Defense Systems

Army explores idea of joint VTOL drone

The Army has provided an addendum to a Navy analysis of alternatives to determine whether the two services can meet their needs for vertical-takeoff-and-landing unmanned aircraft through a joint program.

Defense Systems

Air Force intell center to get technical support

The Air Force has tasked General Dynamics Corp. to provide it with battlespace awareness and other support in an award worth $4.7 million.

Defense Systems

HHS CIO to retire

HHS CIO Michael Carleton began public service during the Nixon administration.

Defense Systems

Somali terrorists beware: Raven drones overhead

Under a proposed $45 million U.S. counterterrorism assistance package, the African Union peacekeeping forces of Uganda and Burundi would get four unarmed Raven drones for use in Somalia.

Defense Systems

Persistent threats challenge US military cyber ops

The United States is becoming more experienced at handling cyber operations for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Defense Systems

Army deploys more small drones in ISR surge

Additional UAS will feature enhanced sensors, better communications capabilities and extended operating times.

Defense Systems

In quest of the agnostic radio

Limited user tests under way this summer at White Sands Missile Range will focus on maturing two radio waveforms so they eventually can be ported to hardware agnostic radios.

Defense Systems

Success with IP convergence depends on clear guiding vision

The Defense Department must make a special effort to extend the IP platform to support mobile business application integration to reap the full benefit of convergence.

Defense Systems

Framework needed for network interoperability, group says

An industry group focused on network-centric operations has developed a framework to help the Defense Department achieve its challenging interoperability goals.

Defense Systems

Defense cuts won’t cause pain in short term

Despite the buzz about the painful military spending cuts that will occur over the next decade, Defense Department and industry officials expect only marginal spending reductions over the next two to three years.

Defense Systems

France, Britain put joint drone on hold

France and Britain will delay for 12 to 18 months a decision on how they will proceed together in developing a medium-altitude, long-range joint drone that can carry out strikes so that they can evaluate various options.

Defense Systems

NSA shares cyber tools with defense contractors

Relentless attacks on U.S. defense contractors have prompted the National Security Agency to offer some of its sophisticated tools and techniques as a means to fortify the defense of these sensitive systems.

Defense Systems

Obama issues cyber warfare rules of engagement

President Barack Obama has signed executive orders that set forth the parameters by which the U.S. military can engage its adversaries and engage in routine espionage in the cyber realm.

Defense Systems

Shortage of adequately trained cyber pros puts US at risk

A severe shortage of experienced cyber professionals leaves the nation vulnerable to cyberattacks that might inflict death and damage.

Defense Systems

Senate slashes $6B from defense spending bill

The Senate Armed Services Committee is calling for $6.4 billion in defense spending cuts as it pushes forward its proposed DOD authorization for full Senate consideration.

Defense Systems

Navy Fire Scout crashes during Libya operations

A U.S. unmanned helicopter crashed June 21 while undertaking a reconnaissance mission as part of NATO's continuing air campaign against Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi.

Defense Systems

DOD's hard line against cloud computing gradually softens

Defense agencies are warming up to cloud computing, but fears still abound in personnel ranks, and serious hurdles still lie ahead.

Defense Systems

Navy's cyber unit scans horizon for new challenges

The Navy's Fleet Cyber Command/10th Fleet is looking beyond situational awareness to new challenges.

Defense Systems

Marines advance cautiously toward smart phones

For now, the U.S. Marine Corps is just testing the smart-phone waters, but it could be the next branch of the military to dive into the mobile devices.

Defense Systems

Air Force leaders to get NSA-approved smart phones

Spectra Edge handheld phones feature encryption approved by the National Security Agency.