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. 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

(Screenshot of Anthony Tata testifying at his confirmation hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee, May 6, 2025.)

Senate confirms Tata, Trump’s controversial pick to lead Pentagon’s personnel and readiness directorate

Tech

Pentagon, Department of Defense, DOD — (Photo credit: DOD / Lisa Ferdinando)

Pentagon reviewing payment applications from Havana Syndrome victims

Tech

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosts a drone demonstration at the Pentagon, July 10, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Isaac Llanez Delgado)

Hegseth directive on ‘unleashing U.S. military drone dominance’ includes deadlines for major overhauls

Tech

Defense Threat Reduction Agency test personnel prepare to carefully offload the 30,000-pound massive ordnance penetrator, or MOP, for a static test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. (DTRA photo)

Battle damage assessment from Iran strikes could lead to improvements in MOP bomb technology

Weapons