US defense industrial strength is our first line of defense
Successful implementation of the National Defense Industrial Strategy may very well be the deciding factor in our future as a global military power.
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Sweden asks Saab to study ‘future fighter concepts’
As Stockholm plots its way forward, Saab CEO Micael Johansson had called for such a study in a previous interview with Breaking Defense.
In fiscal 2025, bet on Congress or begin to pivot
John Ferrari and Charles Rahr, in this op-ed, argue that instead of relying on the Hill to bail it out, the Pentagon may need to embrace its true needs and change where it invests.
It’s official: The F-35 will not get a new engine anytime soon
After rancorous debate, a new engine for the stealth fighter was already in doubt, but legislation released by congressional appropriators today seemingly puts the issue to rest.
Replicator, planes and multi-year deals: What’s in the new FY24 defense spending bill
The bipartisan spending package, released early this morning, increases defense funding by $27 billion over the previous year’s enacted budget and includes a number of key provisions the department had requested.
Army has 1 unmanned system in Replicator’s initial tranche, 3 others in mind for next go: Official
Meanwhile, the Air Force’s Vice Chief of Staff Gen James Slife said his service has several “compelling programs in the pipeline” but they are “not quite as technologically mature as some of the Army programs.”
Air Force conducts final test of ARRW hypersonic missile, won’t discuss ‘specific’ results
The test’s results could determine the ultimate fate of the Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or at least help "further a range of hypersonic programs."
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Future inevitability of quantum computers is a security problem today
‘Store Now, Decrypt Later’ attacks must be thwarted now with Zero Trust cybersecurity.
Air Force RFI targets engine options for NGAS tankers
Responses will help shape analysis for the tanker program, known as the Next Generation Air refueling System.
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Military innovation and savings: Go commercial
DoD uses FAR Part 12 acquisitions to save hundreds of millions of dollars in “of a type” systems like civil landing systems with applicability to military aircraft.
Pentagon finally approves F-35 for full rate production after 5-year delay
The "Milestone C" decision is a crucial moment signifying the department's confidence in the performance of the F-35 and maturity of Lockheed Martin's production system, though the plane has been in service for years.
Air Force halves MH-139A Grey Wolf helo buy in FY25 budget request
“It's just about the overall budget of the Air Force and what we're able to afford and what we're not able to afford,” explained Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter of the decision to cut the birds.
America’s newest nuclear warhead will cost under $100M to produce, budget docs show
The B61-13, announced in October, seeks to create a higher-yield nuclear bomb that can be used to penetrate hardened enemy locations.
Honeywell unveils new F-35 thermal management fix as Pentagon hunts for better cooling
“Now that we understand that 80 kilowatts is a must-have, it was the mission of: how do we get there, with the lowest impact to the overall airframe?” Honeywell Aerospace’s Matt Milas told Breaking Defense in an exclusive interview.
Pentagon eyes $1 billion over 2 years for Replicator mass drone fleet concept
“There was a debate which ... about so-called ‘reveal, conceal’ [and] how much detail we want to put out,” said Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller Mike McCord. "We're sort of leaning on the side of not disclosing the details..."