Threats
CIA deception campaign helped rescue downed airman in Iran, director says
The president suggested the agency had a covert way to track the F-15 crewman's movements.
Business
Anduril secures $87M contract for a common counter-unmanned C2 program
The agreement is part of a larger $20B license for the federal government to buy any Anduril product.
Defense Systems
AI-enabled watch towers set to proliferate along the border
GDIT pitches autonomous station with better sensors, more computing power.
Policy
INDOPACOM was all in on Anthropic. Now it’s working to adjust
The administration’s government-wide ban on the company’s AI tools has forced the command to work faster to be “model-neutral.”
Ideas
Going hunting
What will it take to counter the smart mines of tomorrow? Welcome to the latest edition of Fictional Intelligence.
Science & Tech
Quantum cameras could remake space-based intelligence
A Boston startup is getting ready to test a new imagery method for orbital satellites.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon wants a common network for its counter-drone systems
The Army-led task force wants candidates by early next year.
Defense Systems
NATO has built a cloud for Ukraine’s classified battle data
The last hurdle is figuring out information-sharing policies to keep it all safe.
Policy
Why Ukraine and Estonia are embracing government by AI
They see it as key to keeping their societies safe.
Exclusive
Threats
China’s burgeoning undersea sensor net aims to turn the ocean transparent
The PLA is building a self-healing “kill web” to surpass today’s brittle kill chains.
Business
Defense tech has a new unicorn
Data-tech startup Govini cinched $150 million in growth capital, tipping the company’s valuation over the $1 billion mark.
Threats
Elon Musk’s SpaceX took money directly from Chinese investors, company insider testifies
The newly unsealed testimony marks the first time direct Chinese investment in the company has been disclosed, raising new questions about foreign stakes in one of America’s most important military contractors.
Ideas
Military AI needs guardrails—not to slow it down, but to keep it useful
Modifying commercial models isn’t as easy as removing the parts that discourage users from killing people.
Exclusive
Science & Tech
When China plays orbital hide-and-seek, Maui’s telescopes give the US an edge
In an interview, Space Force’s Saltzman reveals what’s next for the key sensor site.
Defense Systems
Anduril and Palantir-backed startup Rivet go head-to-head in soldier virtual display competition
The Army awarded more than $350M for the Soldier Borne Mission Command program this month.
Exclusive
Defense Systems
Pentagon reductions set back critical AI-data platform
After users flocked to Advana, DOD’s AI office laid out a plan to keep it growing. Then came DOGE.
Defense Systems
DARPA wants to hook tomorrow's quantum gear into today's networks
The field's "black sheep" is crucial to realizing promises of better sensors and safer data, program director says.
Ideas
AI is about to reshape command structures that haven’t changed much since Napoleon
I explored the possibilities with a team of researchers at CSIS' Futures Lab. Here's what we found.
Defense Systems