Science & Tech
Pentagon seeks smarter, self-organizing drones as autonomous-warfare budget is poised to skyrocket
Uncrewed weapons actually require a lot of people. New DARPA projects aim to overcome that.
Defense Systems
First B-52s to get new engines this year
Critical design review clears Boeing to upgrade two Stratofortresses in bid to keep them flying past 2050.
Ideas
Navy F/A-18Gs over Iran, Venezuela show rise in aerial electronic attack
Here's what's next for the Navy jamming plane.
Ideas
The next president must reimagine, not just restore, the administrative state
Careful calibration—not chainsaws—can produce a government that solves problems instead of getting in the way.
Ideas
Trump’s assumptions are running his Iran policy aground—again
His blunders underscore the importance of a vigorous interagency process.
Business
8 AI firms cleared to provide tools for classified Pentagon networks
The wide variety—which does not include Anthropic—is intended to prevent AI-vendor lock.
Defense Systems
Space Force wraps decades-long GPS upgrade—and the next one is on tap
A last-minute rocket swap shows agility in pursuit of faster launches.
Exclusive
Science & Tech
Former head of ‘Pentagon’s think tank’ joins Anthropic
The strategy expert calls adaptation to AI a "civilizational" challenge.
Threats
Marine commandant: Every combatant command has requested an amphibious ready group
The demand is about twice as high as the Marine Corps’ goal of three deployed at any given time, Gen. Eric Smith said Thursday.
Threats
Admin mum on whether Trump will seek to legalize Iran war
The 60 days allowable by the War Powers Resolution is about to run out, but the defense secretary thinks a ceasefire has paused the clock.
Policy
Air Force’s top general: Supplemental funding needed to replace US aircraft lost in Iran
The 2027 budget request was made before dozens of aircraft were destroyed during Epic Fury.
Defense Systems
Marine Corps considering Army’s MV-75 as an attack helo replacement
Bell unveiled an armed version specifically for the Corps at the Modern Day Marine conference.
Policy
Sixty days in, Pentagon estimates $25B spent on Iran war
The defense secretary and Joint Chiefs chairman appeared before Congress for the first time since strikes began Feb. 28.
Exclusive
Policy
Meet the 3-star insiders say will be Space Force’s next top leader
Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess is seen as the likely replacement for Gen. Chance Saltzman.
Policy
Acting SecNav: ‘I’m not going to have my son go to war the way I did'
Industry can help prevent the Pentagon from making GWOT-era mistakes, said Hung Cao, filling in for his recently ousted boss.
Science & Tech
SOCOM adding AI, autonomy ‘at every level,’ commander says
Fast adoption illustrates smaller organizations’ ability to harness disruptive tech.
Defense Systems
Navy’s drone refueler notches first flight—but it won’t be on aircraft carriers until 2029
The MQ-25A delay pushes deliveries another two years past the prior reschedule.
Policy
Marines will update land warfare doctrine as they prep for near-peer, drone-driven fight
Officials previewed Ground Combat Element 2040 plan at the Modern Day Marine conference.
Defense Systems