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

Colonel Isagani Criste, commander of the Philippine army’s First Scout Ranger Regiment, presents a gift to Vice Adm. Frank Bradley, Joint Special Operations Command commanding officer, during a key leader engagement in the Philippines, July 9, 2023. (Courtesy photo from DVIDS)

SOCOM getting new commander after Frank Bradley earns Senate confirmation

Tech

Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC), utilizes the 1MC announcement system from the bridge of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) to address the crew during a ship visit, Aug. 13, 2024. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathan T. Beard)

Senate confirms Adm. Daryl Caudle as chief of naval operations

Tech

Service members and civilian partners operate from a tactical command post during Exercise Arcane Thunder 25 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, May 28, 2025. The environment supports real-time coordination, cyber integration, and multi-domain operations to enhance mission readiness and interoperability. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Rajheem Dixon, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force)

Army plans big shakeup in software buying practices, starting with new $10B enterprise deal with Palantir

IT

The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the Threat Systems Management Office push a swarm of 40 drones through the town during the battle of Razish, National Training Center on May 8th, 2019. (U.S. Army Photo by Pv2 James Newsome)

Army wants AI tech to help manage airspace operations

AI

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David Whalen, assigned to the Marine Innovation Unit (MIU), Marine Forces Reserve, works on developing a “Flight Mode” software feature at the Marine Corps Software Factory (MCSWF) in Austin, Texas, 17 – 29 March, 2025. (U.S.Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Orion Stpierre)

Navy rolls out new software policy on containerization technology usage

IT

A U.S. Air Force Air Commando assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing controls sensors on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship during a live-fire training event over a live-fire range in Australia during exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, July 11, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelyn Hess)

SOCOM adds new advanced AI capabilities to tech wish list

AI

The U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Mission Seven successfully landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, March 7, 2025. The X-37B landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, to exercise the service’s ability to recover the spaceplane across multiple sites. (U.S. Space Force courtesy photo)

Next X-37B space plane mission will test laser communications, quantum sensor for US military

Emerging Tech

Lt. Elliot Reed, right, assigned to Air Department aboard the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), signals to a Carrier Air Wing 8 F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 87, as it launches from the flight deck, July 14, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tajh Payne)

CNO nominee Adm. Caudle warns F/A-XX delays could jeopardize Navy’s air superiority

Weapons

(Photo courtesy of U.S. Central Command Public Affairs)

US Central Command hires new chief data officer

Tech