Defense Systems

AF reaper and small drones replace Predator

The Air Force's Small UAS Roadmap is expected to increase use of small drones as explosives to attack enemy targets. The service is also preparing to retire its Predator drone and replace it with smaller drones able to perform similar similar functions. Also, the service is in the process of expanding the weapons ability and mission scope of its larger Reaper drone.

Defense Systems

Electronic warfare: Navy advances next-generation jammer

The Navy's Next-Generation Jammer, to be ready by 2021, is designed to jam multiple radars at the same time and defeat future high-tech enemy air defenses.

Defense Systems

Air Force chief scientist: future drones stealthier -more autonomous

The drones of tomorrow will be stealthier, faster, more computerized, equipped for electronic warfare, more lethal, more autonomous and, in some cases, able to deploy as swarming groups of mini-drones, according to the Air Force’s Chief Scientist.

Defense Systems

Advanced algorithms allow Navy submarines to control multiple undersea drones

The Navy's emerging drone strategy envisions a scenario where multiple drones can conduct ISR, search for mines and even find and attack targets.

Defense Systems

Navy bolsters its electronics test systems

Lockheed Martin wins another deal to support CASS for the Navy and six allied countries.

Defense Systems

Navy continues electronic warfare upgrades for ships

A $149 million contract to Lockheed Martin is the latest step in a long-running program to improve the service’s ability to detect and defend against a variety of threats.

Defense Systems

DOD adds a third DIUx innovation unit in Austin, Texas

The new location joins the effort to involve industry, academia and start-ups in developing cutting-edge security and other technologies.

Defense Systems

With military research into nanomaterials, the future looks light

Breakthrough work being led by the Army Research Lab and DARPA could revolutionize jet engines and microelectronics.

Defense Systems

Air Force, ULA agree on the process for certifying Vulcan launch vehicle

The agreement could help streamline the evaluation process; the Space and Missile Systems Center expects to sign similar agreements with SpaceX and Orbital-ATK.

Defense Systems

Open Group wants to set the standard for avionics software

A government-industry consortium looks to leverage standardization and reuse of software through a "conformance" program.

Defense Systems

Navy selects five to support Maritime Global Command and Control System

The companies will provide systems engineering, software support and other services for GCCS-M, which gives commanders an integrated, multilayered common operating picture.

Defense Systems

Navy awards $350M in contracts for Triton UAS program

Northrop is to produce three low-rate initial production systems for the high-altitude surveillance drones, ticketed for persistent surveillance missions in the Pacific.

Defense Systems

ARL, UK collaboration: Distributed analytics will aid coalition forces

An alliance that also includes industry and academia embarks on a research project to ensure secure, dynamic coalition communications through Distributed Analytics and Information Science, or DAIS.

Defense Systems

ONR sets sail for first Unmanned Warrior exercise

Britain is hosting the inaugural event with NATO allies involving unmanned, autonomous surface, underwater and air vehicles.

Defense Systems

High anxiety: US needs resilient satellites, nets to avoid a space crisis

A new assessment highlights the potential for an instability crisis in space as the United States and China vie for the high ground.

Defense Systems

Air Force moves ahead with GPS III preparations

The service gives Lockheed Martin a $395 million contract modification for work on the ninth and tenth of the 32-satellite constellation.

Defense Systems

Pentagon wants an imaging sensor that can think

Under the ReImagine program, researchers seek to develop a programmable array of pixels that can use machine learning to react to what they’re seeing, as a way to improve situational awareness.

Defense Systems

Navy awards $32.8M deal for tactical radios

The deal calls for Link 22 radios that support interoperable communications between U.S. and NATO forces.

Defense Systems

DARPA goes to next phase of Squad X

The research agency awards Lockheed a contract to continue work on bringing a command-and-control view to the squad level.

Defense Systems

Navy awards deals potentially worth $1B for cybersecurity

Seven companies will compete for work under three-year contracts for a variety of work; each deal has a two-year option.