Science & Tech

Space Force’s speedy launch record clears way for bigger launches—faster

The “Victus Nox” mission is part of the service’s “tactically responsive space” effort to respond quickly to in-orbit threats.

Science & Tech

New board will help Navy ‘absorb’ new tech into real-world ops

Science and Technology Board will examine “issues posed by the development of generative artificial intelligence”—like ChatGPT—as well as a range of other technologies.

Science & Tech

Air Force eyes supply missions for its first electric air taxi

Joby Aviation delivered its battery-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to Edwards AFB in California.

Science & Tech

Taiwan is using generative AI to fight Chinese disinfo

But LLM models will enable new adversaries as well as allies, top intelligence official warns.

Science & Tech

Boeing is using Fortnite’s game engine to upgrade B-52s

Will this “hyper-realistic” modeling tool help get the program a Victory Royale?

Science & Tech

France sees smaller future in Africa, larger role in the Pacific, says country’s air force chief

French military is increasing its spend on tankers to be more places at once with a lighter permanent footprint.

Science & Tech

B-21 starts engine tests as bomber preps for first flight

Software is ready to go, program officials say, engendering some 'smack talk' with hardware teams.

Threats

China’s new satellites extend its military reach, US says

Rapid buildup “allows them to see much further with greater precision at day and at night and through all weather,” Space Force intel chief says.

Science & Tech

US must harness generative AI in competition against China, think tank warns

The Pentagon recently launched a task force to explore how to incorporate generative AI, but a new report notes it could be useful across a wide range of government activities.

Science & Tech

How China could use generative AI to manipulate the globe on Taiwan

Generative AI could allow China to radically improve and scale up disinformation efforts, just in time for the Taiwanese presidential election, a new report argues.

Science & Tech

Questions loom as Air Force robot-wingman effort prepares to take flight

Industry execs outline challenges of technology, test and evaluation—and even philosophy.

Science & Tech

The Pentagon’s innovation arm has a new chief and a new strategy

‘DIU 3.0,’ now under SecDef review, aims to embed teams in the combatant commands.

Science & Tech

Shield AI drones demonstrate autonomous teaming under USAF contract

The company says it will operationalize its AI pilot software on V-BAT drones in 2024.

Science & Tech

IARPA’s new pants will record your location

The intelligence research agency is crafting smart clothing technology equipped with audio, video and geolocation sensors.

Science & Tech

US offers rare preview of upcoming spy-satellite launch

Officials talked about Tuesday’s launch of NROL-107 in a bid to “deter the adversary.”

Science & Tech

‘Hellscape’: DOD launches massive drone swarm program to counter China

INDOPACOM wants to be able to find and hit 1,000 targets in 24 hours. Cheap drones are the answer—if DOD can make them quickly enough.