Ideas

Build a National Counter-Drone Network

Defensive drones stationed at airports and other likely points of attack could be teleoperated from one or more central facilities.

Ideas

The US Pioneered Digital Contact Tracing. Why Aren't We Using It to Fight COVID-19?

Other countries' experience with tracing apps helps explain why.

Threats

Mozambique Is Emerging As The Next Islamic Extremist Hotspot

A terror group affiliated with the Islamic State has been stepping up tactics and claiming bigger targets.

Ideas

Why Is Russia Undermining International Efforts in Syria?

Western negotiators must give no ground in Moscow’s attempts to evade its responsibilities.

Threats

In Russian Bounties, Former Diplomats See Effort To Mess With US — But Not Much More

Moscow’s strategic calculus is much harder to parse.

Business

'How Much and How Fast': Biden Watchers Anticipate Defense Spending Crunch

Part 4: From the size of the US military to outdated 'legacy' weapons, experts say something has to give.

Science & Tech

Defense Firms Unlikely to Win Extension to Purge Banned Chinese Tech

Armed Services Chairman Rep. Adam Smith is asking GAO to report on compliance, as companies ask for more time.

Policy

We Don’t Have Enough Cash to Build New Nuclear Weapons, Says Air Force Chief

Nukes or conventional weapons, “the current budget does not allow you to do both,” says Gen. Dave Goldfein, suggesting Congress create a separate account.

Science & Tech

Navy's $70 Billion Financial System Now in the Cloud

Just "one database contained more than 13 terabytes of data." Amazon moved the entire system in 10 months, eight ahead of schedule.

Science & Tech

How Biden Would Wage Great Power Competition

Part 3: While Trump chooses go-it-alone, Biden wants allies and partners “at the forefront” of U.S. foreign policy. But his options to renew old agreements are limited.

Defense Systems

Congress weighs fate of DOD's chief management officer

The Defense Department's chief management office is, again, fending off political pressure to eliminate it.

Defense Systems

White House clashes with legislators over new cyber post

The co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission said he has yet to hear from the White House on why they don't want a new top cybersecurity official in the executive branch.

Defense Systems

Thornberry talks acquisition reform in 2021 NDAA

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) is hopeful that lasting change comes with his latest provisions in what is set to be his last National Defense Authorization Act.

Defense Systems

Lawmakers spotlight cyber in Senate defense bill

Amendments filed to the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act by Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) and others would implement more than a dozen recommendations from the Solarium Commission report.

Threats

What Putin’s New Constitution Means for Russia and the West

A series of constitutional amendments will cement Putin’s hold on power, change Russian life, and give the West fewer options for dealing with him.

Policy

Political Fight Over Russian Bounty on US Troops Appears to Warp Intel Debate

Democrats suspect the White House is trying to paint the assessment as less solid than it is.