Lee Ferran

Lee Ferran is the Deputy Editor of Breaking Defense, responsible for editing coverage, organizing, scheduling and optimizing editorial operations, and developing our content platforms. Lee brings significant journalistic experience to the role, working at ABC News for over nine years as a national security reporter, investigative reporter and editor of their enterprise investigations unit. Over his career Lee has covered US military budgets and spending, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and controversial counter-terrorism programs. He's the recipient of two News Emmy Awards. Lee's an avid traveler, movie addict and amateur coder, with particular interest in media technology. A native of Georgia, Lee is a graduate of Wake Forest University.

Posts by Lee Ferran

Air Warfare

Morocco to buy 10 Airbus multi-purpose H225M helos

The European firm said the H225Ms will replace Rabat's aging Puma helicopters.

Air Warfare

Macron hugs Zelenskyy in front of a Rafale fighter

Zelenskyy says Ukraine could buy up to 100 French Rafale fighters

In late October Kyiv signed a similar letter of intent for the potential purchase of scores of Swedish-made Gripen fighters.

Naval Warfare

US clears $3.2 billion in missiles for Germany

The missiles may be carried by Germany's new F127 class frigates as part of a maritime air defense capability, a US government notice said.

Air Warfare, Pentagon

Pentagon announces nearly $9 billion in contracts over six-week shutdown

Among the scores of newly revealed deals is $876 million for up to 60 Chinooks for Germany and about as much for AeroVironment drones.

Global

Italian Army orders first armored vehicles from Rheinmetall-Leonardo joint venture

Rome will get five Rheinmetall Lynx KF-41 vehicles with Lance turrets, followed by 16 "newly configured vehicles equipped with the same chassis and Leonardo's Hitfist 30mm turret."

Land Warfare

Leonardo DRS, KNDS team up for US Army howitzer offering

After a long pause, the US Army is back on track in its search for new long-range artillery.

Air Warfare

What’s in a pin? Trump dons golden F-22 during Erdogan meeting

Fashion aside, the president said he and the Turkish leader would discuss Ankara rejoining the F-35 program, suggesting Erdogan would be "successful" in buying jets he wanted.

Pentagon

Defense Intelligence Agency chief Kruse removed from post

Kruse had been in the position since February 2024 after an appointment by then-President Joe Biden, meaning his exit comes well short of the usual approximately three-year posting.

Land Warfare

Army seeks tech to dominate drone-filled ‘Air-Ground Littoral’ domain

The solicitation is broad-ranging, calling for tech for use in eight "capability focus areas," from unmanned mine-clearers to "drone swarm or sensor-to-shooter systems that aid in target acquisition, fire adjustment, massing of fires, and attack capabilities."

Naval Warfare