Inside Defense's most-read stories in 2018

You read it, we noticed. In 2018, one story soared to the top of the most-read list -- perhaps not surprisingly, given that it detailed the behind-the-scenes action that resulted in a far larger Pentagon budget.

Here, we list our most-read stories of the year.

5. Pentagon eyeing new list of weapon systems for rapid prototyping

The Pentagon is considering several weapon systems for new rapid prototyping authority granted by Congress, including the Air Force's hypersonic conventional strike capability, F-22 aircraft modernization and two key Navy missile programs, Inside Defense has learned.

4. Lockheed to win potential $780M development, production contract for hypersonic ARRW program

Lockheed Martin is set to receive a potential $780 million contract for the Air Force's next hypersonic weapon project, the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, according to a recently published service document.

3. Five companies, including two foreign firms, express interest in LTAMDS 'Sense-Off'

Five companies -- three U.S. contractors and two foreign firms -- responded to the Army's industry day invitation and the chance to compete in the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor program's "Sense-Off" event, a contest to rival the LTAMDS program of record -- allowing new players the opportunity to nab production of the expected multibillion-dollar Patriot radar replacement.

2. Lockheed Martin says winning prices in three major programs would have generated $5 billion loss

Had Lockheed Martin matched the winning prices in three major programs it lost in recent months, it would have incurred losses of more than $5 billion, the contractor's chief executive said today.

1. How GOP defense hawks delivered a massive military budget

When President Trump was elected in late 2016, defense advocates readied for increased spending, confident his arrival would mean far larger budgets. But for nearly the past 18 months, that prediction has faced doubts and political gridlock, as Congress continued to rely on stopgap spending measures.