Defense Systems

Navy planning to put laser weapons on helicopters

Expected to complement traditional weapons, the HELWS laser could be used to attack low threat targets or incoming projectiles.

Defense Systems

US says China conducted secret anti-satellite weapons test

China is developing its ability to destroy satellites in orbit, which undermines stability in space, say State Department officials.

Defense Systems

DARPA chief: Military's focus on big systems 'is now killing us'

Prabhaker says Pentagon has to shed its expensive, slow-moving approach to technology and new weapons.

Defense Systems

DARPA moves ahead on protecting military wireless networks

The Wireless Network Defense program looks to lay the foundation for the next generation of wireless systems.

Defense Systems

Air Force takes $495M step toward hosted payloads for satellites

The service awards a contract to 14 companies with a plan for fast, flexible satellite operations.

Defense Systems

DOD falls short in measuring SBIR effectiveness, GAO says

The program has successfully transitioned technologies, but more data could improve acquisitions processes, according to the report.

Defense Systems

MDA wants to upgrade anti-counterfeiting plant DNA process

Applied DNA Sciences uses botanical DNA to provide authentication and protect the DOD supply chain from bogus electronics.

Defense Systems

9/11 Commission: History could repeat in cyber realm

Ten years after their report, the authors warn of complacency in the face of a growing threat from state actors.

Defense Systems

Air Force gets a move on dynamic cyber defense

The C2PD program is looking to incorporate Moving Target Defense into an existing command and control framework.

Defense Systems

A few ways 3D printing is about to transform the Army

Advancements in additive manufacturing could determine the clothes you wear, the tools you use, the medical treatments you receive, even the food you eat.

Defense Systems

Air Force wants human-machine teams for ISR analysis

AFRL’s Human Analyst Augmentation branch is looking for human-centric technologies to improve analysis of sensor data.

Defense Systems

ULA launches Air Force's 'space neighborhood watch' satellites

ULA launched the first two satellites in the Air Force’s formerly secret Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program on July 28, after several days of delays.

Defense Systems

'System on a chip' a boost for next-gen RF communications

DARPA researchers demonstrate an all-silicon SoC transmitter that could make RF systems smaller, lighter, cheaper and better.

Defense Systems

An ISR drone in your pocket

Natick researchers are adapting a 16-gram, remotely operated helicopter that could send real-time video to soldiers and squads, indoors or out.

Defense Systems

Army building a marketplace for tactical comm equipment

The program will set technical standards for hardware in support of the Common Operating Environment and provide a contract vehicle for vendors to work with.

Defense Systems

Senate bill would cut $500M from Defense IT budget

But cyber and R&D would get a boost under bill approved by the appropriations committee.

Defense Systems

Squad X aims to 'organically' integrate sensors, comm, data for small units

DARPA's program wants to bring a full, near-real-time operational picture to the infantry squad.

Defense Systems

DISA shuts down an enterprise data center

Closing the DECC in Hunstville, Ala., is expected to add $3.2 million to the saving from consolidation.

Defense Systems

NERO jams aboard a drone in Army test

Flights show that a Gray Eagle can carry out electronic attacks currently handled by C-12 aircraft.

Defense Systems

3 companies get contracts for a satellite-launching space plane

DARPA’s XS-1 program aims to develop a hypersonic unmanned craft that can launch payloads from suborbital altitudes.