Government & Policy
UK Weighs Ban on Signal Jammers Amid Crime Concerns
The UK is considering a ban on radiofrequency jammers, devices that scramble signals, amid concerns over their link to crime - but could this move drive their use further underground? The government has launched a four-week public consultation to gather evidence and shape laws that could outlaw these controversial devices.
Universities Scramble to Tighten Export Controls Amid Rising Geostrategic Risks
As governments worldwide tighten export controls to protect national security and industrial advantages, universities are facing a pressing dilemma: who's accountable when research crosses into sensitive territory - the administration, the researcher, or the state? It's a question that urgently needs answering, as institutions and academics must revisit export-control compliance to avoid severe consequences.
Universities Scramble to Tighten Export Controls Amid Rising Risks
As governments tighten export controls to protect national interests, universities face a pressing dilemma: how to balance the need for global collaboration and discovery with the risk of unchecked research crossing borders. With regulations once reserved for industry now bearing down on academic activity, institutions must urgently revisit their export-control compliance to avoid stifling innovation.
Pentagon Budget Proposal Unveils Big Bets on Emerging Tech
The Trump administration's Fiscal Year 2027 defense proposal is a bold bet on the future, allocating $1.5 trillion to drive huge investments in emerging tech while making targeted cuts to optimize spending. This ambitious plan promises to reshape the military's priorities, balancing growth with strategic reductions.
France Fortifies Solar Sector with Curbs on Chinese Components
France is taking a bold step towards a cleaner future by launching a new wave of government-backed solar energy projects, while also setting strict rules to exclude Chinese-made photovoltaic components and ensure top-notch cybersecurity. By combining protectionist measures with tough tech requirements, Paris is pushing the boundaries of how nations can promote renewable energy while safeguarding their interests.
Breaking Defense Bolsters Editorial Team with New Production Editor
We're excited to announce that Ben Watson has joined Breaking Defense as our new production editor, leading the charge on newsletters, social media, and special editorial projects that bring our in-depth analysis to your inbox and feeds. With this new role, we're poised to take our reporting to the next level, delivering the latest defense insights in fresh and engaging ways.
China Consolidates Taiwan Ties with KMT Encounters
When former foes start swapping secrets for public handshakes, the real question is: what's changed now that everyone can see the table? China's Communist Party and Taiwan's Kuomintang are meeting more frequently and openly, sparking curiosity about the impact of these visible encounters on their complex relationship.
Pentagon Curbs 'War Department' Label in Official Filings
A recent memo from the Pentagon's inspector general has put a surprising restriction on the use of the phrase "War Department" in official filings, warning that it may not be suitable for court documents or other formal legal submissions. This seemingly minor change in nomenclature has sparked questions about formality, legality, and perception.
Army Picks Finalists for Pilot Training Contract Amid Congressional Scrutiny
The Army has taken a major step towards overhauling its pilot training program by selecting two finalists to potentially take over the contract, with a decision expected as early as September. This development comes despite growing concerns from lawmakers about the plan to outsource this critical training.
Australia, New Zealand Forge Deeper Defense Ties Under ANZUS Treaty
Australia and New Zealand are taking their decades-long friendship to the next level, aiming to supercharge their military cooperation under the ANZUS Treaty and make significant strides by 2035. The two nations are shifting from political promises to practical action, seeking a deeper defense partnership that will bring their militaries even closer together.
Scenario Planning Evolves as Uncertainty Compounds Global Risk
When the future suddenly stops making sense, organizations are faced with a daunting decision: stick with outdated planning methods or evolve to anticipate the unexpected. As uncertainty compounds and trends become less reliable, a new approach to strategic planning and risk management is urgently needed.
Pentagon Unveils $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget Plan
The Pentagon has just dropped a bombshell with its $1.5 trillion defense budget request, sparking intense scrutiny and debate - but what's really behind the massive proposal, and what does it mean for the future of defense spending? One key lawmaker's take on the F-35 program is shedding some much-needed light on the plan.
Private Capital Influx Tests Defense Industrial Base's Resilience
A surge of private capital is flowing into defense firms, sparking hopes of a revolution, but experts warn that without aligned aims among stakeholders, this boom may fizzle out. Can the defense industrial base harness this influx of funding to drive innovation and growth, or will misaligned goals derail the momentum?
Congress Probes ICE's Use of Paragon Spyware
House Democrats are pushing back against Immigration and Customs Enforcement's use of Paragon spyware, demanding more answers after the agency's explanations fell short. The lawmakers' concerns highlight growing tensions over law enforcement's use of controversial hacking tools.
VA and DoD Bolster Healthcare Delivery for Veterans, Active-Duty Personnel
When it comes to caring for those who have served and preparing those who will serve next, trust is paramount - and for the VA and DoD, delivering top-notch healthcare services is at the heart of their mission. As the largest healthcare providers in the US, they're dedicated to ensuring the well-being of Veterans and the deployment readiness of our active-duty personnel.
Government Agencies Transform Contact Centers to Meet Evolving Citizen Needs
Join the Contact Center Transformation Summit on April 8, 2026, to explore how government agencies can evolve to meet changing citizen needs and ensure seamless access to essential benefits. This summit brings together leaders and experts to share insights and best practices for transforming contact centers in the public sector.
White House Slashes CISA Funding by $707 Million
The White House's plan to slash $707 million from CISA funding raises critical questions about the impact on the agency's vital services and the trade-offs policymakers will have to make. This massive cut will have far-reaching consequences for the people who rely on CISA's work to keep them safe and secure.
Defense Agencies Pursue Multi-Cloud Strategies to Bolster Operational Tempo
As defense agencies shift their focus beyond mere cloud migration metrics, they're now prioritizing a new set of goals that will give them a decisive edge in the digital landscape. They're leveraging multi-cloud strategies to drive decision advantage at scale, financial transparency, and operational tempo.
New Mexico Ruling Threatens End-to-End Encryption
A recent New Mexico court ruling against Meta has sparked a crucial debate: is it riskier to have social platforms that shield private messages with end-to-end encryption, or to leave them exposed for law enforcement to scrutinize? This case highlights the tricky trade-offs between user privacy and public safety.
White House Proposes Sharp Cut to Cyber Defense Agency CISA
Can a cyber defense agency with a sharply reduced budget safeguard a nation that's more connected - and vulnerable - than ever? The White House's FY2027 budget proposal takes a concerning step back, slashing $707 million from CISA, the agency tasked with protecting against rising nation-state cyberthreats.
Pentagon Overhauls Cyber Talent Management System
The Pentagon is revolutionizing its approach to cyber talent management, seeking a unified system to streamline the process of filling 225,000 crucial cyber roles across its vast organization. A recent panel of military service CIOs called for a Department of Defense-wide talent management system to drive consistency and interoperability across the enterprise.
UK to Spend £630K on Digital ID Public Consultation Panel
The UK government is investing £630,000 in a people's panel to gather public feedback on its proposed digital identity scheme, aiming to address concerns and build trust in the new system. But will this hefty price tag buy genuine public engagement or just political cover?