Defense Systems

Missile Defense Agency awards 9 task orders to contractor

Company's Sparta business unit wins a variety of work under Missile Defense Agency task orders.

Defense Systems

Say what? Faulty eavesdropping gear delays new spy plane

The Air Force's decision in July to continue with its $12 billion Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems might possibly push the U-2 spy plane into full retirement by 2015, reports the New York Times.

Defense Systems

Army decides MULE no longer meets its needs

The Army plans to cancel the Multi-Function Utility/Logistics and Equipment unmanned vehicle, a holdover from the defunct Future Combat Systems program.

Defense Systems

Officials balk at proposed $800B in military budget cuts

President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have proposed more than $800 billion in defense cuts, but DOD leaders warned of serious consequences.

Defense Systems

Army's on-the-move connectivity draws closer

The Warfighter Information Network-Tactical Increment 2 will provide continuous high-bandwidth network connectivity to warfighters traversing remote regions in their vehicles.

Defense Systems

Satellite services contracts will trim costs for defense buyers

DISA and GSA are on track to award a pair of satellite communications contracts in the fourth quarter as part of the comprehensive Future COMSATCOM Services Acquisition.

Defense Systems

Partnerships will help protect U.S. space assets, official says

In response to the growing number of nations with counter-space capabilities, the United States is nurturing partnerships with spacefaring companies and allied nations to maintain its strategic advantage in space, said a top DOD official.

Defense Systems

U.S., China move closer to space security talks

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Gregory Schulte said July 19 that the United States and China will meet soon to discuss the best way to make sure that both nations act in a "responsible" manner in the national security space environment.

Defense Systems

Harris secure data link gets NSA certification stamp

An embeddable radio developed by Harris and intended for communications in space-constrained military platforms has received type 1 certification from the National Security Agency, company officials said July 19.

Defense Systems

What goes into a Predator prowl over a war zone

A long-range mission by a Predator drone over a global hot spot can require up to three crews and involves line-of-sight control while taking off and landing the vehicle, and satellite link control while on the prowl.

Defense Systems

Oklahoma wants to establish UAV-friendly air corridor

A strip of airspace in Oklahoma might become a test zone for unmanned aerial vehicles in which commercial developers could routinely fly UAVs at high altitudes.

Defense Systems

Army modernization plan calls for adaptable, balanced force

With its 2012 Modernization Plan, the Army is taking a close look at how it will use its fiscal 2012 budget to achieve its most critical goals and re-balance the force.

Defense Systems

Army's software-defined radios to test new waveforms

New software allows radios to support battalion-level communications.

Defense Systems

Gates' legacy lies in practical military tech

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who leaves his Cabinet position June 30, spent most of his tenure popping the military's fantasy bubbles that inhibited durable technological and martial innovation.

Defense Systems

DARPA develops new tools to help process video data

DARPA launches two programs to give warfighters automated tools to help identify enemy activity in video streams from unmanned aircraft and other sources.

Defense Systems

Unmanned sailing vessel set for next sea trial

The latest prototype of the experimental Harbor Wing unmanned surface vessel will set sail this September from San Diego in a trial designed to further test its ability to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Defense Systems

Army explores idea of joint VTOL drone

The Army has provided an addendum to a Navy analysis of alternatives to determine whether the two services can meet their needs for vertical-takeoff-and-landing unmanned aircraft through a joint program.

Defense Systems

Somali terrorists beware: Raven drones overhead

Under a proposed $45 million U.S. counterterrorism assistance package, the African Union peacekeeping forces of Uganda and Burundi would get four unarmed Raven drones for use in Somalia.

Defense Systems

Persistent threats challenge US military cyber ops

The United States is becoming more experienced at handling cyber operations for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Defense Systems

Army deploys more small drones in ISR surge

Additional UAS will feature enhanced sensors, better communications capabilities and extended operating times.