US Department of Defense News

Our coverage of the U.S. Department of Defense delivers critical analysis of the policies, military procurements, and defense strategies shaping national security. With a focus on informed reporting, we track the DoD's initiatives and developments as they unfold, providing a valuable resource for understanding the defense landscape in the United States and its global implications.

Top Stories

2024-05-14T13:14:16.032542-07:00

DoD Space Policy Leader John Plumb Bids Farewell

In his final remarks, DoD's outgoing space policy chief emphasizes the critical importance of preserving space as a sustainable environment.

2024-05-13T19:20:56.583112-07:00

DISA Explores SATCOM Resilience Initiatives

Exploring multiple satellite communications providers, the Defense Information Systems Agency aims to enhance network resilience.

2024-05-13T19:16:35.899637-07:00

F-35 Program Faces $1B Reduction to Address Production Challenges

The House Armed Services Committee proposes cutting 10 F-35 aircraft from the Pentagon's request, redirecting funds to tackle ongoing Lockheed Martin production issues.

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US Department of Defense News Timeline

2024-05-15T11:17:10.185223-07:002024-05-15T11:17:10.185223-07:00

US Air Force Deploys F-22 Raptors to South Korea

The U.S. Air Force has stationed F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets at Gunsan Air Base amid escalating regional tensions. The deployment was confirmed via the Pentagon's DVIDS platform.

2024-05-14T14:23:53.357847-07:002024-05-14T14:23:53.357847-07:00

DoD Advances Seaplane Deployment for Coastal Operations

Enhancing its coastal region operations, the U.S. Department of Defense is furthering seaplane deployment proposals to streamline personnel and materiel transport.

2024-05-14T13:14:16.032542-07:002024-05-14T13:14:16.032542-07:00

DoD Space Policy Leader John Plumb Bids Farewell

In his final remarks, DoD's outgoing space policy chief emphasizes the critical importance of preserving space as a sustainable environment.

2024-05-13T19:20:56.583112-07:002024-05-13T19:20:56.583112-07:00

DISA Explores SATCOM Resilience Initiatives

Exploring multiple satellite communications providers, the Defense Information Systems Agency aims to enhance network resilience.

2024-05-13T19:16:35.899637-07:002024-05-13T19:16:35.899637-07:00

F-35 Program Faces $1B Reduction to Address Production Challenges

The House Armed Services Committee proposes cutting 10 F-35 aircraft from the Pentagon's request, redirecting funds to tackle ongoing Lockheed Martin production issues.

2024-05-13T15:50:24.128301-07:002024-05-13T15:50:24.128301-07:00

Biden Orders Chinese Crypto Firm to Sell Wyoming Land Near Missile Base

The White House mandated MineOne Partners, partly owned by the Chinese state, to divest its property close to F.E. Warren Air Force Base over national security concerns.

2024-05-13T15:28:34.749340-07:002024-05-13T15:28:34.749340-07:00

Pentagon Warns of Cyber Threats to US Satellite Ground Stations

With increased reliance on commercial firms for military space operations, the Pentagon emphasizes the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures.

2024-05-13T14:24:22.099249-07:002024-05-13T14:24:22.099249-07:00

Pentagon Expresses Concern Over Vulcan Rocket's Pace

Air Force Assistant Secretary Frank Calvelli highlighted doubts regarding the Vulcan rocket's ability to meet the military's satellite launch demands.

2024-05-10T23:06:53.627490-07:002024-05-10T23:06:53.627490-07:00

Lawmakers Urge Defense Upgrades Against Chinese Missile Threats on US Pacific Bases

Concerns are mounting among US Congress members over the vulnerability of Pacific bases and jets to Chinese missile capabilities, prompting calls for enhanced passive defenses.

2024-05-10T10:21:44.660231-07:002024-05-10T10:21:44.660231-07:00

Aurora Advances in DARPA's Liberty Lifter Program with $8.3M Contract

DARPA selects Aurora Flight Sciences to progress with the heavy cargo seaplane design, sidelining General Atomics for not meeting project's stringent requirements.

2024-05-10T09:42:10.279293-07:002024-05-10T09:42:10.279293-07:00

USAF Decides Against Repairing Damaged B-2, Reducing Fleet

Following a ground accident, the U.S. Air Force opts to divest a damaged B-2 stealth bomber, further diminishing the limited numbers.

2024-05-10T06:43:49.152756-07:002024-05-10T06:43:49.152756-07:00

US Redeploys Fighter Jets and Drones from UAE to Qatar

In response to rising regional tensions, the US has moved its combat aircraft, including fighter jets and armed drones, from the UAE to a base in Qatar.

2024-05-09T09:26:26.905144-07:002024-05-09T09:26:26.905144-07:00

SpaceX and Pentagon Counter Russian Starlink Use in Ukraine Conflict

In cooperation with SpaceX, Pentagon officials have curtailed the Russian military's unauthorized access to Starlink internet terminals amidst the ongoing Ukraine war.

2024-05-08T13:13:19.652876-07:002024-05-08T13:13:19.652876-07:00

AI Matches F-16 Pilot Skills in Historic Flight Test

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall experienced an AI-driven F-16, showcasing AI capabilities that mirror skilled pilots in combat scenarios.

2024-05-08T07:11:59.807734-07:002024-05-08T07:11:59.807734-07:00

USAF Acquisition Chief Postpones Satellite Milestone Review

Despite the delay in the critical review milestone for ground moving target satellites, the Air Force assures the delivery timeline remains unaffected.

2024-05-08T06:32:38.343690-07:002024-05-08T06:32:38.343690-07:00

Control of Surveillance Satellite Constellation Questioned by Space Force Leadership

Space Force's Lt. Gen. David Miller publicly addresses concerns regarding the command and utilization of the Ground Moving Target Indicator satellites, sparking debate.

2024-05-07T08:51:26.713729-07:002024-05-07T08:51:26.713729-07:00

BAE Systems and Kongsberg Enhance Marine Corps' ACV with Advanced Battlefield Awareness Tech

The collaboration focuses on equipping the ACV with Integrated Combat Systems that boost joint battlefield command and control capabilities.

2024-05-06T21:03:09.174019-07:002024-05-06T21:03:09.174019-07:00

Lawmakers Resist Biden's Proposal to Merge National Guard with Space Force

A coalition of bipartisan congress members is urging the Armed Services Committees to decline the administration's plan for integrating Air National Guard units into the U.S. Space Force.

2024-05-06T16:12:56.958682-07:002024-05-06T16:12:56.958682-07:00

Pentagon Fast-Tracks AeroVironment Switchblade 600 Loitering Munitions

Under the Pentagon's Replicator initiative, the Switchblade 600, a lethal autonomous combat system by AeroVironment, marks the first accelerated procurement of its kind.

2024-05-06T10:31:34.191989-07:002024-05-06T10:31:34.191989-07:00

Pyka and Sierra Nevada Unite on Electric Cargo UAS for Defense Operations

In a significant move toward modernizing military logistics, Pyka and Sierra Nevada Corporation are developing a militarized electric cargo UAV, dubbed RUMRUNNER, aiming to enhance autonomous supply chain capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.

2024-05-06T09:52:47.026832-07:002024-05-06T09:52:47.026832-07:00

Sen. Warren Questions Pentagon on Russia's Starlink Use

Concerns escalate as Sen. Warren highlights the national security threat posed by Russia’s access to Starlink in Ukraine, prompting calls for transparency.

2024-05-03T09:06:16.355538-07:002024-05-03T09:06:16.355538-07:00

Air Force Secretary Experiences AI-Controlled F-16 Flight

In a groundbreaking event, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall undertook a flight in an experimental AI-powered F-16, marking a significant advance in military aviation technology.

2024-05-03T05:29:04.818893-07:002024-05-03T05:29:04.818893-07:00

SDA Bolsters Small Sat Industrial Base

Industry executives report the Space Development Agency's fast-paced approach is driving critical investments, enhancing the resilience and scalability of the small satellite sector.

2024-05-03T04:35:29.618555-07:002024-05-03T04:35:29.618555-07:00

USAF Shifts Fighter Jets and Drones to Qatar Amid UAE Limitations

In response to restrictions by the UAE, the Pentagon is relocating key aerial assets, including fighter jets and armed drones, to Qatar, ensuring continued operational capabilities in the region.

2024-05-03T02:54:32.066122-07:002024-05-03T02:54:32.066122-07:00

Russian and US Forces Co-locate at Niger Airbase Amid Tensions

Following a July coup in Niger, Russian military personnel have been deployed to a Niger airbase housing US troops, a move raising strategic and security concerns.

2024-05-02T15:39:56.762828-07:002024-05-02T15:39:56.762828-07:00

Russia Advances in Space-Based Nuclear Capabilities

Russia's development of a space-based nuclear weapon has been officially confirmed by Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, alarming global defense watchers.

2024-05-02T13:50:54.660305-07:002024-05-02T13:50:54.660305-07:00

Space Force Marks Significance in Pentagon Ranks

Despite being the smallest division, the US Space Force plays a critical role within the Pentagon's strategic defense framework.

2024-05-01T16:51:32.848936-07:002024-05-01T16:51:32.848936-07:00

Russia Advances in Space-Based Nuclear Anti-Satellite Capabilities

Senior Pentagon officials disclose Russia's development of a satellite designed to deploy a nuclear device, posing a significant threat to global satellite infrastructure.

2024-05-01T14:17:00.194465-07:002024-05-01T14:17:00.194465-07:00

L3Harris Advocates for DoD 'Resilience' Communication Standard

L3Harris is urging the Department of Defense to establish a defined standard for resilient communications, highlighting the current absence of benchmarks.

2024-04-30T11:44:38.399123-07:002024-04-30T11:44:38.399123-07:00

Millennium Secures $414 Million SDA Contract for Eight 'FOO Fighter' Satellites

The Space Development Agency awarded a significant contract to Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing entity, to develop eight cutting-edge satellites under the 'FOO Fighter' program for enhanced missile tracking and fire control capabilities.

2024-04-25T18:41:22.612424-07:002024-04-25T18:41:22.612424-07:00

Marine CH-53K Demonstrates Heavy-Lift Capability Refueling with F-35C and KC-130J

Highlighting the Pentagon's most powerful helicopter, the CH-53K adds to its accolades by performing a mid-air refueling operation carrying an F-35C, showcasing unparalleled heavy-lift and long-range capabilities.

2024-04-25T08:51:39.312694-07:002024-04-25T08:51:39.312694-07:00

Northrop Grumman Shifts Focus to High-End Threat Drones, Opts Out of Low-Cost Contracts

In a strategic pivot, Northrop Grumman's CEO, Kathy Warden, announced during the Q1 earnings call the company's decision to not pursue non-survivable drone contracts, aiming instead at drones designed for high-end threats.

2024-04-25T05:10:22.360414-07:002024-04-25T05:10:22.360414-07:00

Raytheon Advances SM-6 and SM-2 Missiles with Unified Guidance Upgrade

A strategic enhancement for U.S. Navy's missile arsenal, Raytheon is set to innovate on the SM-6 and SM-2 platforms by developing a shared guidance section, promising advanced targeting capabilities for domestic and international defense.

2024-04-25T02:34:32.117818-07:002024-04-25T02:34:32.117818-07:00

Pentagon's Chief Weapons Tester Steps Back from Lockheed Evaluations

Due to potential conflict of interest concerns, the Pentagon's top weapons tester has recused himself from any evaluations or decisions involving Lockheed Martin Corp., highlighting ongoing issues related to the defense industry's revolving door.

2024-04-24T14:05:36.619761-07:002024-04-24T14:05:36.619761-07:00

Anduril and General Atomics Advance in Air Force's CCA Drone Prototyping Initiative

Following a competitive selection process, Anduril and General Atomics progress to prototype development in the Air Force's latest CCA drone initiative, setting a precedent for future combat support.

2024-04-23T09:20:23.845763-07:002024-04-23T09:20:23.845763-07:00

Lockheed Prepares to Resume F-35 Deliveries in Q3 with Updated Standard

Lockheed Martin anticipates the restart of F-35 stealth fighter deliveries to the US Department of Defense in Q3, featuring aircraft in an enhanced "combat training-capable" standard.

2024-04-22T14:21:57.972611-07:002024-04-22T14:21:57.972611-07:00

Pentagon Declassifies Space Warfare Training Initiatives

The Pentagon has commenced the declassification of its space warfare training programs, signaling a potential shift in operational transparency.

2024-04-22T13:31:24.295494-07:002024-04-22T13:31:24.295494-07:00

Pentagon Unfazed by China’s H-20 Stealth Bomber

A DoD intelligence official regards China's H-20 stealth bomber as inferior to U.S. low observable (LO) platforms, highlighting a potential gap in stealth capabilities.

2024-04-19T08:36:27.608458-07:002024-04-19T08:36:27.608458-07:00

Congress Boosts DIU Funding: A Mandate for Pentagon Innovation

In a decisive move, the US Congress has significantly increased the budget for the Defense Innovation Unit, signaling a strong expectation for the Pentagon to intensify its innovation efforts.

2024-04-18T11:21:34.327494-07:002024-04-18T11:21:34.327494-07:00

Pentagon to Test HBTSS Prototypes with Sounding Rocket Launches this Summer

This summer, the Department of Defense will conduct tests using ultra-fast, maneuverable targets to fine-tune space-based sensors of the HBTSS prototypes recently deployed.

2024-04-17T14:52:25.481688-07:002024-04-17T14:52:25.481688-07:00

Pentagon Lacks Plan for European Bases to Cut Russian Gas Dependency

Despite Congress' deadline a year ago, the Pentagon has yet to outline a strategy to eliminate Russian gas usage at U.S. military bases in Europe.

2024-04-17T10:31:54.074061-07:002024-04-17T10:31:54.074061-07:00

First AI Jet Engages in Real-World Dogfight Against F-16

Under DARPA's ACE program, the X-62A marked a significant milestone by becoming the first AI-controlled jet to successfully compete in aerial combat with a manned F-16, indicating a new era for autonomous aerial warfare capabilities.

2024-04-17T07:46:28.527225-07:002024-04-17T07:46:28.527225-07:00

DoD Boosts Solid Rocket Motor Sector Amid Global Pressures

Facing growing international tensions and the need for technological innovation, the U.S. Department of Defense is actively expanding its solid rocket motor supplier base.

2024-04-17T05:31:33.048073-07:002024-04-17T05:31:33.048073-07:00

Space Force Budget Concerns Amid Rising Global Space Race

Concerns are escalating among Pentagon officials and lawmakers that the Space Force's $29.4B fiscal 2025 budget may be insufficient against the backdrop of China's accelerating space advancements.

2024-04-16T16:22:38.302517-07:002024-04-16T16:22:38.302517-07:00

July Set for F-35 Avionics Upgrade Acceptance

The F-35's much-anticipated avionics enhancement is scheduled for acceptance in July by the Joint Program Office, signaling a significant advancement.

2024-04-16T03:41:36.070302-07:002024-04-16T03:41:36.070302-07:00

DIU Spearheads Pentagon's Space Innovation Strategy

Steve 'Bucky' Butow, the DIU Space portfolio director, discusses the integration of commercial sector advancements with military space operations to foster innovation at the Pentagon.

2024-04-15T08:52:41.244418-07:002024-04-15T08:52:41.244418-07:00

F-35 Program Expenses Projected to Surpass $1.5 Trillion

Escalating costs mark Lockheed Martin's F-35 as the most expensive weapons initiative globally, despite budget concerns, reveals a recent government audit.

2024-04-14T11:37:10.994193-07:002024-04-14T11:37:10.994193-07:00

Iran's Regional Missile and Drone Assault Detailed by U.S. and Israel

Launching over 300 missiles and drones, Iran targeted locations from its own territory and bases in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, officials report.

2024-04-13T17:40:32.075554-07:002024-04-13T17:40:32.075554-07:00

US and Allies Counter Iran's Drone Offensive Against Israel

In a series of coordinated defense efforts, US and UK forces have actively engaged in downing Iranian drones targeting Israel, underlining a steadfast commitment to regional security.

2024-04-11T15:12:20.519094-07:002024-04-11T15:12:20.519094-07:00

DoD to Engage Commercial Space Sector for Battlefield Roles, Clarifies Compensation

The U.S. Department of Defense is set to explore methods for compensating commercial space companies as it integrates their capabilities into military operations.