US Space Command declares ‘full operational capability’

US Space Command declares ‘full operational capability’
US Space Command declares ‘full operational capability’

The declaration comes as Congress put a hold on any spending in fiscal year 2024 on a new SPACECOM headquarters building in Colorado Spring, Colo., pending a DoD IQ investigation into President Joe Biden’s decision to keep the HQ there.

Strong Senate majority passes National Defense Authorization Act for FY24

Strong Senate majority passes National Defense Authorization Act for FY24
Strong Senate majority passes National Defense Authorization Act for FY24

After an 87 to 13 vote in the Senate, the defense policy bill makes its way to a chaotic House.

AUKUS, JADC2, planes and tanks: What’s in the draft $874.2B NDAA

AUKUS, JADC2, planes and tanks: What’s in the draft $874.2B NDAA
AUKUS, JADC2, planes and tanks: What’s in the draft $874.2B NDAA

From the future of Space Command’s headquarters to the Army’s hopes for the Chinook, here are updates on a few key provisions in a draft version of the defense policy bill.

Not just 155mm: Army says it needs supplemental funds to shore up combat vehicle fleets

Not just 155mm: Army says it needs supplemental funds to shore up combat vehicle fleets
Not just 155mm: Army says it needs supplemental funds to shore up combat vehicle fleets

The service has sent hundreds of ground combat vehicles to Ukraine since February 2022, and Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean warned that “sustainment challenges” abound without additional dollars.

‘America must not waver’: Austin urges congressional action for US military, Ukraine, Israel

‘America must not waver’: Austin urges congressional action for US military, Ukraine, Israel
‘America must not waver’: Austin urges congressional action for US military, Ukraine, Israel

At the Reagan National Defense Forum, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also emphasized that Jerusalem must minimize civilian deaths in Gaza in order to keep any tactical victory from turning into a strategic defeat.

Ahead of high-level defense gathering at Reagan forum, poll finds consistent support for Ukraine

Ahead of high-level defense gathering at Reagan forum, poll finds consistent support for Ukraine
Ahead of high-level defense gathering at Reagan forum, poll finds consistent support for Ukraine

“Despite the kind of media narrative, or what you might expect watching the debates on Ukraine aid in the US Congress, there is not waning support for Ukraine,” Ronald Reagan Institute Policy Director Rachel Hoff told reporters during a Tuesday call.

White House plan for ‘novel’ space activities faces industry, Hill skepticism

White House plan for ‘novel’ space activities faces industry, Hill skepticism
White House plan for ‘novel’ space activities faces industry, Hill skepticism

“Telling me: ‘I’m creating a monster, but putting it in your closet,’ still means I have a monster in my closet. And I’d really rather not have a monster in my closet,” an industry representative told Breaking Defense.

Pentagon to pick first Replicator drone tranche by mid-December, though secrecy abound

Pentagon to pick first Replicator drone tranche by mid-December, though secrecy abound
Pentagon to pick first Replicator drone tranche by mid-December, though secrecy abound

“I’ve talked to Congress in classified sessions on this, but how we choose to speak about it, in terms of the particular programs or projects that will be accelerating through Replicator is to be determined,” said Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

Congress kicks budget can to next year, Pentagon goes under continuing resolution through Feb. 2

Congress kicks budget can to next year, Pentagon goes under continuing resolution through Feb. 2
Congress kicks budget can to next year, Pentagon goes under continuing resolution through Feb. 2

Defense officials are still unhappy with operating under a CR for five months.

With trillions at play, Pentagon fails audit for sixth year in a row

With trillions at play, Pentagon fails audit for sixth year in a row
With trillions at play, Pentagon fails audit for sixth year in a row

Like last year, 18 standalone audits received a failing grade.

New Space Force strategy highlights key role in joint fight

New Space Force strategy highlights key role in joint fight
New Space Force strategy highlights key role in joint fight

A five-year funding chart included in the strategy shows a steep increase in planned missile warning spending.

Army’s munition organic industrial base remains FY24 focus, though politics, inflation aren’t helping

Army’s munition organic industrial base remains FY24 focus, though politics, inflation aren’t helping
Army’s munition organic industrial base remains FY24 focus, though politics, inflation aren’t helping

“If we have to do like most of America does, and tighten our belts a little bit, we may have to push a project or two to the left,” Marion Whicker, Army Materiel Command’s executive deputy to the commanding general, told Breaking Defense.

Shutdown avoided for now, but Ukraine money teed up for next fight

Shutdown avoided for now, but Ukraine money teed up for next fight
Shutdown avoided for now, but Ukraine money teed up for next fight

Congress reached a last minute agreement Saturday in order to keep the government open through mid-November.

Shutdown imminent as House, Senate still at impasse

Shutdown imminent as House, Senate still at impasse
Shutdown imminent as House, Senate still at impasse

The House voted down a continuing resolution Friday afternoon, all-but ensuring that the federal government will shut down come Oct. 1.