“What I want to bet on is the ability of the United States and our Western allies to out-innovate adversaries,” says Mike Griffin, undersecretary of Defense for research and engineering.

If a hacker shuts off a base’s electricity or stops spare parts from arriving on time, they can sabotage a military mission without ever attacking a military network.

Instead of building a 100-kilowatt weapon, the Army now plans to leap straight to 250 or even 300 kW — which could shoot down much tougher targets.

The Navy and Marine Corps are trying to buy new autonomous and unmanned systems more quickly for expeditionary ops, but as one general warned, “if I can’t sustain it, I’m hosed.”

“New START was flawed from the beginning,” National Security Adviser John Bolton said Tuesday. “It is due to expire in February 2021 and while no decision has been made, it is unlikely to be extended. We need to focus on something better. And we will.”

Vice Adm. David Kriete, deputy STRATCOM commander: “Strategic deterrence is active deterrence; it’s very dynamic.”

French Defense Minister Florence Parley says she has been exploring with French defense giant Thales concepts for what she called “fearsome little detectors” that “will be the eyes of our most valuable satellites.”

If the current GBSD requirements can be met through amending the RFP without delaying the program, then we can go in that direction. Otherwise, Northrop Grumman should proceed with the GBSD research and development contract.

TEL AVIV: The expulsion of Turkey from the F-35 program could lead to closer relations for the NATO ally with China, a move likely to have far-reaching implications in the Middle East, Israeli national security experts say. There is no doubt that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will now strengthen relations with China, says Uzi Rabi,… Keep reading →

There is “a significant opportunity for the United States to come to the table and negotiate with North Korea and at least begin the steps to take the program back,” says Ranking HASC Member Mike Turner.