Ideas

Shutdown’s ripple effect: Contractors, small businesses face devastating economic hit

At least 1 million contractor employees face lost paychecks as the funding lapse disrupts their companies' services to agencies and freezes federal operations.

Defense

Flood of questions leads Missile Defense Agency to push Golden Dome deadline one week

Pitches for a slice of MDA’s 10-year, up-to-$151 billion contract vehicle are now due Oct. 16.

Defense

The AI Gamble: Inside the High-Stakes Tech of the Golden Dome Initiative

President Trump's proposed space-based missile shield will rely heavily on AI to achieve the speed needed for boost-phase intercepts.

Science & Tech

Auterion closes $130M Series B round to expand drone software

The company pivoted to defense after Russia invaded Ukraine and emphasizes artificial intelligence in its design of the software.

Science & Tech

Foreign ties are crucial to US space dominance, officials say

More partnerships, tighter alliances are needed to counter advances by China and others, U.S. space leaders said.

Defense

China, China, Chi—wait, what? Air Force mulls next steps amid homeland focus

Officials tout applicability of ongoing modernization, but experts and former officials have doubts.

Exclusive Defense

More than 60K defense civilians have left under Hegseth—but officials are mum on the effects

Months into a hastily ordered overhaul, officials declined to disclose metrics, discuss problems.

Defense

F-47’s first flight expected in 2028

That’s a year earlier than Air Force officials have previously said Boeing's sixth-gen combat aircraft might take wing.

Ideas

China’s new missiles on parade: showpieces or showstoppers?

The Sept. 3 parade was clearly meant to convey China's growing military strength and technological ambition.

Defense

Has Space Force cracked the code on faster acquisition?

Leaders say the service is “disrupting” the Valley of Death, among other innovations.

Science & Tech

Air Force taps 33 companies for $980M automatic test systems contract

The pool of companies will compete for task orders to provide computer-controlled diagnostic equipment to test military aircraft and weapons systems.

Science & Tech

GovCIO wins $865M Air Force communications contract after protracted protest battle

The CTSS V contract, first awarded in 2024, will support 90,000 personnel across the Southern Command.

Exclusive Defense

When China plays orbital hide-and-seek, Maui’s telescopes give the US an edge

In an interview, Space Force’s Saltzman reveals what’s next for the key sensor site.

Science & Tech

Lockheed’s Skunk Works unveils work on a potential CCA competitor

Officials say multipurpose Vectis drone is to fly by 2027, have “Indo-Pacific” range.

Defense

Today’s ICBMs may operate until 2050, GAO says

That would be some 15 years longer than the Air Force was planning.

Defense

Golden Dome: a generational opportunity to modernize national defense infrastructure

If built on a strong technological foundation with fiscal discipline at its core, the Golden Dome presents a rare opportunity to fortify national security while demonstrating responsible government spending, writes Cale Thorne of DMI.