Tag: defense policy
39 articles
GOP Infighting Derails Defense Bill's Path to Floor Vote
House Republicans faced a major setback as infighting over the defense bill blocked its path to a floor vote, with 14 GOP members defying their party to side with Democrats against a procedural rule. The failed vote now stalls consideration of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act.
Burnham's Rise Poses Test for UK Defense Spending Pledge
As Andy Burnham rises to prominence with his decisive by-election win in Makerfield, the UK's defense spending pledge is about to face its biggest test yet. With Labour's future leadership potentially in his hands, Burnham's next moves will be closely watched, especially given the ambitious targets to increase defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035.
Kendall Warns of Lethal Autonomy Control Challenges
The challenge with lethal autonomy control is that it's incredibly hard to define - and therefore regulate - because its core capabilities exist on a spectrum with no clear boundaries. This makes it nearly impossible to draw a line between acceptable and banned systems, leaving us with a daunting question: how can we create an effective arms control regime?
Congress Probes Pentagon's Use of Military Lawyers in Civilian Roles
Senator Elizabeth Warren slammed the Pentagon's deployment of military lawyers in civilian roles, warning it's undermining military readiness and morale in the process. She's now leading a push for a Government Accountability Office review of the practice.
Pentagon Agrees to Overhaul SOCOM Acquisition Oversight
The Pentagon has agreed to revamp its oversight of Special Operations Command (SOCOM) acquisitions after a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed friction and inefficiencies in the current system. The GAO found that unclear policies and limited access to program data hindered the Assistant Secretary of Defense's ability to effectively oversee SOCOM's acquisition programs.
Cyber Force push falters in Senate, but proponents persist
Despite a narrow setback in the Senate Armed Services Committee, supporters of a new Cyber Force remain undeterred, with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's team vowing to continue the push for its creation. The proposed Cyber Force, which would be housed under the Army, fell just 1 vote short in a 14-13 defeat.
Senate Panel Unveils $1.14T Defense Bill with New Drone Command
The Senate Armed Services Committee has just unveiled a groundbreaking $1.14 trillion defense policy bill that sets the stage for a major overhaul of the Pentagon's approach to unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. At the heart of the bill is the creation of a new four-star combatant command dedicated to robotic and autonomous systems.
US Lawmakers Probe A-10 Revitalization with AI, Electronic Warfare Gear
US lawmakers are exploring ways to breathe new life into the A-10 Thunderbolt II with cutting-edge tech, including artificial intelligence and electronic warfare gear, to boost its performance and relevance. The fate of the Warthog and its critical missions hangs in the balance, making this potential upgrade a high-stakes endeavor.
Lawmakers Press Navy to Accelerate Drone Boat Deployments
The House Armed Services Committee is pushing the Navy to speed up its drone boat deployments, driven by urgent demands from combat zones worldwide. The committee's draft defense policy bill requires the Navy to create a comprehensive plan for buying, maintaining, and operating small unmanned surface vessels.
Lawmakers Press Army for Detailed Transformation Plans
Congress is pushing the Army for a clearer roadmap to achieve its transformation goals, with Rep. Mike Rogers bluntly stating that the Army hasn't done its homework. The House Armed Services Committee has now mandated an annual report and briefing from the Army to keep lawmakers in the loop.
Japan Counters China’s Militarism Allegations with Defense Policy Defense
Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi hit back at China's militarism allegations, calling them "strange" and reaffirming Tokyo's commitment to international law and the UN charter. He emphasized Japan's goal of supporting regional stability through defense cooperation, not aggression.
Senator Pushes to Create Cyber Force Under Army Oversight
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing for a game-changing solution to combat escalating cyber threats: a dedicated Cyber Force under the Army's oversight, which could revolutionize the way we approach digital defense. Her proposed amendment to the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act could make this vision a reality.
Congress Targets Trump Class Battleship Over Immature Weapon Systems
Congress is putting the brakes on the Trump Class Battleship program, refusing to let the Navy move forward with construction until the weapon systems are proven to be mature and ready for action. The proposed legislation would require the Secretary of the Navy to certify that the ship's technology is up to par before a contract can be signed.
House Panel Targets Defense Industrial Base in $1.15T Policy Bill
The House Armed Services Committee's draft defense policy bill aims to bolster the Defense Industrial Base, driven by a stark reality: the US no longer has the capacity to rapidly produce war-fighting capabilities at scale. A $1.15 trillion spending plan is on the table, but a separate $350 billion request remains a crucial wildcard.
Pentagon Weighs Reversal of Army Aviation Cuts
The Pentagon is mulling a major reversal: restoring Army aviation cuts that have been hanging in the balance. This potential shift could significantly impact the Army's Aviation Transformation Initiative and the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program.
Congress Scrutinizes Nuclear Cruise Missile Funding
The National Nuclear Security Administration is ramping up production of nuclear warheads, including crucial components for a sea-launched cruise missile with nuclear capabilities, sparking concern from a prominent Congressional leader. This development has raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are now scrutinizing the project's funding.
Army Transformation Initiative Under Review Amid Funding Concerns
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is hitting the pause button on the Army Transformation Initiative, admitting that while some aspects are promising, others require a closer look. The move has sparked questions from lawmakers and military leaders about the future of the Army's overhaul.
Navy Proposes Longer Amphib Readiness Cycles, Seeks More Ships
The Navy is proposing a game-changing plan to boost its amphibious fleet's readiness with a longer 56-month cycle, allowing ships to undergo two workup cycles, two integrated training cycles, and two deployments. This extended cycle, up from the current 36 months, aims to enhance the fleet's capabilities and effectiveness.
Pentagon Launches Broad Review of Military Legal System
The Pentagon has launched a comprehensive review of its military legal system, aiming to overhaul how it evaluates and manages its military and civilian legal corps. This sweeping effort, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, promises immediate reforms and ongoing assessments to ensure the system best serves its warriors.
Pentagon Draws Congressional Fire Over Canceled Europe Deployment
Congressional leaders are breathing down the Pentagon's neck after a surprise deployment cancellation left lawmakers fuming, with the House Armed Services Committee chair vowing to ensure the department sticks to its statutory commitments. The canceled deployment involved the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, which was set to head to Poland.
US, South Korea Face Military Imperative for OPCON Transfer
The US and South Korea are facing a critical moment in their military alliance, as the OPCON transfer has evolved from a political issue to a military imperative, driven by a transformed strategic reality on the Korean Peninsula. With North Korea's growing threats and an increasingly complex security landscape, the transfer is now an essential step towards strengthening the alliance.
Pentagon Reconsiders Drastic Army Aviation Budget Cuts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is opening the door to a major reversal, hinting that the Pentagon may reconsider drastic cuts to the Army's aviation budget as part of a review of the Army Transformation Initiative. This potential about-face comes after Rep. Rosa DeLauro pressed Hegseth for answers on the deep reductions.
War Powers Resolution Loopholes Undermine Congressional Oversight
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently revealed that a cease-fire pauses the 60-day War Powers Resolution clock, highlighting loopholes that undermine Congressional oversight. This gray area allows military operations to continue with minimal accountability, blurring the lines between action and inaction.
US Troops to Withdraw from Germany in Strategic Realignment
The US has announced plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year, following a thorough review of its European force posture. This strategic realignment is expected to be completed within six to twelve months.