Jon Harper

Jon Harper is Editor-in-Chief of DefenseScoop. 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: @Jon_Harper_

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(Screenshot from DVIDS broadcast of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaking at the National War College, Nov. 7, 2025.)

Hegseth looking to sideline laggards in acquisition community, industry

Tech

An aerial view of the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 15, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. John Wright)

Nominee for Pentagon CAPE director says office’s workforce is strained, needs new tech

Tech

(Getty Images)

Nominee for Pentagon strategist outlines approach for stymieing potential Chinese attacks on Taiwan

Tech

Laser stock photo (Getty Images)

Army takes another step on path toward producing new drone-killing laser weapons

Emerging Tech

U.S. Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, speaks to Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, following the team’s certification flight at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Jan. 24, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster)

Gen. Wilsbach, newly confirmed by the Senate, faces major challenges as Air Force chief

Tech

A sign is seen before a checkpoint at Quantico Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia on September 29, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Marine Corps postpones generative AI workshop due to lapse in appropriations

AI

Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, claps during the 144th Commencement Exercises at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, May 21, 2025. (DHS photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Mikaela McGee.)

Trump nominates cyber expert for Coast Guard commandant

Tech

(Getty Images)

Army acquisition chief anticipates funding boost for FUZE program

Emerging Tech

U.S. Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, delivers keynote remarks during the Security Forces Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course graduation ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Aug. 8, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Sanders)

UPDATED: Gen. Bussiere still set to retire from Air Force

Tech