Threats

The F-35 Won't Be Going To War Against ISIS Just Yet

The U.S. Marine Corps will declare its vertical-flight Joint Strike Fighter ready for war in July, but a top general says it’s unlikely the jets will head to Iraq any time soon.

Business

Air Force Trims Drone Ops to Get Workforce ‘Healthy’

The service is dropping five of its 65 combat air patrols so its overtaxed pilots and intelligence operators can catch their breath.

Threats

US Special Ops Troops Kill ISIS Leader in Syria Raid

The mission appears to be the first offensive action by U.S. ground troops in Syria as part of the campaign against ISIS.

Threats

General Says ISIS Is on the Defensive Amid Contrary Reports

ISIS militants have captured more buildings in central Iraqi city of Ramadi, but the Pentagon says the group is on the defensive due to its change in fighting style.

Science & Tech

China May Be Selling Armed Drones to Jordan

Will the Wing Loong UAV soon be flying over Amman? Not if one congressman, and his largest campaign donor, have anything to do with it.

Business

Obama Nominates Former Afghanistan War Deputy To Lead Army

Gen. Mark Milley would inherit an Army still transitioning from big budget wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to a much more complex mix of military threats — and needs — around the globe.

Business

Obama Nominates Nuclear Chief To Head Navy

Adm. John Richardson, a submariner, would become the first head of the Navy’s nuclear-propulsion shop to rise to chief of naval operations.

Threats

U.S. Starts Training Moderate Syrian Rebels

The U.S. military will help Syrian rebel forces fight ISIS, but what happens if they come across military loyal to Bashar al-Assad?

Business

The Man Under the Flattop: Who is Paul Selva?

Two key military assignments helped position Air Force Gen. Paul Selva to become the next Vice Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff — and perhaps, eventually, the chairman.

Business

US Allies Cleared to Buy Arms Worth $3.5 Billion

The State Department OKs two key missile deals for Pacific Rim nations, a million-plus mortar rounds for Iraqis fighting ISIS, and more.

Business

Marine Commandant, Air Force Cargo Pilot Tapped to Lead Pentagon

A former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and the head of Transportation Command will be Obama’s picks to lead the military during a time of swelling threats, widened missions, and budget uncertainty.

Threats

Russia Scales Back Long-Range Aircraft Patrols, NATO General Says

After beefing up long-range aviation patrols last year, Russia has been flying near the borders of NATO countries less frequently, Gen. Philip Breedlove says.

Science & Tech

New Chips Could Patch the Military’s GPS Vulnerability

The Pentagon hopes that new location technology can ward off jammers and spoofers without breaking the bank.

Policy

Four Key Areas for Japan-US Military Cooperation

While the new agreement most directly shores up defenses against North Korea, it could also help counterbalance a rising China.

Threats

New Pentagon Chief Carter to Court Silicon Valley

The Pentagon wants to partner more with Silicon Valley tech firms, but can radically different cultures find common ground?

Business

Pentagon: We Can’t Afford to Replace Aging ICBMs, Bombers, Subs

Even if sequestration goes away, the Defense Department will need at least $10 billion more per year to modernize its nuclear arsenal, procurement chief says.

Science & Tech

New Tech Will Allow Navy To Target with Jamming Pods

Faster datalinks will allow the Navy’s EA-18 Growler to pinpoint insurgents with weapons-quality accuracy.

Business

Pentagon's Next Bomber Will Be Built To Upgrade

The stealthy strike aircraft the Air Force buys this year will look a lot different when it is retired to the boneyard decades from now.

Threats

As Russia Improves Its Surface-to-Air Missiles, US Looks To Counter

The U.S. Air Force chief hopes cyber tactics can defeat a new generation of anti-air defenses.