Pentagon creates new digital and artificial intelligence office

The position is meant to streamline disparate efforts within the department to drive faster innovation and capabilities with China in mind.

Berger: I’ll accept a smaller Marine Corps to make light amphibs happen

“We have to provide the Marines what they need to operate in that environment," Commandant of the Marine Corps David Berger said of the need for light amphibious warships. "And if that [means] less Marines, I’m willing to do that. I don’t want to do that."

New German new defense minister takes office, as allies await answers on spending, nukes

The German change of government comes as Europeans grapple with a response to Russia’s military buildup on the border with Ukraine, which has led intelligence agencies to surmise an invasion could be in the offing early next year.

Five things the Army learned about its network at Project Convergence 21

At PC 21, the Army's network cross-functional team director took away five lessons regarding future needs.

Vice chief nominee pledges to drive acquisition reforms

President Joe Biden’s nominee for vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs pledged to continue his predecessor’s efforts to reform the beleaguered joint requirements process during his confirmation hearing.

On deterring Russia and China, Pentagon officials walk a fine line

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sought to assure the Reagan Defense Forum that "China's not 10 feet tall," but was often hesitant to get specific.

Commentary

Extend the unmanned revolution to our allies

It is important to consider boosting allied access to tools retired from the U.S. inventory that may prove beneficial in allied hands.

Egypt to host its first naval defense expo in 2022

But there’s no shortage of regional defense shows already on the books for the next two years.

Could Turkey’s future TF-X jet include a mix of American and Russian tech?

Turkey has chosen an American-made engine for its future fighter jet TF-X, but the country will also work with Russia to locally produce aircraft parts, according to Turkey’s top procurement official.

Israel announces completion of security barrier around Gaza

The 40-mile barrier includes radar systems, maritime sensors and a network of underground sensors to detect militant tunnels. Existing fencing was replaced with a 6.5-yard-high “smart fence” with sensors and cameras.

India’s military chief, 12 others killed in helicopter crash

Television images from the crash site showed plumes of smoke billowing from the debris as local residents tried to put out the fire and remove bodies from the wreckage.

Senate rejects bipartisan bid to stop $650M Saudi arms sale

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who supports the arms sale, said blocking it would further diminish U.S. influence in the world.

Judge blocks Biden vaccine mandate for federal contractors

The judge found that the states opposing the mandate are likely to succeed in their claim that the president exceeded authorization from Congress when he issued the requirement in September.

New British military chief unveils agenda centered on reforms

Upcoming tasks include a pivot in equipment requirements from older sunset platforms towards space, robotics and cyber; restructuring and cutting the size of the Army; and a policy of increasing military deployments overseas, Radakin said.

House passes defense bill 363-70; Senate up next

The House passed a new compromise defense policy bill and sent it to the Senate Tuesday, endorsing a $25 billion increase over President Joe Biden’s defense budget request for 2022

Space Force launches experimental payloads into orbit

Among the technologies launched is a Department of Energy payload built to provide better detection of nuclear detonations.

NDAA would put brakes on A-10 aircraft retirement, but let others go

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall recently cited the A-10 as an example of the kind of older aircraft the service wants to retire to free up resources to modernize for a high-end fight.

Air Force previews plan to phase out enlisted drone pilots

Congress appears likely to let the Air Force ditch 24 of its 31 RQ-4 Global Hawks soon.

Sweeping military justice reforms, plan to add women to draft dropped from compromise authorization bill

Lawmakers hope to rush the slimmed down authorization bill through both chambers of Congress this week.

Turkey hints at potential Hurkus aircraft sale to Azerbaijan

Earlier this year, Niger became the first foreign customer of the Hurkus.

Commentary

How might allies respond if Russia invades Ukraine?

NATO needs to plan beyond efforts to deter another Russian invasion of Ukraine and recognize that its actual response may differ depending on the extent of Russian military operations.

US Missile Defense Agency declares initial delivery of Long-Range Discrimination Radar in Alaska

The Alaska-based missile defense radar that can detect intercontinental ballistic missiles has reached initial fielding, the Missile Defense Agency declared in a Dec. 6 ceremony at Clear Air Force Station.

A mix of 4,000 Marines and Japanese soldiers will run a series of firsts in this two-week exercise

The two-week event includes a maritime strike, aerial refueling, a mass casualty event and bi-lateral air assault.

Marine helicopter crew carries 12-ton vehicle over water in testing first

The CH-53K King Stallion can carry three times the load as its predecessor.

Commentary

Here’s what America must do to counter Russian aggression against Ukraine

Now is the time for the United States to reassert its leadership.

Bath Iron Works plays catch-up on ship delivery after years of upheaval

Defense News traveled to Maine to meet with shipyard and union leaders, who spoke about the state of the company, its workforce and its future.

Marines run joint test fire with new missile from Viper helicopter

The weapon lets helicopters hit fast-moving maritime targets more easily.

What can the world expect in 2022?

The concept of collective defense is gaining momentum in a big way.