Policy
Space Force’s Projected Size Drifts Upward, Drawing Concern on Capitol Hill
Despite “lean” pledges, aides are skeptical about the size of the proposed branch and the number of generals who will lead it.
Science & Tech
Cyber Spending Would Rise $17B Under 2020 Request
More than half would go to the Defense Department to bolster defenses and expand offensive capabilities.
Business
Air Force One: New Estimate Bumps Total Cost By Nearly One-Third
The $5.3 billion price tag is the Pentagon’s first public accounting to include the new hangars and various other costs.
Business
Lockheed Martin is Waging War on Boeing’s F-15EX
The F-35 maker sees the Pentagon’s plans to buy new F-15s for the first time in 19 years as a threat.
Science & Tech
Here’s the Key Innovation in DARPA AI Project: Ethics From the Start
A new effort to build patrol drones for urban fights began by forming an ethics advisory board.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Wants to Test A Space-Based Weapon in 2023
Defense officials have asked for $304 million to fund research into space-based lasers, particle beams, and other new forms of missile defense next year.
Policy
Acting SecDef: ‘We Won’t Do Cost-Plus-50’
In his first testimony to Congress as acting Pentagon chief, Shanahan called “erroneous” the reports of the proposal to make allies pay more.
Ideas
Does USS Truman’s Early Retirement Herald a New War on Carriers?
Whatever the promise of emerging technologies, combatant commanders still want more floating mobile airfields.
Science & Tech
Pentagon’s Cyber Mission Force Needs Better Training Plan
A government watchdog found flaws in the Defense Department’s transition from building its Cyber Mission Force to maintaining it.
Ideas
The Pentagon Could Lead the Green New Deal to Victory
Defense leaders have long braced for the impacts of climate change. Working with climate advocates could ward off those threats.
Science & Tech
Lasers, AI, Hypersonics Top DARPA’s Small-Biz Wishlist
The defense research agency also announced plans for an accelerator to help move new tech from idea to product.
Policy
Legislative Hurdle Delays US Space Command Stand-Up
Pentagon can’t move ahead until Congress repeals a provision in the 2019 defense authorization act.
Threats
Security Clearance Delays Are Hurting the Pentagon's Tech Workforce
The Defense Department is also looking to build out its recruitment staff, officials told Congress.
Threats
No Military Threat on Southern US Border, Says NORTHCOM Commander
But the head of Northern Command says barriers have “some ramifications” for national security.
Science & Tech
Microsoft Stands By Its $480 Million Pentagon Contract
The company reaffirmed its commitment to provide the Army with augmented reality headsets despite resistance from employees.
Threats
Pentagon Wins a Reprieve with Trump Approval of ‘Residual’ Forces in Syria
General Dunford is “confident” U.S. allies will now agree to stay, but for how long remains undetermined.
Policy
AFRICOM Adds Logistics Hub in West Africa, Hinting at an Enduring US Presence
From Ghana’s capital, a new supply network will ferry supplies and arms to special forces troops across the region.
Science & Tech
Judge Puts Hold on Lawsuit on Pentagon’s JEDI Cloud Contract
The battle over the Pentagon’s Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract just got more interesting.
Policy