Pentagon’s $2.67 B Mobile Contract Flaws Threaten Troop Communications to Spy Networks

An Inspector General audit of the Pentagon’s $2.67 billion Spiral 4 wireless contract uncovered critical gaps that could allow hostile intelligence services to track troop locations and read messages. The review notes the Department of Defense did not verify whether carriers—including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile—were adequately protecting sensitive data, and it lacks a formal policy for safeguarding SMS communications. Senators Ron Wyden and Eric Schmitt, who previously highlighted Chinese-state hacking of U.S. phone networks in the Salt Typhoon operation, say the agency still fails to act on the watchdog’s recommendations.

Although the DoD amended contracts in May to require independent security assessments, officials have not demonstrated a clear process for evaluating those findings before renewal decisions. The investigation follows the “Signalgate” scandal, where Pete Hegseth allegedly shared operational details via a personal messaging app, prompting a separate watchdog report. Pentagon spokespersons acknowledged responsibility for improving telecom security and assigned Under Secretary for Intelligence and Security Bradley D. Hansell to oversee protection of phone data. No evidence was found that foreign intelligence services have already compromised the contracts.