Defense Systems

Day of the LOCUST: Navy demonstrates swarming UAVs

ONR, in another breakthrough for autonomous technology, shows how a team of small drones can work together to protect an asset or attack an enemy.

Defense Systems

Pentagon's near-zero power plan could change the game for wireless sensors

DARPA's N-ZERO program would make devices that lie dormant but aware until triggered by a specified event.

Defense Systems

Blue Origin reports progress on new U.S. rocket engine

The BE-3 engine could serve as a future upper stage, and represents a step toward replacing the Russian-made RD-180, Jeff Bezos says.

Defense Systems

Marines, DARPA show what real-time air support looks like

The prototype Persistent Close Air Support System dramatically cuts the time from identifying a target to delivering a strike.

Defense Systems

Air Force begins construction of Space Fence tracking system

The system, being built by Lockheed Martin, will greatly increase the amount of orbital debris the service can keep tabs on.

Defense Systems

Air Force putting data analytics into a smart targeting platform

A data analytics specialist is working to develop a targeting system to automate what is now a manual process.

Defense Systems

Air Force awards $84M deal for electronic warfare simulations

The VIEWS II program will focus on testing the sensors and architectures that fuse data from multiple sources, including the F-22 and F-35.

Defense Systems

In mapping future tech, DARPA cites drone, ISR success stories

In its biannual report envisioning future military systems, the agency also lauds one-time new technologies for their effectiveness.

Defense Systems

Northrop splits ISR division to expand space business

The company also is building a $20 million Maryland Space Assembly and Test facility to focus on expanded payload production.

Defense Systems

Watch: How an airborne 'system of systems' attack would work

A DARPA video shows how the SoS concept could be applied to air operations involving manned and unmanned aircraft.

Defense Systems

STRATCOM commander: Threats from space are real

Adm. Cecil Haney outlines the dangers in space, from debris to potentially hostile space vehicles.

Defense Systems

Russia's hybrid warfare tactics gain upper hand in Ukraine

U.S., NATO officials call for better readiness against the tactic, which uses information warfare, cyberattacks, economic strategies and other steps to destabilize a country before the tanks roll in.

Defense Systems

Mobile mashup: The military's proliferating mix of smartphones and tablets

DOD is using mobile devices in conventional and unconventional ways, which brings a lot of challenges to go with the convenience.

Defense Systems

DOD report shows decline in the military's spending portfolio

Major programs saw a collective reduction in spending of $9.1 million, or 0.6 percent, over the past year, DOD's SAR reports show. GAO says DOD’s acquisition portfolio is the lowest it's been in 10 years.

Defense Systems

SpaceX, ULA spar over military sat launch competition

The Air Force launch rivals talk cost and capabilities during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on assured access to space.

Defense Systems

DISA awards $74M task order for Acropolis cyber program

Northrop Grumman wins contract to provide cyber and sensor support for DOD's global networks.

Defense Systems

Pentagon launches next phase of spectrum-sharing program

DARPA researchers are looking for ways to more efficiently use radar and communications systems in order to reduce congestion.

Defense Systems

Navy's maritime strategy puts emphasis on 'all domain access'

The document, updated from 2007, stresses the importance of cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum in national security.

Defense Systems

DARPA moves ahead on long-range 100 Gbps wireless links

The agency's program is looking to develop links about 500 times faster than the military's current wireless connections.

Defense Systems

Air Force continues to track debris from exploded satellite

Weeks after confirming the explosion, the Air Force monitors the resulting space junk in polar orbit.