Breaking Defense

A Space X Falcon 9 rocket launches from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The rocket was launched as part of classified mission USSF-124, sending six satellites to orbit - two for the Missile Defense Agency and four for the Space Development Agency. (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Contreras)

DAF study finds new space launch site ‘probably’ required

Pentagon CTO wants to give vendors ‘fast’ decisions on buying tech

“The way I've approached this — knowing how smaller companies work — is fast yeses and fast nos. The worst thing for a small company is to be dragged through a multi year process,” Pentagon CTO Emil Michael said.

By Carley Welch

Congress

Congressional funding concerns about a new nuclear cruise missile

Why one key lawmaker says he's 'troubled' by Energy Department plans to produce a special warhead on schedule.

By Breaking Defense Video

Naval Warfare

Naval Special Warfare Command combatant craft set to receive upgrades

The upgrades are expected include the addition of an open system architecture to facilitate the “integration and aggregation of sensors,” PEO-Maritime Capt. Jared Wyrick said.

By Andrew White

Latest News

Pentagon, Air Warfare

Why humans are staying in the loop with loyal wingman drones

In the second part of a new video series focused on manned-unmanned teaming, the panelists talk about the benefits, and risks, of relying on unmanned systems.

By Breaking Defense Video

Land Warfare

Southern border is a ‘sandbox’ for counter-drone tech: NORTHCOM commander

Gen. Guillot said that through JIATF 401, the US military is inviting industry partners to the border to show off their tech aimed at taking down adversary drones.

By Carley Welch

In this episode:

We review the latest tensions over Golden Dome's forecasted costs before visiting Colorado where special forces and infantry linked up for a novel exercise at Fort Carson.

Global

Airbus to open new A330 tanker facility in Spain, announces demo with Spanish Navy

Announcement of the conversion facility comes after Italy awarded the manufacturer a contract for the planned procurement of the tankers, valued at €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion).

By Tim Martin

Land Warfare

Special ops leader says Maduro mission set ‘new standard’

Special Operations Command head Adm. Frank Bradley used a keynote address at SOF Week to laud the “most sophisticated” joint operation special ops have ever conducted.

By Andrew White

Naval Warfare

Australia kicks off $7.8 billion Collins-class submarine life extension

The program will keep the submarines in service to the 2040s, 20 years longer than originally planned.

By Mike Yeo

Space

DARPA’s robotic servicing mission to finally fly this summer

The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites mission, a partnership between DARPA and Northrop Grumman, will result in the first US on-orbit servicing capability, according to company officials.

By Theresa Hitchens

Space

Space Force names Sandhoo as head of new missile warning/tracking PAE

As of May 11, Sandhoo is double hatted as both head of the PAE and director of the Space Development Agency.

By Theresa Hitchens

Pentagon

Satellites at the center: Inside the Pentagon’s next-gen space architecture

From emerging data networks to missile tracking and cyber resilience, Breaking Defense’s latest eBook brings together essential reporting on the evolving role of satellites in national security.

By Breaking Defense

Land Warfare

NORTHCOM standing up ‘Nordic Bridge’ to boost US coordination in Arctic

Gen. Guillot said, “The goal is always to defend as far away from the homeland as we can" and that special operations forces will play a key role.

By Carley Welch

Air Warfare

Air Force grounds T-38 fleet after Mississippi mishap

The Air Force said an “operational pause” is necessary as an investigation into a May 12 crash of the aircraft proceeds. Inspections to return aircraft to flight are expected to begin as soon as this week.

By Michael Marrow

Naval Warfare

Navy, Marine Corps back longer amphib readiness cycles, request more ships

The Navy currently utilizes a 36-month Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP), but leaders want to stretch it to 56 months.

By Diana Stancy

Naval Warfare

Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray gets green light for low-rate initial production

A low-rate initial production contract for three aircraft is expected this summer, the Navy said.

By Diana Stancy

Air Warfare

Shield AI tapped to integrate autonomous software on LUCAS drone

The company says it will integrate its Hivemind software on the drones, with plans to demo its swarming capability later this year.

By Ashley Roque

Networks & Digital Warfare

Diving into Golden Dome’s new pricetag, plus winning the Army’s network wars

This week on The Break Out, we review the latest tensions over Golden Dome's forecasted costs before visiting Colorado where special forces and infantry linked up for a novel exercise at Fort Carson.

By Breaking Defense Video

Air Warfare

Italy buying six Airbus-made A330 MRRT tankers, a $1.6B value

Rome initially announced its intention to acquire the Boeing-made KC-46 Pegasus tankers in 2022.

By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Breaking Defense

Latest News

Artificial Intelligence & Autonomy: A New Era in Defense

Pentagon Buzz News Video