Defense Systems

Air Force nearing completion of satellite communications system

The service gives Lockheed a $48 million contract modification to finish work on AEHF, which is replacing the Milstar constellation.

Defense Systems

US-China counterspace tensions mount

The Pentagon's latest report to Congress highlights China's growing military space efforts, which include the ability to disrupt what the U.S. or other countries can do.

Defense Systems

Bluefin’s SandShark a new breed of small, versatile underwater drones

The autonomous UUV, weighing less than 15 pounds, is capable of a variety of missions, including operating in swarms.

Defense Systems

Air Force looking for next-gen sensors

AFRL puts out a call for technologies to improve targeting via new electro-optical sensors for ISR and situation awareness.

Defense Systems

Navy says hit me again with Blackjack UAS

The small, rail-launched ISR drones are used by the Navy and Marines for ISR, and have shown potential for domestic use.

Defense Systems

Air Force turns its attention to small UAS platforms

The proliferation of small systems present a threat, but also an opportunity, the service says in a recently released 20-year plan for small UAS.

Defense Systems

Air Force wants to tap into commercial satellite capacity

The Air Force released a request for information for Pathfinder 3, which is intended to provide the warfighter flexible access to commercial and military satellite capability.

Defense Systems

DARPA dives in to underwater navigation project

BAE was recently awarded a contract to work on DARPA’s Positioning System for Deep Ocean Navigation, an attempt to create a GPS-like system under the sea.

Defense Systems

Navy still focusing on the Next Gen Jammer

The plan to replace the 50-year-old jammer is designed to address rapidly proliferating threats in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Defense Systems

Army gets a move on 'pseudolites' and other non-GPS navigation

CERDEC works on providing positioning, navigation and timing when the usual signals aren't available.

Defense Systems

Air Force wants machine-to-machine software for drones

The service is asking industry for information on the next generation of UAS capabilities to support global operations.

Defense Systems

NRL looks to make surveillance radar more motion-sensitive

The Navy is working with General Atomics to add inverse synthetic aperture radar to MQ-9 Reaper and Predator XP UAS.

Defense Systems

Despite advanced threats, DOD still banking on drones

While unmanned aerial systems could be rendered ineffective against more advanced adversaries, Defense Secretary Carter told Congress that the department will continue to invest in these platforms, which will play a role in deterring nations like Russia.

Defense Systems

Navy again rebrands carrier-based drone program

Officials tell lawmakers what the service has planned for its carrier unmanned capability.

Defense Systems

DOD official: The spectrum should be a domain of warfare

In a recent panel discussion, an Air Force general said the electromagnetic spectrum should be declared a domain, given how important EMS operations are.

Defense Systems

US looks to expand the range of satellite-fixing robots

DARPA, aiming high in GEO, and NASA, aiming lower in LEO, are preparing to launch robotic satellite repair spacecraft.

Defense Systems

With US assistance, Afghanistan starts flying drones

The Afghan Army marked the inaugural launch of a ScanEagle UAS system to help provide better overhead ISR coverage.

Defense Systems

Army speeds up its battlefield satcom

The Wideband Global Satellite, accessible via portable terminals, delivers a 12-fold increase in communications.

Defense Systems

Air Force looks to protect space with new enterprise vision

Gen. John Hyten recently announced the Space Enterprise Vision to counter the ever-emerging threats to the space domain.

Defense Systems

DOD adds electronic attack aircraft to the fight against ISIS

The Defense Department has announced that EA-6B Prowler aircraft, specializing in tactical jamming capabilities, have deployed to support the anti-ISIS efforts.