Threats
Pentagon 'concerned China will instigate' avoidable conflict: DepSecDef
U.S. is not trying “bait or trick” Beijing into war, Hicks says.
Threats
New Orleans attack a reminder of ongoing ISIS threat
Diminished terror groups still able to radicalize stateside, official says.
Policy
Ukraine military-aid donors aim to set Kyiv up through 2027, Pentagon says
Thursday’s meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group will be Austin’s last as SecDef.
Policy
Federal background-check overhaul is finally on track, DSCA says
Workers in national security-sensitive positions are now fully enrolled in continuous vetting.
Ideas
2024 in review: Commentary
Defense One contributors gathered lessons from around the globe and looked ahead to the new administration.
Defense Systems
2024 in review: Defense systems
Satellites, bombers, and drones of every description are just some of the year's top systems stories.
Ideas
2024 in Review: Army
Lessons from the Ukraine war—and what might come next—dominated the news.
Ideas
2024 in review: Business
The rise of the software contractors, wobbles among the old guard—and more defense-industry news of the year.
Policy
2024 in review: Policy
Preparing in the Pacific, learning from Ukraine, girding for a new administration—here are some of the policy stories that shaped the past year.
Ideas
In defense of the military’s unfunded priority lists
The service branches’ “wish lists” are a key part of Congress’ oversight process.
Ideas
Assad’s fall lays the ground for wider peace—if the US can seize the moment
A key will be reshaping the role of the Kurdish militants in Syria.
Policy
US force in Syria is larger than previously known, Pentagon says
Military operations against ISIS are increasing, along with diplomatic outreach to the new government.
Exclusive
Policy
Army will trim 5% of general-officer jobs in coming years, chief’s spokesman says
Gen. Randy George agrees the Army is “too top-heavy.”
Defense Systems
Air Force may curtail F-35 plan if newer tech pans out, SECAF says
Outgoing secretary Frank Kendall also clapped back at recent comments by Elon Musk about manned vs. unmanned systems.
Science & Tech
Are AI defense firms about to eat the Pentagon?
Competitors are becoming collaborators in the industry’s hottest segment.
Policy
Lawmakers tee up efforts to keep spyware off troops' devices
The compromise 2025 defense policy bill would mandate security standards, reporting, and more.
Threats