The Americas

Defying fiscal disruption: Defense revenues on Top 100 continue to climb, despite supply chain turmoil

Businesses faced a thorny mess in 2021 amid supply chain snarls, labor shortages and government budget uncertainty. Even so, there are signs of the global defense industry’s continued resilience.

The list is here: Find out how global defense companies performed in FY21

We reveal who’s up and who’s down for 2022, based on fiscal 2021 defense revenue.

Commentary

Even in a challenging period, publicly traded defense stocks thrive

Last year began with optimism following a weak 2020 marked by the pandemic and the uncertainties of a presidential election year. Then everything changed with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

How US Marines put Force Design 2030 to work in Europe and monitored Russian naval forces

Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, of the 2nd Marine Division and Task Force 61/2, has given Defense News an insider’s view of force structure and equipment involved in the realization of the Corps' Force Design 2030.

It‘s official: The Marine Corps has its 1st Black 4-star general

Lt. Gen. Michael Langley will now lead U.S. troops in Africa as the commander of U.S. Africa Command.

Commentary

As Pelosi visits Taiwan, don’t miss the action on China in Congress

Those interested in supporting the free people of Taiwan and pushing back on increasingly aggressive behavior from Beijing should not miss an important legislative development unfolding on Capitol Hill.

Global military spending hits record high

Find out how much money goes to funding militaries around the world, plus how many warheads are still deployed.

Inside the multinational logistics cell coordinating military aid for Ukraine

Since early March, a cohort of American service members and a rotating crew of multinational partners have set up shop in U.S. European Command headquarters to ensure equipment gets from the donor nation to Ukraine’s doorstep.

US Coast Guard calls for larger icebreaker fleet to compete in the Arctic

As sea ice in the Arctic melts, the Coast Guard needs more icebreakers to remain competitive.

US urges speed in Booz Allen antitrust case as NSA intel contract nears

U.S. attorneys argue a speedier clip is necessary to preserve competition on a National Security Agency contract dubbed Optimal Decision, which deals with signals intelligence and simulation services.

Commentary

Senate must back creation of ‘Space National Guard’ to end a needless division

A brain drain in the space arena will have detrimental effects on our national security and our states’ readiness, and creating a Space National Guard is the best, most cost-efficient way to prevent that from happening.

Booz Allen unveils $100M venture capital fund to back tech startups

Booz Allen hopes to fund four to six emerging firms each year with its new venture capital fund, and reinvest money raised from those investments in future companies.

Canada’s new fleet of supply ships get hit by another delay

Now, the first joint support ship won’t be delivered until at least 2025, while the second is supposed to arrive in 2027.

Iran to deliver armed drones to Russia, White House says

The White House says it believes Russia is turning to Iran to provide it with “hundreds” of unmanned aerial vehicles for use in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Rocket carrying new nuclear missile component explodes in late-night test

Officials are investigating the cause of the mishap, which did not injure anyone.

British government clears sensitive Ultra Electronics sale to US-based Advent

Media reports said U.S. officials had threatened to limit intelligence cooperation if the sale was blocked by London.

Cyber Yankee exercise hones New England Guard skills to fight digital threats

“Whether it’s a state or a federal effort, the importance of being prepared to respond to a cyber incident is paramount.”

Aerojet chief wins out over former board chairman, selects new board members

The election closes a period of remarkable open conflict between Aerojet's top leaders that spilled into the open as its proposed acquisition by Lockheed Martin foundered.

New leader takes over at F-35 program office

The program executive officer is responsible for steering one of the most complex and vital programs in the Defense Department, the fifth-generation fighter flown by the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as multiple international partners.

Commentary

How to set defense spending when inflation is volatile

During periods with volatile inflation, policymakers have different outlooks on the accuracy of the inflation forecast.

Having visited Pakistan and China, is Argentina ready to buy the JF-17 jet?

Here's what we know about Argentina's progress so far in acquiring the JF-17 fighter, and its related goals for supporting local industry.

Defense agencies among worst for disclosing contracting needs

General Services Administration received the highest score. Marine Corps Systems Command and Naval Information Warfare Systems Command won honorable mentions.

Commentary

Face it, NATO: The North Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are linked

The new Strategic Concept should be able to address challenges posed by China robustly and implement some structural changes without undermining European concerns.

Panel rejects plan to close Georgia military pilot training center

Run by the Air National Guard, the center in Savannah conducts air-to-air combat training missions for reservist and active-duty fighter pilots.

Surface warfare officers cautiously optimistic about changes since Fitz and McCain disasters

“Acknowledging a positive trend requires you to acknowledge you’re coming from somewhere negative."