Tech
SOCOM adding AI, autonomy ‘at every level,’ commander says
Fast adoption illustrates smaller organizations’ ability to harness disruptive tech.
Defense Systems
Navy’s drone refueler notches first flight—but it won’t be on aircraft carriers until 2029
The MQ-25A delay pushes deliveries another two years past the prior reschedule.
Threats
US Navy ordered to ‘shoot and kill’ alleged Iranian mine-laying boats amid ceasefire
Hegseth says U.S. has "all the time in the world" as the number of interdicted vessels grows.
Science & Tech
Navy scientists seek tech breakthroughs in areas that companies ignore
With private-sector R&D funding rising, the Office of Naval Research is adjusting to new budget priorities.
Breaking News
Policy
Navy secretary leaving the Pentagon, ‘effective immediately’
His departure, long rumored, came as the Navy is fighting Iran and rolling out its proposed budget.
Business
The Navy will keep shrinking until the industrial base catches up
A commission on the service’s future is looking at ways to help the service along as ships wear down before they can be replaced.
Policy
Sub that sank Iranian warship reflects Navy’s drive to adapt, CNO says
“That was a glimpse of the future force,” Adm. Caudle said at Sea-Air-Space.
Science & Tech
Why the US can’t copy Ukraine’s robot navy
Command and control will remain a human endeavor—even as the Pacific fills with robo-boats.
Ideas
How to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
It will take existing, though battered, diplomatic and military frameworks plus some creative thinking.
Ideas
Unheeded lessons from the US warship nearly sunk by an Iranian mine
A strangely amnesiac effect seems to surround the threat of underwater weapons that wait.
Ideas
How would the US Navy counter Iran's mines?
The remaining Avenger minehunters are in Japan, while Pentagon testing has revealed problems with the LCS.
Ideas
Going hunting
What will it take to counter the smart mines of tomorrow? Welcome to the latest edition of Fictional Intelligence.
Policy
Navy shipbuilding request rises nearly 50% in 2027 proposal
The White House aims to fund nearly 20 warships plus initial work on a battleship class.
Policy
Budget seeks billions for Air Force's F-47 fighter jet, just millions for Navy’s F/A-XX
The 2027 request may renew a dogfight between the Pentagon, White House, and Congress.
Business
AI boat maker Saronic smashes $9 billion valuation
The company just closed a $1.75 billion funding round with eyes on increasing production tenfold.
Defense Systems
More Columbia-class submarines?
Sen. Tommy Tuberville floated the idea of fielding 16 instead of the planned dozen.
Business
Tiltrotor who? US military helicopter deliveries rose 13 percent in 2025
The Big 3 U.S. makers delivered more rotorcraft last year than in 2024.
Defense Systems
Navy bets $900M on automated factories to boost submarine production
Four-year-old Hadrian wins contract as service seeks to offset worker shortages.
Defense Systems