Threats
The NSA Has No Idea How Many Americans It’s Spying On
Lawmakers, who are being asked to approve FBI access to wiretapped data, want some basic answers first.
Ideas
Wishing for a US-Made Heavy Lift Rocket Won’t Make It So
If Congress really wants to ditch Russia’s RD-180 engine, it needs to fund the research — and get ready to wait.
Science & Tech
The Increasingly Automated Hunt for Mobile Missile Launchers
The trick is training computers to filter the normal from an ocean of imagery, alert human analysts sparingly, and learn from their feedback.
Defense Systems
Despite advanced threats, DOD still banking on drones
While unmanned aerial systems could be rendered ineffective against more advanced adversaries, Defense Secretary Carter told Congress that the department will continue to invest in these platforms, which will play a role in deterring nations like Russia.
Defense Systems
ARL looks west to spur innovation
The Army Research Lab is following the lead of the Defense Department and establishing an office on the West Coast to link up with the tech sector.
Defense Systems
Internet of Things poses (manageable) cyber problems
Despite the vulnerabilities of increasingly connected devices, national security experts outlined manageable ways to curb these concerns.
Policy
Trump Makes His Own Head Spin Talking Foreign Policy
The Republican front-runner delivered his most scripted address yet laying out what he called his 'consistent' and 'unpredictable' national security ambitions.
Ideas
Obama Drops Rhetoric as Assad Drops Barrel Bombs
As long as Syrian civilians are on the bullseye, nothing will be accomplished at peace talks.
Defense Systems
DARPA seeks man-machine teaming to take manufacturing to the next level
The agency is looking for innovative mathematical solutions in manufacturing to leverage advances in new technologies such as additive manufacturing.
Ideas
What’s Wrong with Obama’s National Security Council?
An insider sorts the solid critiques from the amnesiac complaints.
Defense Systems
Navy again rebrands carrier-based drone program
Officials tell lawmakers what the service has planned for its carrier unmanned capability.
Ideas
The US Needs More Weapons That Can Be Quickly and Easily Modified
The U.S. military will lose its technological edge unless it figures out how to foster adaptable systems. Here's one idea.
Science & Tech
Intelligence Chief: We Don’t Know If North Korea Has a ‘Boosted Bomb’
Pyongyang’s bomb-making capabilities remain opaque even to the nation’s top spy.
Ideas
A Cyber JSOC Could Help the US Strike Harder and Faster
A network-attack analogue to the manhunting Joint Special Operations Command would allow cyber warriors to decide, deconflict, and execute more effectively.
Ideas
Here’s the Latest Evidence Torture Doesn’t Keep Us Safe
It all comes down to the neurological consequences of stressors.
Threats