🛰️ Pentagon to Consider SpaceX Alternative for Space Force Satellite Program

📬 In Today’s Defense Brief

💰 DoD Unveils $961 Billion FY26 Budget, Dependent on One-Time Reconciliation Bill LINK

📡 Air Force Cancels E-7 Wedgetail, Citing Survivability and Cost Concerns LINK

🛰️ Pentagon to Consider SpaceX Alternative for Space Force Satellite Program LINK

🐗 U.S. Air Force Seeks to Retire All A-10 Warthogs by 2027 LINK

🏛️ GOP Lawmakers Outline "Golden Dome" Plan in New Bill LINK

🎱 Plus 5 other news stories you may like

📰 Full Breakdown

💰 DoD Unveils $961 Billion FY26 Budget, Dependent on One-Time Reconciliation Bill LINK

• The Department of Defense released details of a record $961 billion defense budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, significantly reliant on a controversial one-time congressional reconciliation bill.

• The proposed budget prioritizes modernization efforts, advanced weapons programs, and force readiness improvements, reflecting heightened national security concerns globally.

• Congressional approval of the reconciliation bill is critical, as it includes special allocations intended for new strategic initiatives and emerging defense technologies.

📡 Air Force Cancels E-7 Wedgetail, Citing Survivability and Cost Concerns LINK

• The U.S. Air Force has officially canceled plans to procure the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early-warning aircraft due to concerns over cost overruns and operational survivability in contested environments.

• The decision follows extensive reviews highlighting vulnerabilities in high-threat scenarios against advanced adversary air-defense systems.

• Alternatives under consideration include enhanced space-based ISR capabilities and distributed sensor networks, reflecting evolving Air Force doctrine prioritizing dispersed operations.

🛰️ Pentagon to Consider SpaceX Alternative for Space Force Satellite Program LINK

• The Pentagon indicated it may select an alternative to SpaceX for the next major Space Force satellite communications program, aiming to diversify its provider base and reduce strategic dependency.

• Potential alternatives include emerging space companies that can deliver resilient, secure satellite networks capable of meeting evolving defense communication requirements.

• The move underscores DoD’s broader push for competition and redundancy in its space-based capabilities amid growing geopolitical tensions.

🐗 U.S. Air Force Seeks to Retire All A-10 Warthogs by 2027 LINK

• The U.S. Air Force announced plans to fully retire its fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II ("Warthog") aircraft by 2027, citing increasing maintenance costs and limited survivability in future conflicts.

• The service plans to shift close air support missions to advanced platforms, such as F-35s and unmanned combat aircraft capable of operating effectively in high-threat environments.

• This decision represents a strategic pivot toward modernization, investing in multi-role aircraft better suited for contested battlespaces against peer adversaries.

🏛️ GOP Lawmakers Outline "Golden Dome" Plan in New Bill LINK

• Republican legislators introduced a comprehensive bill dubbed the "Golden Dome" initiative to enhance and expand U.S. missile defense systems, particularly in response to emerging global missile threats.

• The bill proposes increased investment in advanced missile detection, tracking, and interception technologies, aiming to replicate and expand on Israel’s successful Iron Dome defense system.

• Proponents argue this effort will substantially bolster homeland and regional security, improving defensive measures against missile threats from state and non-state actors alike.

🌏 Other Important News

• Senior Officials Outline President's Proposed FY26 Defense Budget LINK

• FMV Receives First Gripen E Aircraft from Saab LINK

• DARPA Declares Stealth Technology "Obsolete" in Future Wars LINK

• Army Seeks $197 Billion FY26 Budget with Transformation Plan at Center LINK

• Fresh Evidence Shows Iran’s Nuclear Program Was "Severely Damaged," CIA Director Says LINK

Thanks for reading today’s Defense Brief. If you found it useful, consider forwarding it to a friend or colleague who'd appreciate staying sharp on defense tech and military news.