Management

Hard-Nosed Pentagon Negotiator Removed From Job; Racked Up Huge Travel Costs

Shay Assad also backed a controversial plan to slow payments to defense contractors.

Defense

Trump’s Space Force Request Is Coming — But Final Form Remains Hazy

Will his proposed space organization more resemble the Air Force or the Marines? Pence didn’t say.

Defense

Mattis ‘Optimistic’ Pentagon Will Get Needed Budget from White House, Democrats

Mattis tells nervous defense industry execs and conservatives at Reagan National Defense Forum he doesn’t expect sharp budget cuts from House Democrats and President Trump.

Defense

White House Seeks Alternatives to Independent Space Force

Pentagon leaders were dutifully double-timing toward a new military branch. Then they got new marching orders.

Defense

The Air Force Is Redrawing Its Pacific-War Playbook for China

New Pacific Air Forces chief wants deeper cooperation with allied militaries — and better drills for when comms go down.

Defense

Space Force Actually May Be a Bargain, New Cost Estimate Says

“At this point it may be a coin toss whether or not this makes it through,” says Todd Harrison.

Defense

Senior Defense Officials Offer Dueling Pricetags for Space Force

Hours after the Pentagon’s No. 2 floated a sub-$5 billion figure, the Air Force secretary stood by her $13-billion estimate.

Oversight

‘Redo’ Nuclear Posture Review, Says Next House Armed Services Chair

Rep. Adam Smith laid out new terms for a debate over the Pentagon’s plans to expand the military’s nuclear arsenal.

Management

Military Intelligence Spending Just Posted Biggest Spike in a Decade

With an 18 percent increase this year, the Pentagon’s $22 billion intelligence tab is rising faster than civilian spy agencies.

Tech

After Laser Attacks, Pentagon Spending $200M to Protect Pilots’ Eyeballs

The contracts came just months after the U.S. accused China of trying to blind military pilots in Africa and the Pacific.

Defense

Will Trump Really Cut Defense Spending by 5%? It’s Way Too Early To Say

The Pentagon’s No. 2 confirms that the president’s surprise order will affect the military, but experts say there may ultimately be no decline at all.

Defense

Pentagon Officials Debating How Fast to Launch Space Force, Deputy Says

White House panel announces formal recommendations, while Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan confirms NRO will remain apart from Space Force.

Defense

Here’s The Pentagon’s Initial Plan For Creating a Space Force

Parts of the Air Force, Navy and Army would move into a sixth branch, but the NRO will likely remain independent.

Tech

Mattis Asks Trump to OK Space Command, Pick Leaders

The Pentagon has made a number of internal moves to create the 11th combatant command.

Management

Trump Wants Chinese Parts Out of American Weapons

The White House will call for targeted investments in domestic manufacturing in an industrial-base report to be unveiled Friday.

Management

An Italian-Designed, American-Built Helicopter Will Replace U.S. Air Force Hueys

The selection of the Boeing-Leonardo MH-139 ends a years-long quest to replace the 1970s-era UH-1Ns.

Tech

USAF’s Space Force Cost-Estimate Is Likely Too High: Analyst

Todd Harrison says $13 billion is a high-ball figure meant to shift the debate.

Tech

Creating Space Force Will Cost $13B Over 5 Years: USAF Secretary

In a pointed memo, Heather Wilson counters several Space Force proposals championed by Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

Management

Pentagon Spending $34M to Make Presidential Jets More Posh

The Air Force is upgrading the interiors of two smaller VIP aircraft to resemble the presidential cabin of Trump’s main Air Force One jets.