Defense Systems
Army weighs new lightweight wide area motion imagery sensor
The Kestrel KS-200 is a lightweight version of the original 170-pound Kestrel system, which has been deployed on aerostats with U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2011.
Defense Systems
Reaper to get universal weapons interface
A new universal weapons interface will allow the Reaper to more quickly integrate new weapons as they emerge. Open mission systems and open architecture are essential to this effort.
Ideas
The Syrian Kurds Try DIY Nation-Building in a Wartorn Land
The American military's radical, unlikely, democratic experiment in northern Syria now teeters on a knife’s edge.
Ideas
To Decode Duterte’s Doubletalk, Think ‘Expedience'
The Philippines president flew to China and signed billions in deals, said he would separate ties with the U.S., then took it all back.
Threats
CYBERCOM: We're Ready For War
Fort Meade says 133 Cyber Mission Force teams have reached initial operating capability, with full readiness two years away.
Ideas
The Next President’s Headaches, According to America’s Top Spy
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper discusses emerging challenges in U.S.-Russian relations, cybersecurity, and how his office views North Korea’s nuclear program.
Ideas
Washington is Quietly Reinforcing Europe’s Northern Flank
Much is being done to counter Russian ambitions in the High North, and yet much more remains to be done.
Defense Systems
Lockheed extends MK 92 radar fire-control deal with Navy
Lockheed's $11.8 million add-on deal continues engineering support for its MK 92 system. The MK 92 provides integrated X-band radar surveillance, target tracking and weapon fire control capability for naval gun and missile applications.
Science & Tech
Echoes of Future War: How the Fight for Mosul Will Change IED Science
Reseachers are using seismic sensors to learn about enemy weapons — and one day, even to find them as they fire.
Defense Systems
Artificial intelligence will allow fighter jet pilots to control drones
Computer algorithms will allow real-time video feeds from the electro-optical/infrared sensors on board Air Force Predator, Reaper or Global Hawk drones to go directly into an F-35 cockpit.
Threats
DHS Is Drawing Up 'Strategic Principles' for Internet of Things
The Homeland Security secretary is working with law enforcement and private companies to prevent massive distributed denial of service attacks.
Defense Systems
General Atomics deal extends Army Gray Eagle support
The Army awards a sustainment contract to General Atomics for its Gray Eagle drone.
Defense Systems
Navy awards MQ-25 Stingray tanker deal
The Navy has awarded four developmental contracts for a carrier launched refueling drone. The emerging unmanned system, to be ready by the early to mid 2020s, will extend the attack range of fighter jets.
Ideas
Get Ready to Walk Away from Incirlik
As U.S.-Turkey relations cool, retaining access to the air base will require ending our dependence on it.
Defense Systems
Pentagon tests fighter jet-launched "Perdix" mini-drone swarms
The Pentagon's Perdix mini-drone swarms have already launched from F-16s and F-18s during testing. They are expected to deploy in coming years as a strategic effort to accomplish ISR and attack missions while keeping manned-aircraft at safer stand-off distances.
Business
Kendall: The Pentagon’s Spending Less on Weapons, So Let Me Keep My Job
A 30-year-low in cost growth is part of the defense acquisition undersecretary’s closing argument for why Congress shouldn’t eliminate his position.
Defense Systems