CENTCOM announces US-UAE task force on AI
“It sounds good on paper,” a former senior defense official told Breaking Defense. “My biggest questions revolve around classified information sharing.”
Hegseth offers $37.5B price tag for ‘certain aspects’ of Iran war
In an at times contentious hearing, the defense secretary said the administration urgently needed nearly $90 billion in supplemental funding in part to cover Iran conflict-related costs.
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Europe’s military advantage depends on sovereign command of the ground truth
As NATO and European governments accelerate investment in space-based intelligence, decision advantage will depend on how quickly sovereign and commercial capabilities can be fused into a trusted operational picture.
Egypt’s Octagon, NATO and how Mideast nations are adapting to the Iran conflict
Middle East Bureau Chief Agnes Helou recaps top news from the region before discussing ongoing impacts of the Iran war with researcher Bilal Saab.
On the ground at Turkey’s EFES 2026 multinational military exercise
Middle East Bureau Chief Agnes Helou reports from the sidelines of a recent large multinational exercise hosted by Turkey.
Israel’s defense exports reach record $19 billion in 2025
“[M]issile, rocket, and air defense systems continued to lead in 2025, accounting for over a quarter (29%) of total deal volume,” the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced today.
IAI’s new Diamond naval offering envisions flexible drones, missiles for small vessels
The plan involves different defensive systems dispersed across small satellite ships, which can be connected to a mother ship in a disaggregated model.
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MQ-9B and Gambit Series: Advancing European Defense Capabilities
GA-ASI will build Gambit aircraft in Europe, partnered with European-based companies, with airframes available for international procurement starting in 2027.
From destroyers to drones, how a Europe-led coalition aims to open the Strait of Hormuz
The initiative, led by the UK and France, would only begin once a ceasefire has been declared but could involve 40 nations.
Price tag for Iran war ticks up to $29B, not including base damage
"We're not making an estimate for MILCON [military construction] at this time. We don't know what our future posture is going to be," said Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst.
‘Insatiable appetite’ for AI: Maven usage surged for strikes on Iran, Pentagon AI chief says
DoD users tore through 20 billion tokens a day as Palantir’s Maven Smart System was "leveraged" to help plan and coordinate Operation Epic Fury’s 13,000 airstrikes on Iran, officials said.
Iran conflict could open door for new players in Gulf defense market
As Gulf countries reassess defense needs after the Iran conflict, new entrants may find a windfall, writes Alek Jovovic of CSIS.
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Localizing tactical communications for sovereign, NATO-ready C3I
Beyond foreign sales, Rafael’s model enables tech transfer, local engineering, and is a template for NATO partners.
Hormuz disruption will change trade — and defense — at other chokepoints
Disruption at the Strait of Hormuz will set off a chain reaction of pressure through the global shipping network, requiring international defense efforts, writes US Navy Supply Corps Capt. Michael Kidd.
Europe can lead its conventional defense ‘by 2035’, EUCOM commander says
The date could signal a turning point in America’s relationship with the NATO alliance.
US military uses PrSM for first time in combat, says CENTCOM
In a social media post today CENTCOM said the missile provided “an unrivaled deep strike capability” against Iranian targets.
Iran mission takes toll on US munition stockpile, lawmakers weigh supplemental defense funding
Defense experts told Breaking Defense the use of hundreds of offensive and defensive munitions now could create a distressing vulnerability for the US in the future.