Defense Systems

UAVs, C4ISR systems aren’t always reliable, Pentagon report finds

Acquisition assessment also finds major defense contractors maintain profit margins despite cost overruns and schedule growth.

Defense Systems

Air Force considers switching vendors on GPS III program

After delays with Lockheed Martin Space Systems’ production of the first satellite, the service is looking for alternatives.

Policy

There’s Little the U.S. Could Have Done for Iraq, Hagel and Dempsey Say

Despite pleas for action, military leaders say more intelligence is needed for the president to intervene in Iraq. By Kevin Baron and Molly O’Toole

Policy

Iraq War Veterans In Congress Mostly Urge Caution

Congress’s 17 Iraq veterans fought together, but they’re divided on another military intervention as Iraq’s security deteriorates. By Molly O’Toole

Defense Systems

How virtual reality helps improve weapons quickly, cheaply

The Army’s SWeET simulation system can display customized scenarios and instantaneously collect ballistics and user-response data.

Defense Systems

DOD looks to accelerate commercialization of military tech

AFRL, SPAWAR Pacific inventions will be made available for entrepreneurs to propose commercialization plans.

Defense Systems

ULA considers non-Russian launch engine for Atlas V

Under political pressure to stop using the RD-180 first-stage engine, the joint venture is studying concepts for a U.S.-made replacement.

Science & Tech

There’s No Such Thing as ‘NSA-Proof’ Encryption

‘If they want it, they can get it,’ one expert says of the National Security Agency's expert spies. By Brandon Sasso

Ideas

The Moral Argument for American Restraint in Iraq -- and Beyond

A new book by MIT professor Barry Posen calls for a radical rethinking of U.S. foreign policy. By Noah Berlatsky

Threats

Iraq Isn’t Ours To Save

The government in Baghdad is not an American friend, and action against ISIS will not advance U.S. interests. By David Frum

Threats

Iraqi Forces Can Hold Baghdad, Pentagon Says

With ISIS members inching towards Baghdad, Pentagon officials say they believe the Iraqi forces can hold the nation’s capital. By Stephanie Gaskell

Threats

U.S. Forces Capture Benghazi Suspect

Alleged ringleader finally picked up, taken to secure location outside Libya. By Matt Berman and Emma Roller

Policy

Congress Is About to Have a Major Fight on the Future of the A-10

Capitol Hill will also be slammed with a leadership battle in the House, looming investigations on the VA scandal, and ongoing budget fights. By Billy House

Defense Systems

Air Force gets serious about securing infrastructure

Engineers and cyber experts team up to develop standards and software to protect SCADA and other critical systems.

Defense Systems

DARPA initiative looks to push the limits of science, engineering

The Defense Sciences Office releases a BAA focusing on physics, chemistry and material sciences for new military capabilities.

Business

Pentagon Ranks Top 30 DOD Suppliers

The Defense Department’s acquisition chief released a ranking of the top 30 supplier units within the contracting industry to help spark competition. By Charles S. Clark

Policy

Half of the Prisoners at Gitmo Have Been Cleared for Release

The recent backlash in Congress over the release of Sgt. Bergdahl could complicate President Obama's plans to close the prison at Guantanamo. By Stacy Kaper

Threats

How Baghdad Might Fall: Plain Old Bribery

A much-underestimated driver in war is cold, hard cash – and ISIS has plenty of it. By Steve LeVine

Science & Tech

How ISIS Games Twitter

The militant group that conquered northern Iraq is deploying a sophisticated social-media strategy. By J.M. Berger

Policy

Army Begins Investigation Into Bergdahl’s Capture

Maj. Gen. Kenneth Dahl will lead the effort—but the Army says it will not include formal questioning of Bergdahl himself, at least not right away. By Billy House