Avoiding Rashomon with defense venture funding: DoD, VCs need to tell same story

Avoiding Rashomon with defense venture funding: DoD, VCs need to tell same story
Avoiding Rashomon with defense venture funding: DoD, VCs need to tell same story

Masao Dahlgren in this op-ed offers reasons why venture capitalists and the Pentagon aren’t yet on the same page, and calls for them to work together so that both can reap the benefits.

In Paris, US lawmakers signal more money for Pentagon likely on the way

In Paris, US lawmakers signal more money for Pentagon likely on the way
In Paris, US lawmakers signal more money for Pentagon likely on the way

Rep. Rick Larsen, a Washington Democrat, stated that Congress “can’t help itself” and will “probably rollover” on giving DoD more money.

$1T in new defense spending pledged by key US partners in 1 year: Analysis

$1T in new defense spending pledged by key US partners in 1 year: Analysis
$1T in new defense spending pledged by key US partners in 1 year: Analysis

In the last year, 37 nations have combined to announce defense spending increases of over $1 trillion, to be spent during the next five years, according to a new American Enterprise Institute analysis.

$770-$780 billion likely for Pentagon budget topline: Source

$770-$780 billion likely for Pentagon budget topline: Source
$770-$780 billion likely for Pentagon budget topline: Source

Given the increased rate of inflation, the situation in Ukraine and the fact Congress has acted decisively to increase defense spending in the last year, it’s no surprise that the DoD budget has increased over the FY22 request of $715 billion.

HASC Votes To Increase Defense Budget By $23.9 Billion

HASC Votes To Increase Defense Budget By $23.9 Billion
HASC Votes To Increase Defense Budget By $23.9 Billion

WASHINGTON: Members of the House Armed Services Committee have voted for a $23.9 billion increase in the defense budget request, in a move likely to receive pushback from progressive members of President Joe Biden’s party. The vote, which saw 14 Democrats join with the committee’s Republican block, was a victory for Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala.,…

Surviving The Inflation Anaconda: Congress Must Invest More In Defense

Surviving The Inflation Anaconda: Congress Must Invest More In Defense
Surviving The Inflation Anaconda: Congress Must Invest More In Defense

“Without increased congressional funding to account for this rise in prices, defense readiness, as well as the quality of life of American service members are both being dangerously squeezed and diminished, as if in the grip of a giant anaconda.”

China Already Outspends US Military? Discuss

China Already Outspends US Military? Discuss
China Already Outspends US Military? Discuss

Bill Greenwalt worked hand in glove with the late Sen. Sen. McCain as he tried — and repeatedly failed — to cleanse the defense budget of huge amounts of what isn’t really defense spending — cancer research, health care, grocery stores and the list goes on and on. If you strip this from the defense…

No Growth, No Big Cuts Likely For First Biden Defense Budget

No Growth, No Big Cuts Likely For First Biden Defense Budget
No Growth, No Big Cuts Likely For First Biden Defense Budget

The full budget, set to be released on May 3, should spark heated debate in Congress between an emboldened progressive wing of the Democratic party looking to cut defense budgets, and Republicans and conservative Democrats who say spending must increase to stay ahead of the Chinese military buildup.

Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal

Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal
Trump Contradicts SecDef On Germany Withdrawal

Defense Secretary Mark Esper portrayed the plan as a strategic shift. President Trump said, “we’re reducing the force because [Germany is] not paying their bills.” Criticism from both sides of the aisle was swift.

Defense Chief: With Giant Exercise Looming, Poland Looks To Lead Central Europe

Defense Chief: With Giant Exercise Looming, Poland Looks To Lead Central Europe
Defense Chief: With Giant Exercise Looming, Poland Looks To Lead Central Europe

With $12 billion in weapons purchases from US firms over the past year and a close relationship with President Trump, Poland needs to “get used to being a leader” in Europe, Chief of the Polish armed forces, Gen. Rajmund Andrzejczak, says.

Estonia Inks ‘Big’ New US Defense Deal, Eyes On Russia

Estonia Inks ‘Big’ New US Defense Deal, Eyes On Russia
Estonia Inks ‘Big’ New US Defense Deal, Eyes On Russia

The Baltic nation is focusing on its ground forces, and acquiring new armor, Howitzers. air defense missiles, and rifles as it shoots past NATO’s 2 percent spending threshold.

Success Of AIA’s Anti-Sequester Campaign Looks Unlikely

WASHINGTON: Apparently realizing that its year-long campaign to stop the automatic budget cuts known as sequestration by focusing on the severe impact on national security has not been effective, the Aerospace Industries Association tried to broaden its appeal Monday by joining with a coalition of non-defense organizations and trying to shift the focus to “entitlements.”…

European Defense Ain’t Getting Better: Budgets, People, R&D All Down

WASHINGTON: You think US defense spending is a mess? At least we’re not Europe. A study out Tuesday from the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned that a decade of shrinking forces and funding is likely to continue, threatening a European defense industrial base already burdened by inefficiencies, national rivalries, and governmental tendencies to…