Policy
Defense One Radio, Ep. 174: Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith
Our annual State of Defense interview series begins with a commandant working to balance crisis response and modernization.
Policy
Service leaders beg for flexibility as full-year continuing resolution looms
Without a new budget—or relief from the strictures of its absence—the military can’t start new projects or pay for the unexpected.
Business
Marines hire Anduril for counter-drone services worth up to $642M
Ten competitors vied to protect bases with non-kinetic means.
Business
F-35 to get new software this summer—but there’s no date yet for planned full upgrade
Lockheed is hoping to wring out problems this year as the new administration revisits purchase plan.
Policy
Marines aim to buy more carrier-based F-35s, fewer VTOLs
Corps’ new aviation plan also expands squadrons—but not UAV-buying plans.
Science & Tech
The F-35 program’s software development isn’t getting any better, Pentagon report finds
A new report from the top DOD weapons tester noted the program can’t "simultaneously" fix multiple software problems.
Business
Full F-35 upgrade package might not happen this year, Lockheed says
The company also reported $2B in losses in 2024 on classified programs in its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Ideas
It's time for a new Key West agreement
Airpower, air defense, Marines’ role—all need revisiting, three-quarters of a century after the seminal roles-and-missions pact.
Threats
Pentagon sending 1,500 troops to southern border, USAF planes on deportation flights
Defense officials did not rule out arming troops on the border, but left that up to the discretion of NORTHCOM.
Threats
Funding gaps slowing down Marine Corps’ modernization efforts
Force Design 2030 is on track, commandant says, but just barely.
Science & Tech
Marines still targeting 2030 for Hornet replacement, despite F-35 delays
A California group commander explains how MCAS Miramar is prepping for the transition.
Ideas
2024 in review: Marine Corps
A new kind of regiment, more drones, and new techniques—and other stories about the Corps.
Threats
Costs of the CR: Marines will miss full strength, and more
A continuing resolution is better than a shutdown, but it’s still a stopgap that hurts.
Defense Systems
US Ospreys to resume flight after gearbox inspections
New flight restrictions added after part failed in last year’s deadly crash.
Threats
Extra parts, people powered F-35 readiness on latest Pacific deployment
VMFA-225 worked around delays with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group.
Defense Systems