Inside the Pentagon highlights

Some must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Pentagon:

1. Senate lawmakers want to give Defense Secretary Jim Mattis authorization for a major roles and missions review that could result in tectonic shifts at the Pentagon, but former senior defense officials say it's not as simple as it sounds, especially if senior leaders aren't on board.

Full story: Senate bill triggers doubt that DOD will wrestle with roles and missions review

2. New legislation in the Senate authorizes U.S. military hackers to go on the offensive against Russian attacks on the United States in cyberspace and also mandates a cyber deterrence doctrine after lawmakers were disappointed in the Trump administration's latest policy.

Full story: Senate bill would authorize U.S. cyber forces to counter Russian interference

3. The Missile Defense Agency produced "mixed progress" in delivery and testing goals in 2017, according to a congressional audit that also found U.S. military commanders who rely on the Ballistic Missile Defense System do not have "full insight" into capabilities the agency provides to warfighters, including potential shortcomings.

Full story: GAO's missile defense audit flags MDA use of undefinitized contracts

4. The Air Force wants to make headway on developing an autonomous fighter jet in an 18-month program spearheaded by a new rapid development team, Inside Defense has learned.

Full story: Air Force development team sets 18-month plan for autonomous fighter jet