Diving into Trump’s unusual shipbuilding plans, plus an SMD expo floor tour
The Breaking Defense team unpacks three new directives from the White House that could influence the future of the Navy.
Trump opens door for foreign-built Navy ships. It could get complicated.
President Donald Trump has called for the US to outsource the building of at least a few Navy ships to foreign shipyards.
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Engineering decision advantage for the warfighter
Multi-orbit mission capabilities are accelerating decision making across domains.
New ‘Golden Defender’ missile monitor ship to be built at Hanwha Philly shipyard
The ship, which will support the Golden Dome effort, will be based on the national Security Multi-Mission Vessels Hanwha Philly Shipyard builds for the US Maritime Administration.
Saronic to start constructing new shipyard in Texas this year
The shipyard will focus on both defense and commercial vessels, the company announced today.
White House budget director calls for fifth public shipyard amid push to expand fleet
“From a maintenance standpoint, we're pushing hard for an additional public shipyard,” the OMB director said.
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.
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The reasons why Group 2 drones are right-sized for the fight
Fuel cell technology lets smaller, more versatile VTOLs handle tasks previously reserved for larger drones.
Austal USA names new president
Austal USA announced in February that Gene Miller was serving as interim president.
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.
Trump proposes $1.5 trillion defense budget, banking on $350 billion from reconciliation
The fiscal 2027 request, to be formally revealed Friday, marks the first time that base budget defense spending has hit the $1 trillion mark, with reconciliation funds on top of that.
Austal USA president to retire in June
“We are deeply grateful for Michelle’s vision, commitment, and the lasting impact that she has made on our organization,” Chris Chadwick, chairman of Austal USA’s board of managers, said in a statement announcing the change.
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Addressing the ‘four tyrannies’ of the Pacific to keep logistics flowing
Predictive artificial intelligence and autonomy will reshape how forces are sustained across the Pacific.
Navy chief calls for defense spending to hit ‘new normal’ of 4% GDP
“We need to make a dent into that,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said of the Navy's 355-ship requirement. “I think the chairman, and I think the secretary of Navy and the secretary of War agree that that the Navy needs a budget commensurate with its mission set.”
Congress votes to reopen the government, with extra money for Wedgetail, Navy shipbuilding
The government shut down Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass an FY26 budget.
Hanwha Defense taps Tom Anderson to run American shipbuilding arm
"This is a pivotal time for the Navy and U.S. shipbuilding writ large. Tom brings a wealth of experience and unique perspectives that will accelerate the delivery of novel solutions to our customers' most elusive industrial base challenges,” said Hanwha Defense USA President and CEO Mike Smith.
White House’s new shipbuilding office moved to OMB, leader departs
The staffer leading the relatively new office, Ian Bennitt, announced his departure late Wednesday night on social media.