Aaron Mehta
Editor in Chief, Breaking Defense
Aaron Mehta is editor in chief of Breaking Defense. He previously served as deputy editor and senior Pentagon correspondent for Defense News, as well as a staff writer for the non-profit Center for Public Integrity. Over his career, Mehta has interviewed dozens of defense leaders from around the globe, covering the intersection of policy, industry and technology at the highest national security levels. Mehta has a particular interest in nuclear issues, foreign weapon sales and NATO issues. Originally from outside Boston, Mass., he now lives in the Washington, D.C. area. amehta@breakingmedia.comStories by Aaron Mehta
“The reality is, we’re already doing AUKUS Pillar II stuff with many of our allies and partners,” Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher, the US Navy’s top submariner, said.
By Aaron Mehta
“We also essentially approved a budget, which is in the [vicinity], you’ll like to hear this, of a trillion dollars,” Trump said while meeting with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu.
By Aaron Mehta
The Metrea announcement came hand in hand with a major investment in India’s aviation capabilities, with the defense ministry announcing a $7.3 billion deal to purchase 156 Prachand light combat helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
By Aaron Mehta
The approved package, which covers 16 F-16C Block 70/72 jets and four F-16B Block 70/72 fighters, comes just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Manilla and pledged greater defense ties between the two countries.
By Aaron Mehta
In July 2023, Hanwha defeated Rheinmetall for a contract worth an estimated $5-7 billion AUD to deliver 129 IFV replacements for the country’s aging M113 fleet.
By Aaron Mehta
“We’ll definitely look at air-ground in the future, but our focus priority is air-to-air,” Steve Parker, Boeing’s interim defense chief, told reporters during the Avalon Air Show.
By Aaron Mehta and Michael Marrow
Rep. Ken Calvert and Sen. Mitch McConnell describe the funding tables, obtained by Breaking Defense, as “congressional intent,” and it remains unclear how legally binding the direction ultimately is for the Trump administration.
By Valerie Insinna and Aaron Mehta
A March 13 memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, obtained by Breaking Defense, orders all employees of the Office of Net Assessment reassigned to different roles and cancels related contracts.
By Valerie Insinna and Aaron Mehta
“Poland’s history makes it very clear why they are concerned that the people they align with, and the people they rely on for protection from Russia, will abandon them,” Jon Wolfsthal, a former US government official now with the Federation of American Scientists, told Breaking Defense.
By Bartosz Głowacki and Aaron Mehta
Breaking Defense obtained a list of the 17 priority categories that are to be financially protected in FY26.
By Aaron Mehta and Ashley Roque
Foreign Military Financing is one of the pots of money caught up in the State Department’s current hold on foreign assistance.
By Aaron Mehta The fear among industry now is that this move is just the first in what would amount to a Pentagon-wide halt on new awards, for an indefinite period of time.
By Ashley Roque, Valerie Insinna and Aaron Mehta
In a sit down with Breaking Defense, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart discussed getting the FY25 budget sorted, giving the Pentagon more flexibility, and reforming foreign aid.
By Aaron Mehta
Technically, the B61-12 is not a “new” nuclear weapon that increases the stockpile, as the US is taking the warheads from the older bombs and placing them in new housings.
By Aaron Mehta
