Policy
Record-smashing $1.5-trillion spending proposal will fund only the ‘most essential things’: comptroller
The Pentagon’s acting CFO also said that just a sliver of the $153 billion reconciliation funds remains unallocated.
Threats
Lawmakers press SOUTHCOM on Hegseth’s ‘no quarter’ rhetoric
Gen. Francis Donovan repeated what others have said: that he wouldn’t follow an unlawful order.
Defense Systems
Golden Dome’s projected cost just jumped $10 billion. Experts fear that’s just for starters.
Three prime contractors have been named to build the project's command and control layer.
Policy
US counterterrorism chief resigns over Iran war
Joe Kent said Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and that the attack was launched after pressure from Israel.
Defense Systems
US Navy to use wall-climbing robots to inspect ships
Gecko Robotics scores $71m contract.
Business
Anduril secures $87M contract for a common counter-unmanned C2 program
The agreement is part of a larger $20B license for the federal government to buy any Anduril product.
Policy
How the Pentagon is working to wriggle out of China’s rare-earths grip
At a conference in Honolulu, the assistant defense secretary for industrial base policy detailed the challenge.
Threats
Why the ‘narrow,’ ‘short-term’ sanctions reversal for Russia is neither
Sanctions relief for Russia will be difficult to undo.
Business
Demand signals are up, but supply chain risks may still hinder production
As the Trump administration pushes for faster weapons production, supply-chain vulnerabilities could trip progress.
Policy
Aircrew who died in KC-135 crash likely lacked parachutes
The Air Force removed chutes from the tankers in 2008 to save time and money.
Threats
Iran’s defense industrial base is ‘functionally defeated’: Hegseth
“Bad things can happen,” defense secretary says of Thursday’s KC-135 crash over Iraq
Defense Systems
Fighter jets are downing Iranian drones—a dangerous, expensive mission
Former pilots laud the arrival of cheap munitions and help from Ukraine.
Exclusive
Policy
Hegseth orders ‘ruthless’ review of JAGs. Some see an attempt to evade accountability
Current and former military lawyers question the secretary’s motives and timing.
Science & Tech
Defense One Radio, Ep. 205: New heat science and the future of soldiering
An Army researcher unpacks new initiatives to expand research into human performance.
Defense Systems
