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

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

U.S. Army Spc. Anton Lane, a combat medic with specialized drone training, assigned to 5-7 Cavalry, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division visually tracks a Skydio X10E4TT drone shortly after deploying it for surveillance during exercise Combined Resolve 25-2 at Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany on May 17, 2025. (US Army photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Fist Class Richard Hoppe, Released).

Army considers buying thousands of portable small drone detectors — including for Taiwan

Weapons

The unmanned surface vessel (USV) Ranger from Unmanned Surface Vessel Division One (USVDIV-1) returns to its homeport, Naval Base Ventura County, in Port Hueneme, California, concluding Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 23.2, Jan. 15, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Electronics Technician 2nd Class Gavin McKenna)

Navy to brief industry on plans for new robotic ship program

Tech