Ideas
A Defense Budget Increase is No More Needed in 2018 than It Was Last Year
A former assistant defense secretary argues the Trump administration’s bump-up was unnecessary, and in fact counterproductive, to national defense.
Business
Defense Firms Score in 2017 Budget Deal
Arms procurement goes from a requested cut under Obama to a plus-up under Trump.
Ideas
Can Trump’s Defense Department Get More For Less?
If the administration’s version of defense reform is to succeed, it must focus on a few key principles.
Policy
President Trump's First 100 Days Could End in a Government Shutdown
The historical marker on April 29 will coincide with the expiration of federal funding—unless Congress can strike a bipartisan deal in time.
Policy
It’s Too Early to See a ‘Trump Effect’ on NATO Spending
The U.S. president's rhetoric may have allies talking about their growing defense spending, but it won’t affect most budget proposals for months.
Policy
Trump's Defense Hike Would Violate Budget Law, Congress' Analysts Confirm
An April 3 report by the Congressional Research Service says the White House’s draft 2018 request does not comply with the $549 billion cap.
Policy
Would Better Messaging Help the Military Boost Its Budget?
Even if Pentagon leaders clarified their ‘readiness’ warnings, they’d still face an uphill battle for more funding in 2017.
Business
Boeing Might Be the Biggest Winner in Trump’s Military Buildup
The Chicago aerospace company leads more than a half-dozen contractors whose programs stand to get 9- or 10-figure boosts if the president’s budget proposal becomes law.
Ideas
Trump’s Bigger Military Won’t Necessarily Make the US Stronger or Safer
The Pentagon can’t properly train and support the people and weapons it already has. Simply adding more won’t solve the problem — and could undermine long-term readiness.
Policy
Trump Proposes More Money for Nukes, Border Security
Dubbed a “hard-power” budget by administration officials, the 2018 spending plan includes money for a controversial border wall.
Policy
ISIS War Generals to Congress: We Need the State Department
One week after Trump proposed shifting billions from the State Department to the Pentagon, two of the top U.S. generals in the Middle East and Africa say they need diplomatic help.
Policy
Trump’s Defense Topline Faces a Big Hurdle, Just as When Obama Proposed It
The new administration’s proposal to give the Defense Department $603 billion in 2018 exceeds legal limits by about 10 percent.
Business
Trump to Congress: Give Pentagon $54B. I'll Tell You Why Later
The roughly 10% boost would come out of nearly every other federal agency’s 2018 budget, including foreign aid.
Business
Can a ‘Comparable’ Super Hornet Steal Orders from the F-35C?
Two aircraft are on President Trump’s radar. Here’s how they’re different, and why it matters to more than just power players in Washington.
Business
It's About to Cost a Lot More Money to Launch a Nuclear Bomb
New estimates predict the Pentagon's first new nuclear bombers, missiles, and subs in decades will be more expensive than thought.
Policy
The Future Depends on Fixing Readiness Now, Vice Chiefs Tell Lawmakers
Service leaders’ annual pilgrimage to Capitol Hill also serves as Phase One of Mattis’ long-range plan.
Business
The Price of an F-35 Was Already Falling. Can Trump Drive it Lower?
Defense One analyzed the changing cost of the JSF since the first production orders were placed in 2007. Here’s what we found.
Policy
Trump’s First Budget Could Be A Unique Mix of Severe Cuts and Increased Spending
New presidents typically unveil a broad budget plan in February, and a more detailed version in the spring.
Business
General Fires Back at Trump: F-35 ‘Not Out of Control’ (Just Needs Another Half Billion)
The Pentagon’s F-35 boss says costs are falling and he anticipates briefing Trump’s transition team soon, but he needs another $532 million to finish flight testing.
Almost There!
Help us tailor content specifically for you: