Business
Tough choices, uncertainty, and scrutiny may lay ahead for defense contractors
With a new Congress in 2027, companies could see more anti-corruption probes.
Policy
Blue wave presages a defense-spending showdown
A reconciliation bill is likely off the table, and the presumed HASC chair is talking about a $1-trillion cap.
Policy
State Department's push to cancel hundreds of contracts left behind a trail of mistakes, watchdog finds
Several government oversight reports have found costly operational errors as agencies implemented administration directives.
Policy
'Permanent, serious' dialogue needed with China on AI: tech-focused lawmaker
“The Chinese Communist Party doesn’t want rogue AI agents hacking their systems and their water authorities any more than we do,” Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., said Thursday.
Threats
The war on Iran is stripping the western Pacific of US naval forces
“It’s really a big problem. It’s a problem for credibility. It’s a problem for our allies in the Far East,” one expert said.
Threats
Hackers are targeting refrigerators worldwide, US agencies warn
The warning follows Nextgov/FCW reporting that officials suspect Iran-linked hackers were behind freezer failures at military commissaries.
Policy
It’s easier to buy new amphibious ships than fix old ones faster, say Navy, Marines
With the average amphib sidelined more than half the time, the services have drawn up a plan to add 9 more instead.
Policy
Dem lawmakers vow inquest into CISA cuts, intel policy
House Democrats will investigate the administration's cyberdefense cuts, while Senate Dems will control confirmation hearings for the officials who lead the nation’s security agencies.
Policy
Cancellations, investigations, and even impeachment could be ahead under Democratic Congress
Efforts like Autonomous Warfare Command, the Golden Fleet, and more could crumble without funding.
Science & Tech
Unraveling the Pentagon’s quantum problem
Defense agencies have just five years to comply with Executive Order 14412. The work starts with spreading awareness.
Defense Systems
Pentagon is beginning to follow Ukraine into wider use of ground robots
But many U.S. UGVs are more complicated than the attritable ones that Kyiv is buying.
Policy
Industry groups want cyber threat-sharing law renewed through defense authorization bill
Banks, utilities, and other industries are asking lawmakers to extend liability protections through 2035.
Exclusive
Threats
Officials suspect Iran of cyberattacks on military base freezers
Tehran is also suspected to have backed recent attacks on U.S. water-treatment equipment.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon’s IT agency wants to bridge network gaps in the Pacific
“The old ways of connecting with partners are simply no longer sufficient,” says INDOPACOM deputy commander.
Ideas
Across the line
This month’s Useful Fiction story explores how Army infantry, armor, and robotic systems might fight together.
Threats
Six military freezers went bad in August. Was it a cyber attack?
After food spoiled at commissaries, Pentagon investigators are looking at similar incidents in France.
Science & Tech
Army pilots are trying virtual reality to stay more alert in flight
The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade is testing the NeuroTrainer as a possible readiness tool for their aviators.
Defense Systems
