Defense Systems

'Concrete step' toward robotic satellite repairs to involve industry

DARPA looks to develop a public/private partnership to develop a craft that could inspect and repair satellites in geostationary Earth orbit.

Defense Systems

Army adds another $150M to ARL support contract

Seven companies will continue to work under the five-year deal, which now has a ceiling of $630 million.

Threats

US Strike Against Al-Shabab Leader Reflects Obama’s Counterterrorism Strategy

A targeted U.S. air strike against al-Shabab’s leader in Somalia is exactly how the Pentagon wants it to work in Africa and the Middle East. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

Actual Telepathy Is One Step Closer to the Battlefield

Can you read my mind? Researchers announce first brain-to-brain communication without a surgical implant. By Patrick Tucker

Business

What to Expect From Obama's Resurgent Intel Advisory Panel

The president's Intelligence Advisory Board had only 4 members a year ago. Will the panel's 6 new appointees hit the ground running? By Aliya Sternstein

Policy

Democrats Break Ranks to Urge Military Assistance to Ukraine, Talks With Putin

Obama is off to the NATO summit amid increasing calls from his party for more direct action in Ukraine. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

Against the 24-Step Plan for Peace in Ukraine

The days when Russia and the U.S. decide 'the fate of other independent countries' are over, a group of more than 100 experts and ambassadors say. By Uri Friedman

Policy

The Summer of Obama's Caution and America's Discontent

Americans don't seem to like a hawkish president, but they definitely don't like a weak one, either. By Ron Fournier

Policy

Obama to Push NATO's Renewed Purpose

There's been lots of bluster about Putin's destabilizing work in eastern Ukraine. But will the alliance really stand up in the name of Baltic security? By George E. Condon, Jr.

Threats

Islamic State Militant Beheads U.S. Journalist Steven Sotloff in Video, Group Says

As they warned they would, Islamic State fighters beheaded American Steven Sotloff, says intel group. By Kevin Baron

Ideas

Four Questions for NATO's Leaders

This week, when NATO's leaders meet they must address fundamental and conceptual questions about the alliance's very existence. By Kathleen J. McInnis

Defense Systems

Army to put high-quality radar into smaller drones

A $99 million contract for small synthetic aperture radars expands the options for radar-equipped UAVs.

Defense Systems

Marine Corps, Army take autonomous convoys for a spin

Robotic vehicles react to IEDs and follow-the-leader in the latest demonstration of the Autonomous Mobility Applique System.

Threats

Why Russia Loves a 'Frozen Conflict'

What's happening in Ukraine has happened before in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The rest of the world just wasn't paying attention. By Brian Whitmore

Threats

The Invasion of Ukraine in Maps, Satellite Photos and Video

Your guide to what's taking place on the ground in Ukraine. By Jason Karaian and Heather Timmons

Threats

The Fierce Minimalism of Barack Obama

Obama’s critics often claim he doesn’t have a strategy in the greater Middle East. That’s wrong. To understand it, we must go back 7 summers. By Peter Beinart

Policy

Behind Obama's Hesitation on Syria

Obama's caution reflects both the lawyer that he is and a deliberate turn away from his predecessor, who often neglected to weigh all the consequences of his decisions. By George F. Condon, Jr.

Threats

Is There a Plan to Attack in Syria or Not?

White House and Pentagon spokesmen spent Friday explaining that the president and the Joint Chiefs have some plans to strike in Syria, but there is no plan. By Kevin Baron

Science & Tech

New DOD-VA Health Records System Coming to More Facilities Soon

One of Obama's 19 initiatives announced this week included a wider launch for a long-awaited health records system. By Bob Brewin

Threats

NATO's Moment of Truth Arrives

NATO's summit in Wales might just be the last, best hope the alliance has to face down Putin. By Stewart M. Patrick and Daniel Chardell