What Happened
Breaking Defense Reflects On A Year Of Change And Looks Ahead
The year 2025 was marked by significant changes in the US defense landscape, with the Trump administration shaking things up through personnel changes and policy shifts. The National Security Strategy, released in December, indicates a new focus on the Western Hemisphere, which may have implications for European defense spending and American manufacturers. Despite a government shutdown, defense spending increased, thanks to reconciliation. Breaking Defense reflects on the major stories of 2025 and looks ahead to 2026, with potential developments in acquisition overhaul, next-gen air dominance, and space exploration. This article was first reported by Breaking Defense.