Space Force doubles down on acquisition reform ahead of DoD moves

Space Force doubles down on acquisition reform ahead of DoD moves
Space Force doubles down on acquisition reform ahead of DoD moves

Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy walked through activities to flesh out former space acquisition czar Frank Calvelli’s “nine space acquisition tenets” that showcased how the Space Force is positioned to meet expected guidance from new Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for accelerating weapons system development.

The Weekly Break Out Ep. 4: Contracting chaos and congressional dollars [VIDEO]

The Weekly Break Out Ep. 4: Contracting chaos and congressional dollars [VIDEO]
The Weekly Break Out Ep. 4: Contracting chaos and congressional dollars [VIDEO]

Congressional and Industry Reporter Valerie Insinna joins Aaron Mehta to discuss the latest, including the state of defense contracting after some uncertainty.

Trump’s Iron Dome for America calls for space-based interceptors

Trump’s Iron Dome for America calls for space-based interceptors
Trump’s Iron Dome for America calls for space-based interceptors

In a new executive order, President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to move forward on missile defense, though the details are still thin.

Trump administration inherits Air Force funding hurdle: 2025 preview

Trump administration inherits Air Force funding hurdle: 2025 preview
Trump administration inherits Air Force funding hurdle: 2025 preview

With Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy set to co-lead a commission that could recommend cuts to the Pentagon, many previously unthinkable options may be on the table for the US Air Force as the second Trump administration takes over Washington.

Senate passes defense bill despite Democrat concerns on transgender care ban

Senate passes defense bill despite Democrat concerns on transgender care ban
Senate passes defense bill despite Democrat concerns on transgender care ban

The NDAA corresponds to a $895 billion topline for defense spending, adhering to the budgetary limits set in last year’s Fiscal Responsibility Act.

EXCLUSIVE: 2 key senators urge Navy to change course on large USV program

EXCLUSIVE: 2 key senators urge Navy to change course on large USV program
EXCLUSIVE: 2 key senators urge Navy to change course on large USV program

Lawmakers have been skeptical of the Navy’s unmanned programs since 2019, but seem to be warming up to some more than others.

Waltz in as Trump’s national security advisor

Waltz in as Trump’s national security advisor
Waltz in as Trump’s national security advisor

Rep.  Mike Waltz, a Florida congressman, has been a strong advocate for increasing shipbuilding, a sign that the Navy’s budget could see a boost in the coming Trump administration.

As Air Force deliberates sixth-gen fighter plans, much is at stake for Boeing

As Air Force deliberates sixth-gen fighter plans, much is at stake for Boeing
As Air Force deliberates sixth-gen fighter plans, much is at stake for Boeing

Perhaps no company has bet so much on the Air Force’s NGAD sixth-gen fighter effort as Boeing — and now the service could be dramatically reinventing the program.

5% GDP: Top SASC Republican pitches dramatic jump in defense spending, $55B more in FY25

5% GDP: Top SASC Republican pitches dramatic jump in defense spending, $55B more in FY25
5% GDP: Top SASC Republican pitches dramatic jump in defense spending, $55B more in FY25

Sen. Roger Wicker said the plan would “enable the United States to fix our failing defense infrastructure, field a new generation of equipment, and maintain American technological leadership.”

Amid lawmaker scrutiny, DoD assessing operational joint force HQ in Indo-Pacific, Austin says

Amid lawmaker scrutiny, DoD assessing operational joint force HQ in Indo-Pacific, Austin says
Amid lawmaker scrutiny, DoD assessing operational joint force HQ in Indo-Pacific, Austin says

“What I’ve asked my team to do is look at this and do an assessment to make sure that we get it right, and we understand the operational and cost issues associated with this,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told senators.

Senate Republicans grill Air Force under secretary nominee on border, Chinese spy balloon

Senate Republicans grill Air Force under secretary nominee on border, Chinese spy balloon
Senate Republicans grill Air Force under secretary nominee on border, Chinese spy balloon

“Between now and the time that a vote is held on your nomination, I think you’ve got some work to do to regain the confidence of a lot of the members on this committee,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

Aussie PM raises ‘strongest possible objection’ after diver allegedly injured by Chinese ship

Aussie PM raises ‘strongest possible objection’ after diver allegedly injured by Chinese ship
Aussie PM raises ‘strongest possible objection’ after diver allegedly injured by Chinese ship

The Australian government said a Chinese ship “was detected operating its hull-mounted sonar in a manner that posed a risk to the safety of the Australian divers who were forced to exit the water.”

US to introduce new nuclear gravity bomb design: B61-13

US to introduce new nuclear gravity bomb design: B61-13
US to introduce new nuclear gravity bomb design: B61-13

The new warhead variant is needed to provide “additional options against certain harder and large-area military targets,” according to the Pentagon.

Ducking the culture wars, Senate passes NDAA 86-11

Ducking the culture wars, Senate passes NDAA 86-11
Ducking the culture wars, Senate passes NDAA 86-11

With both versions of the NDAA complete, congressional leadership must now pick conferees for each chamber to sort out two vastly different defense policy bills.