Defense Systems
DARPA taps Boeing to build satellite-launching aircraft
The ALASA program seeks to cut the costs of launching small satellites into space with a reusable launch vehicle.
Defense Systems
Amazon cloud gets DOD authorization
AWS is approved for low-risk level use by all defense components.
Science & Tech
Big Data, Synthetic Biology and Space Planes Are the Weapons of the Future
DARPA’s FY15 budget is full of more money for cutting-edge capabilities like big data, synthetic biology and space planes. By Patrick Tucker
Policy
House Leaders Sideline Anti-NSA Lawmakers
Through a procedural trick, some of the most vocal critics of mass surveillance are not going to get to review a new reform bill. By Dustin Volz
Policy
Obama Tries To Put Putin in His Place – Again
The relentless focus on Putin’s land grab and the West’s gradualist economic response misses some relevant history. By Major Garrett
Policy
Senators Demand to Know State Department’s Plan for Syria
At an explosive hearing on the Hill, several senators ripped a top State Department official for not having a plan to stop the bloodshed in Syria. By Sara Sorcher
Ideas
Full Text of Obama's 'Contest of Ideas' Speech on Russia
In a historic speech directed at Russia, President Obama says basic principles of world order believed settled in the last century are again at stake in Ukraine.
Threats
U.S., U.K. Militaries Sidelined as Obama Challenges Russia
British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond says higher defense spending wouldn’t have stopped Russia and NATO forces should stand down. By Kevin Baron
Defense Systems
Navy’s high-flying Triton drone completes initial flight tests
The unmanned aircraft will add over 2.7 million square miles of ISR coverage.
Defense Systems
Google opts out of Robotics Challenge funding; DARPA expands the field
Team SCHAFT, which topped the trials in December, moves to the self-funded track, freeing up money for more teams in the finals.
Defense Systems
Air Force completes rollout of medical messaging system
MiCare gives airmen and their families a secure online portal for many medical services.
Defense Systems
Rob Carey leaving DOD after 31 years
Carey, DOD principal deputy CIO and a former Navy CIO, is headed to the private sector.
Science & Tech
3 Things That Have to Happen Before Robot Soldiers Hit the Battlefield
Rumors of Terminator-style soldiers have been greatly exaggerated. By Patrick Tucker
Policy
Can the U.S. Military Really ‘Pivot’ to Asia?
Two top military commanders in the Pacific say they need more forces, subs and ships to carry out President Obama’s pivot to Asia. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
U.S. To Limit Materials That Can Be Used in a ‘Dirty Bomb’
U.S. officials will phase out certain radiological materials in hospitals that can also be used in ‘dirty bomb’ attacks. By Douglas P. Guarino
Ideas
Getting Past Crimea at the Nuclear Security Summit
Russia’s annexation of Crimea has cast a shadow over the biannual meeting, threatening to distract delegates from securing the world’s nuclear weapons. By Stewart M. Patrick and Claire Schachter
Science & Tech
Lawmakers, Obama Want to End NSA’s Bulk Data Collection
Some of the fiercest defenders of the NSA now want to end the agency's controversial practice of collecting records on millions of phone calls. By Brendan Sasso
Policy
Can Obama Still Be 'Leader of the Free World'?
Is being ‘leader of the free world’ too much to ask of any U.S. president these days? By Michael Hirsh
Defense Systems
Navy’s robot will interact with sailors, fight fires aboard ship
NRL and researchers from Virginia Tech and Penn recently demonstrated a humanoid robot, SAFFiR, that can work side-by-side with firefighters.
Defense Systems