Breaking Defense

How a ‘priority’ on next-gen tankers paved the way for more Boeing KC-46s

Space

Space Force taps SpaceX, ULA for first set of critical launches beyond FY27

SpaceX was assigned seven NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 launches under a contract worth $714 million; ULA two launches worth $428 million.

By Theresa Hitchens

Networks & Digital Warfare

Here’s how the Army is scaling its Next Gen C2 platform to an entire division

Breaking Defense recently visited Fort Carson in Colorado to learn about the Ivy Sting exercises, and how they could change the Army long term.

By Mark Pomerleau

Air Warfare

Photos of China’s tailless J-50 aircraft give hints about stealth profile, likely mission: Experts

“The design is very low drag, and with two even current WS-10C class engines would likely have significant supercruise capabilities at high altitudes, allowing enhanced range and missile reach,” RUSI's Justin Bronk told Breaking Defense.

By Mike Yeo

Latest News

Air Warfare

Northrop Grumman's test environment called Beacon includes a Scaled Composites-built Model 437 Vanguard aircraft modified for optionally autonomous flight, enabled by Northrop Grumman’s autonomous software and digital ecosystem.

Northrop Grumman’s partners tout AI software, from AR training to mission planning

The six partners will test their software modules on Northrop’s Model 437 Vanguard jet, which returned to the air Sept. 20 after almost a year of modifications for the company’s “Beacon” program.

By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.

Air Warfare

Why Anduril, RTX are pushing new ground-launched munition variants

“Over the past several months, it's been very clear that the priority for” Pentagon and congressional leadership “is fixing our munitions gap,” said Anduril’s Diem Salmon.

By Michael Marrow

In this episode:

Hitting the highlights from AFA
Talking Turkey and the F-35

Pentagon

Pentagon readies contingency plans for government shutdown

The department’s 'highest priorities' will revolve around operations securing the US Southern border, operations in the Middle East, designing Golden Dome, depot maintenance, shipbuilding and critical munitions, according to the guidance.

By Ashley Roque

Air Warfare

The latest from EDGE Group and an interview with Aselsan’s CEO: Middle East Defense Digest [Video]

Breaking Defense's Agnes Helou runs down the latest from the Middle East after Israel's attack on Qatar. Then she speaks to the CEO of Aselsan.

By Breaking Defense Video

Naval Warfare

Pentagon, Sikorsky ink $10 billion deal for 99 CH-53K heavy lift helos

The new multi-year buy is the first of its kind for the program of record, which is slated to purchase 200 helicopters in total.

By Justin Katz

Global

As Lebanese military prepares to disarm Hezbollah, France supports Saudi conference

A French source told Breaking Defense the meeting is expected take place before the end of 2025 and will gather several countries, including Gulf and Arab states, European states, commonwealth countries and the US.

By Agnes Helou

Networks & Digital Warfare

To ‘harmonize’ better: Air Force developing new defensive cyber campaign plan

The plan will synchronize defensive cyber activities and focus especially on critical infrastructure, an Air Force official said.

By Mark Pomerleau

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.

By Lee Ferran

Air Warfare

Air Force AI writes battle plans faster than humans can — but some of them are wrong

“While we're getting faster results and we're getting more results, there's still going to have to be a human in the loop for the foreseeable future to make sure they’re all viable,” said Maj. Gen. Robert Claude.

By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.

Opinion

From gridlock to greener pastures: How a full-year CR could empower warfighters

A full-year continuing resolution is not necessarily a bad thing for the Pentagon, John Ferrari writes. But the DoD has to be prepared to take advantage of it.

By John Ferrari

Air Warfare

Wilsbach expected to become next Air Force chief of staff: Sources

Former Air Combat Command head Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach had emerged as the frontrunner for the Air Force’s top uniformed job shortly after Gen. Dave Allvin announced his retirement in August.

By Valerie Insinna and Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare

State clears Germany for $1.2 billion worth of AMRAAMs

The sale would cover up to 400 copies of the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile produced by defense giant RTX, which the Defense Security Cooperation Agency says will “provid[e] increased air-to-air capability for the German F-35 program” and other NATO requirements.

By Michael Marrow

Congress

Is it time to bet on a government shutdown? [Video]

In the latest edition of the Congressional Roundup, Aaron Mehta walks you through the state of play around a government shutdown.

By Breaking Defense Video

Featured:

How a ‘priority’ on next-gen tankers paved the way for more Boeing KC-46s

Space Force taps SpaceX, ULA for first set of critical launches beyond FY27

Here’s how the Army is scaling its Next Gen C2 platform to an entire division

Photos of China’s tailless J-50 aircraft give hints about stealth profile, likely mission: Experts

Latest News

Northrop Grumman’s partners tout AI software, from AR training to mission planning

Why Anduril, RTX are pushing new ground-launched munition variants

Pentagon readies contingency plans for government shutdown

The latest from EDGE Group and an interview with Aselsan’s CEO: Middle East Defense Digest [Video]

Pentagon, Sikorsky ink $10 billion deal for 99 CH-53K heavy lift helos

Multi-Domain Operations: Global C2 and Joint Operations

Here’s how the Army is scaling its Next Gen C2 platform to an entire division

In NGC2 first, Army uses beta artillery data tool in howitzer strike at Ivy Sting 1

Sierra Nevada reveals BRAWLR air defense system that’s already deployed — somewhere

Army says it’s mitigated ‘critical’ cybersecurity deficiencies in early NGC2 prototype

Joint Fires Network will complete transition from R&D to acquisition program Oct. 1

No help from you: Marines’ first Thunderstruck competition tests comms skills in hard places

Report: US counter-drone defenses ‘insufficient’ as China scales up unmanned capabilities

SNC receives second Bombardier jet for Army’s HADES program

EXCLUSIVE: SDA eyeing airborne target tracking satellites demonstration, says Tournear

As Lebanese military prepares to disarm Hezbollah, France supports Saudi conference

To ‘harmonize’ better: Air Force developing new defensive cyber campaign plan

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

Air Force AI writes battle plans faster than humans can — but some of them are wrong

Golden Dome: The Path Forward

Can space-based interceptors really work? What to know about Trump’s plan [VIDEO]

China and Russia won’t like Golden Dome. Here’s how they might respond. [VIDEO]

Golden Dome: Tackling the myths and rumors around America’s new missile shield [VIDEO]

From gridlock to greener pastures: How a full-year CR could empower warfighters

Wilsbach expected to become next Air Force chief of staff: Sources

State clears Germany for $1.2 billion worth of AMRAAMs

Is it time to bet on a government shutdown? [Video]