Defense Systems
DARPA seeks 'smart plants' to protect soldiers
DARPA is experimenting with genetically modifying plants to detect chemical weapons, radiation and other airborne threats.
Science & Tech
Newly Revealed Experiment Shows How F-35 Could Help Intercept ICBMs
In 2014, the sensor-studded plane demonstrated an ability to track missiles, leading to a “tactically significant” improvement in targeting.
Threats
Okay, Say Someone Hacks into the US Power Grid. Then What?
A joint research project between the Department of Energy and a geographic analytics company is mapping just how far the repercussions could spread.
Science & Tech
Northrop Tests Spy Drones That Deploy in a Fake Bomb
The disposable Remedy is intended to drop from a fighter jet and fly slow enough to avoid radar.
Business
Boeing May Lose Canada’s Super Hornet Order, Yet Jet’s Outlook is Bright
The past year has brought a trade dispute with Ottawa, a big deal with the U.S. Navy, and improved prospects elsewhere.
Defense Systems
Army looks to fast-track cyber talent into service
U.S. Army Cyber Command is launching a pilot program to pluck developers, data scientists and engineers from the workforce to face off against U.S. adversaries.
Defense Systems
Pentagon spending more on emerging tech
The Department of Defense spent $7.4 billion in fiscal year 2017 on cloud computing, big data and artificial intelligence technologies, according to a recent Govini report.
Ideas
North Korea’s New Missile Is a Game-Changer
Photos show a nose cone big enough to carry multiple warheads, plus countermeasures that U.S. missile defenses have never been tested against.
Science & Tech
USAF General on Countering North Korea: ‘The Enemy Has Closed the Gap’
Various weapons meant to deter North Korea from developing nukes will arrive only in time to deter Kim from using them.
Business
Preaching from the Choir: Conservatives, Defense Execs Beg Trump to Challenge Russia, Make Budget Deal
At the Reagan Presidential Library, the country's biggest defense spending hawks doubt Congress can deliver Trump's promised military buildup.
Defense Systems
Trump taps former NASA administrator to head DOD tech research
If confirmed, Michael Griffin would be the Pentagon's first under secretary for research and engineering, and effectively serve as CTO.
Science & Tech
The US Army Knows It’s Vulnerable to Space Attack. Here’s What They Want to Do About It
Map-reading skills are just the start. Next up: looking at capabilities that provide alternatives to GPS and satellite comms.
Ideas
The Cost of Trump’s Attacks on National-Security Agencies
The president’s efforts to delegitimize the FBI are frustrating and demoralizing the staff of the nation’s lead agency for domestic counterintelligence.
Ideas
How to Save the Pentagon’s Innovation Insurgency
The former chief of the US Army’s Rapid Equipping Force suggests parallel tracks for innovation and execution.
Defense Systems
DOD should rethink its approach to IoT
While civilian agencies would do well to followthe Defense Department's lead in embracing IoT, all of government should look to smaller, emerging tech companies as well as traditional contractors.
Business