Threats
Inspired by Ukraine, US Army picks two commercially available drones
The drones, including one type that can drop bombs, are bound for company-level units.
Science & Tech
Duct fans fly again—in drone form
Piasecki resurrects a 1950s concept to chart a new path toward uncrewed supply.
Threats
Old-school soldiers prove they can still beat tech-heavy troops
Deep in the Louisiana woods, the U.S. Army's “Ghost” unit showed that doing the basics well can still turn the tide.
Science & Tech
Defense One Radio, Ep. 161: A trip to Louisiana with the Army’s new recon unit
The Army just put a new unit loaded with cutting-edge tech to the test at Fort Johnson. Sam Skove shares what he witnessed during a recent week-long wargame.
Science & Tech
A group of 20-somethings built a GPS-independent drone in 24 hours—and caught the eye of US special operations forces
Here’s what that says about the new class of defense industry disruptors.
Science & Tech
Army puts new unit loaded with cutting-edge tech to the test
The reconnaissance unit is the poster child for Army plans to field more drones, electronic warfare, and communications equipment across the force.
Science & Tech
Two programs suggest the Pentagon is getting better at buying technology
The Maven and Collaborative Combat Aircraft efforts display real steps forward, a pair of reports say.
Science & Tech
Anti-drone ‘shoot-out’ lets experienced soldiers wring out latest gear
Organizers created innovative firing ranges to handle everything from anti-drone rifles to directed-energy weapons.
Science & Tech
Navy still bullish on lasers but widely-deployed directed-energy ship defense remains years away
Quest gains urgency as enemy drones and missiles get better, cheaper, and more widely used.
Threats
Replicator passes a milestone as some troops complete training with cheap new drones
DepSecDef says the systems will be a formal part of the 2026 budget.
Policy
Wartime need for drones would outstrip US production. There’s a way to fix that
The U.S. military needs to “mainstream” new operating concepts and get going with big orders, experts say.
Science & Tech