Border Drones, Acquisition Reviews, and New Fighter Jets - The Latest from the Pentagon

# DOD DEFENSE BRIEF: WEEKLY UPDATE

Welcome to this week's Defense Brief. I'm your host bringing you the latest from the Pentagon. Our top story: The Department of Defense is preparing to deploy counter-drone capabilities along the U.S.-Mexico border in a significant security initiative.

According to testimony before Congress yesterday, Pentagon officials revealed that Mexican cartels have been using drones to surveil U.S. troops and Border Patrol agents. Mark Ditlevson, acting assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense, told lawmakers that this deployment comes in response to President Trump's executive orders directing the DOD to ensure "complete operational control of the border."

Rear Admiral Paul Spedero confirmed the threat, stating: "We know that cartels have used unmanned aerial systems for unauthorized surveillance to assess our troop size and movements, and even to enable attacks from other vectors."

In other significant developments, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a comprehensive review of "all 72 active major defense acquisition programs" following President Trump's executive order on modernizing defense acquisitions. This review could lead to cancellations of programs that are over budget, behind schedule, or not aligned with current priorities.

During an address at the U.S. Army War College, Secretary Hegseth highlighted two major initiatives: "We are rapidly moving ahead on one of the president's campaign promises, which is a Golden Dome for America — a nationwide missile defense system." He also mentioned the newly launched F-47 fighter jet program, describing it as "faster, further, more stealthy and more lethal than any fighter jet in the history of mankind."

On the budget front, DOD's proposed funding for 2025 totals $850 billion, which represents a 1.7 percent decrease from 2024 in real terms. The plan shows a shift in acquisition strategy, with development costs decreasing by 10 percent while procurement costs increase by 10 percent as the department moves from developing to purchasing new weapons systems.

For military personnel, the Defense Travel Management Office updated its Government Travel Charge Card regulations earlier this month, focusing on preventing misuse and fraud.

Looking ahead, watch for results from the major acquisition programs review, which should be completed by early July. For more information on these developments, visit defense.gov.

This has been your Defense Brief for the week. Stay informed, stay vigilant.