Business
GAO Report Slams Navy’s New Ford-Class Aircraft Carriers
After delays and cost overruns, the USS Gerald Ford is now estimated to run $12.8 billion -- 22 percent more than planned, according to the Government Accountability Office. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Why Isolationism Is Back in America
The United States' mixed record on military interventions, coupled with an inherent skepticism of foreign involvement, has cooled any appetite towards a strike in Syria. By Ronald Brownstein
Threats
Is Obama Making it Harder to Take on Iran?
The administration's decision to go through Congress could be setting a difficult precedent -- especially if tensions with Tehran heat up in the future. By George E. Condon Jr.
Ideas
In The Tank: This Week’s Best Defense and National Security Think Tank Offerings
The latest in wonk reads on national security, tech, and more. By Kedar Pavgi
Defense Systems
DARPA Insight program targets next-generation ISR capabilities
Research agency says integrated human-machine programs would help deliver comprehensive battlefield picture in real time.
Defense Systems
SAIC to develop imaging system for munitions disposal
Portable radiographic imager will help Navy technicians analyze condition of a device, munitions.
Ideas
‘War’ By Any Other Name Is the Plan
A war by any other name doesn’t matter. A strike on Syria is exactly what U.S. military is built to do and the Pentagon expects to do more of it. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
How Can Today’s Navy ‘Learn on the Run’?
Unrelenting U.S. Navy deployments and maintenance cycles shouldn’t get in the way of planning for the future. By Thomas Hone and Robert Holzer
Threats
Defense One Guidebook: Who’s Who in Syria’s Opposition
A primer on Syrian rebel factions, their aims, and their history. By Defense One Staff
Policy
Why Going to Congress For a Vote on Strikes in Syria Was a Major Risk
The debate over action in Syria comes as Congress is already swamped over the debates on fiscal policy, the debt ceiling, and other major federal government initiatives. By Norm Ornstein
Policy
The Syria Vote is Confounding Members of Congress
Faced by an election next year, a presidential election in 3 years, and an electorate exhausted by the war, members of Congress are reluctant to support a new military operation in Syria. By Beth Reinhard
Defense Systems
Al-Qaeda reportedly targeting U.S. drones
Leaked documents reveal insurgent efforts to disrupt, destroy U.S. drones.
Defense Systems
Northrup Grumman awarded $15.5M Hawkeye contract
A proof-of-concept study will support radar development for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Program.
Defense Systems
Navy awards $14.5M for upgraded aircraft data transfer systems
Physical Optics Corp. will develop data platforms for MH-60 and V-22 aircraft.
Business
How the NSA Can Restore Public Trust
A special prosecutor would have free rein to go through the NSA's files and discover the full extent of what the agency is doing. By Bruce Schneier
Policy
How Syria Gives Rand Paul a Political Advantage Over Marco Rubio
The Senator from Kentucky has long had a non-interventionist stance on foreign policy matters, but the timing of a possible intervention in Syria may boost his national profile even further. By Beth Reinhard
Defense Systems
Why software-defined networking isn't ready for the battlefield
Despite the early promise of SDN, the reality is that soldiers want to retain physical control of their battlefield networks.
Defense Systems
Software tracks U.S. aid deliveries to Afghanistan
Despite widespread corruption, new programs adapt to track supplies in Afghan warehouses.
Defense Systems
U.S., Russia, Canada partner in Joint Exercise Vigilant Eagle
Forces successfully hand-off escort for first time in NORAD hijacked aircraft simulation.
Defense Systems