Threats

Putin Appears to Be Preparing for Invasion Again

Just because many think it is unwise for Putin to escalate the crisis in Ukraine doesn't mean that he won’t do it anyway. By Janine Davidson

Defense Systems

Researchers look to unlock the potential of synthetic biology

A DARPA program wants to make engineered organisms, which could create new sensors, coatings, drugs and other products, more robust, stable and safe.

Defense Systems

Marines’ trail-blazing unmanned helicopter returns home

The K-MAX, which exceeded expectations as a cargo-hauling drone in Afghanistan, is being put into storage.

Defense Systems

ARL explores dual-sensor gunfire detection, location

Logos Technologies, under a $9.7 million contract, will integrate audio and visual systems onto aerostats to detect hostile gunfire, explosions.

Threats

Europe Joins the Russian Sanctions Party

Following President Barack Obama's lead, the European Union now forbids the sale of bonds, tanks, drills and, yes, the Ebola virus. By Jason Karaian

Policy

Meet the Man Now Responsible for Solving the VA Crisis

Incoming VA secretary Robert McDonald received unanimous support during his Senate confirmation vote Tuesday. Now the real work begins. By Jordain Carney

Threats

Obama Slaps New Sanctions on Russian Economy

The president escalated U.S. sanctions on Russia's finance, arms and energy sectors, declaring it the 'main tool' for influencing Vladimir Putin's behavior. By Marina Koren and Matt Berman

Threats

Libya May Not Be A Case Study in Intervention After All

Instability in Tripoli points to the difficult consequences of military intervention that are nearly impossible to predict. By Conor Friedersdorf

Ideas

When Russia Violates Nuclear Treaties, Let's Act Like Reagan

We have nothing to gain by pulling out of our nuclear treaty with Russia. By Joe Cirincione and Lauren Mladenka

Business

New VA Reform Bill Is a Stopgap, Not a Solution

The Miller-Sanders legislation announced Monday should make great changes to a broken system. But don't mistake it for a comprehensive reform bill. By Jesse Sloman

Science & Tech

China Has Iron Dome

Three Israeli defense contractors were compromised by hackers who stole plans for the U.S.-made Arrow 3 missile and Israel's Iron Dome rocket system. By NextGov Staff

Science & Tech

House Wants Private Sector To Help Bolster U.S. Cyber Defense

House lawmakers think partnerships between the private sector and DHS will go a long way toward protecting America's vulnerable civil infrastructure. By Rebecca Carroll

Policy

Congress Clears the Way for VA to Fire Senior Executives

A new bi-partisan bill to kickstart reforms at the Department of Veterans Affairs could find its way to the president's desk by the end of the week. By Eric Katz

Threats

How 'Game of Thrones' Will Predict the Next Bin Laden

Targeting the next terrorist mastermind is a lot like a close watch of 'Game of Thrones.' By Patrick Tucker

Defense Systems

DARPA chief: Military's focus on big systems 'is now killing us'

Prabhaker says Pentagon has to shed its expensive, slow-moving approach to technology and new weapons.

Defense Systems

US says China conducted secret anti-satellite weapons test

China is developing its ability to destroy satellites in orbit, which undermines stability in space, say State Department officials.

Defense Systems

Navy planning to put laser weapons on helicopters

Expected to complement traditional weapons, the HELWS laser could be used to attack low threat targets or incoming projectiles.

Threats

How China's Enormous Fishing Fleet Is Being Used As a Surrogate Navy

Beijing seems to be sending its fishermen to work in disputed waters for not only economic and commercial reasons, but geopolitical ones as well. By Adam Pasnick

Policy

Want to Be the Next Intelligence Whistleblower? You May Want to Wait

Even the director of national intelligence admits there are inadequate safeguards for officials who want to bring attention to wrongdoing. By Conor Friedersdorf