Business
Obama Should Have Given Weapons to Ukraine, Says Former Pentagon Russia Official
Evelyn Farkas, who stepped down last week as the Pentagon’s top policy official for Russia and Ukraine, says the U.S. should open a military base in Eastern Europe to send a message to Vladimir Putin.
Policy
Budget Deal Is A Big Win for Pentagon
Even though it’s only a two-year agreement, the budget deal passed by Congress and the White House will get the Pentagon past the worst of the spending caps.
Threats
Expect the Russians to Keep Buzzing American Navy Ships
Cold War-era tactics resurface at sea, but this time, Moscow’s ultimate intentions are unknown.
Science & Tech
Northrop Grumman to Build Air Force Bomber — But Don’t Expect to See It Soon
After years of internal Pentagon fighting to keep the project alive, the air service reveals a builder, but little else.
Business
Meet the New Army General in Charge of the ISIS War
Army Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland is now commanding the counter-ISIS campaign; Officials name Nagata’s successor at SOCOM Central.
Business
Meet the Secretive Team Shaping the Air Force’s New Bomber
The 80-person group operates outside of the typical chain of command, which senior officials say will keep the stealth aircraft program on track.
Threats
Gates: Come Up With A Syria Strategy, Then Tell Putin ‘Stay Out of the Way’
In his return to Washington, the former defense secretary says the Russian chief knows just what he’s doing.
Business
Saudi Arabia Eyes US Warships, Sub-Hunting Helicopters to Check Iran
Saudi Arabia is planning to buy four more powerful versions of the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships, 10 submarine hunting Seahawk helicopters, and 750 missiles, freeing up U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf.
Business
What If Canada Doesn’t Buy the F-35?
The F/A-18 Super Hornet could be the RCAF’s next top fighter if the new Liberal government keeps its vow to jettison the Joint Strike Fighter.
Threats
Russia Is Forcing the Pentagon to Rewrite Its European Playbook
The U.S. military is looking at ways to better prepare its troops to counter and deter Moscow, which continues to surprise U.S. officials with its military moves.
Science & Tech
In a Groundbreaking Deal, Ukraine May Buy US Armor for Its Humvees
Kiev is negotiating the purchase of an upgrade kit for its dozens of Humvees, which would be its first major purchase from a U.S. defense company.
Science & Tech
With Russia in Mind, BAE Revives Light Tank from the ’90s
U.S. military brass say Russia is the top threat, so companies are pitching arms for a new European battlefield…even if there is no money to buy them.
Business
US Army’s New Chief Sets Three Goals
Readiness, modernizing the force, and taking care of soldiers — and that means more time practicing complex scenarios.
Threats
Top Pentagon Weapon Buyers Say Budget Gridlock Threatens Hundreds of Projects
Pentagon officials say hundreds of acquisitions projects would be halted or cut in half this fiscal year if Congress doesn’t pass a proper budget.
Business
New Pentagon Equipment Is No Longer Pushing the Envelope
Acquisition chief Frank Kendall says the cost of the Defense Department’s major projects are falling, but the arms being purchased are less technologically advanced.
Threats
U.S., Russia Discussing Deconfliction in Syria — One Day After Russian Strikes Begin
Also: Pentagon officials say Russian strikes didn’t hit ISIS targets as Moscow claims.
Business
