Defense Firms Agree to Boost Weapons Production
Major defense manufacturers have agreed to quadruple production of what President Donald Trump called “Exquisite Class Weaponry” following a Friday meeting at the White House on munitions production.
DoD Report Shows Spike in Military Aircraft Accidents
A Pentagon report reveals a spike in US military aircraft accidents. The number of major accidents involving military aircraft spiked in 2024 and a series of aviation mishaps with deaths and the loss of aircraft in 2025 suggest the trend might be continuing.
Experimental Supersonic Jet Completes 1st Test Flight
Lockheed Martin and NASA successfully completed the first flight of the X-59, a quiet supersonic aircraft designed to pave the way for faster commercial air travel.
DoD Rebrand: US Department of War
The US Defense Department will now be known as the Department of War. “It’s … restoring the warrior ethos, restoring victory and clarity as an end state. Restoring intentionality to the use of force,” DefSec Pete Hegseth said.
KC-46 Tanker Loses Boom in Aerial Refueling
An Air Force KC-46 Pegasus tanker lost its boom on July 8 while refueling an F-22 Raptor fighter jet off the coast of Virginia.
Army Ousts Civilians for Tech Advisers
ArmySec Dan Driscoll terminated the 115-member slate of civilian advisers to clear way to “focus on leveraging civilian expertise in strategic communications, advanced technology, innovation and digital transformation.” The century-old Civilian Aide Program was considered the secretary’s eyes and ears in communities across the country.
Maryland’s New ‘Tech Tax’ Explained
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman has issued guidance to help businesses prepare for a 3% tax that will take effect July 1 on the sale and use of several informational technology services.
Pentagon to Expand Defense Innovation Unit
The Pentagon said it will expand the Defense Innovation Unit across the US to help it connect with a broader swath of technology companies. Three new DIU hubs will be located in Kentucky, Minnesota, and Montana.
A Power Competition in the Far North
Many experts agree that the competition between the United States, Russia, and China for global supremacy is moving into a new frozen theater in the far north.
Navy Wants One New Sub, Lawmakers Say the Service Needs Two
Congressional lawmakers are pushing for two submarines despite the US Navy wanting just one. A House Armed Services subcommittee has made clear it wants the service to buy two attack submarines in fiscal 2025 in order to keep the submarine-industrial base on a path of recovery.
