Defense Systems

An ISR drone in your pocket

Natick researchers are adapting a 16-gram, remotely operated helicopter that could send real-time video to soldiers and squads, indoors or out.

Policy

Kerry Makes the Case Against Russia Over Downed Plane

Everything short of troops on the ground was put on the table Sunday as Kerry blasted Moscow and the 'grotesque' behavior of Ukraine's pro-Russian separatists. By Matt Berman and Dustin Volz

Threats

Feinstein Says the U.S. Is at ‘Cold War Levels’ With Russia

U.S. lawmakers' sense of futility at a peaceful resolution in Ukraine is being eclipsed by historic levels of distrust toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. By Dustin Volz

Science & Tech

This Scientist Explains Why Israel's Iron Dome Is Overrated

Want to stay alive in Israel? Forget Iron Dome and check your phone. By Patrick Tucker

Threats

Obama: No Expanded U.S. Military Role in Ukraine

The Obama administration says the attack on an airliner over Eastern Ukraine should be a ‘wake-up call’ for Europe to do more to protect its national security interests. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

McCain Calls for the 'Most Severe Sanctions' on Russia

Sen. John McCain said it's time the U.S. armed the Ukrainian military while also calling for a rapid escalation of sanctions against Russia. By Rachel Roubein

Threats

When Pro-Russian 'Rebels' Become 'Terrorists'

Putin was already facing down a shaky relationship with much of the world. But the attack on Flight MH17 could be his worst setback to date. By Steve LeVine

Threats

The Gaza Ground War Doesn't Look Like It Will End Any Time Soon

Israel's sixth Gaza offensive in 8 years kicked off Thursday. And there are no indications that it's part of any broader strategic plan for peace. By Tim Fernholz

Threats

Attack on Airliner Sets a New Precedent for the World's Battlefields

What the crash of the Malaysia Airlines jet tells us about the military role of non-state actors. By Kathy Gilsinan

Defense Systems

Squad X aims to 'organically' integrate sensors, comm, data for small units

DARPA's program wants to bring a full, near-real-time operational picture to the infantry squad.

Defense Systems

Senate bill would cut $500M from Defense IT budget

But cyber and R&D would get a boost under bill approved by the appropriations committee.

Threats

Biden Warns of 'Repercussions' Over Ukraine Crash

Vice President Joe Biden said a passenger airliner bound for Malaysia was 'blown out of the sky' near the Russian border with Ukraine on Thursday. By Ben Watson

Threats

Israel Invades Gaza After Hamas Refuses To Yield

Israel sends ground forces into Gaza to stop rocket attacks, military officials said, after Palestinians ignore repeated warnings to cease fire. By Kevin Baron

Policy

GOP Proposes More National Guard Troops for the Border Crisis

House GOP lawmakers claim their border plan is a 'major change' that will cost 'less than half' of the president's nearly $4 billion border response package. By Billy House and Rachel Roubein

Policy

Why Rand Paul Loves to Fight Over Foreign Policy

Arguing over military intervention with the GOP is an ideal platform for the libertarian senator's most popular, and disruptive, ideas. By Molly Ball

Policy

Dunford Didn’t Endorse Plan to Pull Troops from Afghanistan by 2017

The president’s plan for withdrawing from Afghanistan can’t escape comparisons to Iraq – even from his top commander. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

Additional Sanctions 'Tighten Noose' Around Russia

Coordinating with European allies, President Barack Obama announced the broadest sanctions yet on Russian financial, energy and defense entities. By Brian Resnick & Ben Geman

Threats

The FAA Warned Airlines Not to Fly Over Ukraine

The U.S. government did its best to keep civilian airliners away from the region. BY James Fallows

Defense Systems

NERO jams aboard a drone in Army test

Flights show that a Gray Eagle can carry out electronic attacks currently handled by C-12 aircraft.

Defense Systems

DISA shuts down an enterprise data center

Closing the DECC in Hunstville, Ala., is expected to add $3.2 million to the saving from consolidation.