Threats
Don’t Give Up on the African Union Mission Yet
Somalia's most effective institution and its biggest driver of stability, AMISOM is the only force that can counter al-Shabab and hold territory.
Science & Tech
‘Give Surprising New Capabilities to Old Platforms,’ Carter Tells Engineers
At a Navy R&D lab, the defense secretary reveals a deeply layered concept of 'innovation' — and a geek's love for tech.
Threats
Iraq Is Trying to Fight a War Around 50,000 Civilians in Fallujah
Only 800 people have fled the city since Baghdad began attacking IS positions on Sunday. What happens next may set the template for Mosul as well.
Defense Systems
Air Force turns its attention to small UAS platforms
The proliferation of small systems present a threat, but also an opportunity, the service says in a recently released 20-year plan for small UAS.
Defense Systems
Air Force wants to tap into commercial satellite capacity
The Air Force released a request for information for Pathfinder 3, which is intended to provide the warfighter flexible access to commercial and military satellite capability.
Threats
Pentagon Playing the Long Game in the South China Sea, Carter Says
For China, like the old Soviet Union, the U.S. defense secretary bets “internal logic” will dictate a change—eventually.
Threats
America’s New Special Operations Commander Wants to Predict the Future
With so many elite troops fighting ‘an extremist phenomenon that’s gone rabid’ in failed states, Gen. Tony Thomas wants to get his operators ahead of the curve.
Science & Tech
Look at the Military’s New Stealth Bikes
These motorcycles of the future are turning heads at special operations conference in Florida.
Defense Systems
Why WMD-like treaties are unlikely with cyber
Christopher Painter, coordinator for Cyber Issues at the State Department, told Congress that curtailing the use of “cyber weapons” is complicated because, for one thing, the same tool used to attack can be used to protect networks.
Defense Systems
Army looking for tactical wireless receiving system
The request for information is looking for a fairly small, portable device capable of intercepting and transmitting a variety of analog and digital wireless signals.
Threats
'Undersea Superiority is No Birthright': Inside One of America's Newest Subs
As Russia, China beef up their submarine fleets, the defense secretary says the US needs to hustle to stay ahead.
Ideas
Stop Saying We're Dropping 'Cyber Bombs' On ISIS
It is better to see cyber operations for what they are: changing spreadsheets, intercepting email, jamming comms, and a lot of deception.
Ideas
The Nuclear Football Goes to Japan
Obama will have the power of 22,000 Hiroshimas in the suitcase his aide carries with him. He still has time to change.
Ideas
The Latest Taliban Leader’s Death Changes What, Exactly?
Ask three people what they make of Mullah Mansoor’s death by drone and you’ll get three answers, none offering a swift end to the war.
Defense Systems
Navy's robotic lifeguard answers the call
EMILY, a Kevlar-coated, jet-powered buoy, was recently used to help rescue 300 Syrian refugees off the coast of Greece.
Threats
The Drone War Crosses Another Line
America took an unprecedented step over the weekend when Obama authorized the Pentagon rather than the CIA to carry out an airstrike inside Pakistan.
Policy