The US military plans to utilize artificial intelligence, but the question remains who will lead on this development - the government or industry? Breaking Defense Editor-in-Chief Aaron Mehta and AI expert Sydney Freedberg joined Joshua Wallin of the Center for a New American Security to discuss the future of military AI. For more insights, watch Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of the series.
President Trump has released a new executive order setting national space policy, focusing on civil and commercial sectors. The goal is to establish an 'initial' Moon base by 2028 and reiterates the Golden Dome plan for a comprehensive air and missile defense shield over America.
The US Space Force is working to rebuild its contracting workforce following significant civilian reductions and Pentagon reforms. This effort may be driven by the need for a more robust acquisition arm to support the Space Force's expansion plans, according to Breaking Defense reports.
Senator Ron Wyden has issued a hold on the confirmation of Lt. Gen.
The US Army's 11th Airborne Division conducted Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 26-02 training exercises in Alaska, where soldiers simulated an Arctic conflict scenario amidst freezing temperatures. According to Breaking Defense, the training comes as the Pentagon reorients to homeland defense.
The Defense Innovation Unit is launching a program to mature magnetic navigation (magnav) systems, which use instruments called magnetometers to detect changes in the Earth's terrestrial magnetic field. The program aims to demonstrate 'mature technology' for magnetic mapping that can enable magnav across 'trans-oceanic distances.
Breaking Defense is releasing an eBook featuring a curated roundup of its most consequential stories from 2025, plus a reporting-driven outlook on what's next for global defense in 2026. The publication explores key issues such as acquisition reform and drone warfare, which will shape the direction of the US military.
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.
Breaking Defense is pleased to announce Diana Stancy as its new Staff Reporter for Naval Warfare. With a background in covering the military at Navy Times and Military Times, Stancy will be responsible for covering the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as global naval developments.
House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith provided new details on the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act at the Reagan National Defense Forum, Breaking Defense reports. Smith expressed frustration with the Pentagon's secrecy regarding combat operations, criticizing the Trump administration for failing to disclose orders to Congress.