The Pentagon announced it was adding Xai's Grok to GenAI.mil, a secure version of popular AI tools, amid concerns about defense spending. Meanwhile, North Korea unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, while China conducted a large-scale exercise in Taiwan's airspace.
As the US midterm elections approach, concerns about congressional turmoil and defense spending uncertainty are growing. With Democrats poised to gain control of the House, the Trump administration's ability to enact its agenda without opposition is uncertain.
In 2025, Breaking Defense covered several high-profile stories that resonated with its audience, including the Army secretary's views on prime contractors, a canceled wearable solicitation, AFRICOM chief warnings about China's efforts to replicate US assistance, potential termination of General Dynamics' oversight of 155mm production lines, and questions surrounding future Gripen sales. These stories reflect the shifting landscape of defense spending and policy changes in 2025.
The House passed the fiscal 2026 defense authorization bill, setting up passage in the Senate before Congress goes on holiday break. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes $900.