Defense Systems
USAF ‘woefully behind’ on modernizing mobility aircraft, airlift commander says
Pushing aging aircraft decades past their service life is the emerging service strategy.
Special Report
Business
Several trends are shifting defense tech toward Europe
War, regulation, and distrust of the United States are tilting a big market homeward.
Sponsor Content
Building public trust in a data-driven government
Each day, government agencies collect millions of data points about the people they serve, from birth certificates to business licenses, tax returns to benefit applications.
Science & Tech
Air Force test pilots used tactical AI to evade a missile
A Skunk Works project pushed pilots to give artificial intelligence control in the cockpit.
Policy
Pentagon’s spending plan doubles down on land, air, sea robots
A look at new tech efforts in the Pentagon’s $151 billion reconciliation allocation plan.
Sponsor Content
Why file trust fails at the tactical edge and how Zero Trust solves it
Cross-domain solutions (CDS) are designed to protect data as it moves between trust boundaries—but at the tactical edge, traditional detection-based security models often fail.
Business
An Air Force drone wingman has started flying with weapons
Anduril’s collaborative combat aircraft began “captive carry" testing last month.
Business
Air Force reaches deal with Northrop to expand B-21 production
The Pentagon wants to spend $4.5 billion in bomber-related reconciliation funds this year alone.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 203: Fictional intelligence
The authors of a new series discuss how they're exploring the future of conflict through short stories.
Voices
Exclusive
Business
Replacement B-52 test engine deliveries expected in 2027
The new F130 engines aim to keep the Cold War-era bomber flying through the 2050s.
Science & Tech
An MQ-20 drone just teamed up with an F-22 for mock combat missions
The drone was able to “exchange messages” with the pilot about patrols, maneuvers, and more.
Policy
All eyes on Air Force leaders after a year of chaos and change
Experts say service leaders ought to pitch a clear vision at upcoming conference.
Science & Tech
New Army office aims to quickly develop and scale soldier ideas
Pathway for Innovation and Technology will connect rapid-acquisition hubs to program chiefs.
Business
Embraer joins Northrop to devise autonomous boom system for KC-390 tanker
The deal aims to court international buyers and the Air Force as it sketches out its future refueling program.
Science & Tech
Move over, Best Ranger; the Army’s looking for the best drone pilots
The Huntsville competition is also meant to shape the selection and training of unmanned systems operators.
Policy
Cyber responses will be ‘linked to adversary actions,’ involve industry: White House
New national cyber strategy, expected last month, will be released “soon."
Business
Boeing moves its defense HQ back to St. Louis
The aerospace giant’s global headquarters will remain in Arlington, Va.
Science & Tech