Ideas
The Future of Conflict is Proxy Warfare, Again
A new CNA study offers seven lessons from America’s experience with supporting one side from afar.
Threats
New Defense Secretary Immediately Faced With Challenges In Iran, UK
Esper takes the reins at the Pentagon just days after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker—and amid an ongoing rift with the U.S.’s closest ally.
Threats
Esper Confirmed As Defense Secretary, Despite Opposition from Some 2020 Dems
Tuesday's 90-8 vote ends the longest period in history that the Defense Department has gone without a confirmed leader.
Threats
‘Looking to Break Status Quo,’ Iran Seizes UK Tanker
Pentagon intel chief says Tehran wants to escape U.S. pressure, but not by going to war.
Policy
After Trump Weighs In on JEDI, GOP Lawmakers Say Keep Out of It
Four members of the House Armed Services Committee asked Trump to let the Pentagon award its Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure contract without delay.
Business
Ejecting Turkey from the F-35 Effort Will Cost At Least Half a Billion Dollars
That’s the Pentagon’s low estimate for replacing Turkish suppliers of more than 900 parts.
Policy
Esper Assures Wary Senators He'll Keep Military Out of Politics
During his confirmation hearing, the SecDef nominee was asked about Trump, China, and Russia — and not Afghanistan, ISIS, or al-Qaeda.
Policy
Sen. Warren Spars with Defense Secretary Nominee Over His Lobbyist Work
The Democratic presidential candidate said that Mark Esper, who has declined to recuse himself from Raytheon-related decisions, should not lead the Pentagon.
Policy
Inside the Pentagon’s Game of Musical Chairs
Richard V. Spencer is the year’s third acting defense secretary — but there are a lot more moving pieces than that.
Business
US Could Use Turkish F-35 Parts Contracts to Entice New Customers
Ankara is on track to forfeit work worth billions of dollars if it is booted from the F-35 program.
Business
Court Clears Pentagon to Award JEDI Lawsuit
The ruling against Oracle allows the government to award the contract in August to Microsoft or Amazon Web Services.
Policy
Milley: War with Iran Would Draw Forces from Great-Power Focus
The four-star Army general received questions but few challenges at his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing.
Ideas
How We Tamed the F-35’s Spiraling Costs — and Created a Model for Controlling Waste
The former defense secretary says defending America means defending taxpayers’ dollars.
Threats
Sexual Assault Allegation Surfaces About Nominee for Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman
Cleared by Air Force investigators, Gen. Hyten may yet face questions during his Senate confirmation process.
Policy
Brand New Marine One Helicopter To Make Debut at Trump’s July 4th Parade
Other aircraft slated to fly over include the B-2 stealth bomber, F-22 Raptor and Air Force One.
Policy
Lawmaker: Human Problem at Pentagon Worse than Tech Problem
Rep. Jim Cooper says Congress shouldn’t accept a government topped by acting political appointees.
Threats
Brussels Forum, Live
Watch the livestream from the German Marshall Fund's annual Brussels Forum.
Ideas
We’re Not Playing Acquisition Pac-Man Anymore
Today’s defense acquisition officials have freedom of movement akin to an open-world game. They need to use it.
Science & Tech
How the Pentagon Nickel-and-Dimed Its Way Into Losing a Drone
The lion’s share of the U.S. drone fleet is easy prey for advanced air defenses. It didn’t have to be that way.
Ideas