Science & Tech
Beyond Big Dog: The US Army Searches for an Infantry Squadbot
Service officials have a concept of operations and a plan to deploy a cargo-carrying robot alongside dismounted soldiers in 2019. But can the acquisition system keep up?
Ideas
Unpredictability Is the Biggest Threat Facing America’s Army
Foes are increasing their reach in unexpected ways, while budget whiplash at home is needlessly draining the force of time and resources.
Ideas
Climate Change Is Increasing the Risk of War in Africa: Study
Rising temperatures and changing water patterns are among a host of destabilizing factors, a new study finds.
Defense Systems
With military research into nanomaterials, the future looks light
Breakthrough work being led by the Army Research Lab and DARPA could revolutionize jet engines and microelectronics.
Defense Systems
DOD adds a third DIUx innovation unit in Austin, Texas
The new location joins the effort to involve industry, academia and start-ups in developing cutting-edge security and other technologies.
Policy
Trump vs. the Generals
As president, he says he would create a Syrian safe zone and swiftly draft a plan to defeat ISIS 'fast.' Here are the flag officers who say: not so fast.
Ideas
Talking to Russia Cannot Save Syria
Putin and Assad make ISIS look hesitant by comparison when it comes to mass homicide.
Defense Systems
Open Group wants to set the standard for avionics software
A government-industry consortium looks to leverage standardization and reuse of software through a "conformance" program.
Defense Systems
Air Force, ULA agree on the process for certifying Vulcan launch vehicle
The agreement could help streamline the evaluation process; the Space and Missile Systems Center expects to sign similar agreements with SpaceX and Orbital-ATK.
Science & Tech
US Army Racing to Catch Up to Russia On Battle Drones
After watching UAVs dominate eastern Ukrainian skies, the service is seeking counter-drone tech and new families of flying robots.
Ideas
No, Social Media Isn’t Hurting the Army
In a rebuttal to ‘Unplug, Soldier!’, one officer explains how online time builds bonds in more ways than one.
Threats
Jets Are Targeting Syria’s Volunteer Rescue Workers
And some of the workers have already been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Defense Systems
ARL, UK collaboration: Distributed analytics will aid coalition forces
An alliance that also includes industry and academia embarks on a research project to ensure secure, dynamic coalition communications through Distributed Analytics and Information Science, or DAIS.
Defense Systems
Navy awards $350M in contracts for Triton UAS program
Northrop is to produce three low-rate initial production systems for the high-altitude surveillance drones, ticketed for persistent surveillance missions in the Pacific.
Defense Systems