Breaking Defense

Latest News

Global

Pentagon’s AUKUS review unlikely to break trilateral program, say analysts

“While there is some risk and mixed signals from the Trump [administration], especially on the issue of US willingness to transfer Virginia-class subs to Australia, there is a potential upside if this review drives a more coherent US approach and cost/benefit approach towards AUKUS," analyst Euan Graham told Breaking Defense.

By Tim Martin and Mike Yeo

Air Warfare

Sending two carrier groups through First Island Chain shows China’s ‘growing capability’: Analysts

How should the US and its regional allies respond? "Muscle up. Partner up. And brace for impact," one analyst said.

By Colin Clark

In this episode:

Boeing’s victory caps a significant turnaround for its defense business
A report from western Ukraine on technology and life in wartime

Air Warfare

B-52 radar upgrade faces new delays, GAO says

The Government Accountability Office’s annual weapon system assessment also found that the Air Force is moving to field a hypersonic attack cruise missile in 2027, despite delays driving a compressed flight testing schedule.

By Michael Marrow

Air Warfare

Before lawmakers, Hegseth refuses to disclose cost, schedule to convert Qatari jet to Air Force One

The secretary of defense also defended cuts to the E-7 Wedgetail, Constellation-class frigate, and Ukraine assistance funds during the congressional hearing.

By Valerie Insinna and Ashley Roque

Naval Warfare

Despite missing ships in base budget, SECNAV ‘not worried’ about demand signal

“I have more ships than our shipyards can handle for the next 10 years, whether it’s a destroyer, whether it’s a tanker, whether it’s an oiler, whether it’s a submarine. So, I am not worried about the demand signal we have,” Navy Secretary John Phelan told House lawmakers.

By Justin Katz

Congress

House appropriators call for new Space Force acquisition pilot

A key problem identified by the HAC is the fact that the military services do not allow program officers responsible for acquisition oversight to remain in their posts long enough to gain the necessary expertise.

By Theresa Hitchens

Networks & Digital Warfare

Building logistics networks for contested environments

Explore how software, edge AI and resilient connectivity can strengthen military logistics in contested environments. Join Breaking Defense on Oct. 21 and earn 1 CPE credit.

By Breaking Defense

Space

First Next-Gen OPIR missile warning launch pushed to 2026

Program officials overseeing the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) effort told GAO investigators that the delay was caused not only by developmental problems, but also the Space Force's launch backlog.

By Theresa Hitchens

Opinion

Four steps to creating a National Defense Strategy built on strength

In this op-ed, analysts from the American Enterprise Institute lay out four priorities Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth should focus on in the next National Defense Strategy.

By Todd Harrison, John Ferrari and Elaine McCusker

Naval Warfare

After $885 million, GAO warns it’s ‘unclear’ if Navy’s major UUV program will become program of record

The Navy plans to concurrently test its one XLUUV prototype this year while accepting new vehicles from prime contractor Boeing, according to GAO.

By Justin Katz

Global

Australia inks MoU with the US to develop Precision Strike Missile

Australia also said it will spend $150 million AUD over the next five years to acquire an initial tranche of the PrSM system and munitions.

By Mike Yeo

Air Warfare

Indonesia and Turkey ink deal for 48 KAAN fighter jets

Turkish Aerospace Industries, producer of the stealth jet, said that Indonesian and Turkish defense officials formally signed an agreement for the deal during a ceremony at the Indo Defence trade show in Jakarta.

By Tim Martin

Air Warfare

In first, Saab tests AI-enabled combat capability on Gripen jets

The program developed to "explore how trustworthy AI can be used against future threats," is fully funded by the Swedish Defence Material Administration.

By Tim Martin

Air Warfare

Pentagon’s $205B procurement budget revealed: New weapons require reconciliation

Breaking Defense obtained a copy of budget documents sent to Congress.

By Theresa Hitchens, Justin Katz, Valerie Insinna, Ashley Roque, Michael Marrow and Carley Welch

Breaking Defense

Latest News

Boeing’s victory caps a significant turnaround for its defense business

A report from western Ukraine on technology and life in wartime

Artificial Intelligence & Autonomy: A New Era in Defense

Pentagon Buzz News Video