Policy
Senators want a new robot warfare-focused combatant command
A 4-star general would lead the effort, should SASC’s version of the NDAA become law.
Defense Systems
In apparent first, Navy drone boat rescues helicopter crew downed at sea
The unmanned vessel, made by Texas-based Saronic, was sent to the region in March.
Policy
House lawmakers want the Navy to deploy drone boats faster
HASC’s draft of the 2027 defense policy bill would push service leaders to develop a clear strategy.
Defense Systems
The Navy used drones to sink a retired warship
Lessons from the SINKEX are shaping the service’s plans to buy and fight.
Science & Tech
How the Pentagon plans to spend $50 billion on drone warfare
As new drone startups proliferate, Pentagon and military leaders outline their priorities for building “drone dominance."
Ideas
The Pentagon’s $54 billion bet on autonomous warfare
With new DAWG initiative, the DOD is attempting to fix a historically slow-moving, broken acquisition pipeline.
Defense Systems
General Atomics resumes drone-wingman flights after mishap
An investigation by the Air Force and the defense contractor led to a software change.
Threats
‘Everybody is going underground’: CENTCOM head calls for new tech to hit buried targets
Adm. Brad Cooper was praised, and grilled, by lawmakers during his first HASC hearing.
Business
Navy greenlights low-rate production of drone refueler
A contract for three MQ-25A aircraft is expected this summer.
Science & Tech
A Ukrainian ground robot defended a position from Russian assault for six weeks
UGVs are beginning to replace infantry on Ukraine’s front lines.
Science & Tech
Even as drones usher in an era of ‘cheap kill,’ Army leaders look to what’s next
Uncrewed vehicles were everywhere at LANPAC—even above a general’s head.
Defense Systems
US infantry’s drone-warfare experiments are getting bigger
Project Flytrap 5.0 focused on working in teams of hundreds, and larger operations are on the way.
Science & Tech
US investors warm to Ukrainian defense startups—but export laws slow cooperation
One firm says month-long wait for approval puts it at a competitive disadvantage.
Threats
'This is how we prevail in the Pacific': US, allies train to repel amphibious assault
The U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division brought several new weapons to this year's Balikatan exercise.
Science & Tech
Pentagon seeks smarter, self-organizing drones as autonomous-warfare budget is poised to skyrocket
Uncrewed weapons actually require a lot of people. New DARPA projects aim to overcome that.
Defense Systems
Marine Corps considering Army’s MV-75 as an attack helo replacement
Bell unveiled an armed version specifically for the Corps at the Modern Day Marine conference.
Defense Systems
Navy’s drone refueler notches first flight—but it won’t be on aircraft carriers until 2029
The MQ-25A delay pushes deliveries another two years past the prior reschedule.
Threats
The Pentagon replicated a Ukrainian-style drone attack in Florida. Now it’s changing its counter-drone strategy
Several things—from the players to the technology—set the exercise apart from previous experiments.
Defense Systems