Policy
HASC still waiting for updated E-7 Wedgetail funding request
‘We would like to see that budget amendment,” one senior staffer said.
Ideas
The Pentagon’s $54 billion bet on autonomous warfare
With new DAWG initiative, the DOD is attempting to fix a historically slow-moving, broken acquisition pipeline.
Policy
Key Army efforts pinned to lawmakers’ taste for a new reconciliation bill
White House puts funding for munitions, industrial development in precedent-breaking request.
Policy
One year in, Army’s transformation efforts are under fire
Hegseth is rethinking his order to offload old systems and bring in new tech.
Threats
AI-powered cyber effects are 'moving so fast, it’s scary': a former Pentagon CIO
Industry is pitching 'autonomous remediation' of network vulnerabilities.
Threats
HASC leader threatens Pentagon with ‘pain’ over canceled Europe deployment
Recent Trump-administration moves may drop troop presence below legal minimums.
Exclusive
Policy
Hegseth memo calls for sweeping, open-ended review of Pentagon's legal system
It’s the secretary's latest unusual move toward DOD’s military and civilian lawyers.
Defense Systems
In reversal, Hegseth now backs E-7 radar plane
SecDef says previous calls to cancel the program reflected a now-discarded ”divest-to-invest mindset.”
Policy
Congress waits on Iran-war costs while mulling $1.5T defense request
The administration’s latest estimate is $29B, but the Defense Department hasn’t answered lawmakers’ requests for details.
Defense Systems
Golden Dome plan would cost $1.2 trillion, CBO finds
That’s seven times what Trump initially said, and almost double the congressional office’s first estimate.
Threats
US escort of ships through Hormuz is a ‘gift to the world,’ Hegseth says
But secretary says the escorts are temporary, and the world should “step up.”
Ideas
The next president must reimagine, not just restore, the administrative state
Careful calibration—not chainsaws—can produce a government that solves problems instead of getting in the way.
Ideas
Trump’s assumptions are running his Iran policy aground—again
His blunders underscore the importance of a vigorous interagency process.
Business
8 AI firms cleared to provide tools for classified Pentagon networks
The wide variety—which does not include Anthropic—is intended to prevent AI-vendor lock.
Exclusive
Science & Tech
Former head of ‘Pentagon’s think tank’ joins Anthropic
The strategy expert calls adaptation to AI a "civilizational" challenge.
Threats
Admin mum on whether Trump will seek to legalize Iran war
The 60 days allowable by the War Powers Resolution is about to run out, but the defense secretary thinks a ceasefire has paused the clock.
Policy
Sixty days in, Pentagon estimates $25B spent on Iran war
The defense secretary and Joint Chiefs chairman appeared before Congress for the first time since strikes began Feb. 28.
Defense Systems
Pentagon adds Google’s latest model to GenAI.mil as usage soars
Users have built more than 100,000 AI agents using the generative-AI platform, officials said.
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.
Threats