Defense Systems

Air Force to launch two more AEHF satellites in 2012

The Air Force has activated its Advanced Extremely High Frequency military communications satellite after a 14-month struggle to get it into the correct orbit.

Defense Systems

Navy taps BAE team for global C4ISR support

The Navy has awarded BAE Systems a contract potentially worth $132 million to furnish technical support for its command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance projects.

Defense Systems

Will US loosen export restrictions on UAV sales?

The Pacific Rim might see a significant increase in nations flying U.S.-built UAVs as a result of efforts by manufacturers to redesign their aircraft to fall under less restrictive export controls and a possible willingness by the Obama administration to allow sales to select nations in that region.

Defense Systems

DOD lone holdout on data center closure reporting

DOD has missed two deadlines to report data center consolidation progress, but an official says the department has surpassed target figures.

Defense Systems

DARPA program seeks early detection of insider threats

A team of university researchers is developing a software-based system to find suspect insiders before they can do damage.

Defense Systems

Measuring the effectiveness of Stuxnet

To justify their view that Stuxnet was a failure, some believe that by this time next year it's highly likely Iran will have developed a nuclear weapon. Others believe that if it was not for the Stuxnet cyberattack, Iran probably would have a nuclear weapon now.

Defense Systems

Airborne radar sensor passes initial test

Sierra Nevada has successfully demonstrated the prototype of an airborne x-band radar sense-and-avoid sensor for unmanned aircraft vehicles.

Defense Systems

JTRS airborne radio passes interoperability tests

A pre-development version of the JTRS Airborne and Maritime/Fixed Station radio has successfully met several operational requirements for data sharing, interoperability and range extension.

Defense Systems

Open source serves as linchpin to modernization: Justice

Open-source software and technologies are helping the military keep up with rapidly evolving technology, says Army Maj. Gen. Nick Justice.

Defense Systems

Cyber Command wants greater cyber warfare authority

The U.S. Cyber Command wants greater power to protect and defend America's cyber networks from aggressive action by other nations.

Defense Systems

Cyber adversaries would face 'grave risk' attacking US: report

If directed by the president in response to hostile cyberattacks, the Defense Department is prepared to launch offensive cyber operations against foes that it says "would be taking a grave risk" by launching a crippling attack against the United States.

Defense Systems

DOD looks to unconventional methods in fight against IEDs

The U.S. military's counter-IED agency is focusing on intelligence and robotics in the continuing fight against a critical threat to soldiers' lives.

Defense Systems

Viasat-1 starts final in-orbit testing phase

North America's first high-capacity satellite has started its final testing.

Defense Systems

DARPA fast-track program would plug network holes

In the two months since its launch, the Defense Department has awarded seven contracts to nontraditional contractors through its Cyber Fast Track Program and hopes to award scores more during its first year.

Defense Systems

Army forces in Afghanistan to receive aerostats

The Army has awarded a $383 million contract to Lockheed Martin to furnish and maintain aerostats that will provide real-time aerial reconnaissance and surveillance of large swaths of terrain in Afghanistan.

Defense Systems

RFI seeks info on smart phones for soldiers

The military has been considering its mobile technology options, and the Army's Fifth Signal Command is ready for action.

Defense Systems

Comms-on-the-move revolutionizes military tactics

A revolution is taking place in the form of communications-on-the-move in which dismounted soldiers and those at the lower echelons can take advantage of advanced communications capabilities to keep in touch with each other and their commanders.

Defense Systems

Army tests 3G network to boost squad-level awareness

The Army has tested a 3G wireless network that would link smart phones, tablets and radio systems to a large number of sensors and unmanned ground and air vehicles to push information down to the squad and fire team leaders.

Defense Systems

Navy group to evaluate unmanned surface patrol craft

The Navy has sent three unmanned surface vessels to its Riverine Group One to evaluate how well the vessels perform the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for which they were designed.

Defense Systems

Army PEO C3T Price promoted to major general

The Senate confirmed Nov. 10 the promotion of Brig. Gen. Lee Price, the Army's program executive officer for command, control and communications (tactical), to the rank of major general.