EXCLUSIVE: OMB could use $1.9B in reconciliation to buy foreign-made ships
“The fact is, no one spends $1.85 billion studying something. That money is there for procurement of assets,” an OMB official told Breaking Defense in an interview.
Unmanned vessels in the water at Sea Air Space 2026
This week on The Break Out, a tour of the Sea Air Space 2026 conference from scenic National Harbor, Md.
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In contested seas, autonomy must anticipate, not just navigate
As missions stretch farther and comms grow less reliable, predictive software could become the edge that keeps missions afloat.
OMB director launches broadside at shipbuilders to close Sea Air Space 2026
Aaron Mehta and Diana Stancy wrap up this year's conference.
OMB director rebukes shipbuilders over production delays
OMB Director Russ Vought pointed to large shipbuilding backlogs as one way defense contractors are benefiting from program delays.
Air Force secretary eyes multi-year deals for satellites, aircraft
Pentagon officials are seeking lawmakers’ authorization to buy weapon systems through multi-year deals “across the board, not only with munitions, but actually with the production of aircraft, with the production of spacecraft,” said Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
Defense reconciliation bill could come after ICE, border patrol effort: Graham
“Defense hawks want defense money in the reconciliation bill. I’m trying to keep it as small and focused as possible,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee.
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Accelerating space power through software-defined mission dominance
As space threats continue to evolve, existing satellites need new capabilities to defend and protect, even after launch.
‘Paradigm-shifting’ $1.5T defense budget to enable multiyear contracts: OMB director
OMB Director Russell Vought defended the use of reconciliation to pay for $350 billion in defense, saying the move would ensure that funds “aren’t held hostage” during traditional the appropriations process.
More turmoil in Congress? Probably: 2026 preview
As Stanley Tucci famously quipped in The Devil Wears Prada: "All right, people, gird your loins!"
No decision made on second round of reconciliation for defense: OMB director
Whether another temporary multi-billion-dollar add-on is in the Pentagon's future, Russell Vought attempted to assuage concerns, saying "there will not be a hole" in the defense budget.
Dems Will Fight White House’s $174B Add To Pentagon’s OCO Emergency Fund
Two top Democrats blasted the proposal, calling it a “blatant attempt to make a mockery of the federal budget process."
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How drones can navigate without GPS
Absolute positioning is critical in contested and denied environments.