Science & Tech
Navy Tests Super Precise Laser Weapon in Persian Gulf
Deployed aboard a ship in the Persian Gulf, the Navy’s new drone-killing laser is exceeding expectations. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
The US Just Launched Its 500th Drone Strike
The tactic is almost as old as the Afghanistan war. And nowadays it has become completely routine. By Micah Zenko
Science & Tech
This Robot Military Supply Helicopter Could Soon Be Fighting Wildfires
The K-Max has performed well in supplying troops in Afghanistan. Now it could help fight fires around the world. By Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
A Look Inside a Secret US Air Force Intelligence Center
With no U.S. boots on the ground in Syria and not many in Iraq, it’s up to young intelligence analysts here to search for Islamic State militants. By Marcus Weisgerber
Science & Tech
The Environmentally Friendly Drone That Could 'Disappear' on the Battlefield
If this surveillance drone crashes, it's creators say it could decompose before an enemy could find it. By Shirley Li
Science & Tech
The Military Wants New Technologies To Fight Drones
These are the technologies we will use to counter drones in the future. By Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Can This Drone Bring Peace to Ukraine?
International monitors prepare to launch a surveillance drone that could change the game on the ground in Ukraine. By Patrick Tucker
Ideas
To Save the Navy’s Next-Gen Drone, Kill It First
Aircraft carriers need better protection, so let’s restart the UCLASS program from scratch. By Paul Scharre and Shawn Brimley
Ideas
What Drones Can Do Besides Killing Terrorists
It’s time everyone – including the media – start distinguishing between combat drones that kill and surveillance drones that save lives. By Melissa S. Hersh
Science & Tech
Fighting Ebola with Data, Satellites and Drones
Some of the intelligence tools that militaries use to gather intelligence could play a growing role in preventing the worst-case scenario. By Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
The Rise of the Islamic State Could Mean More Drones
The recent trend in less spending for drones just hit a big bump in the wake of the threat of Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
Governments Line Up To Buy the Drone That Terrorized Gaza
Just weeks after the latest Israel-Hamas cease-fire, defense contractors are itching to sell the IDF's primary weapon in counter-terror operations. By Daniel A. Medina
Ideas
The U.S. Needs More Drones
The threat from terrorism is changing in ways that make intelligence collection all the more important. By Paul Scharre
Science & Tech
How Japan Fell in Love With America's Drones
After signaling a shift away from pacifism and toward a policy of collective self-defense, Japan is now set to possess the fastest-growing UAV program in the world. By Daniel A. Medina
Threats
Obama Requests Drone Surge for U.S.-Mexico Border
President Obama has requested an escalation of aerial surveillance along the border with Mexico -- including 16 more drone crews at a cost of nearly $40 million. By Aliya Sternstein
Policy
Gen. Abizaid-Led Panel Sounds Alarm on U.S. Drones
It's time Obama rethinks drones when a group like this criticizes the precedents and dangers of targeted killings. By Conor Friedersdorf
Science & Tech
Brain Drain Is Threatening the Future of U.S. Robotics
Advances in robotics and automated warfare have outpaced U.S. regulatory mechanisms. But a much bigger problem threatens the future of robotics in America's defense: the brain drain to the private sector. By Megan Garber
Science & Tech
Three Misconceptions About Drones
A new report by the Stimson Center’s Task Force on U.S. Drone Policy examines some common beliefs about drones. By Janine Davidson
Ideas
Obama's Drone Killing Memo: Too Little, Too Late
Help me figure out why this memo justifying killing American Anwar al-Awlaki was kept secret. By Conor Friedersdorf
Science & Tech