Ideas
Sanctions Won’t Hurt Iran’s UAV Program
The Biden administration should rethink its approach—and its real goals in the region.
Science & Tech
Bird-Mimicking Electric Drone Hits New Endurance Record
As the military grapples with connecting more things over longer distances, recent flight reveals a way forward.
Science & Tech
Researchers Create Drone Swarms That Can Detect Gas Leaks, Other Threats
A new algorithm called “Sniffy Bug” shows how tiny drones will do dangerous work even in areas where they can’t use GPS.
Ideas
Israel’s Drone Swarm Over Gaza Should Worry Everyone
It’s time global leaders set new rules for these future weapons already being used to kill.
Science & Tech
Navy Drone Refuels Fighter Jet, a Key Step Toward Adding UAVs to Carrier Wings
The MQ-25 T1 Stingray is slated for tests on an aircraft carrier later this year ahead of a planned 2025 deployment.
Science & Tech
Army SOF Units Are Getting Smaller, More Self-Reliant as Focus Shifts to China, Russia
New adversaries, warfare concepts, and gear are also driving special operators to become more tech-savvy.
Science & Tech
Red Cross Calls for More Limits on Autonomous Weapons
Experts said the group’s unique stature might get governments to the negotiating table at last.
Ideas
Redraw the Limits on Lethal Force Against Terror Groups
As the Biden administration reviews policies for use of lethal force outside war zones, it must be certain it’s not perpetuating a cycle of “forever wars.”
Science & Tech
Drones Could One Day Make Up 40% of a Carrier Air Wing, Navy Says
The Department’s new unmanned plan directs focus not just on drones but on their “enabling technologies.”
Business
AI-Powered Drones Emerge as R&D Priority for Boeing
As the company cuts costs in other areas, a new drone flew for the first time last week.
Science & Tech
Russia Is Working to Pair Combat Jets and Drones, Too
In moves to match the U.S. military, experiments are aimed at producing mixed air regiments that are tied into a wider battlefield network.
Science & Tech
Intel Agency Worker Pushed His Own Drone Company, Report Details
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency inspector general found one of its employees accessed classified and proprietary data, trying to cheat competitors.
Science & Tech
2021 Is the Year the Small Drone Arms Race Heats Up
The cat-and-mouse of drone defense and offense is entering a new phase.
Policy
Trump Restricted Drone Imports In Final White House Days
The executive order encourages federal agencies to divest from unmanned aerial systems manufactured by China, Russia and Iran.
Threats
Feds Can't Buy Chinese-Made Drones Through GSA Anymore
By Feb. 1, all but five unmanned aerial vehicles will be removed from the General Services Administration’s offerings.
Ideas
Why German Troops Won’t Get Armed Drones
The reasons, which go back to Angela Merkel’s East German upbringing, are leaving the Bundeswehr dependent on allies and partners.
Policy