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.
Hegseth says E-7 Wedgetail ‘has a future,’ reversing planned cancellation
The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail previously faced the axe under the Trump administration, but pressure from lawmakers and a new “mindset” at the Pentagon have revived its prospects.
The AFCEA DC Small Business Breakfast Program is coming up next Wednesday 5/20.
The event explores how AFCEA DC is accelerating delivery of next-gen capabilities to the US Navy and the Navy's transformation of small business programs. Secure your spot today!
Air Force seeks to scrap its E-11 BACN fleet
An Air Force spokesperson told Breaking Defense following the hearing that there are seven E-11s in the current fleet, and confirmed that the plan is to replace them with the emerging DAF (Department of the Air Force) Battle Network.
Air Force eyes massive boost for F-15EX fleet
The service’s fiscal 2027 budget shows boosts for other aircraft like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, while slowing retirements of platforms like the A-10 Warthog.
9 firms win orbital AMTI deals, Space Force says
The Space Force did not disclose when the contracts were awarded or their individual dollar values.
Air Force strategy to protect aircraft was designed for China. Will it work for Iran?
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the US had "maxed out" its defensive posture, but Iran managed to strike US aircraft in Saudi Arabia anyway.
Satellites at the center: Inside the Pentagon’s next-gen space architecture
From emerging data networks to missile tracking and cyber resilience, Breaking Defense’s latest eBook brings together essential reporting on the evolving role of satellites in national security.
Iran shows the emerging crisis of the US airborne battle management fleet
The aircraft that help orchestrate US air operations are in high demand, short supply and nearing a breaking point while the need for early warning and battle management is growing.
UK defense official: Boeing has been ‘troubled partner’ in much delayed E-7 program
Despite the UK once committing to field Wedgetail in the “early” 2020s, it was revealed last year that a new timeframe of 2026 had been approved.
Following congressional rebuke, Air Force awards E-7 contracts
The new awards procure an undisclosed number of developmental aircraft and address diminishing manufacturing sources for the plane’s radar.
With funding flush, Space Force hopes to speed satellites to track aircraft, missiles
Gen. Chance Saltzman, Space Force chief, said the work already done to design a satellite system for tracking ground targets should also help speed AMTI capabilities to orbit.
presented by
Winning the cognitive domain — A methodology built for democratic constraints
The challenge for Western democratic institutions is not a lack of capability — it is a structural one.
FY26 defense bill boosts budget by $8B, largely bypassing last-minute $28B munitions request
Appropriators threw a lifeline to the Navy’s F/A-XX fighter and Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail programs while slamming the door on the Army’s agile acquisition request.
Aussies buy seven more MQ-28 Ghost Bat CCAs following live-fire demo
The deal was announced after the MQ-28 successfully engaged and shot down an aerial target at a southern Australian test range.
Compromise NDAA protects Wedgetail, greenlights Black Hawk multiyear buys
Among other provisions in the FY26 NDAA, congressional authorizers would direct the defense secretary to explore possibilities for recapitalizing the military services’ executive airlift fleets.
After NATO ditches E-7A, Saab CEO pushes GlobalEye
Setting out potential production options for a NATO GlobalEye order, Johansson shared that Saab is “investing to deliver more aircrafts per year from the Swedish hub,” or could receive support from French aviation maintenance and modification provider Sabena technics.