Business

Boeing, Lockheed Contest Air Force Bomber, But Will They Win?

Data shows that companies that contest Pentagon decisions, like the U.S. Air Force’s selection Northrop Grumman to build a new stealth bomber, often lose.

Threats

Carter: Gulf Allies Need Better Special Operators, Ground Forces More Than 'Fancy' Jets

In an interview, the U.S. defense secretary says America’s Arab allies need fewer high-end fighter jets and more training of ground forces and special-operations troops.

Threats

Russia Suspends Egypt Flights as West's Bomb Fears Grow

As Egyptian and Russian officials continue to investigate, President Obama and U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron say it looks increasingly likely terrorism was to blame for Saturday's crash.

Business

Can the US Military Win Wars If It Keeps Losing Talented Officers?

The Pentagon worries its rigid personnel system is driving away the leaders it will need for the conflicts of the 21st century.

Defense Systems

Combat Shield teams prepare aircraft for electronic warfare threats

The Air Force is testing radars and other systems to be sure they're ready for contested environments.

Defense Systems

Army awards $662M deal for new recon aircraft

Leidos will outfit the Airborne Reconnaissance Low-Enhanced (ARL-E) systems with new sensors to help commanders keep tabs on their operational environments.

Science & Tech

How The Russian Crash Investigation Could Alter the War On Encryption

If intercepted communications prove an ISIS bomb caused the crash in Egypt, it could be just the boost surveillance state advocates need.

Policy

George H.W. Bush Settles Old Scores With Cheney and Rumsfeld

The 41st president’s comments criticizing two of his son’s closest advisers on the Iraq war are rooted in tensions dating back to the Ford administration.

Ideas

Syrian Peace Prospects Now Hinge on Long-Time Foes Saudi Arabia and Iran

Fighting in Syria cannot be resolved without some kind of accommodation between Riyadh and Tehran—both of whom have used proxies to prolong the war.

Science & Tech

The Secret Pentagon Push for Lethal Cyber Weapons

With nearly $500 million allotted, military contractors are competing for funds to develop the next big thing: computer code capable of killing.

Defense Systems

Does a centralized approach help or hurt DOD cybersecurity?

Panelists at the 2015 Open Architecture Summit described the current problems with the standards, policies and strategies handed down from on high.

Defense Systems

U.S. approves Italy's request to weaponize Reapers

The State Department will let the NATO member outfit its MQ-9 drones with Hellfire missiles.

Defense Systems

Pair of mesh reflectors boost Navy’s satcom network

The reflectors on satellites in the MUOS constellation help increase communications capacity 16-fold.

Threats

China Is Among the World Leaders in 'Secret' Military Spending, Report Says

And 'additional, off-the-books spending' could be as high as 50% of China’s official defense expenditure.

Threats

How Al-Shabab Could Get Their Hands on a Nuclear Core

Kenya is facing a terrible dilemma: Run out of energy for its citizens, or risk terrorists seizing a nuclear power plant.

Business

Obama Should Have Given Weapons to Ukraine, Says Former Pentagon Russia Official

Evelyn Farkas, who stepped down last week as the Pentagon’s top policy official for Russia and Ukraine, says the U.S. should open a military base in Eastern Europe to send a message to Vladimir Putin.

Threats

US, UK Officials Suggest Bomb Exploded Russian Airliner, But Urge Caution

Likely, possibly, maybe—but British and U.S. officials stop short of confirming a bomb, or ISIS, brought down a Russian airliner over the Sinai.