Science & Tech

The Navy Just Turned Seawater Into Jet Fuel

Researchers announce a major breakthrough, but don’t go filling your F-18 with ocean water just yet. By Patrick Tucker

Defense Systems

Virtual reality gets real with Army's 3D game update

Virtual Battle Space 3 recreates not only battlefield scenarios but users’ real-life capabilities—and limitations.

Defense Systems

Navy researchers turn seawater into fuel

The 'game changer' process to create liquid hydrocarbons from the sea powers a scale-model WWII plane in a test, and could soon be powering a lot more.

Policy

Google to Obama: Leave Us Out of Your Spying Fight

Private companies say their data-mining is not the same as espionage. By Brendan Sasso

Policy

Is It Time for the U.S. to Partner With China in Space?

Space experts say yes, some in Congress are less sure. By Marina Koren

Ideas

‘Back to the Future’ Foreign Policy

Defense spending as a share of GDP measures militarization of our society, but that does not necessarily mean strength. By Ben Freeman and Mieke Eoyang

Ideas

Could Big Data Have Prevented the Fort Hood Shooting?

Researchers say an experimental software program might have been able to get Army Spec. Ivan Lopez help before he pulled the trigger. Here’s how. By Patrick Tucker

Threats

Afghan Election Was a 'Real Defeat' to the Taliban

To the surprise of both Afghan and foreign observers, the Taliban failed to carry out a single large-scale assault during the election. By David Rohde

Policy

NATO Won’t Rule Out Sending U.S. Troops to Eastern Europe

The alliance’s top military commander says the U.S. is considering sending American troops to Eastern Europe to reassure allies. By Ben Watson

Ideas

Congress Must Pass the Veteran Suicide Prevention Bill

An estimated 22 veterans commit suicide every day. Congress can help by passing the Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. By Nick McCormick

Defense Systems

Navy committed, but cautious, on Joint Information Environment

IT leaders are on board with the concept, but want to be sure about security, cost and standards.

Defense Systems

Navy gets set to test sea-borne electromagnetic railgun

Kinetic rounds fired by the open-architecture gun, developed under a joint Army/Navy project, can reach speeds above Mach 7.

Defense Systems

Army intelligence system gets new geospatial tools

Customized templates will optimize DCGS-A’s geospatial analysis.

Defense Systems

L-3, Intelsat demonstrate anti-jam technology for military satellites

The demonstration is part of an Air Force effort to leverage commercial technologies to provide anti-jam satellite communications.

Business

Land-Based Nukes Escape Drastic Cuts Under New START Treaty

But the new START arms control treaty does get a boost from the Pentagon's decision to eliminate 50 weapons from its deployed ICBM fleet. By Diane Barnes

Policy

Army, National Guard Fight Over Apache Helicopters

The plan to give the National Guard’s Apache helicopters to the Army isn’t sitting well with Guard Chief Gen. Frank Grass. By Ben Watson

Science & Tech

New Piloting System for Drone Cargo Helicopters Passes Test Flight

A new piloting program that can fly drone supply helicopters with an app just passed a key test flight. By Patrick Tucker

Ideas

Eliminating Double Standards in the Marine Corps

Gen. Amos was right to change the policy prohibiting women from taking the Infantry Officer Course twice. By Rep. Duncan Hunter

Threats

Crimea Could Cost Russia’s Economy $147 Billion

Assessing the costs of annexation so far, via the International Monetary Fund. By Tim Fernholz

Defense Systems

Tablet-controlled unmanned copters deliver the goods for Marines

ONR’s AACUS program seeks to resupply troops in hazardous environments with robotic, autonomous helicopters.