Vaughn Cockayne

SpaceX acquires satellite component manufacturer Akoustis out of bankruptcy

SpaceX completed its acquisition of specialty radio frequency filter manufacturer Akoustis this month, a rare move for the company that could streamline its satellite production.

May 20, 2025

Ex-U.S. ambassador to Ukraine says she resigned over disagreements with Trump’s diplomacy

The former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine said she resigned last month due to deep disagreements with President Trump's stance on Russia.

May 16, 2025

Pentagon says it has an initial framework for a Golden Dome missile defense shield

The Pentagon has drafted an initial plan for President Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense system, just days after defense officials met with politicians on Capitol Hill to discuss concerns.

May 16, 2025

Army to go all in on modernizing aircraft amid wide-ranging cuts

The vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army said this week that upcoming budget cuts should be seen as an opportunity to modernize that will help future forces.

May 15, 2025

Ex-National Guardsman accused of planning jihadist attack on Army base in Michigan

A former National Guard soldier was arrested Tuesday after allegedly planning to carry out a jihadist attack against an Army base in Michigan.

May 15, 2025

Ex-NORAD commander advocates for increased domain awareness amid hypersonic threats

The former commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command says it is not possible or affordable to defend every inch of America, but defense leaders might not need to if they improve domain awareness and upgrade missile defense policies.

May 15, 2025

Senate ‘Golden Dome’ caucus announced at Threat Status event; strong support for missile shield czar

A key senator announced Tuesday the formation of a Senate caucus to help advance President Trump's Golden Dome missile shield proposal. Former high-level military officials and defense analysts strongly endorsed the idea of a single commander, widely expected to be Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, vice chief of space operations, to oversee the ambitious undertaking.

May 13, 2025

Fischer, Sheehy say Golden Dome offers chance for generational leap forward in missile defense

Sen. Deb Fischer and Sen. Tim Sheehy said President Trump's efforts to improve the U.S. missile defense systems are crucial to securing domestic security.

May 13, 2025

USIP closure reduces U.S. soft power abroad, former staffers say

Two months after the Department of Government Efficiency closed the offices of the U.S. Institute of Peace and fired nearly all of its employees, its diplomatic experts are saying the world and the U.S. will feel its absence.

May 11, 2025

Ukraine arrests two Hungarians accused of spying

Two Hungarian nationals were arrested in Ukraine, accused of collecting intelligence on the nation's western air defense network.

May 9, 2025

Defending against hypersonic threats will require updates to ballistic missile shield, says expert

The CEO of aerospace company United Launch Alliance says that in a world dominated by hypersonic missiles, the U.S. must develop a layered defense system to ensure domestic security.

May 9, 2025

Denmark to summon U.S. ambassador over accusations of spying

Denmark's foreign minister will summon the U.S. ambassador to discuss a new report that found American intelligence agencies were directed to spy on Greenland.

May 8, 2025

U.S. drone maker PDW launches adaptable Attritable Multirotor FPV drone

U.S. drone manufacturer PDW has launched a new drone system for production this week, hoping to offer militaries a cost-effective option in aerial warfare.

May 8, 2025

Chinese President Xi arrives in Moscow following massive Ukraine drone strike

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a lengthy diplomatic visit in the aftermath of a massive drone attack on the Russian capital.

May 7, 2025

USIP accuses DOGE of making misleading statements while the two sides fight in court over the agency

Former staffers for the U.S. Institute of Peace say Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is misleading people about the work of the agency.

May 7, 2025

India tells other countries it’s ready to retaliate if Pakistan escalates

India told various countries that it would retaliate if Pakistan escalates the conflict.

May 7, 2025

Another fighter jet falls overboard from USS Harry S. Truman; pilots forced to eject while landing

Another F/A-18 fighter jet has fallen overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, the second time a plane has been lost at sea over the past month.

May 7, 2025

Latest Iran talks set for this weekend in Oman

The next round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. is expected to take place in Muscat, Oman, this weekend, one week after planned talks in Rome were postponed.

May 6, 2025

Defense Dept. conducts second successful test of recoverable hypersonic vehicle

The Defense Department has conducted a second successful test of Ursa Major's Hadley liquid rocket engine, achieving sustained hypersonic speed with the vehicle before its recovery.

May 6, 2025

U.S. defense contractor Helix Defense launches programmable anti-drone system

U.S. defense contractor Helix Defense has announced a new anti-aircraft ammunition round aimed at giving soldiers an upper hand against drones.

May 6, 2025