Aaron Mehta

Editor in Chief, Breaking Defense

Aaron Mehta is editor in chief of Breaking Defense. He previously served as deputy editor and senior Pentagon correspondent for Defense News, as well as a staff writer for the non-profit Center for Public Integrity. Over his career, Mehta has interviewed dozens of defense leaders from around the globe, covering the intersection of policy, industry and technology at the highest national security levels. Mehta has a particular interest in nuclear issues, foreign weapon sales and NATO issues. Originally from outside Boston, Mass., he now lives in the Washington, D.C. area. amehta@breakingmedia.com

Stories by Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare

South Korea cleared to buy $5B worth of F-35s

The announced deal covers 25 F-35A models, alongside 26 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines and a host of equipment.

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare

The sights of AFA 2023 day 3 [PHOTOS]

See photos from day three of the annual AFA convention.

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare

The top news from AFA 2023 day 2 [VIDEO]

Breaking Defense’s Aaron Mehta and Michael Marrow discuss the top news from the second day of the Air and Space Forces Association’s annual conference.

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare

The sights of AFA 2023 day two [PHOTOS]

A collection of photos from the second day of the Air and Space Forces Association conference.

By Aaron Mehta

The top news from AFA 2023 day 1 [VIDEO]

Aaron Mehta and Michael Marrow break down the top storylines from the first day of AFA 2023.

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare

The sights of AFA 2023 day 1 [PHOTOS]

Day one of the 2023 Air and Space Forces Association national conference is in the book, but there was plenty to see.

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare

What to expect at the Air and Space Forces Association national conference [VIDEO]

The Breaking Defense team discusses the key topics to watch for at the upcoming AFA conference.

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare

General Atomics LongShot drone for DARPA to start flight tests in December

DARPA views LongShot — an unmanned aircraft system dropped from a bomber or fighter that can launch missiles of its own — a potentially useful for both the Air Force and Navy.

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare, Congress, Pentagon

Slife, former Air Force special operations chief, tapped as service No. 2

Lt. Gen. Jim Slife will become the Air Force vice chief — if he can get past a confirmation blockade that has stalled out nominations in Congress.

By Michael Marrow and Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare, Global, Naval Warfare

Pentagon’s assessment of Chinese military power could be out in October, official says

Regarding China’s intercepts of American aircraft and ships, Pentagon official Ely Ratner said, “It’s dangerous and the PLA has got to knock it off.”

By Aaron Mehta

Networks / Cyber, Pentagon

Palmer Luckey on Anduril’s growth plans, a future IPO and how ChatGPT has impacted AI

“I can’t really imagine a world where something like a Joint Strike Fighter program goes to a privately traded company,” Luckey told Breaking Defense. “I can’t imagine that ever happening.”

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare, Land Warfare

Anduril ‘going after everything’ with new rocket motor business, Palmer Luckey says

“The only way that we’re going to get to the scale of a prime that can change the way a lot of things are done is to work across the same domains that a prime has to do,” Palmer Luckey told Breaking Defense. “You have to fight and win across multiple areas.”

By Aaron Mehta

Air Warfare, Congress, Land Warfare, Pentagon

National Guard chief on lessons from Ukraine, COVID-19 and military promotion limbo

In part of a wide-ranging interview with Breaking Defense, Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson said “every one” of the holds on confirmation for Joint Chiefs members is exacting a price on the military.

By Aaron Mehta