Defense Systems
Pentagon bets $480m on AI-fueled intel platform
Starting June 1, a Palantir system will bring enhanced intelligence data to the Joint Staff and combatant commands.
Policy
The Navy wants to crowdsource innovation
CTO urges the Navy Department to hold more “structured challenges” to spur breakthroughs.
Science & Tech
China’s effort to take over Taiwan without firing a shot
How influence operations, cyber-weapon hoarding, and intimidation factor into China’s Taiwan play.
Threats
F-35 crash shrinks a tiny test fleet under stress
Congress and GAO were already worried about having enough test jets to handle planned upgrades.
Policy
How the Space Force plans to surge a commercial fleet during wartime
New program is based on the concept of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet.
Science & Tech
Across the Army, units lean into drone experimentation
In division after division, soldiers are learning to use a rising wave of robots and other unmanned systems.
Science & Tech
DARPA picks two firms to design a fast, runway-less airplane
Bell, Aurora reveal their X-Plane concepts.
Threats
A new breakthrough could deepen US troops' dependence on Chinese batteries
The Qingdao Institute reports a new manufacturing technique that enables cells to charge quicker and age slower.
Defense Systems
Space Force inches closer to classified remote work
The platform could be a popular remote-work solution for Space Systems Command.
Science & Tech
Losing hearts and minds: The desperate state of US influence operations
The United States is surrendering ground to Russia and China’s propaganda machines. That has key officials increasingly worried.
Policy
Should Cyber Force become the next service?
The House will vote on a proposal to study the question as part of the 2025 defense authorization bill.
Policy
US plan may boost NATO arms production for Ukraine
Money would also go toward Ukrainian defense industry and undercutting Russian arms sales.
Science & Tech
First Replicator drones already in Indo-Pacific, DOD says
It’s a first for “warfighter-centric innovation,” says deputy defense secretary.
Threats
Lawsuit alleges contractors lied about V-22’s safety
The suit, filed by the families of Marines killed in a 2022 crash, says the tiltrotor aircraft don’t meet government safety specifications.
Defense Systems
Navy looks to Army for more data analytics capability
The sea service is also planning to release a new information strategy in July.
Science & Tech