Ideas
In an Era of Cheap Drones, US Can’t Afford Exquisite Weapons
Various technological advances are about to make hundred-drone swarms a reality, and a nightmare for today’s top-of-the-line weapons.
Threats
The 'Staggering' Civilian Costs of Iraq's Fight Against ISIS
The UN estimates that at least 18,000 Iraqis have been killed since the start of 2014, a number it warns might be too low.
Threats
Carter Heads to Europe, Seeking Help in Paris, Davos
The U.S. defense secretary will meet counter-ISIS allies in France, then join Joe Biden, John Kerry, and Bono at Switzerland’s swanky — and controversial — World Economic Forum.
Defense Systems
Army building an airfield for drone training
The site next to the National Training Center in California will accommodate training on the Gray Eagle ISR aircraft.
Defense Systems
Air Force takes open approach to upgrading its network
The service is adopting open standards via contracts to keep its infrastructure refreshed.
Threats
Al-Qaeda Is Still Exploiting Weak Governments in West Africa with Deadly Results
The group has targeted Algeria, Niger, Mali and now Burkina Faso—killing people and carrying out kidnappings for ransom, all to stop what they perceive as the corrupt influence of the West.
Policy
US Touts Diplomacy, Hits Iran with New Sanctions
Despite the high-profile diplomatic moves, the president said 'profound differences' continue to separate Washington and Tehran.
Ideas
Obama Is About To Launch A New Nuclear Arms Race. There’s a Better Way.
Despite his anti-nuclear words, the president is about to cave to the nuclear arms priesthood.
Science & Tech
The US Thinks China May Have Stolen Military Robot Designs
U.S. officials have ordered an investigation into whether China might be gaining an unfair competitive advantage in the robotics race.
Policy
GOP Candidates Try to Scare the Hell Out of America
In Thursday's debate, candidates exploited the nation’s anxieties over national security and Obama.
Defense Systems
Software could expose the identity of hackers
Researchers working with ARL use "stlyometry" to sniff out the stylistic fingerprints of code writers.
Defense Systems
Orbital ATK, SpaceX to develop prototype rocket engines
The Air Force shores up its effort to get a next-generation booster off the ground.
Ideas
Obama's Legacy: Limited Force, Limited Influence, Lingering Questions of What America Should Be
Obama’s long-view for the Middle East stands little chance of playing out as Americans — and events — cry for the U.S. to do more.
Science & Tech
Army Testing Robo-Parachutes That Don’t Need GPS
The military needs what goes up to come down without the global positioning system.
Policy
Pentagon Sends Obama Plan to Close Guantanamo, Move Detainees to US
Hours after 10 percent of the remaining detainees leave Cuba, the defense secretary said he’s handed the president a plan for “Gitmo North.”
Threats
Indonesia Blames ISIS for Suicide Bombs in Jakarta
A Muslim country heretofore largely unaffected by the Islamic State is hit by a series of bombings.
Defense Systems