Science & Tech
The NSA Is Studying Satellite Hacking
Low Earth orbit will soon be awash in small satellites, and the national security community is increasingly concerned about their security.
Science & Tech
After Long Opposition, McConnell Says He'll Support $250M for Election Security
Despite intelligence community warnings, the Senate majority leader had long opposed more funding to ward off foreign interference in the 2020 election.
Threats
Pentagon, Pompeo Diverge on Saudi-Oil Attacks
Defense officials say they won’t get ahead of Saudi Arabian investigators. The Secretary of State blames Iran.
Ideas
It’s Really Hard to Buy Peace in Afghanistan
Western leaders looking to replace troops with targeted aid may find it counterproductive.
Defense Systems
Air Force announces new information warfare entity
After some delay, the Air Combat Command will combine its 24th (cyber) and 25th (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) Numbered Air Forces into one.
Defense Systems
Air Force prepares cyber audit
The Air Force has been undergoing a comprehensive cyber audit modeled on the Navy's review, and is preparing to show findings to the Pentagon.
Policy
How Trump is Remaking Republican Foreign Policy
Out: neoconservatism and noninterventionism. In: a reactionary style that may outlast his administration.
Ideas
Robert O’Brien Should Have to Face Senate Confirmation
Requiring congressional approval would be good for Trump, good for his choice for national security adviser, and good for the country.
Business
USAF: Our New Tanker Should Be Ready for War in 3 or 4 Years
A few big problems, and about 500 smaller ones, have put the Boeing-made plane about five years behind schedule.
Science & Tech
The Intel Community Wants to ID People from Hundreds of Yards Away
Face recognition alone isn't good enough, so a new IARPA program is looking to combine multiple biometric indicators to get good matches.
Defense Systems
Air Force Reserve looks at cyber retention ahead of election season
The Air Force Reserve is showing higher retention rates among cyber operators compared to its general workforce.
Policy
Trump Names Robert O’Brien His 4th National Security Advisor
A lawyer by trade, former Bush delegate at the UN, and campaign advisor to Mitt Romney and Scott Walker, O’Brien has been serving as special envoy for hostage affairs.
Ideas
Some Arms Exports Are Riskier Than Others. Here’s a Tool To Tell Which Ones
The problems with selling weapons to Saudi Arabia and Turkey were hardly unpredictable.
Business
US Air Force to Shift Billions of Dollars to Network Its Weapons
The clock is ticking on Gen. David Goldfein’s signature project.
Ideas
The Saudi-Oil Attacks Aren’t Game-Changing. They Show How the Game Has Changed
International norms and laws on proxy warfare encourage bad behavior. It’s time to change that.
Ideas