Pentagon announces $8.6 billion Boeing contract for F-15 jets for Israel, and it’s understandably stirring up a lot of reactions. This announcement, involving a significant sum for advanced fighter jets, is a major development in the ongoing relationship between the U.S. and Israel, and it’s sparking intense debate across various perspectives.
The first question that pops into many minds is, “How is Israel paying for this?” The fact that this is a Boeing sale to Israel, rather than a direct grant, is an important detail. However, this distinction doesn’t fully answer the question of how the funds will be allocated and, by extension, how this deal impacts American taxpayers.… Continue reading
The French government, under President Emmanuel Macron, has confirmed the construction of a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Porte-Avions Nouvelle Génération (PA-NG), slated for completion in 2038. This new vessel, replacing the existing Charles de Gaulle, will be significantly larger, with a displacement of 78,000 tonnes. Despite some fiscal concerns, the project is moving forward with a predicted cost of €10.25 billion, designed to enhance France’s naval capabilities and bolster its defense spending, which will include approximately €6.5 billion in extra military spending in the next two years. The PA-NG will be the largest warship ever built in Europe, equipped with Rafale M fighter jets and featuring electromagnetic aircraft launch systems.
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For the eighth year in a row, the Department of Defense has failed its financial audit, marking the only major government agency to consistently receive a failing grade since mandated annual reviews began in 2018. The audit revealed 26 material weaknesses and two significant deficiencies, including inaccuracies and omissions related to the Joint Strike Fighter Program, specifically regarding the accurate accounting of assets in the Global Spares Pool. Despite these challenges, the Pentagon, which manages $4.65 trillion in assets and $4.7 trillion in liabilities, remains committed to improvement, with plans to address critical issues and achieve an “unmodified” audit opinion by 2028. Defense officials maintain that they are focused on efficient use of taxpayer dollars and strengthening national defense.
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The Senate has approved a $901 billion military policy bill, authorizing defense programs and a 3.8% troop pay increase. The legislation represents a compromise between parties, reflecting some of President Trump’s proposals while also addressing congressional concerns. Key provisions include enhanced oversight of the Department of Defense, repeal of outdated war authorizations, and a push to require Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide video of strikes on alleged drug boats near Venezuela. Further, the bill codifies cuts to diversity and climate initiatives while providing military aid to Ukraine and lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria.
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Representative Rashida Tlaib criticized the House’s authorization of nearly $901 billion in military spending for the coming fiscal year, highlighting the stark contrast with the struggles of many Americans facing rising healthcare costs and basic needs. Tlaib, who voted against the military policy bill, noted that Congress seemed more willing to fund “death and destruction” than universal healthcare, affordable housing, and food assistance, with the military budget far exceeding the estimated cost of extending Affordable Care Act subsidies. She pointed out that the approved military spending could have been used to restore federal nutrition assistance to those losing it due to budget cuts. Tlaib concluded that these misplaced priorities were “disgustingly misplaced”.
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The world’s 100 largest arms manufacturers experienced a 5.9% revenue increase in 2024, reaching a record $679 billion, fueled by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and global military spending. European and U.S. companies led the growth, with European arms revenue rising by 13% due to demand related to the war in Ukraine and U.S. revenue up 3.8%. While revenue increased in the Middle East and Russia, Asia and Oceania saw a slight decline due to issues in the Chinese arms industry.
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Recent reports indicate that payments to Russian troops fighting in Ukraine have been suspended in Yakutia due to regional budget shortfalls, with the finance minister citing an inability to forecast demand. This follows a period of record military spending by Russia, which has offered substantial financial incentives to attract recruits. The suspension of payments could signal financial strain and liquidity problems within Russia’s war effort, as several other regions have already cut bonuses to recruits. Despite assurances from Yakutia officials that payments will be made, the ongoing economic impact of the war may lead to further financial difficulties.
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The US Army is receiving a donation of approximately $1 million from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) to cover travel and lodging expenses for senior leaders attending a professional development conference in Washington, DC. This donation allows senior leaders to attend the annual Association of the US Army conference, which the government shutdown had jeopardized due to a lack of funds for travel and per diems. AUSA typically provides funds to the Army for this conference, but the recent donation appears to be in addition to their standard contribution. The conference will bring together Army leaders, defense industry executives, and foreign military representatives, and includes the Leader Solarium event for battalion commanders and sergeants major.
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Russia is reportedly planning to spend approximately $1.1 trillion on rearmament over the next 11 years, indicating preparations for a large-scale war. This ambitious weapons program, the most significant since the Soviet Union’s collapse, involves mobilizing all sectors of Russian society to support the military buildup. Furthermore, Russia is establishing new military districts, aiming to reshape the global order, disrupt existing security, and expand its presence, particularly in Africa. Alongside these efforts, Moscow is employing hybrid operations, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, to undermine democracies and impose its vision of a world order dominated by powerful states.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker