Threats

Sea-Air-Space Conference Wire: Amphibs, Drones, and More

As the nation's largest naval conference opens just outside Washington, the leaders of the Navy and Marines disagree about just how and when to acquire amphibious warships.

Business

Largest US Shipbuilder Expects More Profits From Drones, AI Than Surface Ships, Soon

The nation’s largest shipbuilder expects “mission tech” like AI and undersea drones to outpace revenue from surface combatants.

Policy

Navy, Marines Reevaluating Munition Stockpiles Due To Ukraine War

“Ukraine's war has taught us that we must transition from just-in-time stockpiles of weapons and munitions to just-in-case stockpiles,” Sen. Collins said.

Policy

Seapower Chairman Wants Answers on Amphib Fleet Funding

Sen. Tim Kaine also said he expects the Navy’s 30-year-shipbuilding plan this week.

Ideas

This Ugly Dispute Over Amphibious Warships Didn’t Have to Happen

The Pentagon’s civilian leaders must spell out what they need to deter China.

Policy

‘Woke-ism’ Not an Issue, Top Military Leaders Say

Inclusion is actually a critical part of unit cohesion, Air Force chief and Marine commandant said.

Science & Tech

Marine Makers: How I MEF Troops Are Putting 3D Printers to Work

From generator covers to car parts, a Marine describes how additive manufacturing helps his unit get on with its mission.

Policy

Is the LPD-17 Flight II Amphib Worth It? Depends Who You Ask

Navy officials say the amphibious ship is too expensive, while the top Marine calls it “affordable.”

Defense Systems

The Marines Are Launching a Software Factory

We talked with Lt. Col. Charlie Bahk about plans to start up at the Army’s facility in Austin, Texas.

Ideas

Interior Lines Will Make Land Power the Asymmetric Advantage in the Indo-Pacific

The Army is building compact lines of maneuver, communications, and logistics.

Policy

Navy On Path To Violate 31-Amphibious-Ship Requirement in 2024

Budget proposal asks Congress to allow ship retirements that lawmakers explicitly nixed last year.

Policy

The Pentagon’s 2024 Budget Proposal, In Short

The spending plan includes $315 billion to develop and buy new weapons.

Policy

Air Force Abandons New F-35 Engine in Favor of Upgrades

If approved by Congress, it’s a win for F-35 engine maker Pratt & Whitney and a blow to General Electric.

Threats

Fewer Than 1/3 of Navy’s Amphibious Ships Are Ready to Deploy

“We can’t live with that,” Marine commandant says after high-profile missions were delayed or scuttled.

Policy

Marines See Early Successes in Retention Push—and Ways to Do Better

Meanwhile, the commandant wants to bring skilled people into the Corps at advanced ranks.

Threats

State of the Navy 2023

Has the fleet settled on a consensus shipbuilding plan just in time to be disrupted by the unmanned revolution?

Threats

State of the Marine Corps 2023

Efforts to fulfill the vision of Force Design 2030 are hitting a groove. But who will replace its architect?

Science & Tech

Leased Ship Will Shape USMC Amphib Requirements

The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab will wring out modified commercial ships to learn what is needed in future amphibious ships.

Policy

Less Efficient, More Resilient: The Marine Corps’ Plan for Modernizing its Logistics Operations

Installations and Logistics 2030 document is latest release in the service’s ongoing Force Design efforts.