Science & Tech
Even as drones usher in an era of ‘cheap kill,’ Army leaders look to what’s next
Uncrewed vehicles were everywhere at LANPAC—even above a general’s head.
Threats
HASC leader threatens Pentagon with ‘pain’ over canceled Europe deployment
Recent Trump-administration moves may drop troop presence below legal minimums.
Exclusive
Policy
Hegseth memo calls for sweeping, open-ended review of Pentagon's legal system
It’s the secretary's latest unusual move toward DOD’s military and civilian lawyers.
Threats
Trump says he and Xi talked US, Chinese cyberattacks, spying
The president seemed to suggest that the Chinese leader tacitly confirmed actions that lower officials routinely deny.
Threats
Golden Dome defenders push back on $1.2T cost estimate
Program leader says CBO report based on Trump’s executive order doesn’t reflect current plans.
Defense Systems
US infantry’s drone-warfare experiments are getting bigger
Project Flytrap 5.0 focused on working in teams of hundreds, and larger operations are on the way.
Threats
ODNI assigns two to coordinate spy agencies on election security
For months, it was unclear if ODNI ever named an election threats executive responsible for leading election security efforts in the 2026 midterm cycle.
Business
This company wants to make 1,000 satellites a year
Quantum Space is building a Tulsa factory for its not-yet-flown Ranger satellite.
Threats
USAID’s abrupt shutdown increased violence in Africa, study shows
Such shocks motivate armed groups in ways well-planned aid reductions do not.
Ideas
Taiwan is a ‘model ally,’ not trade bait
Trading the island’s security for rhetoric from Beijing would be a strategic blunder of historic proportions.
Science & Tech
West Pointers can be trained to better evaluate, appreciate AI, study finds
New research may point the way to harnessing AI’s potential on the battlefield—and in society.
Defense Systems
In reversal, Hegseth now backs E-7 radar plane
SecDef says previous calls to cancel the program reflected a now-discarded ”divest-to-invest mindset.”
Defense Systems
Drone boats make debut in Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan
Service officials envision a 450-hull fleet by 2031.
Policy
Hegseth rethinking Army reforms, cuts to aviation
One year after launching the Army Transformation Initiative, SecDef says he's reviewing the to-do list.
Policy
Congress waits on Iran-war costs while mulling $1.5T defense request
The administration’s latest estimate is $29B, but the Defense Department hasn’t answered lawmakers’ requests for details.
Policy
‘It would be insane’ for spy agencies to lack early access to AI models, lawmaker says
Commerce Department should also have a role in AI policy, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee says.
Defense Systems
Golden Dome plan would cost $1.2 trillion, CBO finds
That’s seven times what Trump initially said, and almost double the congressional office’s first estimate.
Threats
Five ways of looking at the Japanese sinking of a decommissioned Philippine ship
Philippines’ Balikatan exercise saw several missile milestones.
Defense Systems