The year that was and the year that will be, according to our reporters
2025 was a year of change, both for the defense community and for Breaking Defense. Let's catch you up.
More turmoil in Congress? Probably: 2026 preview
As Stanley Tucci famously quipped in The Devil Wears Prada: "All right, people, gird your loins!"
US-European relations will define the next year: 2026 preview
Transatlantic political turbulence could disrupt orders from European customers for US defense equipment over the long term, but if the last year is anything to go by, business is likely to be relatively predictable.
Israeli defense industry looks to capitalize on hard-won combat lessons: 2026 preview
Officials in European capitals have said they need to procure systems quickly that have relevance on the modern battlefield, and Israel is well-placed to provide solutions that are often proven because Israel has used them in its multi-front wars.
China to once again dominate the headlines: 2026 preview for the Indo-Pacific
China will almost certainly dominate the defense and security headlines in the coming months, as tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
A year of new shows: Top 5 videos in 2025
A look at some of the most informative and entertaining videos from Breaking Defense in 2025.
What’s next for Army’s ambitious Next Gen C2 effort: 2026 preview
One of the Army's goals for 2026 is to test an NGC2 prototype against "enemy" sensor capabilities.
Europe’s time to shine in space? 2026 preview
Germany is sprinting to pump up its military space systems, perhaps changing the balance of power in setting European-wide priorities.
For defense AI, bubble, bubble, toil and … bargains?: 2026 preview
“The bubble is real,” said the founder of the Pentagon’s Joint AI Center, retired Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan. “[But] for the DoD, there could be new opportunities to partner with all kinds of tech companies…if their commercial opportunities start to evaporate.”
The drone wingman race kicks into high(er) gear: 2026 preview
Sometime in 2026, the Air Force will make a decision about what designs to produce for the first round of its drone wingmen program. The service is also expected to home in on what it wants next.
Middle East fighter jet deals, missile defenses and peace talks: 2026 preview
Next year could see Turkey and Saudi Arabia joining the F-35 club, war in Lebanon and more.
What’s next for America’s icebreakers: 2026 preview
The White House in 2024 and 2025 prioritized rebuilding America's icebreaker fleet. But how long will that last?
Army’s new acquisition structure, a new tank prototype and more drones: 2026 preview
Many pledges were made about changing how the Army does things in 2025. Will 2026 see them happen?
From National Defense Strategy plans to acquisition overhaul findings: 2026 preview
The coming 12 months could shake up where US troops are positioned and new details about the Golden Dome initiative.