Author Archive
Tara Copp
Senior Pentagon Reporter, Defense One

Tara Copp is senior Pentagon correspondent for Defense One. Copp has reported through the Middle East, Asia and Europe to cover defense policy and its impact on the lives of service members. Her investigative reporting on military aviation accidents and on skyrocketing veteran cancer rates drove Congressional hearings and legislation. Before returning to journalism, she worked as a senior defense analyst at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, focused on readiness and military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a Plan II graduate of the University of Texas and earned her masters in Security Studies at Georgetown University.
Threats
US Sending Patrol Boats to Help Ukraine Control Its Rivers
Vessels plus Harpoons could also help defend Odesa port, defense official says.
- Tara Copp
Threats
US Sending More HIMARS Artillery to Ukraine
Just days after announcing a new billion-dollar weapons shipment, the White House announces $450 million more.
- Tara Copp
Threats
Ukrainian Fighter Pilots: Send Better Jets and Air Defenses
They’ve shot down a few Russian cruise missiles—but they could do far more with modern gear.
- Tara Copp
Threats
US Pledges More Weapons to Ukraine, But Milley Warns ‘The Numbers Clearly Favor The Russians’
More Javelins, Howitzers, long-range rockets are on the way, but will they arrive in time to make a difference?
- Tara Copp
Science & Tech
Tomorrow’s Missile-Warning Satellites Will Join SBIRS, Not Replace Them: Space Systems Command
Off-the-shelf spacecraft and lunar-mission gear are also on the table for Space Force’s acquisition command.
- Tara Copp
Threats
As More Aviation Accidents Pile Up, Key Safety Recommendations Remain Undone
Pentagon officials say they’re still working on the December 2020 suggestions of a congressional commission.
- Tara Copp
Threats
After Deadly Aviation Crashes, Congress May Tighten Pentagon Focus on Why
2023 budget also seeks report on risks to anti-tank and anti-aircraft munition stockpiles after U.S. surge to Ukraine.
- Tara Copp
Policy
Latest Ukraine Arms Package Includes HIMARS, Mi-17s, and Thousands of Artillery Rounds
DOD policy chief explains rationale for sending the most advanced artillery weapons yet.
- Tara Copp
Policy
US to Send Ukraine Advanced Rockets; Kyiv Promises Not to Fire Into Russia
The fourth large arms package announced by the administration includes HIMARS for defensive use only, as Biden eyes “negotiating table.”
- Tara Copp and Jacqueline Feldscher
Threats
Has Ukraine Broken the Russian Military?
With thousands of troops dead, Russia seems desperate for new soldiers—allowing enlistees as old as 50, U.S. defense official says.
- Tara Copp
Policy
Despite Biden’s Latest, Pentagon Says Nothing Has Changed On US Defense of Taiwan
The president suggested that the U.S. is willing to get involved militarily—which could mean troops.
- Tara Copp and Jacqueline Feldscher
Policy
Biden’s Asia Trip is ‘Proof’ That US Can Focus On Two Fronts At Once, Officials Argue
His first presidential Pacific crossing aims to convince wary leaders that Washington is not losing focus on China.
- Tara Copp and Jacqueline Feldscher
Threats
Pentagon May Give Sweden, Finland More Security Aid
Russia has issued vague threats over the countries' applications to join the alliance.
- Tara Copp
Threats
Russian Sub Fired Missiles at Lviv Training Center, Ukraine Says
The use of such weapons could indicate munitions shortages, expert says.
- Tara Copp