Science & Tech
Army experiments with integrating attack drones into artillery formations
New division formation design includes HIMARS, howitzers, and one-way UAVs.
Defense Systems
Marines testing ‘narco sub’ for contested logistics in the Indo-Pacific
Leidos’ autonomous surface drone went from concept to prototype in nine months.
Policy
DOD’s budget request finally drops, combining a real decrease with a one-time boost
Officials are relying heavily on Congress to pass the reconciliation bill.
Threats
SecDef doubles down on claims Iran’s nuclear program is ‘obliterated’
Hegseth rails against reporting on DIA’s initial assessment that strikes did not destroy Tehran’s efforts.
Science & Tech
The Army’s not sure what its new ‘Executive Innovation Corps’ will actually do
Silicon Valley tech leaders will go direct commission course, take a PT test, and presumably help make the Army more efficient.
Threats
Middle East unrest drives conversation on US troop presence
Potential plans to reduce force size in Central Command areas and Europe are up in the air.
Threats
Americans more concerned about nuclear Iran than illegal immigration, survey finds
Public support continues to rise for U.S. leadership abroad in Reagan Institute poll.
Threats
US strikes on Iran not a step toward ‘open-ended war,’ SecDef says
Operation Midnight Hammer saw the first use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
Business
AUKUS review emerged after talks with counterparts, SecDef says
Hegseth cites “long, personal conversations” with UK, Aussie defense ministers.
Defense Systems
Army expects to make more than a million artillery shells next year
Armaments chief says new factories, streamlined processes will hit goal just a few months late.
Policy
Hegseth says chief of naval operations nomination is coming ‘in due time’
Lawmakers question firings of, and lack of replacements for, senior military leadership.
Policy
Lawmakers rip into defense secretary over flat Pentagon budget
The Pentagon is counting on one-time funds from a reconciliation bill to fund investments in shipbuilding and missile defense.
Policy
Congress would like the Army to show its work on ‘transformation’
The service hasn’t briefed lawmakers on its plans to cut programs.
Science & Tech
Army brigade tests renewable tech in Pacific exercise
The 25th ID is printing its own drones, purifying its own water
Policy
What will DOD civilians do at the border? The Pentagon won’t say.
The Defense Department declined to provide any details on Monday’s order to provide support to DHS.
Policy
Pentagon won’t say how many civilians have left since February
The department has used a mix of layoffs and voluntary resignations to cut workforce.
Science & Tech
Army scrambles to improve drone training
One unit created its own virtual trainer with software used by Ukrainian troops.
Threats
AFRICOM asks for help deterring terrorism, after Trump pulls aid to allied countries
Groups like al-Shabaab see USAID withdrawal as an opportunity.
Policy