Skip to main content

Government & Policy

Defense executive speaks at conference with financial documents in background.

Defense Execs Downplay Pentagon Budget Uncertainty

RTX CEO Chris Calio says there's bipartisan support for boosting munitions and key capabilities, despite budget chatter, giving defense execs reason for optimism. The Pentagon's FY27 request, totaling $1.15 trillion in base budget spending, aims to further ramp up defense-related funding.

Analyst 207
Fighter jet on display stand with blurred component in foreground at airshow.

US Defense Firms Face Growing ITAR Hurdles in Europe

European countries are pushing for greater autonomy in defense procurement, seeking to buy, sell, and operate military systems without being bound by US export controls, specifically the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The ITAR "see-through rule" is a major pain point, allowing US regulators to track and control American-made components even when they're integrated into foreign-built systems.

Analyst 207
US Capitol building with people walking, hint of technology in the foreground.

Senate Targets Online Safety with Sweeping Bills on AI, Privacy

As social media giants face mounting criticism nationwide, a coalition of nearly 100 organizations is urging lawmakers to take bold action, arguing that current laws aren't doing enough to protect users' wellbeing. The Senate Commerce Committee is now taking a major step forward with a package of five bills aimed at overhauling online safety, privacy, and AI regulations.

Analyst 207
Senators and officials seated around a table, conveying concern and uncertainty.

Senators Warn of AI Security Risks from US Policy Unpredictability

US senators are warning that the unpredictable approach to AI security is undermining America's competitiveness and inadvertently driving businesses to adopt Chinese alternatives, which could create new security risks. This lack of clarity is prompting concerns that customers may be pushed towards less secure options.

Analyst 207
A sleek fighter jet engine model sits on a large wooden table in a high-security government meeting room.

India Advances Safran-GTRE Fighter Engine Venture to CCS Approval

India is poised to take a major leap in its defence capabilities as the proposed Safran-GTRE fighter engine venture advances to the final approval stage, with a likely clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security before August 15, 2026. This high-stakes project has reached the prime minister-led CCS, which will make the final financial nod for the ambitious programme.

Analyst 207
Formal Senate committee room with empty chairs and podium, bathed in natural daylight.

Senate CR Rebuffs Pentagon Funding Requests

The White House had urged Congress to include a crucial funding exception, warning that without it, the Pentagon would be unable to start preparing for a vital ship construction project. But Senate appropriators surprisingly rejected the plea in their latest continuing resolution.

Analyst 207
Municipal water treatment plant interior with city skyline, staff working in background.

Trump Misattributes Water Sector Cyberattacks to Minnesota

President Trump sparked confusion by suggesting Minnesota was behind a series of cyberattacks on US water systems, calling the state grossly incompetent. But federal agencies and industry partners have actually attributed the attacks to other culprits - not Minnesota.

Analyst 207
Meeting space with table, mineral samples, and world map in background.

Pentagon Moves to Ease Industry Burden on Critical Mineral Restrictions

The Pentagon is giving industries a break, offering a phased approach to ease restrictions on critical minerals sourced from China and other prohibited countries, with a deadline to adapt by early 2027. They're also pledging to collaborate with companies to ensure a smooth transition.

Analyst 207
Formal office space with government building and industrial elements in background.

Pentagon Tightens Rules on Critical Mineral Waivers

The Pentagon is tightening its rules on critical mineral waivers, following President Trump's executive order aimed at securing America's defense supply chains and prioritizing domestic acquisition of critical materials. This move closes a loophole that previously allowed the Pentagon to bypass restrictions on buying strategic materials from certain countries.

Analyst 207
Empty chairs face a podium with papers and electronic devices in a regulatory office.

FCC Blocks Foreign Robots, Inverters Citing Cyber Risks

The FCC has taken a major step to safeguard US cybersecurity by adding foreign-made mobile robots and power inverters to its Covered List, effectively blocking their import, marketing, and sale in the country due to potential cyber risks. This move won't impact existing devices or previously authorized models, but it does set a new standard for protecting American consumers and infrastructure.

Analyst 207
Government officials gather at a podium in a formal courthouse interior.

Russia Charges Telegram's Durov for Aiding Terrorist Activity

Russia's Federal Security Service has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with aiding terrorist activity, alleging the platform enabled Ukrainian special services and extremist groups to plan sabotage, terrorism, and cyber-fraud within Russia. Durov has been placed on the international wanted list.

Analyst 207
Formal government setting with podium, tall windows, and blurred signage.

Clayton Confirmed as National Intelligence Director

Jay Clayton has been confirmed as the National Intelligence Director, vowing to tackle the tough task of steadying an intelligence community in turmoil, with a clear-eyed focus on the critical link between national security and economic stability. As the new head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Clayton will oversee the nation's 18 intelligence agencies and serve as President Trump's top intelligence adviser.

Analyst 207
Diverse group meets around table with laptops and papers, surrounded by flags and defense emblems.

Australia's Defence Industry Seeks Allies to Bolster Resilience

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy highlights a key hurdle in bolstering defence industry resilience: cutting through bureaucratic red tape to facilitate risk-taking and seamless IP transfer between nations.

Analyst 207
Government official examines defense-related display in formal briefing room.

US Commerce Speeds Defense Sales Advocacy Amid Global Competition

US Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt reveals that US defense firms are facing fierce competition from European and Asian rivals as they vie for a slice of the growing global defense market. With Europe's rising defense budgets, Kimmitt is rallying industry input to pinpoint key opportunities and give top picks a boost.

Analyst 207
Diverse group of people in modern conference room with cityscape and abstract communication network blocks.

US Pushes Global Coalition to Secure 6G Leadership

The US is spearheading a groundbreaking global effort with over 20 governments to shape the future of 6G technology, prioritizing security and resilience. This unprecedented initiative, led by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, aims to position the US and its allies for leadership in the next generation of communications.

Analyst 207
Stacks of voting-related documents on a table in an empty government conference room.

Trump Administration Seeks to Revive Mail-In Voting Restrictions

The Trump administration is pushing to revive restrictions on mail-in voting, with the Solicitor General asking the Supreme Court to allow an executive order to take effect, potentially reshaping how Americans cast their ballots in the November midterms. The order, signed in March, aims to tighten mail-in voting rules and verify voter eligibility.

Analyst 207
Aircraft exhibit on display at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Aerospace Sector Braces for Congress' Likely Continuing Resolution

With a continuing resolution seeming all but certain, the aerospace sector is bracing for impact as Congress weighs its budget options. Industry leaders are already sounding the alarm, as CEO Eric Fanning of the Aerospace Industries Association recently discussed the likelihood of a stopgap measure with Breaking Defense's Aaron Mehta at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Analyst 207
Industrial mining equipment in a vast open-pit mine with symbolic mineral samples.

G7 Seeks Allies to Diversify Critical-Mineral Supply Chains

The G7 is rallying allies to join forces in securing critical minerals, aiming to reduce reliance on any single supplier to less than 60% by 2030. By diversifying supply chains and strengthening production, the group hopes to build a more resilient and secure global market.

Analyst 207
Construction yard with equipment and infrastructure under bright daylight, workers and security personnel present.

AUKUS Spending Lacks Transparency at Osborne

The Osborne construction yard, set to become Australia's nuclear submarine hub, has received a hefty A$8.5 billion funding injection, yet its spending remains shrouded in secrecy, raising questions about transparency.

Analyst 207
Ukrainian officials sit at a large wooden table with empty chairs, conveying tension and division.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Ouster Exposes Rift in Zelenskyy Leadership

Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has made a bold statement, refusing to take on any role other than Minister of Defense in order to tackle procurement corruption head-on. At just 35, Fedorov has already made a lasting impact, digitizing Ukraine's war effort and bringing transparency to government records.

Analyst 207
Technicians work on a prototype device in a brightly-lit facility with Middle Eastern architectural influences.

US Eases Export Curbs to Boost UAE's Drone, AI Tech Production

The US has just made it easier for the UAE to supercharge its drone and AI tech production by easing export restrictions, giving them cleaner access to cutting-edge dual-use technology. This game-changing upgrade is set to take their defense capabilities to the next level.

Analyst 207
Formal government office with modern and institutional elements, featuring a large blank computer screen on a sleek desk…

Pentagon Consolidates Oracle Software Buys in $7 Billion Deal

The Department of Defense has secured a $7 billion deal with Oracle to centralize software purchases, a move that's expected to save taxpayers at least $441 million while better supporting military personnel. This unified agreement streamlines Oracle buying across the DoD, bringing transparency to enterprise usage and spending.

Analyst 207
Formal meeting room with large table and chairs, daylight pouring in through tall windows.

NATO's Indo-Pacific Ties Endure Beyond Summit Absences

Despite the high-profile absences at the recent NATO Summit, the alliance's ties with Indo-Pacific partners remain strong. For the second year in a row, leaders from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea missed the summit, but the relationship endures.

Analyst 207
US official addresses cybercrime at podium with tech hint in background.

US Restricts Visas for Cyber Scammers and Sextortionists

The US is cracking down on cyber scammers and sextortionists by restricting visas for those behind these crimes, sending a strong message that it won't tolerate exploitation of its citizens. This move targets not only the culprits but also their immediate family members, aiming to dismantle these criminal networks.

Analyst 207