Ideas
Pakistan’s burgeoning arms industry is a strategic opportunity for the US
A defense-industrial partnership could benefit the Pentagon while mitigating Chinese influence.
Science & Tech
New Pentagon science-and-innovation board arrives as administration cuts research funding
Even as department leaders work to fast-track new tech, the administration is slashing funding that supports and secures innovation.
Policy
Experts have questions about the new National Defense Strategy—on China, force design, and more
The document “might not be worth the paper it’s written on,” one expert said.
Science & Tech
US military used new 'non-kinetic' cell to guide cyber ops during Maduro capture
The unit is part of a broader push to better integrate cyber, EW, and other non-destructive effects into missions, leaders told lawmakers on Wednesday.
Policy
Trump’s national defense strategy is unlike anything that’s come before it
It touts an end to interventionism and regime change, despite adventurism in Venezuela and Greenland.
Policy
Sen. Kelly’s lawyers say Pentagon is attempting to violate his constitutional rights
In a court filing, they say that DOJ erred in asserting that retired military officers can be punished for speaking out against DOD policies.
Policy
Congress hurtles toward partial shutdown after Alex Pretti killing in Minneapolis
Senate Democrats want new limits on federal agents in a compromise bill to fund the Defense Department before Friday's deadline.
Business
Navy shipbuilding stands to get $27 billion in funding in 2026
Compromise spending bill reflects a $6.5 billion increase over the president’s budget request for shipbuilding—and corrects One Big Beautiful Bill accounting miscalculations.
Threats
Russian hybrid warfare has become indistinguishable from politics
The war of realities in 2026 will determine the reality of war in 2027.
Policy
Shutdown odds plummet after House and Senate strike bipartisan deal on 2026 funding bills
If the full Congress approves, the Defense Department would get $838.7 billion, a sub-1% increase.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon leans into drone swarms with a $100M challenge
An Ender’s Game challenge illustrates the U.S. military's evolving approach to AI.
Policy
Grok is in, ethics are out in Pentagon’s new AI-acceleration strategy
Seven projects are to lead the charge to embed artificial intelligence ever more deeply in military affairs.
Business
Pentagon to invest $1B in L3Harris rocket-motor spinoff
The apparently unprecedented deal raises questions of fairness, effectiveness, and conflicts of interest.
Policy
Sen. Kelly sues Hegseth over penalties for 'illegal orders' video
The combat veteran's 46-page suit says Trump administration attempts to punish him violate the First Amendment, separation of powers, due process, and more.
Policy
Army’s noncommittal procurement strategy is creating quandaries for vendors
It's creating tension that the government is likely going to have to solve, one expert says.
Business
Trump lambastes defense CEOs over pay, stock buybacks
The president also pushed for a $1.5-trillion defense budget.
Science & Tech
