Defense Systems

In drone wars, dogfights won't be in the air but in the spectrum

All unmanned craft use an RF link, with makes them vulnerable, says the chief of the Army’s Electronic Warfare Division. DOD is looking for an electromagnetic advantage.

Threats

What Makes a Pope Sign Off on War Today?

The pope on Monday endorsed use of force in Iraq to protect minorities. But he had one key caution in the name of preventing U.S. airstrikes from escalating into a broader conflict. By Tim Fernholz

Policy

Here Are the 7 Pages That Gave President Obama Cover to Kill Americans

A newly released memo giving Obama legal cover from extrajudicial killings is alarmingly terse. By Conor Friedersdorf

Science & Tech

The Navy Is Tracking Some Strange Sounds Coming from the Ocean

A network of Internet-connected undersea microphones is picking up more than Cold War era sub-hunting ever did. By Matthew Braga

Science & Tech

Your Pocket Guide to How U.S. Missile Defense Works

Here's everything you need to know about the missile systems the U.S. maintains for its first- and counter-strike capabilities. By Jonathan Masters

Threats

So Much for Demilitarizing Ferguson, Here Comes the National Guard

After criticism of the militarized look of the Ferguson police, the Missouri governor on Monday ordered real U.S. troops to restore order. Here’s the difference. By Ben Watson

Defense Systems

An app-centric view can help do away with DOD’s siloes

System administrators continue to rely on approaches that do not afford them cross-domain visibility or app-centric correlation between layers.

Defense Systems

Air Force orders 3 more Global Hawk UAVs

Northrop gets $240 million contract for Block 30 models of the ISR drone.

Business

Haney Defends Air Force Nuclear Personnel As Promised Reforms Lag

Adm. Cecil Haney won't say when the reforms from Defense Secretary Hagel's internal review of the Air Force's nuclear corps will begin. It was completed in the spring. By Elaine Grossman

Threats

Meet the Man Leading the Snowden Damage Investigation

Bill Evanina just became the 'National Counterterrorism Executive' and one of his first jobs is a big one. By Charles S. Clark

Business

Congress Is Not Canceling the Pentagon-to-Police Weapons Program Anytime Soon

Some are calling for a legislative response amid the Ferguson firestorm. Good luck with that, lawmakers appear to be saying. By Daniel Newhauser

Threats

U.S. Escalates Iraq Campaign With Barrage of Weekend Strikes for Mosul Dam

American jets, bombers and drones helped the Peshmerga wrestle back control of Iraq's largest dam from Islamic militants. Kurds say the Ninevah plains are next. By Ben Watson

Business

New VA Chief Vows 'Patience' and 'Respect' When Firing Executives

Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald says quick action is needed to lose the department's bad apples, but due process must be a component. By Eric Katz

Threats

The Pentagon Wants You to Help Them Find the Next Pandemic

Handy with statistics? Hate emergent, viral infections? The military has a job for you. By Patrick Tucker

Threats

Will Predictive Policing Make Militarized Police More Dangerous?

The China-fication of the American police force is a cause for concern. By Patrick Tucker

Defense Systems

New hacking scenario emerges: Wi-Fi signal-sniffing drones

Security analysts are increasingly concerned about camera-carrying drones that could also be used to breach wireless networks.

Defense Systems

Aussie air force kicks in on P-8A spy planes

A $295 million DOD contract includes funding toward four maritime surveillance planes for Australia

Policy

Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki Agrees To Step Down

The writing was on the wall and embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki knew it. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

Australia Joins Assistance Mission for Remaining 4,000 Iraqi Refugees

Cargo planes from the U.S., U.K. and now Australia are all taking turns keeping alive the remaining Iraqi civilians isolated on a mountaintop. By Bob Brewin

Threats

Obama Says Situation in Northern Iraq Now 'Greatly Improved'

While thousands of refugees are now safe, the larger concern about the rest of Iraq's security remains a dire and open question. By Matt Berman