Defense Systems

Army streamlines tactical comms capabilities

Open-market technology and pressures on defense spending force changes in tactical combat communications.

Defense Systems

Past cyberattacks sought to disrupt U.S. satellite: report

Cyber hackers attempted to gain command of a NASA satellite in 2008, putting the satellite at risk of being destroyed or damaged, according to a draft report by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

Defense Systems

Army creates project office to manage fixed-wing aircraft

The Army has activated a project office specifically to oversee all Army fixed-wing aircraft rather than having them operated independently by individual organizations and major commands.

Defense Systems

Funding for intelligence programs takes slight dip

Congress appropriated $78.6 billion overall for civilian and military intelligence activities in 2011, a slight decline from the amount spent on the programs in 2010.

Defense Systems

First Android device certified for Pentagon personnel

DISA has approved the Streak 5 mini-tablet for use by the Defense Department, opening the way for other Android platforms in government.

Defense Systems

Army lists achievements of manned-unmanned aircraft demo

The Army's Manned Unmanned Systems Integration Capability exercise demonstrated the ability of all of the manned and unmanned systems involved to exchange video with each other and also the ability of operators to control the UAS payloads of the larger unmanned aircraft using universal ground stations and remote video terminals.

Defense Systems

Reaper UAVs hunt terrorists from base in Ethiopia

The U.S. Air Force is flying armed Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles on counterterrorism missions from a civilian airport in southern Ethiopia against the Somalia-based al-Qaeda affiliate known as al-Shabab.

Defense Systems

Civil Air Patrol teams to compete in cybersecurity competition

More than 200 Civil Air Patrol teams will compete in the CyberPatriot IV high school-level cybersecurity challenge beginning Oct. 28 that requires students to defend against a variety computer threat scenarios.

Defense Systems

Air Force's Hawkins named to lead DISA

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta appoints former vice director to be the new director of the Defense Information Systems Agency.

Defense Systems

Tigershark UAV boasts two drones in one

Known as the Robotic Russian Doll of Death, a new drone heading for testing in 2012 would hide a smaller, warhead missile drone inside, enabling more accurate explosions and limiting collateral damage.

Defense Systems

Army, AAI collaborate on UAS payload development

AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems has delivered a small and a miniature UAS to the Army's Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center that will be used to help develop various payloads for three classes of the UAS.

Defense Systems

Army launches core financial management system worldwide

The Army's General Fund Enterprise Business System is now serving Army organizations and functions around the globe that have nearly 40,000 users.

Defense Systems

Don't be misled about Duqu malware

Cyber intelligence experts have issues with some of the claims being made about the Duqu malware.

Defense Systems

VA Acquisition Academy chancellor wins national award

Lisa Doyle was honored for her efforts in getting the VA's acquisition academy up and running

Defense Systems

Air Force narrows field of MQ-1/9 base contenders

Three bases have been chosen as candidates for the remote MQ-1/9 split operations squadron, which Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz will select in December 2011.

Defense Systems

DISA leads cloud push despite security, mobility struggles

DISA has released an RFI which aims to develop a new framework, architecture and guidelines for a DOD-wide enterprise cloud -- but the agency is also considering the hurdles ahead in its implementation.

Defense Systems

Navy destroyer gets advanced data transfer network

Boeing has completed installation of an enhanced data transfer network on the newly built guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance that was commissioned Oct. 1.

Defense Systems

DIA considers 'common development kit' for intell apps

The Defense Intelligence Agency is considering the creation of "a common development kit" that would produce interoperable "widgets" that could be used by analysts throughout the intelligence community.

Defense Systems

MRAP crews to get radios for satcom on-the-move

The Army and the Marine Corps have placed orders totaling $20 million for Harris' Falcon III AN/PRC-117G manpack radios and adapters for use in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to achieve satcom-on-the-move capability.

Defense Systems

Luigart takes top ELC honors

Craig Luigart, CIO for the Veterans Health Administration, earned the Janice K. Mendenhall Spirit of Leadership Award for his significant contributions to the federal information technology community at the Executive Leadership Conference.