Deployment to the Border, AI for EW, and Future Fighter Jets - The Defense Brief (May 16, 2025)

# THE DEFENSE BRIEF: MAY 16, 2025 HOST: Welcome to The Defense Brief, your weekly roundup of Department of Defense news. I'm your host, bringing you the latest from the Pentagon. Today's headline: The Trump administration has ordered military deployment to the southern border as part of a national emergency declaration. Since January, DoD resources have been redirected to assist with border security, including providing detention facilities, transportation, and construction of additional physical barriers. In acquisition news, Pacific Defense Strategies has been awarded a $9.1 million contract for developing artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities for electronic warfare. This project, known as iCMOSS, aims to create a new generation of tactical sensors aligned with the Future Naval Capability Ubiquitous Edge program. Meanwhile, speculation is growing about Trump's recent mention of a potential "F-55" fighter jet. Defense analysts are skeptical, with one former defense official describing the president as "very confused" about the program. This comes as Air Force plans indicate a focus on acquiring more than 185 F-47 jets, described as "stealth++" aircraft. Budget considerations continue to shape Pentagon planning. The 2025 defense budget stands at $850 billion, representing a 1.7% decrease in real terms from 2024 levels. Looking ahead, DoD plans show day-to-day operations costs rising from $522 billion to $537 billion over the next five years, while acquisition costs will increase slightly from $311 billion to $313 billion. Leadership changes are also in motion, with Vice Admiral Mitch Bradley reportedly the frontrunner to lead Special Operations Command. Additionally, top defense intelligence officials testified before Congress about managing mandated civilian personnel cuts of 5-8% while supporting the southern border mission. For businesses, these developments signal both challenges and opportunities. Defense contractors should watch the shifting priorities in acquisition spending, particularly the 10% increase in procurement costs as DoD transitions from development to purchasing phases. The southern border deployment has implications for state governments, potentially altering relationships between federal military assets and local authorities in border regions. For more information on these developments, visit defense.gov or follow official DoD social media channels. Next week, we'll be watching for further details on the Air Force's fighter jet programs and potential shifts in defense intelligence operations. That's all for this edition of The Defense Brief. I'm [Host Name], and we'll see you next week. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.