Jon Harper

Jon Harper is Managing Editor of DefenseScoop, the Scoop News Group’s online publication focused on the Pentagon and its pursuit of new capabilities. He leads an award-winning team of journalists in providing breaking news and in-depth analysis on military technology and the ways in which it is shaping how the Defense Department operates and modernizes. You can also follow him on X (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter) @Jon_Harper_

Articles by Author

Airmen from the 67th Cyberspace Wing review daily tasks at Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland’s Medina annex, Sept. 5, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Jason W. Edwards)

Wilsbach, Trump’s pick for Air Force chief, notes retention and training of cyber experts ‘suffering’

Cyber

An upgraded Ground Based Interceptor with a Capability Enhanced-II Block 1 Exo-Atmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) is launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, during Flight Test Ground-based Midcourse Defense Weapon System-12, or FTG-12, on December 11, 2023. (Photo by Ryan Keith)

Missile Defense Agency looking to upgrade algorithms to improve object classification

AI

Hung Cao, nominee to serve as under secretary of the Navy, attends his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing in Dirksen building on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)

Hung Cao tasked with modernizing Navy’s IT, business systems

IT

Screenshot of Mark Roosevelt Ditlevson, acting assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and hemispheric affairs, testifying at a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee military and foreign affairs subcommittee hearing, on addressing unauthorized drone activity over U.S. military installations, April 29, 2025.

Trump submits nomination for top Pentagon homeland defense policy post

Tech

Tech. Sgt. Alejandra Martinez, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing security manager and executive administration non-commissioned officer-in-charge, reviews policies and procedures at her workstation at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar on Oct. 18, 2019. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed in October, is intended to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Wilkes)

DOD to cut back on mandatory cybersecurity training

Cyber

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata tour the Roosevelt Pavilion at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., Aug. 6, 2025. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aiko Bongolan)

Pentagon leadership directs DOD civilian employee supervisors to expedite removal of underperformers

Tech

(Getty Images)

DOD civilians could soon see more opportunities for cash awards, other performance incentives

Tech

SUITLAND, Md. (Jun. 4, 2025) — Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare (N2N6) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas delivers remarks during the Office of Naval Intelligence commemoration ceremony of the Battle of Midway. ONI is the leading provider of maritime intelligence to the U.S. Navy and joint warfighting forces, as well as national decision makers and other consumers in the Intelligence Community. (U.S. Navy photo by Chris McGinity)

Thomas tapped to be commander of US Fleet Forces Command

Tech

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, speaks after being presented the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada, during a ceremony at Yamada’s residence in Washington, D.C., Oct. 21, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich)

Trump nominates Gen. Wilsbach to be next Air Force chief of staff

Tech