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Articles by Lee Ferran
U.S. Greenlights 500 Patriot Missiles for Ukraine
Click below to continue reading this story, discover more Russo-Ukraine War stories from over 25 years of RealClear archives, or follow this topic to stay in the know. Lee Ferran • Breaking Defense The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Kyiv and Washington, including purported delays in the transfer of interceptors.... Read it on Breaking Defense Dennis T. Cosgrove • RealClearDefense ...
US greenlights 500 Patriot missiles for Ukraine, with $2.1 billion to be paid by allies
US Patriot missile defense batteries newly installed at the Rzeszow airport located near the Poland-Ukraine border in Rzeszow, Poland on March 09, 2022.
Pentagon reveals FY26 intelligence budget at $30.9 billion
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 1st Combat Camera Squadron, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, ruck to a training event during exercise Green Goblin 2025, Dec. 8, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Thomas Hansford) WASHINGTON — The Defense Department revealed today that its Military Intelligence Program (MIP) budget for fiscal 2026 was $30.9 billion. The figure represents a jump of about $3 billion from FY25, but falls $2.7 billion short of its $33.6 billion request for this year.
US OKs missile guidance kits, Patriot repairs, Javelins for Middle East partners
U.S. forces participate in a live fire involving Patriot missile launches during exercise Sky Shield at the Udari Range Complex, Kuwait, Dec. 9, 2025. (U.S. Central Command Public Affairs via DVIDS) WASHINGTON — The US State Department has announced that it has approved a trio of potential foreign military sales to allies in the Middle East, including $1 billion-worth of missile guidance kits for the United Arab Emirates and hundreds of millions in repairs to Patriot systems in Kuwait.
EXCLUSIVE: How the DIA measures a military’s ‘Will to Fight’
WASHINGTON — The Defense Intelligence Agency revealed today the analytical framework it’s using to try to answer a key but difficult question: When conflict arises, what is a foreign military’s “will to fight”? “Will to Fight is one of the most challenging elements of military capability analysis because of its fundamentally intangible nature,” states the framework, shared exclusively with Breaking Defense ahead of its publication.
Submarine maintenance delays, ‘idle time’ cost $3.4 billion, GAO says
Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pasadena is seen pierside at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 5, 2023. (Courtesy photo by Naval Station Guantanamo Bay) WASHINGTON — Maintenance delays and “idle time” for Navy attack submarines have cost the service $3.4 billion over the past decade, and the problem is likely to persist for years to come, according to a government watchdog.
‘Hot competition’: NSA deputy sounds alarm on China threat, AI race
A drone light show lights up the night sky over Haixinsha Square to celebrate China's Army Day on August 1, 2026 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) WASHINGTON — The number two official at America’s premier technical spying agency offered a dire warning about the threat posed by China “in every domain,” including alleging that Chinese companies helped Iranian forces target US installations in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
US-South Korea military drills cut in half after Trump’s broadside
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Malcom Lindley, left, a company commander with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, currently forward-deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, as part of the Unit Deployment Program; U.S. Air Force Maj. Jason Kim, center, a Language Enabled Airman Program scholar; and a Republic of Korea Marine Corps captain, right, discuss a plan during Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.2 in Gimpo, South Korea, July 23, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan ink ‘joint defense’ agreement
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2nd L), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C) and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (R) sign a trilateral joint defense agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on August 7, 2026.
Greece approves over $3.4B in air defenses for Achilles’ Shield
Hellenic Air Force fighter aircrafts F-16 fly over the ancient temple of Parthenon atop the Acropolis hill during a military parade marking Greece's Independence Day in Athens, on March 25, 2026. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP via Getty Images) WASHINGTON — Greece’s defense minister announced today that his government has approved the purchase of more than €3 billion-worth ($3.4 billion) of air defense systems, mostly reportedly from Israel, as part of Athens’ Achilles’ Shield initiative.
Japan, Vietnam exploring joint work on ‘fast landing craft’
Sailors assigned to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Harusame (DD 102) ) raise the Japanese national ensign and heave mooring lines on the fo’c’sle while pulling into U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 9, 2025.
European next-gen GCAP fighter program pushes ahead with $6.1 billion contract
Concept art of the British, Italian, Japanese Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) next generation fighter jet.
In Defence Investment Plan preview, Britain bets big on drones, ‘hybrid’ navy
The UK Prince of Wales aircraft carrier arrives at Portsmouth harbour in England after an eight month deployment (UK MoD) WASHINGTON — Hours before the expected publication of the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan (DIP), the United Kingdom has released new details about its contents, emphasizing a dramatic shift to hybrid and unmanned systems for years to come.
With new Paris office, UAE’s EDGE Group sees Europe as ‘next large market’: CEO
The Emirati defense firm EDGE Group shows off a range of munitions at Eurosatory 2026. (Breaking Defense) PARIS — The CEO of Emirati defense giant EDGE Group said the company chose France for its next international office because Europe stands to be its “next large market” — even if the continent presents its own challenges. “Europe is unique. Europe does not import. Usually they want European solutions.
Israeli MoD cries foul as Israeli booths ‘boarded up’ at Eurosatory defense show
PARIS — The Israeli Ministry of Defense lambasted what it called “discriminatory” measures taken to limit the presence of Israeli firms at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in France, while event organizers said the displays ran afoul of French government rules.
British defense secretary John Healey resigns over defense funding
John Healey, UK defense secretary, surveys the British Council Ukraine building damaged in an attack on Kyiv from August 2025.
Golden Dome-style missile shield could cost up to $1.2T over 20 years, CBO estimates
US President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump announced his plans for the "Golden Dome," a national ballistic and cruise missile defense system.
Navy’s Cahill Nominated for Swo Boss, Air Force’s Tulley for AMC
Rear Adm. Joseph Cahill, currently the commander of Naval Surface Forces Atlantic (SURFLANT), has been nominated to serve as the Navy’s top surface warfare officer Read Full Article » Show comments Hide Comments
US greenlights over $16B in ’emergency’ radar and missile sales to Middle East
LTAMDS is a new, advanced sensor developed to integrate into the Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense (AIAMD) architecture and will replace the current Patriot radar. (DVIDS) WASHINGTON — As US allies in the Middle East fend off Iranian missile and drone strikes, the US today announced a slew of potential “emergency” Foreign Military Sales for high-dollar equipment that could replace munitions and systems used in the fight.
AI Giant Anthropic Says It ‘Cannot in Good Conscience’ Agree to Pentagon Demands
AI company Anthropic has said that it will not agree to demands issued from the Pentagon regarding how its software can be used, despite threats from the Defense Department to use legal means to punish the company. In a statement posted to Anthropic’s website, CEO Dario Amodei said that “these threats do not change our position: we cannot in good conscience accede to [the Pentagon’s] request.” The statement is the latest in a days-long conflict between the Pentagon and the tech company.
Trump orders government, DoD to 'immediately cease' use of Anthropic's tech amid AI fight
Pentagon grapples with growth of artificial intelligence. (Graphic by Breaking Defense, original brain graphic via Getty) WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump today ordered the entire federal government to “immediately cease” the use of technology developed by artificial intelligence firm Anthropic, after the company refused the Pentagon’s demand to remove internal guardrails on its AI model.
Anthropic Faces Pentagon Deadline To Loosen AI Policy
The Pentagon yesterday gave artificial intelligence company Anthropic until this evening to “decide” whether it will loosen company policy regarding the military’s use of its Claude AI model, or to be deemed a “supply chain risk.” “Here’s what we’re asking: Allow the Pentagon to use Anthropic’s model for all lawful purposes,” chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote on X.
Pentagon gives Anthropic Friday deadline to loosen AI policy
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Shane Keahiolalo, 169th Air Defense Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, tests the new Battle Management Training NEXT system at the Western Air Defense Sector, Aug. 26, 2021, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Kimberly D.
Future of military AI in Saudi Arabia: AI-enhanced, or AI-native?
WORLD DEFENSE SHOW 2026 — As the world’s militaries race to take advantage of the breakneck development of artificial intelligence, a Saudi official said today that very soon “there is a decision to be taken” about whether to innovate with “AI-enhanced” defense systems or pursue “AI-native” ones.
PHOTOS: The sights of World Defense Show on Day 2
WORLD DEFENSE SHOW — With international attendees (mostly) over their jetlag, the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia entered its second day today. The show consists of three very large “halls” of exhibits, with an outdoor area in between and a flightline for active aircraft on one end. It is easy to get lost, even with provided interactive maps, so treat yourself to some photos the Breaking Defense team took while trying to find our way around.
‘BEWARE’: Trump Order Demands Some Defense Firms Halt Paying Dividends, Buybacks
President Donald Trump issued an executive order yesterday that prohibits defense companies from making share repurchases and paying dividends to shareholders, as well as places restrictions on executive compensation, unless companies make investments to modernize weapons production facilities.
After US raid on Venezuela, analysts weigh lessons about Russian air defenses
A member of the Bolivarian National Militia holds a Russian-made 9K338 "Igla-S" (SA-18) man-portable air-defense (MANPAD) surface-to-air missile launcher as he takes part in a rally against US military activity in the Caribbean, in Caracas on October 30, 2025.
After US raid on Venezuela, analysts weigh lessons about Russian air defenses
WASHINGTON — Ostensibly speaking about the US industrial base, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth took a short detour on Monday to take a victory lap regarding the surprise US military operation to snatch Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a daring nighttime raid over the weekend. “And then we saw three nights ago in downtown Caracas in Venezuela, as nearly 200 of our greatest Americans went downtown in Caracas.
U.S. Attacks Venezuela, Captures Leader Maduro
The US military launched what President Donald Trump called a “spectacular assault” on the Venezuelan capital of Caracas that took leader Nicolas Maduro into American custody and has set the stage for the US to “run” the South American nation indefinitely.
China military buildup leaves US 'increasingly vulnerable': Pentagon report
ATLANTA — The recent push by China to build up and modernize its military means the American homeland is “increasingly vulnerable” to a myriad of threats that “directly threaten Americans’ security,” according to a new Pentagon report.
Breaking Defense’s 5 most-clicked stories of 2025
Army Sgt. Kyle Plumley, an intel analyst for Joint Force Headquarters out of Columbus, Ohio, works three laptop computers May 16 as part of Cyber Shield 2018 at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Cyber Shield provides a collective training event that, in part, prepares Soldiers to actively monitor for internal network threats.
US greenlights massive, $11 billion military arms package to Taiwan
WASHINGTON — The US government has approved a series of potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases for Taiwan, totaling an estimated $11 billion-worth of defense equipment, from rocket systems to aerial drones to howitzers. The transactions, should they proceed, would reportedly be the largest arms sale to Taiwan in US history.
Morocco to buy 10 Airbus multi-purpose H225M helos
WASHINGTON — Morocco has inked an order for 10 Airbus multi-purpose H225M helicopters, in what the company said was part of “strong momentum” in the international marketplace for the bird. “We are honoured that Morocco has chosen to replace its legacy Puma fleet with the H225M,” Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said in a company announcement. “This aircraft is a reference for complex missions in tough environments.
Zelenskyy says Ukraine could buy up to 100 French Rafale fighters
WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared at a French airbase with President Emmanuel Macron today to sign a letter of intent for Kyiv to potentially purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets. The proposal, finalized with signatures and as a Rafale loomed in the background, was a surprise move, coming just weeks after Zelenskyy signed a similar letter of intent to buy scores of Swedish-made Gripen fighters.
What's in a pin? Trump dons golden F-22 during Erdogan meeting
WASHINGTON — As US President Donald Trump sat in the newly gold-adorned Oval Office with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a smaller piece of precious metal caught the eye of some observers: a pin, worn on the lapel of Trump’s jacket, that resembled a fighter jet. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be a golden F-22 Raptor, a miniature of the Lockheed Martin-made fifth-generation stealth fighter.
Air Force general pledges to 'get Sentinel done,' expects Milestone B in 2027
AFA 2025 — An ongoing restructuring of the Sentinel ICBM program is expected to culminate in a new Milestone B decision by mid-2027, a key metric for a troubled program that Brig. Gen. William Rogers said today he has “every intention” of having fully operational before 2050.
Defense Intelligence Agency chief Kruse removed from post
WASHINGTON — The head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, has been removed from his post; the latest abrupt departure by senior civilian and military officials. “We can confirm that Lt. Gen. Kruse is no longer the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Deputy Director Christine Bordine assumes the role of Acting Director of DIA effective immediately,” a DIA spokesperson told Breaking Defense today, referring further questions to the Pentagon.
Army seeks tech to dominate drone-filled 'Air-Ground Littoral' domain
WASHINGTON — The US Army’s forward-thinking Futures Command has put out a request to industry for any current tech that could help the service up its game in the Air-Ground Littoral, which it describes as the increasingly drone-filled area between the ground and a “few thousand” feet up.
Senate confirms trio of nominees for Navy, Space Force, SOCOM
The Senate has confirmed the Trump administration’s nominees for a trio key military positions: Adm. Daryl Caudle for the Chief of Naval Operations, Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton for Vice Chief of Space Operations and Vice Adm. Frank Bradley for head of US Special Operations Command. The three passed the upper legislative house in voice vote late Thursday, according to congressional records.
SASC defense policy bill adds billions for Arleigh Burke destroyer, Sentinel ICBM programs
WASHINGTON — The Senate Armed Services Committee laid out the details of its $914 billion draft defense policy bill today, shedding light on the beneficiaries of a $32 billion increase to the defense topline that include the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile programs. SASC’s version of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act includes $878.7 billion for the Defense Department and $35.2 billion for defense programs within the Department of Energy.
From fighters jets to space systems: Military sends lawmakers over $20B-worth of unfunded priorities
An F-35, money and lawmakers. (Graphic by Breaking Defense, original images courtesy DVIDS, Getty) WASHINGTON — It’s much like the time every year when children the world over stamp envelopes for the North Pole and enclose their deepest desires for Santa Claus — only this happens in the spring or summer, deals in potentially billions of dollars-worth of weapons instead of toys and is legally mandated. That’s right, it’s Unfunded Priorities List (UPL) season.
Hegseth: 'No one's under there able to assess' efficacy of US strike on Iranian facility
WASHINGTON — In a fiery press conference this morning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aggressively pushed back on a leaked intelligence report that downplayed the efficacy of the Iran strikes, but acknowledged “no one” has first-hand knowledge of how hard one of the sites was hit.
UK to buy 'at least' a dozen F-35As, 'join NATO's nuclear mission'
WASHINGTON — The United Kingdom announced today it will buy “at least” 12 F-35As and will use the jets to “join NATO’s dual capable nuclear mission” in what it called a “major boost” for the alliance’s security.
Trump says Iran and Israel have violated 'ceasefire' brokered by the US
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump today reportedly accused Iran and Israel of both violating a ceasefire agreement, hours after he had unilaterally announced a deal to lay down arms on Monday. Trump initially declared early Monday evening that the two Middle East powers had agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” a phased arrangement that he said would be beginning of the end to the current conflict.
US support for international engagement sees jump in Reagan Foundation poll
WASHINGTON — As President Donald Trump campaigned on an America First platform that critics viewed as too isolationist, a new poll suggests Americans of all political stripes, including MAGA adherents, seek more US leadership on the international stage, not less. “The preference for American global leadership over a more isolationist approach is on the rise, up from 40 [percent] in 2022 to 64 [percent]” this year, the 2025 Reagan Institute Summer Survey showed, according to the institute.
Trump shifts Greenland from EUCOM to NORTHCOM's responsibility
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon announced today that it would move responsibility for Greenland to under US Northern Command, a shift that comes amid international concern over the Trump administration’s designs on the Artic islands.
The sights of Paris Air Show Day 1 [PHOTOS]
PARIS AIR SHOW — The largest defense expo in Europe kicked off today in Paris, and not without some day one controversy. Amid all the manned aircraft, drones and weapons on display from companies around the world, black walls were erected around Israeli pavilions so visitors could not see their military hardware — a move that prompted vocal protest from the firms. Take a look at photos of the situation below, along with other more conventional sights of the Paris Air Show on day one.
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