Breaking Defense

What now? Budget fight, Hegseth impeachment on deck for defense-focused lawmakers after midterms

Navy unfairly evaluated Saildrone MUSV proposal, court finds

The court found that the Navy "engaged in disparate treatment" toward Saildrone's MUSV proposal, according to an opinion unsealed Wednesday.

By Diana Stancy

Naval Warfare

Navy appoints Rucker as new PAE Maritime lead

Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker is the second person to hold the position since PAE Maritime was established in March.

By Alyssa Schonhaut

Naval Warfare

Naval Group unveils new drone carrier concept

“The return of high-intensity conflict and the emergence of hybrid naval warfare require a new vision. Naval Group answers with a new concept ship: SCX 26,” the company stated.

By Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

Latest News

Air Warfare

Ambassador: UK ramps up defense capabilities, for a stronger transatlantic security posture

In this exclusive commentary, London's ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, explains some of the decisions recently announced in the Strategic Defence Review.

By Rt. Hon. Lord Peter Mandelson

Global

Israel’s Smartshooter says US Army expanding use of high-tech fire control system

“Using computer vision, artificial intelligence, and advanced tracking algorithms, it enables Soldiers to detect, track, and precisely eliminate aerial and ground targets with unmatched accuracy,” Smartshooter says.

By Seth J. Frantzman

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

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

Thailand to acquire first tranche of four Gripen E/Fs, KAI seals deals for 12 more FA-50s for Philippines

For Thailand, the new Gripens will be equipped with the Raven ES-05 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, Infra-Red Search and Track systems and datalinks.

By Mike Yeo

Air Warfare

Pentagon chiefs eye Ukraine’s surprise drone strike with anxiety – and envy

Service leaders worry about base defense, but Gen. David Allvin also asked, "Why don't we think about including that in our Air Force and doing like the Ukrainians do?”

By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.

Air Warfare

UK SSN AUKUS grand plan hinges on ‘significant’ shipbuilding investment: Analysts

In 2023, BAE, along with industry partners Rolls Royce and Babcock, received five-year Detailed Design and Long Leads (D2L2) AUKUS contracts, valued at $4.9 billion, but production of a 12-strong fleet will likely run upward of $40 billion, said one expert.

By Tim Martin

Air Warfare

Navy inks $1.1B deal with RTX for Sidewinder production

The contract is the largest in the program's history, according to Raytheon.

By Justin Katz

Space

Space Force awards BAE $1.2B for missile warning sats in MEO

"Space Systems Command intends to award a second vendor, but the quantity will depend on the selected vendor’s proposal. The timing and scope of that award is subject to the outcomes of the on-going FY26 budget deliberations," Col. Rob Davis, SSC's head of Space Sensing program, told Breaking Defense.

By Theresa Hitchens

Air Warfare

Zelenskyy’s drone card: How Operation Spiderweb impacts Russia’s capabilities going forward

Ukraine’s creative use of cheap drones has resulted in a major asymmetrical victory, one which has left Moscow reeling — and potentially changed the world’s calculus about how small unmanned systems can be used.

By Reuben Johnson

Air Warfare

Confusion, concern about Air Guard plans follow Trump’s Selfridge shift

“I can say to you right now that there is likely a downstream impact to some other Air National Guard units," an Air Force official said after President Donald Trump upended plans for what planes would go to Selfridge ANGB in Michigan.

By Valerie Insinna

Global

UAE’s EDGE Group inks $2.5 billion deal with Kuwait for naval vessels

Kuwait said the deal "will contribute to raising the level of combat readiness, enhancing maritime security, and protecting the vital and strategic maritime interests of the State of Kuwait."

By Agnes Helou

Air Warfare

GE, Kratos broaden engine partnership, targeting ‘lower end’ CCA

The duo's new GEK1500 engine is set to offer 1,500 pounds of thrust and is expected to be demonstrated next year.

By Michael Marrow

Air Warfare

Army upgrading helo pilot training under Flight School Next, seeks new aircraft

“We will teach them to be integrators and flight integrators on the back end of that, but we want them to be masters of their craft, of being able to fly a helicopter the old-fashioned way,” Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus said.

By Ashley Roque

Congress

Michael Duffey confirmed as Pentagon’s chief weapons buyer

Duffey previously worked as the associate director at the Office of Management and Budget during Trump's first term and spent 14 years at the Pentagon.

By Valerie Insinna

Global