Kingston Reif
@kingstonareif.bsky.social
Senior International/Defense researcher at the RAND Corporation. Former DASD for Threat Reduction and Arms Control + Arms Control Association. Wisconsin sports fanatic. Personal account.
"The Defense Department's acquisition overhaul is unlikely to impact legacy shipbuilding programs, according to experts, who say the Navy faces an uphill battle to reform a deeply entrenched shipbuilding system.."
Navy faces hard road to reform shipbuilding acquisition system | InsideDefense.com
The Defense Department's acquisition overhaul is unlikely to impact legacy shipbuilding programs, according to experts, who say the Navy faces an uphill battle to reform a deeply entrenched shipbuildi...
insidedefense.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:25 AM
"The Defense Department's acquisition overhaul is unlikely to impact legacy shipbuilding programs, according to experts, who say the Navy faces an uphill battle to reform a deeply entrenched shipbuilding system.."
"Can the U.S. Make Big Nuclear Reactors?"
Can the U.S. Make Big Nuclear Reactors?
President Trump is betting $80 billion that the U.S. can revive the stalled nuclear-power industry.
www.wsj.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:49 AM
"Can the U.S. Make Big Nuclear Reactors?"
Jill Hruby...downplayed the hydronuclear rationale. Today, Dr. Hruby said, the low-level tests could provide some information “that’s hard to learn.” But she argued that other tools could achieve the same ends.
The Forgotten Nuclear Weapon Tests That Trump May Seek to Revive
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Jill Hruby...downplayed the hydronuclear rationale. Today, Dr. Hruby said, the low-level tests could provide some information “that’s hard to learn.” But she argued that other tools could achieve the same ends.
"China and Japan Are in a Showdown, With Trump in the Middle"
China and Japan Are in a Showdown, With Trump in the Middle
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:38 AM
"China and Japan Are in a Showdown, With Trump in the Middle"
"Space Force Awards Secret Contracts for Golden Dome Interceptors"
Space Force Awards Secret Contracts For Golden Dome Interceptors
The US Space Force awarded multiple small contracts to develop prototypes for space-based interceptors, looking for progress with a technology that has yet to be proven but forms a crucial part of Pre...
www.bloomberg.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:33 AM
"Space Force Awards Secret Contracts for Golden Dome Interceptors"
"DOD eyes midcourse defense Space-Based Interceptor, reaching for 'low-hanging' fruit"
DOD eyes midcourse defense Space-Based Interceptor, reaching for 'low-hanging' fruit | InsideDefense.com
The Defense Department is preparing to solicit industry proposals for a prototype space-based interceptor, taking a concrete step toward what experts say is the most achievable slice of an otherwise c...
insidedefense.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:38 AM
"DOD eyes midcourse defense Space-Based Interceptor, reaching for 'low-hanging' fruit"
"US Strategic Command getting new boss"
US Strategic Command getting new boss
U.S. Strategic Command, which oversees America's nuclear arsenal, is getting a new commander following Thursday’s confirmation of Vice Adm. Richard Correll by the Senate.
defensescoop.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:37 AM
"US Strategic Command getting new boss"
“Now Tech Moguls Want to Build Data Centers in Outer Space”
Now Tech Moguls Want to Build Data Centers in Outer Space
Energy constraints in the artificial-intelligence race are causing tech companies to think out of this world.
www.wsj.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:03 AM
“Now Tech Moguls Want to Build Data Centers in Outer Space”
“US mulls letting Nvidia sell H200 chips to China, sources say”
www.reuters.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:59 AM
“US mulls letting Nvidia sell H200 chips to China, sources say”
“The Most Joyless Tech Revolution Ever: AI Is Making Us Rich and Unhappy”
The Most Joyless Tech Revolution Ever: AI Is Making Us Rich and Unhappy
Discomfort around artificial intelligence helps explain the disconnect between a solid economy and an anxious public.
www.wsj.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:57 AM
“The Most Joyless Tech Revolution Ever: AI Is Making Us Rich and Unhappy”
"Iran Withdraws From Deal to Let International Nuclear Inspections Resume"
Iran Withdraws From Deal to Let International Nuclear Inspections Resume
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:52 AM
"Iran Withdraws From Deal to Let International Nuclear Inspections Resume"
“I don't think they have made a lot of progress, but I don't think it's going horribly,” one of the U.S. officials told Reuters
www.reuters.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:55 AM
“I don't think they have made a lot of progress, but I don't think it's going horribly,” one of the U.S. officials told Reuters
"F-35 Dropped Inert Nukes in Flight Tests"
F-35 Dropped Inert Nukes in Flight Tests
An Air Force F-35A successfully carried and dropped inert B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs in flight tests in August.
www.airandspaceforces.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:59 AM
"F-35 Dropped Inert Nukes in Flight Tests"
"Pentagon finalizes Golden Dome architecture as implementation plan under review"
Pentagon finalizes Golden Dome architecture as implementation plan under review | InsideDefense.com
The Pentagon has completed the baseline architecture for the Golden Dome for America initiative and is shifting its focus to reviewing an implementation plan, marking a major milestone for one of the ...
insidedefense.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:58 AM
"Pentagon finalizes Golden Dome architecture as implementation plan under review"
"...provides a security assurance..."
"...after immediate consultations with Ukraine, NATO, and European partners, determine the measures necessary to restore security..."
"...after immediate consultations with Ukraine, NATO, and European partners, determine the measures necessary to restore security..."
Trump peace plan for Ukraine includes NATO-style security guarantee
Trump would be committing the U.S. to defend Ukraine if Russia attacks again.
www.axios.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:51 AM
"...provides a security assurance..."
"...after immediate consultations with Ukraine, NATO, and European partners, determine the measures necessary to restore security..."
"...after immediate consultations with Ukraine, NATO, and European partners, determine the measures necessary to restore security..."
"What Experts Will Watch as the Pentagon Implements Acquisition Reform"
What Experts Will Watch as Pentagon Implements Acquisition Reform
Experts say the Pentagon's acquisition reform agenda offers promise, but questions remain about how it will be implemented.
www.airandspaceforces.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:31 AM
"What Experts Will Watch as the Pentagon Implements Acquisition Reform"
"DOD's push for spending control to test Congress as lawmakers seek transparency"
DOD's push for spending control to test Congress as lawmakers seek transparency | InsideDefense.com
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has unveiled a new acquisition reform plan that would let Pentagon officials reprogram funds "without congressional approval," raising questions about the role of approp...
insidedefense.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:30 AM
"DOD's push for spending control to test Congress as lawmakers seek transparency"
"Most of the Air Force’s biggest programs will now be overseen by a 4-star under the deputy SecDef"
Most of the Air Force’s biggest programs will now be overseen by a 4-star under the deputy SecDef
The centralization of the ICBM, B-21, F-47, and Air Force One programs appears at odds with the Pentagon’s professed acquisition approach, one expert said.
www.defenseone.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:19 AM
"Most of the Air Force’s biggest programs will now be overseen by a 4-star under the deputy SecDef"
“17. The United States and Russia will agree to extend the validity of treaties on the non-proliferation and control of nuclear weapons, including the START I Treaty.”
Trump's full 28-point Ukraine-Russia peace plan
The full plan was obtained by Axios and verified by Ukrainian and U.S. officials.
www.axios.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:54 AM
“17. The United States and Russia will agree to extend the validity of treaties on the non-proliferation and control of nuclear weapons, including the START I Treaty.”
“The president will decide the path forward.., which he will clarify on his own timeline,” said a White House official. “President Trump has spoken repeatedly of addressing the threat..and has indicated that he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons and involve China in arms control talks.”
Last nuclear treaty between US and Russia nears expiration as Trump and Putin trade testing threats | CNN Politics
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spent weeks trading threats to restart nuclear tests, an escalation kicked off by Putin’s boasts about tests of the Poseidon nuclear...
www.cnn.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:05 AM
“The president will decide the path forward.., which he will clarify on his own timeline,” said a White House official. “President Trump has spoken repeatedly of addressing the threat..and has indicated that he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons and involve China in arms control talks.”
"Shutdown-ending CR funds shipbuilding but omits Columbia"
Shutdown-ending CR funds shipbuilding but omits Columbia | InsideDefense.com
A stopgap spending measure that will fund the federal government through Jan. 30 contains about $1.1 billion in cost to complete funding for Navy shipbuilding accounts but lacks previously requested s...
insidedefense.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:59 AM
"Shutdown-ending CR funds shipbuilding but omits Columbia"
“The Trump administration continues to explore all options as it moves to expand nuclear testing on an equal basis with other nations,” the [DoE] spokesperson said.
DoE Spokesperson: Trump Not Scheduled To Meet With DoE, NNSA On Nuclear Testing - Defense Daily
The Department of Energy told the Exchange Monitor Monday that, despite media outlets saying otherwise, President Donald Trump will not be meeting in the
www.defensedaily.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:57 AM
“The Trump administration continues to explore all options as it moves to expand nuclear testing on an equal basis with other nations,” the [DoE] spokesperson said.
"Army identifies leadership slate for sweeping acquisition overhaul"
Army identifies leadership slate for sweeping acquisition overhaul | InsideDefense.com
The Army has selected the senior leaders who will helm its largest acquisition restructuring in decades, an overhaul intended to speed the delivery of new weapons and technology to soldiers and push d...
insidedefense.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:44 AM
"Army identifies leadership slate for sweeping acquisition overhaul"
“I could see that happening. It’s not urgent,” Trump said, when asked whether the U.S. will sign a nuclear civil cooperation deal with the Kingdom.
thehill.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:40 AM
“I could see that happening. It’s not urgent,” Trump said, when asked whether the U.S. will sign a nuclear civil cooperation deal with the Kingdom.
"Iran’s foreign minister says the nation is no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country"
Iran's foreign minister says the nation is no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country
Iran's foreign minister says the country is no longer enriching uranium at any site. Abbas Araghchi responded Sunday to an Associated Press journalist's question about Iran's nuclear program.
apnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:24 PM
"Iran’s foreign minister says the nation is no longer enriching uranium at any site in the country"