Defense

Senate confirms Defense nominees stalled by GOP holds

Republicans cave in after being pressed to explain wartime holds that weren't based on the merits of the candidates for Air Force and acquisition jobs.

Defense

Navy official calls for rapid deployment of unmanned vessels

Systems would enhance the service's ability to detect mines and survey coastlines.

Defense

Navy chief optimistic F-35 will enter fleet on schedule

The service will benefit from being third in line to receive the fighter jets, top officer says.

Defense

Defense seeks more time to weigh multiyear fighter jet deal

Deputy tells lawmakers the Pentagon did not receive an offer early enough to meet March 1 deadline.

Defense

Air Force secretary says F-35 cost to breach legal limit

Price tag could trigger a congressional review and force the Pentagon to prove the program is critical to national security, says Michael Donley.

Defense

New analysis fuels debate over alternative F-35 engine

Pentagon study advises against funding an alternate engine for the jet, despite finding that doing so would cost no more than procuring only the primary engine.

Defense

Officials still hope firms will compete for tanker deal

Pentagon wants to avoid a scenario in which there is only one bidder for the pact, which is worth as much as $40 billion.

Defense

Northrop's Hill allies hit tanker RFP

Company officials have threatened to pull out of the competition amid concerns of favoritism.

Defense

Military services scale back their wish lists to Congress

High-priced goods are trimmed as military shows budget restraint.

Defense

Air Force will release tanker RFP on Wednesday

Pentagon officials have said they hope to award a contract this summer for the program, which is the service's top procurement priority.

Defense

Republican renews bid for multiyear F-18 deal

Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri says program's risks are worth cost savings.

Defense

General warns of unmanned aircraft 'infatuation'

Air Force Lt. Gen. David Deptula says certain missions, such as carrying nuclear weapons, would likely require a pilot.

Defense

Pentagon will ramp up F-35 review

Defense procurement chief is confident that the department can bring down costs on the planes.

Defense

Industry sees few changes with new House defense appropriations chief

Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., in line to take subcommittee gavel after death of Rep. John Murtha, D-Penn.

Defense

Senator lifts nominee holds, says issues being addressed

Tanker acquisition and FBI center were among issues concerning Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala.

Defense

Senator puts blanket hold on presidential nominees

According to Democratic aides, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., is stalling more than 70 nominees in an effort to win concessions for his home state.

Defense

Gates rejects multiyear deal on Navy aircraft

Defense secretary tells Congress it would not save enough money to make it worthwhile.

Defense

Gates sacks F-35 manager, withholds Lockheed payments

Defense chief has expressed frustration over projected cost increases and schedule delays.

Defense

Panel will study impact of gay ban repeal on military

Group will study a range of issues, including any changes to benefits, base housing and personnel policies that would be made necessary by repealing the law.

Defense

House GOP leader willing to look for Defense cuts

The Pentagon should not get a pass as administration officials and lawmakers look for places to trim spending, Rep. John Boehner says.