Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel “outlined plans for a new set of priorities designed to tackle what he views as the military’s declining prowess amid the weapons technologies being developed and fielded by China, Russia and other countries,” the Wall Street Journal reports.  

“Pentagon officials are also looking to defense contractors to redirect some of their research and development spending to tackle longer-term threats but face the return of automatic sequestration budget cuts, and lawmakers reluctant to agree to wholesale cuts in some programs and force strength.”  

“Defense officials have said the priorities include longer-range weapons, enhanced cybersecurity platforms, unmanned systems and a different approach to radar technology, with help from contractors to develop and fund what is viewed as a multidecade effort.”