Trump says US Navy vessels could accompany tankers in Strait of Hormuz
Published: March 3, 2026 22:02
Navy vessels have previously been employed as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian to help protect civilian ships in the Red Sea.
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‘Strong and clear, but quiet’: Pentagon policy head faces Senate questions over NDS
Published: March 3, 2026 20:23
“In effect, it obfuscates the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party, and they are our pacing threat,” Sen. Roger Wicker said today.
Key questions, and an expert take, after US strikes Iran
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/key-questions-and-an-expert-take-after-us-strikes-iran/
Published: March 3, 2026 19:18
This week on The Break Out, CNAS’s Stacie Pettyjohn breaks down the ongoing US strikes on Iran.
Iran mission takes toll on US munition stockpile, lawmakers weigh supplemental defense funding
Published: March 3, 2026 18:11
Defense experts told Breaking Defense the use of hundreds of offensive and defensive munitions now could create a distressing vulnerability for the US in the future.
How tanking, airlift could be strained by Iran ops
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/how-tanking-airlift-could-be-strained-by-iran-ops/
Published: March 3, 2026 15:14
“Aerial refueling capacity has historically been a major constraint on the tempo of operations, and it’s likely the case today,” Tim Walton, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told Breaking Defense.
‘Simple plans, violently executed’: One Army unit’s old-school counter to high-tech chaos
Published: March 3, 2026 14:32
When drones can watch your every move and jammers scramble your communications, you need to keep your battle plans and your org chart simple, say officers from the Army’s National Training Center.
How Congress is reacting to the Iran conflict
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/how-congress-is-reacting-to-the-iran-conflict/
Published: March 3, 2026 12:05
Breaking Defense’s Aaron Mehta is joined by Stacie Pettyjohn of the Center for New American Security to discuss Sen. Tim Kaine’s push for a war powers vote and how it might play out.
How US cyber operators could take on Iran in cyberspace as Epic Fury plays out
Published: March 2, 2026 22:12
A former senior cyber commander noted that one of the biggest differences between one-off strikes like Operation Midnight Hammer last June and the current operation is that supporting elements will be working 24/7, focused on targets offensively,…
Austria military’s first satellite will hunt for GPS, Galileo interference
Published: March 2, 2026 21:52
The European Space Agency also is kicking in funds for the BEACONSAT, being developed by Austrian startup GATE Space.
Macron calls to increase French nuclear arsenal, team with Germany and others on ‘deterrent’
Published: March 2, 2026 20:36
“We cannot be satisfied with our current trajectory and I owe the nation the absolute assurance that our nuclear deterrence remains credible,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
L3Harris appoints new CFO as firm prepares to spin off missile business
Published: March 2, 2026 18:35
Former Peraton CFO Kenneth Sharp will become the L3Harris’s top finance executive later this month.
Caine: US objective is to keep Iran from projecting power outside own borders
Published: March 2, 2026 17:38
“We’re not going to go into the exercise of what we will or will not do,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters.
Army invites private industry to co-invest in installations, modernization plans
Published: March 2, 2026 16:21
“We’re not just seeking funding,” said David Fitzgerald, who is performing the duties of the deputy undersecretary of the Army. “We’re seeking creative, out-of-the-box financial and business models that break the mold.”
UK awards Leonardo $1.3B AW149 New Medium Helicopter contract
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/uk-awards-leonardo-1-3b-aw149-new-medium-helicopter-contract/
Published: March 2, 2026 15:28
The new AW149 fleet is desperately needed to plug a rotary capability gap left by retirement of the Puma HC2 fleet in March 2025.
Iran conflict expands in Lebanon, Beirut demands Hezbollah ‘hand over its weapons’
Published: March 2, 2026 14:58
Retired Lebanese armed forces general Maroun Hitti said that Hezbollah’s missiles has “instantly transformed Lebanon from fragile bystander to active battlefield,” describing the situations as “harsh and asymmetric.”
Kaine to force Senate vote on Iran war, which Trump warns could last ‘weeks’
Published: March 1, 2026 22:31
Kaine said even an unsuccessful vote could put pressure on the White House to change its behavior or yield more information about the attacks to the public.
Here’s how cyber could have been used to target Iran in Operation Epic Fury
Published: March 1, 2026 20:19
Cyber operations were almost certainly used against Iran in the early hours of Operation Epic Fury. Here’s how it may have played out.
‘Nightmare scenario’ for GCC countries, region as Iran unloads drones and missiles
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/03/iran-attacks-uae-saudi-missiles-drones-gcc-air-defense/
Published: March 1, 2026 16:43
“If Iranian attacks continue throughout this week, I would expect the Gulf Arab states to eventually participate in counter-attacks on Iran,” one defense expert told Breaking Defense.
Israel says it struck more than 500 targets in Iran with 200 warplanes
Published: February 28, 2026 18:58
The US and Israel together launched a surprise, “massive” attack on sites throughout Iran beginning early Saturday.
US, Israel launch ‘massive and ongoing operation’ inside Iran
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/us-israel-launch-massive-and-ongoing-operation-inside-iran/
Published: February 28, 2026 12:17
“We’re going to destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their Navy,” said US President Donald Trump.
Trump orders government, DoD to ‘immediately cease’ use of Anthropic’s tech amid AI fight
Published: February 27, 2026 21:38
The AI firm had rejected an ultimatum by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to remove what Anthropic said were guardrails around lethal autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance.
Poland unveils detailed defense spending for $51B in EU SAFE loans
Published: February 27, 2026 21:29
According to Poland’s government, the money, which will be spent between 2026 and 2030, will go to a wide variety of systems, including artillery, cybersecurity, ground combat and more.
Is the Army about to shake up its Bradley replacement, XM30? Sources see major signs.
Published: February 27, 2026 16:25
Sources told Breaking Defense a new RFI may be a backdoor effort to speed up, or potentially revamp entirely, the Bradley replacement competition.
Singapore to acquire three Gulfstream maritime surveillance aircraft
Published: February 27, 2026 15:15
The G550-MSA is the latest in a series of major defense acquisitions announced by Singapore for the maritime domain in recent years.
PHOTOS: 11th Airborne operates in freezing conditions in Alaska
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/photos-11th-airborne-operates-in-freezing-conditions-in-alaska/
Published: February 27, 2026 14:29
During the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 26-02 rotation, the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division emulates what an Arctic conflict would look like.
Senator issues hold to CYBERCOM/NSA nominee
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/senator-issues-hold-to-cybercom-nsa-nominee/
Published: February 26, 2026 22:10
Sen. Ron Wyden issued a hold on the confirmation of Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd to lead CYBERCOM and NSA.
AI giant Anthropic says it ‘cannot in good conscience’ agree to Pentagon demands
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/pentagon-gives-anthropic-friday-deadline-to-loosen-ai-policy/
Published: February 26, 2026 21:28
The Pentagon has threatened to deem the AI firm a supply chain risk, something CEO Dario Amodei says is contradictory.
Costs and delays on NNSA construction projects more than doubled since 2023: GAO report
Published: February 26, 2026 20:55
“Management, vendor, and input costs all contributed to cost growth and delays,” according to the Government Accountability Office.
Saudi Arabia courts the defense world at WDS 2026, as SAMI transforms
Published: February 26, 2026 20:04
Middle East Bureau Chief Agnes Helou on the latest industry moves in the region at the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia.
With funding flush, Space Force hopes to speed satellites to track aircraft, missiles
Published: February 26, 2026 19:28
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.
Ducking climate science is a danger to the US military. Congress must help.
Published: February 26, 2026 16:28
America’s armed forces already suffers damages and handicaps due to climate change, and recent action is only going to make it worse, writes Will Rogers of Johns Hopkins University.
Taiwan should create drone swarm ‘asymmetric hellscape’ to blunt Chinese invasion: Report
Published: February 26, 2026 15:02
“Drones could augment Taiwan’s limited stockpile of expensive weapons with precise, affordable mass that produces cross-domain effects while reducing risk to military personal by employing uncrewed systems for the most dangerous missions,” the Center for…
Interoperability becomes the price of entry for next-gen warfighting tech
Published: February 26, 2026 13:42
[Sponsored] AI, autonomous systems, cyber, and EW converge as industry targets faster battlefield effects.
Joint Staff director returning to Navy after only months on job
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/joint-staff-director-returning-to-navy-after-only-months-on-job/
Published: February 26, 2026 03:17
Vice Adm. Fred Kacher was removed from the role by Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to a source.
Senate poised to reauthorize key small business fund used by Pentagon
Published: February 25, 2026 22:02
The bill resolves a months-long gridlock between the heads of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee over how to reform the SBIR program.
Space Force pauses national security launches on Vulcan
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/space-force-pauses-national-security-launches-on-vulcan/
Published: February 25, 2026 21:43
“We’re still in the initial phases of that investigation, so we’ll continue to to work with the United Launch Alliance and their suppliers to make sure we’ve got the right level of insight and understand where that investigation is headed,” Col. Eric…
Turkey’s Aselsan sees over $4 billion in revenue, up 15% from last year
Published: February 25, 2026 19:58
Separately, state-owned Havelsan announced the commissioning of an armed unmanned surface vessel, dubbed Sancar, on Tuesday.
Army official ‘not happy’ with GD-OTS’s handling of 155mm contract as production lags
Published: February 25, 2026 18:02
“I anticipate you will see an investment from the company themselves, from the industry partner themselves, to ensure they can continue to build out that facility that would make rounds that would primarily be supported by the [foreign military sales],”…
Air Force taps four companies to expand engine options for loyal wingman drones
Published: February 25, 2026 17:01
Beehive Industries, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney and a teamup of GE Aerospace and Kratos will “mature engine designs” for future drone wingmen and other autonomous platforms, according to the Air Force.
From backlogs to breakthroughs: Why the defense industrial base is turning to agentic AI
Published: February 25, 2026 16:45
[Sponsored] Agentic AI helps defense manufacturers speed up production, cut complexity and improve decision-making across global supply chains.
The space supply chain is getting stretched. Here’s how it could impact the Pentagon’s plans.
Published: February 25, 2026 15:33
Two major trade groups are working on studies to scope the supply chain issues, hone in on the most pressing problems, and identify early mitigation strategies.
Dem lawmakers raise questions over Pentagon’s equity deal with rare earth producer
Published: February 25, 2026 13:45
At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, a defense official said the deal helps reconcile “a failed market-based approach” to address pressing national security concerns.
Army issues broad appeal to industry for electromagnetic spectrum solutions
Published: February 25, 2026 12:27
“Unlocking the potential for spectrum operations at machine speed will be key to winning the EMS fight,” Col. Scott Shaffer said.
‘Ringleader’: Department of Air Force to start all-encompassing sensor fusion experiments
Published: February 25, 2026 01:03
Separately, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the Air Force will continue work on two rapid prototypes for the E-7 Wedgetail, though he did not appear to fully commit to the program.
Visiting the Army in the Arctic and the Air Force in Colorado
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/visiting-the-army-in-the-arctic-and-the-air-force-in-colorado/
Published: February 24, 2026 21:26
This week on The Break Out, Army reporter Carley Welch comes back from Alaska with an on-the-ground report.
11th Airborne wants more CATVs, ISV-adjacent solutions
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/11th-airborne-wants-more-catvs-isv-adjacent-solutions/
Published: February 24, 2026 21:00
“Armor and the Arctic don’t necessarily match,” Cogbill said. “They’re heavy. They would fall off the roads. They tumble down the side of a mountain. So we have to be light, highly mobile. It’s a matter of [having] just over the snow mobility.”
What are the possibilities for US and Asian partners to co-produce drones in the Indo-Pacific?
Published: February 24, 2026 20:03
Drones will play a critical role in surveillance, logistics, and both offensive and defensive operations in the region.
Europe ramps up defense spending to 21% of global total, led by Berlin: Report
Published: February 24, 2026 17:44
Defense spending jumped globally to $2.63 trillion in 2025, according to IISS’s latest Military Balance report.
Air Force flight tests drone wingman carrying (inert) weapons, competitors reveal new names
Published: February 24, 2026 16:52
Anduril’s YFQ-44A drone wingman under development for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program has begun testing flights with a missile underwing, according to an Air Force press release.
Ursa Major unleashes HAVOC with new hypersonic missile
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/ursa-major-unleashes-havoc-with-new-hypersonic-missile/
Published: February 24, 2026 16:00
Ursa Major’s new CEO Chris Spagnoletti told Breaking Defense that the company’s new hypersonic weapon could cost $3 million a piece.
How the “Doomsday Plane” contract highlights the rise of mid-tier primes
Published: February 24, 2026 13:26
[Sponsored] Midsized companies can offer flexibility and agility while keeping intellectual property in the hands of the government.
DAF shakes up space acquisition leadership, Purdy takes ‘senior advisor’ role
Published: February 24, 2026 12:05
Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhageh has taken over Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy’s former role of military deputy to the Office of Space Acquisition and Integration.
Air Force ramps up B-21 Raider production capacity, aims for 2027 delivery
Published: February 23, 2026 23:30
A $4.5 billion spending boost for the B-21 program outlined by lawmakers as part of the 2025 reconciliation package will help fund the accelerated production.
Lockheed test-flies F-35 with artificial intelligence to quickly ID unknown contacts
Published: February 23, 2026 22:33
Known as Project Overwatch, the AI is trained to distinguish different types of emissions, autonomously identifying the source for the human pilot.
SDA taps AST SpaceMobile to demo commercial satellite links to military radios
Published: February 23, 2026 21:46
The $30M award is the first under SDA’s Hybrid Acquisition for proliferated Low-earth Orbit (HALO) program.
Reconciliation revealed: How the Pentagon plans to spend all $152 billion in FY26
Published: February 23, 2026 20:28
The spending plan, obtained by Breaking Defense, pumps billions into munitions, missile defense and shipbuilding, among other priorities.
Integrating platforms to respond to changing threats of modern warfare
Published: February 23, 2026 19:47
[Sponsored] R&D, engineering and manufacturing processes must all adapt to keep pace with the dynamic of technology.
Frozen tablets and downed drones: Army’s 11th Airborne learns to fight in the Arctic
Published: February 23, 2026 19:30
During JPMRC 26-02, the “Arctic Angels” grapple with tough terrain, fragile tech and logistical shortfalls as the Army tries to sharpen its Arctic edge.
Training, logistics and property accountability: Army preparing for influx of small drones
Published: February 23, 2026 17:04
“If we have a FPV-style drone that is lethal and armed, and we expect that soldier to hit a very precise target at a very precise point … that soldier is going to need a much higher level of skill and training,” said Col. Nick Ryan, the director of Army…
Maritime dominance requires the Coast Guard
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/maritime-dominance-requires-the-coast-guard/
Published: February 23, 2026 16:13
Focusing on the Coast Guard’s development can help the US match countries like China who have already moved on the trend.
‘California jammin’: Wargames show Army’s electronic weakness — and a human fix
Published: February 23, 2026 13:43
“We are definitely seeing, many times over, an over-reliance on technology,” Capt. Jake Thomas told Breaking Defense.
The future is here: Sixth-gen air dominance
Published: February 23, 2026 13:34
[Sponsored] How RTX is equipping the military airspace – for today’s fleet and tomorrow’s fight.
EXCLUSIVE: Air Force to approve T-7 trainer production within days
Published: February 20, 2026 18:00
“We’re confident in the design of the aircraft that we have,” Air Force Program Executive Officer for Training Rodney Stevens told Breaking Defense. “We’re ready to start proving that we can produce the aircraft at rate.”
When it comes to drones, the Pentagon should mind the experience gap
Published: February 20, 2026 16:45
An executive from Textron argues that while new entrants can help the Pentagon, the department needs to remember that experience matters.
Austal secures second Australian Landing Craft Heavy contract
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/austal-secures-second-australian-landing-craft-heavy-contract/
Published: February 20, 2026 16:03
“This contract reflects the growing strength and success of Austal’s Australian operations — and Australian industry — within the national shipbuilding and sustainment enterprise,” Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg said in the company announcement.
Forthcoming US arm sales changes leave unanswered questions
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/forthcoming-us-arm-sales-changes-leave-unanswered-questions/
Published: February 20, 2026 15:28
As Trump administration officials work through a laundry list of possible changes, Canada is retreating from its dependence on US weapons.
As Dems push for briefing on El Paso incident, experts warn it could be the ‘tip of the iceberg’
Published: February 20, 2026 14:00
“I think coordination has been lacking, and you’re seeing a lot more sort of cowboy behavior, which could be problematic,” Stacie Pettyjohn, a senior fellow and director of the defense program at the Center for a New American Security, said in an interview…
Northrop, Brazil’s Embraer partner on KC-390 to pitch US, others
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/northrop-brazils-embraer-partner-on-kc-390-to-pitch-us-others/
Published: February 19, 2026 21:58
Under a memorandum of understanding, Northrop will explore options to develop an autonomous boom refueling system for Embraer’s KC-390, hoping to attract US and international customers.
Austal USA president to retire in June
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/austal-usa-president-to-retire-in-june/
Published: February 19, 2026 21:26
“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.
SatVu, GMV latest space firms to benefit from Europe’s new milspace focus
Published: February 19, 2026 19:42
A recent study co-sponsored by NATO’s Innovation Fund found that investment in European “Defence, Security and Resilience” startups increases by 55 percent in 2025.
Pentagon CTO says it’s ‘not democratic’ for Anthropic to limit military use of Claude AI
Published: February 19, 2026 17:39
“What we’re not going to do is let any one company dictate a new set of policies above and beyond what Congress has passed,” Under Secretary Emil Michael said of the ongoing impasse between the Pentagon and Anthropic.
Any action against Iran needs to account for the proxies
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/any-action-against-iran-needs-to-account-for-the-proxies/
Published: February 19, 2026 15:18
Proxies, such as the Houthis, should be heavily considered by the US while measures are taken against Iran.
China’s nuclear submarine production rate surpasses that of US: Report
https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/china-building-more-nuclear-subs-than-america-iiss-report/
Published: February 19, 2026 13:48
IISS research found that China launched 10 submarines with an estimated displacement of 79,000 tonnes between 2021 and 2025.
Northrop not seeking direct DoD investment for solid rocket motors, but suppliers might: CEO
Published: February 18, 2026 22:23
“There’s just a lot of strategic synergy in those parts of our portfolio that we want to maintain ownership structure of,” said Northrop CEO Kathy Warden.