Defense Systems

Air Force names 12 winners of NetCent-2 awards

Companies are eligible for individual awards under the $5.8 billion contract.

Threats

How the West Can Help Ukraine -- and Stop Russia

A roadmap for responding to Moscow’s aggression. By David Frum

Business

9 Air Force Officers Fired in Nuclear Missile Cheating Scandal

The commander of the nuclear missile wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana also stepped down after a massive cheating scandal. By Jordain Carney

Business

Pakistan Isn’t Getting Any U.S. Military Equipment from Afghanistan

Despite media reports, U.S. military officials say Pakistan won’t get any of its leftover military equipment after troops drawdown at the end of the year. By Sara Sorcher

Policy

Foreign Policy Is Becoming a Major 2016 Campaign Issue

Foreign policy may not be a leading issue with voters right now but if events continue to flare up around the world, bet on it being a hot topic of the 2016 presidential campaign. By Josh Kraushaar

Ideas

Afghanistan’s Rising Export Is Not Opium – It’s Telecoms

Roshan Telecom is Afghanistan’s newest growing export, giving hope that the war-torn nation can move beyond opium and rebuild its economy. By Leo Mirani

Threats

Pentagon: No Evidence Russian Forces on Ukraine Border Are Conducting Exercises

Pentagon questions Russia's claim that its troop buildup on Ukraine’s border is to conduct military exercises. By Stephanie Gaskell

Defense Systems

Pentagon plans to seed ocean floor with payloads waiting to be activated

Upward Falling Payloads would be remotely launched to disrupt and monitor enemy ships.

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.