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_

Articles by Author

Michael P. Duffey appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his nomination to become undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment in Washington, D.C. March 27, 2025. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)

Senate confirms Michael Duffey, Trump’s pick for Pentagon acquisition chief

Tech

The Secretary of the Navy, the Hon. John C. Phelan, is piped aboard the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), April 10, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alexander Casco)

Navy gearing up for more DOGE-related cuts

IT

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, retrieve an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USVs) from the water during Arcane Thunder 25, 16 May, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jennifer Posy)

Army weaves robo-boats, drones, balloons and C2 tech into multi-continent Arcane Thunder exercise

Weapons

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomes Elon Musk as a visitor to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., March 21, 2025. (DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Madelyn Keech)

As Elon Musk exits government, Hegseth gives DOGE team more influence on Pentagon contracting

Tech

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivers remarks during an 82nd Airborne Division Review at Fort Bragg, N.C., May 22, 2025. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

Hegseth orders restrictions on DOD contracting for IT consulting and management services

IT

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

New Pentagon guidance clamps down on procurement of non-commercial products

Tech

Rear Adm. Kevin Smith (U.S. Navy photo)

Navy removes flag officer who oversaw acquisition of unmanned maritime systems

Tech

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 9, 2024) Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and Cavour Carrier Strike Group sail in formation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Daniel Kimmelman)

DIU helping Navy get new AI capabilities for maritime operations centers

AI

Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii — Marines from the 3d Littoral Logistics Battalion, or LLB, engage in a Foreign Comparative Test, or FCT, of a South Korean Unmanned Ground Vehicle, or UGV, prototype. (Marine Corps Systems Command photo)

Navy solicits industry for unmanned ground vehicle architecture

Tech