Breaking Defense

Project Freedom unlikely to pay off in Strait of Hormuz right away, analysts say

Space

NRO awards three new contracts for commercial satellite data

The head of the NRO's commercial programs, Pete Muend, suggested that spysat agency could vet the ability of commercial satellite firms to track airborne targes for the US Space Force.

By Theresa Hitchens

Congress

How Hegseth, Caine, and Hurst defended their budget strategy on the Hill

Valerie Insinna has the highlights from last week's House and Senate hearings on the budget.

By Breaking Defense Video

Global

Welcome to Breaking Defense Europe. Here’s what you need to know.

Breaking Defense Europe is defense news for Europeans, by Europeans.

By Aaron Mehta

Latest News

Opinion

Firewalls won’t protect GEOINT companies. Cyber resilience will, if we act now.

As cyberattacks increasingly aim to disrupt operations rather than just steal data, GEOINT providers need models that can continue operations under attack, Norman Laudermilch writes.

By Norman Laudermilch

Global

Embraer's KC-390 Millennium aircraft can quickly switch between multiple roles to offer flexibility depending on the mission requirements. (Photo courtesy of Embraer)

UAE to get 10 C-390 aircraft, up to 10 more in the future

"This also marks the aircraft's first entry into the Middle East, reflecting global confidence in the efficiency of our defense system, while supporting the localization of military industries and strengthening the state's industrial integration," Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed AlNahyan said today in a translated X post.

By Agnes Helou

In this episode:

A tour of the Sea Air Space 2026 conference from scenic National Harbor, Md.

Global

‘Millions of drones’: What to expect from Turkey’s SAHA 2026 defense expo

"SAHA has evolved from a national showcase into a genuine global meeting point for the defense and aerospace industry, and the 2026 edition will reflect this maturity," one expert said.

By Agnes Helou

Space

It’s a wrap: Space-BACN satellite laser link program shifts from DARPA to DIU

Space-BACN's optical inter-satellite links and related tech are transitioning to the Defense Innovation Unit for a future on-orbit pathfinder, according to industry execs.

By Theresa Hitchens

Congress

US clears $8.6 billion arms sales to Middle East countries, ‘waiving’ congressional review

The possible deals include three countries buying APKWS, and Qatar could be purchasing more Patriot interceptors.

By Ashley Roque

Land Warfare

Army awards AV LASSO award, joining Textron, Uvision in prototyping competition

The company said in a release today that it will be providing its Switchblade 400 product, a portable, anti-armor loitering munition with medium range.

By Carley Welch

Land Warfare

Are European automakers driving into the defense market? Analysts say to tap the brakes.

One expert predicts car companies will be open to defense production “at least as long as substantial funding remains available — especially from the EU, but also potentially from private actors.”

By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo and Tim Martin

Air Warfare

Israel buying more F-35s, F-15IAs fighter jets, Netanyahu announces

Details are still to come, but Israel plans to buy 25 each of Lockheed Martin's F-35 and the Israeli version of Boeing's F-15EX.

By Seth J. Frantzman

Pentagon

Hegseth orders 5,000 US troops to withdraw from Germany

“This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell wrote in a brief statement.

By Ashley Roque

Air Warfare

No unfunded requirements in FY27, say some services, COCOMs

Overall, the Army, Navy and Air Force included about $3 billion in unfunded requests, all for military construction projects. US Southern Command included $229.9 million in its wishlist.

By Valerie Insinna