Ideas

China’s Space Program Is More Military Than You Might Think

Proposals for U.S.-Chinese cooperation must proceed carefully.

Exclusive Policy

National Guard Scrambles for Funds After Congress Refuses to Cover Jan. 6-Related Costs

More than a half billion dollars in the hole, the Guard’s chief has ordered the heads of the Army and Air Guards to claw back money from state units.

Science & Tech

Researchers Create Drone Swarms That Can Detect Gas Leaks, Other Threats

A new algorithm called “Sniffy Bug” shows how tiny drones will do dangerous work even in areas where they can’t use GPS.

Threats

The Next War’s ‘Butcher’s Bill’ Will Match WWII’s—Unless the US Adapts, Milley Says

NATO militaries must master new technologies, from AI to next-gen long-range fires, within 15 years, Joint Chiefs chair warns.

Policy

Officials Deny American Troops Are Pulling Out Of Iraq as Strategic Talks Near

Biden will likely discuss the future of the American troop presence in Iraq when the prime minister visits Washington this month.

Ideas

NATO Must Shore Up Control of a Key Maritime Chokepoint

Independence movements along the GIUK Gap could leave the alliance short of key bases and influence.

Policy

SecDef Teases New Deterrence Strategy, Vows Billions More for AI

In pursuit of "integrated deterrence," Lloyd Austin committed $1.5 billion over five years to the Pentagon’s artificial intelligence hub.

Defense Systems

Prioritize and execute: Getting DOD to zero trust faster

Defense agencies must shift their security philosophy to guard mission-critical assets like applications and workloads with zero-trust segmentation.

Defense Systems

Questions on the impact of contract protests arise after JEDI

Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said protests and lawsuits that can delay or lead to program cancellation could be holding up the Defense Department's technological progress, naming JEDI as the latest example.

Defense Systems

Michael Brown withdraws nomination for DOD's top acquisition role

The Defense Innovation Unit's director has requested his name be withdrawn from consideration to be the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, citing delays caused by an ongoing Office of the Inspector General investigation.

Defense Systems

West Point eyes cloud-based Common App platform

To widen the pool of applicants and collect data on prospective students, West Point is looking to a cloud-based Common Application platform.

Defense Systems

Brace for debates on legacy systems, acquisition reform in NDAA, lawmaker says

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) said the defense budget debate could be “pretty contentious” when it comes to convincing congress members to divest of legacy systems that heavily involve their districts.

Defense Systems

Air Force plans 3D scans of facilities

The Air Force wants high-resolution 3D scans of the interiors and exteriors of its facilities so it can give civil engineers as well as fire and medical responders greater insight into the condition of buildings before and during emergencies.

Policy

A US-German ‘Window of Opportunity’ Is Closing, Experts Warn

If Biden is to persuade Germany — and NATO's European allies — to take a more aggressive stance toward China, he may have to do it before Angela Merkel steps down.

Policy

British Defense Secretary Vows to Fix Tank that Deafens Troops

Wallace is to meet with the CEO of General Dynamics, maker of the Ajax light tank.

Science & Tech

Plywood Satellite Cleared for Space Launch

The WISA Woodsat could reduce space debris by using materials that will burn as they fall back into Earth’s atmosphere.