Breaking Defense

EXCLUSIVE: SNC pulls out of Navy’s trainer jet competition, leaving Textron likely winner

Thales subsidiary lands US Navy contract for remote mine hunting modules

The contract, awarded to Advanced Acoustic Concepts, is worth $53.9 million and also covers engineering support for the modules.

By Diana Stancy

Air Warfare

Air Force divests its few A-29s, explores ‘future options’

A set of three A-29 Super Tucanos are destined for storage after officials at the Air Force Test Pilot School opted against using the turboprops, a spokesperson for Edwards Air Force Base told Breaking Defense.

By Michael Marrow

Naval Warfare

France investing in naval power as military ambition is ‘to be feared’: Armed forces minister

Macron has previously used similar words during his nuclear strategy address in March, when he announced in Brittany an increase in the country’s nuclear warhead stockpile.

By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Latest News

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

In this episode:

Another busy week for the defense industry, with Euronaval underway in Paris and the International Fighter Conference convening in Germany
A closer look at the Hollywood star who became an Air Force general

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

Pentagon

From directed energy to AI and hardening, JIATF-401 is widening counter-UAS options

There is no single answer to the drone threat, pushing the Pentagon toward a broader mix of defenses.

By Barry Rosenberg and Casey Laughman

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

Air Warfare

‘Not survivable’: Hegseth says DoD reviewing E-7 Wedgetail program amid move to space

Pentagon budget request documents obtained by Breaking Defense show continued R&D investment, but procurement dollars appear to dry up.

By Theresa Hitchens and Michael Marrow

Congress

House appropriators press Hegseth for FY26 spending plans, marking up without answers

“We don't have anything today. We have zip, nada at knowing where you're going. You could talk percentages, you could talk about whatever you want, but unless this committee sees dollars and cents and where … your plan is, then we may reconsider what you need to do to go forward,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro.

By Valerie Insinna and Ashley Roque

Global

UK invests over $8 billion to support SSN AUKUS build plan

The investment comes as among the first in a bid to reach an ambition of manufacturing one SSN every 18 months, which are set to be delivered from the end of the 2030s.

By Tim Martin

Naval Warfare

Senior GOP senator accuses White House of trying to ‘game the budget’ in shipbuilding funding

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., criticized a dip of billions in the base budget, saying the administration was counting on reconciliation funds, ignoring "congressional intent."

By Justin Katz

Air Warfare

The Weekly Break Out Ep. 21: Hegseth on the Hill and the F-35’s radar [Video]

Defense secretary Pete Hegseth attends a trio of hearings this week, and we have the preview you need.

By Breaking Defense Video

Congress

Republicans Crank, Strong create House Golden Dome caucus

Crank said that while he hopes the caucus eventually will be bipartisan, at the moment he and Strong are the only members.

By Theresa Hitchens

Air Warfare

Pakistan says China offered 40 J-35 stealth aircraft, among others

The post also said that Azerbaijan and Pakistan had signed a $4.6 billion contract for the former to acquire 40 JF-17 fighter jets manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

By Mike Yeo

Breaking Defense

Latest News

Another busy week for the defense industry, with Euronaval underway in Paris and the International Fighter Conference convening in Germany

A closer look at the Hollywood star who became an Air Force general

Artificial Intelligence & Autonomy: A New Era in Defense

Pentagon Buzz News Video