Policy
Lawmaker: Human Problem at Pentagon Worse than Tech Problem
Rep. Jim Cooper says Congress shouldn’t accept a government topped by acting political appointees.
Threats
Brussels Forum, Live
Watch the livestream from the German Marshall Fund's annual Brussels Forum.
Ideas
We’re Not Playing Acquisition Pac-Man Anymore
Today’s defense acquisition officials have freedom of movement akin to an open-world game. They need to use it.
Science & Tech
How the Pentagon Nickel-and-Dimed Its Way Into Losing a Drone
The lion’s share of the U.S. drone fleet is easy prey for advanced air defenses. It didn’t have to be that way.
Ideas
Trump Might Not Want War, but the Military Is Steering His Iran Policy
The buildup in the Middle East is coming at the request of the forces responsible for the region.
Policy
Mission No. 1: Esper Will Attend NATO Meeting Next Week
Avoiding international embarrassment, soon-to-be Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper will attend a regularly scheduled defense ministers meeting.
Science & Tech
Pentagon, Lockheed Martin Failed to Ensure Proper Parts for F-35
Watchdog questions adherence to contracts and performance incentives for Defense’s largest buy.
Policy
Shanahan Out; Army Secretary Esper to Be Acting SecDef
Trump tweets the news after reports that the FBI was looking into a violent domestic dispute from nine years ago.
Ideas
How to Step Back from the Brink with Iran
Right now, everything both sides do to strengthen their defenses looks to the other side like preparation for attack.
Business
This Kansas Aircraft-Parts Supplier Is Flying High on Secret Military Projects
A longtime maker of airliner parts, Spirit Aerosystems is finding new work in the defense sector.
Ideas
The US Military Emits More Carbon than Sweden
Even as it begins to grapple with climate change, the Defense Department remains the world’s single largest consumer of oil.
Threats
How to Navigate the Fog of War on Iran
The question of how to read U.S. intelligence on Iranian threats—and how to respond to them—is at the center of a debate over military escalation.
Ideas
A New Industrial Base Is Taking Shape. Call It the Military-AI Complex.
The most essential Pentagon suppliers will be the ones that master robotics and artificial intelligence.
Policy
Shanahan ‘Not Planning’ USS McCain Investigation, But Still Reviewing Facts
“There’s no restriction on how people can send email,” the acting defense secretary said.
Threats
Shanahan: ‘We’re Not Going To Ignore Chinese Behavior’
The speech at the Shangri-La conference was closely watched amid rising U.S.-China tensions over trade and security.
Policy
Still 'Acting' Shanahan Faces Test With China Face-off and USS McCain Scandal
Raising the stakes for the would-be SecDef, the White House has not yet sent formal nomination paperwork to the Senate.
Threats
Shanahan Heads to Asia as White House Beats Drums on Iran
The acting defense secretary is expected to detail how the Pentagon is implementing a strategic shift away from counterterrorism.
Policy
Former Aerospace CEO Tapped as Next Air Force Secretary
She once landed an F/A-18 Hornet on an aircraft carrier.
Ideas
Trump’s Counter-Iran Moves Are Provocative, But They’re Not War
Truly bad messaging is undermining trust among allies and the American public — and increasing the chance of accidental escalation.
Policy