Defense Systems

$362M award to provide triple the Special Ops aid

The Defense Department has awarded three well-known government contractors five-year contracts worth a total of $362 million for IT assistance for the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Defense Systems

DOD should take lead on cyber info sharing: panel

Information sharing is essential to the success of the federal government's efforts to boost its cyber defenses and protect U.S. critical infrastructure, said a panel of federal officials at the AFCEA Cybersecurity Symposium.

Defense Systems

Apache gets first JTRS radio for aircraft platforms

The Army's AH-64D Apache helicopter will be the first aircraft to receive the airborne version of a net-enabled joint tactical radio under the Defense Department's Joint Tactical Radio System program.

Defense Systems

Army CIO calls for streamlined network operations

The Army is rescinding current IT network policies and wants to collapse redundant networks to streamline and transform.

Defense Systems

Lawmakers oppose cybersecurity legislation committee

With many committees claiming jurisdiction over cybersecurity, little progress has been made on passing comprehensive legislation. Sen. John McCain's call for a temporary select committee to break the logjam quickly met with resistance.

Defense Systems

DOD defends cyber realm with 5-point plan

The Defense Department's new strategy for defending U.S. computer networks stresses the need for a multi-faceted, evolving approach to counter pervasive threats.

Defense Systems

A contractor's first line of defense: common sense

The Defense Department has developed and published a draft rule requiring defense contractors to protect unclassified information from cyberattack.

Defense Systems

What goes into a Predator prowl over a war zone

A long-range mission by a Predator drone over a global hot spot can require up to three crews and involves line-of-sight control while taking off and landing the vehicle, and satellite link control while on the prowl.

Defense Systems

DARPA's satellite cluster project enters design phase

DARPA's System F6 project in which an ad hoc wireless network would tie together groups of satellite clusters moves forward with a contract award for network design.

Defense Systems

DOD to announce cyber strategy: What to expect

DOD is set to release its first overarching cyber strategy, but the public shouldn't expect too much in the way of juicy details.

Defense Systems

Flawed Fire Scout charms Navy

Despite its major flaws, the Defense Department is planning to double its order of the MQ-8B Fire Scout robotic helicopter.

Defense Systems

Hackers target Booz Allen military e-mails

The AntiSec hacking campaign claims it downloaded 90,000 military e-mails and password hashes from unsecured systems at government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton and released the hijacked files.

Defense Systems

DARPA, Raytheon begin next phase of network boost project

Raytheon's BBN Technologies will create architectures, protocols and network devices that will improve network capabilities and integrity for tactical military units.

Defense Systems

Oklahoma wants to establish UAV-friendly air corridor

A strip of airspace in Oklahoma might become a test zone for unmanned aerial vehicles in which commercial developers could routinely fly UAVs at high altitudes.

Defense Systems

Army modernization plan calls for adaptable, balanced force

With its 2012 Modernization Plan, the Army is taking a close look at how it will use its fiscal 2012 budget to achieve its most critical goals and re-balance the force.

Defense Systems

Other nations scramble to match US drone capabilities

U.S. military success with surveillance and attack drones has sparked a global race in which as many as 50 nations have purchased surveillance drones, and some also are trying to develop their own armed versions.

Defense Systems

Actress Mila Kunis accepts YouTube invite to Marine ball

Black Swan actress Mila Kunis saw Sgt. Scott Moore's invitation to the Marine Corps Ball online and couldn't help accepting.

Defense Systems

Rapidly spreading drone war raises many questions

The U.S. and British militaries haven't acknowledged it, but it looks like the first ever drone war might be taking place right under our noses. And it's leaving a lot of unanswered questions about the future of war.

Defense Systems

DOD proposes safeguarding unclassified data

Proposed additions to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations System would require contractors to provide minimum security for unclassified but controlled DOD information in their systems.

Defense Systems

Ship-building talks ongoing between Navy, General Dynamics

General Dynamics and the Navy continue contract negotiations for two destroyers.