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Government & Policy

Commerce Secretary speaks at a podium in a formal conference setting.

US Courts Foreign Investment Amid America First Push

Discover how the US is opening its doors to foreign investors, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick leading the charge, promising to make deals happen and offering support for securing visas and setting up operations. America First now means America together, with the government actively seeking partnerships and investments from abroad.

Analyst 207
Senior government officials meet in a formal room with neutral tones.

Malaysia Seeks Clarifications as Norway Weighs Backing Out of Missile Deal

Malaysia is taking a proactive approach to resolve a potential hiccup in its missile purchase deal with Norway, with Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin vowing to seek clarifications through diplomatic channels. The country is keen to find a solution that serves its best interests and ensures its defense readiness remains on track.

Analyst 207
Industrial facility with cylindrical objects, possibly rocket motors, in foreground and blurred control panel in background.

Northrop Grumman Seeks to End FTC Firewall on Solid Rocket Motor Business

Northrop Grumman is taking a major step to boost support for critical munitions and key missile programs by petitioning the Federal Trade Commission to lift a firewall on its solid rocket motor business. By removing this 2018 restriction, Northrop Grumman aims to better serve its customers' needs as a trusted supplier.

Analyst 207
Japanese and Australian officials meet at a large wooden table in a government building.

Japan, Australia Forge Deeper Security Ties Amid Global Upheaval

As the world navigates a period of seismic change, Japan and Australia are bolstering their security ties to safeguard their interests and shape a more stable future. In response to a shifting global landscape, marked by a US pivot towards an America First doctrine, rising Chinese assertiveness, and Russia's aggression, Tokyo and Canberra are taking decisive action.

Analyst 207
Person sitting at laptop with concerned expression, surrounded by books and papers, with blurred cityscape in background.

UK Age-Gating Plans Threaten Internet Openness, Privacy Groups Warn

Privacy groups, including EFF and Mozilla, are warning that UK age-gating plans could threaten the openness and freedom of the internet, stifling opportunities for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. The proposed measures have sparked a joint public pushback from leading advocates for civil liberties and online rights.

Analyst 207
Japanese and Philippine defense officials stand beside a model naval vessel at a podium with a cityscape background.

Japan Shifts Defense Export Strategy with Philippines Deal

Japan is taking a significant leap in its defense export strategy with a groundbreaking deal with the Philippines, aiming to fast-track the export of advanced destroyer escorts through bilateral working-level consultations. This move follows the establishment of a joint working group by Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro to facilitate the transfer of Maritime Self-Defense Force equipment.

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Senior naval officer in dress uniform stands near a desk in a formal office setting with a podium and announcement backdrop.

Pentagon Nominates New Leaders for Navy's Surface Warfare, Air Mobility Commands

The Pentagon has announced two key nominations: Rear Adm. Joseph Cahill as the Navy's top surface warfare officer, also known as the "SWO boss," and a yet unnamed nominee for Air Mobility Command, as the military continues to shape its leadership. If confirmed, Cahill will be elevated to a third star and take the helm of the Navy's surface warfare operations.

Analyst 207
Two defense ministers shake hands in formal attire before a backdrop with subtle national flags.

Japan, Indonesia Forge Defense Pact, Opening Door to Arms Transfers

Japan and Indonesia have taken a significant step forward in their defense ties, signing a cooperation agreement that paves the way for increased collaboration in the defense industry and personnel development. This landmark deal could also open doors for Tokyo to emerge as a key arms supplier to Jakarta as it modernizes its military.

Analyst 207
Empty office space with rows of vacant desks and chairs, scattered with office supplies and papers.

US Government Faces Crucial Overhaul Beyond Restoration

The US government's damage runs far deeper than a simple fix, with over 200,000 federal jobs eliminated and critical programs gutted - a daunting reality that demands more than just a Band-Aid solution. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warns that piecing together the fragments won't be enough to restore the country to its former state.

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Senior military and defense officials testify before a congressional committee.

Pentagon Leaders Defend Budget Strategy Before Congress

Top Pentagon officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, recently took to Capitol Hill to defend their budget strategy before Congress. They made a united front, appearing together to make their case during reconciliation hearings.

Analyst 207
European cityscape with historic and modern buildings, tech devices on a rustic table.

Breaking Defense Launches European Edition

Get ready to stay ahead of the curve on all things European defense - Breaking Defense has just launched its brand-new European edition, your go-to source for the latest on defense tech, industry trends, and strategic shifts shaping the continent. Europe's defense landscape is being rewritten, and this site is here to bring you all the insights you need.

Analyst 207
Rows of military tanks and armored vehicles loaded onto transport ships in a secure daylight facility.

US Approves $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Allies, Bypassing Congressional Review

The US has greenlit an $8.6 billion arms deal with its Middle East allies, sidestepping Congressional review by declaring an emergency that requires immediate action to protect national security interests. This massive sale involves four key partners: Qatar, Kuwait, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates.

Analyst 207
Formal government room with podium and chairs, flooded with natural daylight from tall windows.

Pentagon Units Cite Zero Unfunded Needs Amid $1.5 Trillion Budget Boost

In a remarkable turn of events, the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion budget request has led to a surprising outcome: multiple military services and combatant commands have reported zero unfunded needs for the fiscal year. This unprecedented budget boost has enabled a record-shattering 44% increase, allowing commanders to confidently declare their priorities fully funded.

Analyst 207
Formal conference setting with a large table and chairs near tall windows, several individuals in the background.

Trump's Iran Policy Falters on Flawed Assumptions

With the US and Iran just extending their diplomatic ceasefire, now's the time for honest conversations - and a president willing to listen. The fragile truce offers a brief reprieve, but can it salvage a process marred by miscommunication and conflicting goals?

Analyst 207
Senior White House official speaks at podium with American flag in background.

White House Sidesteps Congressional Review with Iran Ceasefire Claim

The White House is claiming that a ceasefire between US and Iranian forces, agreed upon on April 7 and since extended, effectively halts the 60-day clock under the War Powers Resolution, allowing them to sidestep Congressional review. This interpretation has been echoed by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated that a ceasefire pauses the clock.

Analyst 207
Secure government office with rows of workstations and people working in the distance, hinting at passport production.

Home Office Bolsters Passport Contract to £576M Amid Rising Demand

The Home Office has supercharged its passport production contract, boosting its value to £576 million as demand for passports continues to soar. This 12-year deal, worth £48 million annually, is a significant increase from the original £360 million estimate.

Analyst 207
Empty congressional hearing room with podium and rows of chairs.

Congress Extends Surveillance Law Amid Renewed Scrutiny

Congress has given itself a 45-day reprieve, extending a contentious surveillance law that's raised alarm bells over its potential for abuse, despite revelations of major compliance problems. The law, Section 702, allows for warrantless snooping on foreign targets, but critics worry about its impact on civil liberties.

Analyst 207
Empty congressional hearing room with podium and chairs, US government seal in background.

Pentagon Eyes Flood of Reconciliation Funds for Defense Contracts

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the floodgates are about to open, promising a surge in defense contracts as a massive $152 billion in funding is set to be unleashed, with only $26 billion allocated so far. The pending contracts are expected to prioritize key initiatives, including munitions, nuclear modernization, and new ships.

Analyst 207
Serene Japanese government building with globe hint and diplomatic documents on a wooden table.

Japan Confronts Limits of Fact-Checking in Countering Chinese Disinformation

When China's foreign minister declared Taiwan an inalienable part of China's territory, his words went viral - spreading like wildfire across state media, diplomatic dispatches, and online campaigns. Since Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took a firmer stance on Taiwan, Beijing has stepped up its disinformation game, distorting her words and making bold claims about Okinawa.

Analyst 207
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stands at a podium in a Senate hearing room, addressing lawmakers including Senator Tim Kaine.

US Military Operation in Iran Hits 60-Day Limit

The 60-day mark for US military operations in Iran has been reached, sparking a heated debate over whether the administration will seek congressional approval to continue its actions. Lawmakers, including Sen. Tim Kaine, are pressing for clarity on the matter, citing the War Powers Resolution as the basis for their concerns.

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Government building exterior with American flags in background.

CISA Rebounds as Funding Deal Bolsters Cyber Defenses

With the record 75-day shutdown finally over, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency can breathe a sigh of relief as a new funding deal brings its operations back to normal, bolstering the nation's cyber defenses. The bipartisan measure provides a much-needed $64.4 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at a drone production facility where a technician works on a drone.

Ukraine Unveils Conditional Drone Export Policy

Ukraine is opening up new opportunities for its drone industry, allowing companies to export domestically produced weapons to select partner countries, but only after meeting the state's own military needs. This strategic move aims to boost Ukraine's economy while prioritizing its own defense requirements.

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Iran's IRGC Crisis Exposes Pakistan's Mediation Limits

Iran's IRGC Crisis Exposes Pakistan's Mediation Limits

Pakistan's bid to mediate between the US and Iran ended in a stalemate, revealing a surprising gap in Tehran's decision-making authority and leaving Islamabad's diplomatic ambitions unfulfilled. The talks exposed that Iran's powerful IRGC leaders, not the negotiators, held the reins of power.

Analyst 207
Modern Australian tech facility interior with sleek lobby and bright daytime lighting.

Australia's Innovation Funds Face Mission Clarity Test

Can Australia's A$500 million Advanced Capability Investment fund live up to its promise of driving innovation, or will uncertainty around its mission and structure hold it back? The government's ambitious plan to spark investment in strategically important technologies hangs in the balance.

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