Defense Systems

DISA mulls laser system for satellite communications

All-optical systems potentially offer increased data transfer rates and better security while avoiding the crowded electromagnetic spectrum.

Defense Systems

UAS training to be basic training for Marine officers

The Basic School for new officers is adding a course on the RQ-11B Raven, a small, lightweight system that can provide ISR in the field.

Defense Systems

Next-gen man portables swap out size and weight, add performance

New satellite router boards for field use are about the size of an iPad, more battery-efficient and can handle high data rates.

Defense Systems

Cyber conflict escalates: Second Chinese PLA hacking group accused

CrowdStrike releases a report implicating a Chinese military group in cyber espionage focusing on the satellite and aerospace industries.

Defense Systems

Navy awards HP $138M extension for getting from NMCI to NGEN

The contract modification enables the company to provide NMCI services until Sept. 30, when NGEN is expected to take over.

Defense Systems

Army, Marines get new blue force tracking system a step closer

The user friendly, mobile battlefield command and control tool gets a workout during NIE exercises at Fort Bliss.

Defense Systems

US databases in South Korea hacked, employee info compromised

Personal information on more than 16,000 South Korean employees, former employees and job applicants may have been taken, but no military data was compromised, officials said.

Defense Systems

Move over Spider-Man, Z-Man can climb walls, too

DARPA’s gecko-inspired technology would enable soldiers to scale walls without ropes or ladders.

Defense Systems

Army boosts bandwidth with new suitcase-sized satellite terminals

T2C2, now a program of record, takes portable battlefield communications from kilobits to megabits per second.

Defense Systems

NSA accredits Lockheed Martin to help respond to cyberattacks

The agency’s National Security Cyber Assistance Program seeks to pre-approve vendors for cyber defense.

Defense Systems

Air Force switches contractors with $298M award for FAB-T satellite terminals

Raytheon snags contract from Boeing to provide terminals for “nuclear survivable” satcom.

Defense Systems

Russia to restrict military use of GPS stations in its territory

The retaliatory move comes in the wake of U.S. rejection of Russian GLONASS monitoring stations, but will have little effect on GPS users.

Defense Systems

Air Force awards deal for Space Fence to track orbital debris

Lockheed Martin wins the $914.7 million contract to build a system to track even small bits of space junk.

Defense Systems

Cyber Grand Challenge offers millions for better cyber defense

Automated cyber defenses developed for DARPA’s competition could eventually compete against human hackers.

Defense Systems

Cardillo to replace Letitia Long as head of NGA

Long is retiring after heading geospatial-intelligence agency since 2010.

Defense Systems

Air Force awards five-year deal for Joint Operation Planning tool

Under the contract, worth up to $98 million, Northrop Grumman will maintain and enhance the Strategic Command’s Collaborative Information Environment.

Defense Systems

New program looks to develop GPS-level capabilities – without GPS

DARPA sets a proposers’ day to explore options for alternative positioning, navigation and timing systems.

Defense Systems

Teleporting information sets stage for ‘cyber secure’ communications

ARL researchers using quantum entanglement to move images and data say the technology could lead to handheld teleportation-exfiltration devices.

Defense Systems

Senate committee contemplates new cyber career paths for DOD

Bonuses, incentive/special pay may be in store for cyber-mission employees.

Defense Systems

DARPA-funded augmented reality technology moves to commercial sector

Heads-up display software could appeal to gamers, military trainers.