Policy
Trump’s Space Force Request Is Coming — But Final Form Remains Hazy
Will his proposed space organization more resemble the Air Force or the Marines? Pence didn’t say.
Science & Tech
US Army Narrows Search For Light Tank to Two Companies
General Dynamics and BAE Systems will each build 12 prototypes of an up-to-40-ton armored vehicle.
Business
Test Validates New US Interceptor for European, Japanese Missile Shields
In a first, an SM-3 shot down an intermediate-range ballistic target.
Business
Airbus Looks to Pounce As Boeing Struggles to Deliver First Tanker
The fight between the commercial airliner titans is moving back into the defense space. And this time, Lockheed Martin is in Airbus’ corner.
Business
Mattis ‘Optimistic’ Pentagon Will Get Needed Budget from White House, Democrats
Mattis tells nervous defense industry execs and conservatives at Reagan National Defense Forum he doesn’t expect sharp budget cuts from House Democrats and President Trump.
Policy
White House Seeks Alternatives to Independent Space Force
Pentagon leaders were dutifully double-timing toward a new military branch. Then they got new marching orders.
Threats
US Air Force Is Redrawing Its Pacific-War Playbook for China
New Pacific Air Forces chief wants deeper cooperation with allied militaries — and better drills for when comms go down.
Policy
Space Force Actually May Be Bargain, New Cost Estimate Says
“At this point it may be a coin toss whether or not this makes it through,” says Todd Harrison.
Policy
Senior Defense Officials Offer Dueling Pricetags for Space Force
Hours after the Pentagon’s No. 2 floated a sub-$5 billion figure, the Air Force secretary stood by her $13-billion estimate.
Threats
Incoming HASC Chair: Scale Back Plans for New Nukes
Rep. Adam Smith laid out new terms for a debate over the Pentagon’s plans to expand the military’s nuclear arsenal.
Business
UK Plans a Decade of Weapons Purchases As Auditors Sound Warning Bells
Defense procurement minister reiterates commitment to 10-year, £186 billion purchase plan.
Policy
Military Intelligence Spending Just Posted Biggest Spike in a Decade
With an 18 percent increase this year, the Pentagon’s $22 billion intelligence tab is rising faster than civilian spy agencies.
Threats