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

The Pros and Cons of U.S. Drone Strikes in Iraq

The easiest option against ISIS politically might also be the least effective. By Patrick Tucker

Ideas

Inside the Air Force's Secret Drone Pilot Training Classroom

The technology of war is changing, but the fundamental conflict is the same. By Corey Mead

Threats

Pakistan Wants Drones and It Doesn't Need America's Permission to Get Them

There may be more cooperation between Pakistan and China than the Pakistani government admits. By Sara Sorcher

Science & Tech

When a Drone Flies Into a Jet Engine, Bad Things Happen

This video shows one reason why the U.S. is slow to open civilian airspace for drones. By Nick Stockton

Science & Tech

Every Country Will Have Armed Drones Within 10 Years

The proliferation of weaponized drone technology is inevitable, and there’s nothing the U.S. can do to stop it. By Patrick Tucker

Ideas

Congress’s Chance to Fix Aircraft Carrier Drones

The Navy could have the drone the U.S. needs to protect carriers, if Congress steps up this week. By Shawn Brimley

Science & Tech

Want More Renewable Energy? Send in the Drones

Out in the desert it's hard to know when one solar panel among millions has failed. Unless you're a drone. By Todd Woody

Science & Tech

The Next Step Toward Autopilot in Combat

The military is looking to roboticize the most exhausting aspects of flying jets. By Patrick Tucker

Science & Tech

Sooner or Later, Drones Will Watch Over Major Marathons

After last year's tragedy, Boston police commissioner Edward Davis said that 'drones are a great idea.' By Jake Becker

Science & Tech

Using Drones as Wireless Hotspots on the Battlefield

Repurposing aging surveillance drones into high-bandwidth hotspots will ensure troops have wireless access in the most remote places on earth. By Frank Konkel

Science & Tech

New Piloting System for Drone Cargo Helicopters Passes Test Flight

A new piloting program that can fly drone supply helicopters with an app just passed a key test flight. By Patrick Tucker

Policy

‘Comprehensive Review’ of Military Medals to Begin in June

Why? Drones, for one thing. By Ben Watson

Science & Tech

Drone Warfare Is Why We Can't Find Malaysian Airlines Flight 370

If you’re sick of not being able to find planes with today’s technology, just wait – it’s actually going to get worse. By Patrick Tucker

Science & Tech

Navy Submarine Drones Will Predict the Weather Months In Advance

More subdrones, fewer satellites -- the future of weather prediction is changing faster than the weather. By Patrick Tucker

Science & Tech

Will Weaponized Drones Eventually Replace Soldiers?

Sometime in the near future, the autonomous, weaponized drone could replace the infantryman as the dominant battlefield technology. By Noah Smith

Threats

Is the CIA Better Than the Military at Drone Killings?

The White House is supposed to be handing the program over to the Pentagon. Here's why they're dragging their feet. By Michael Hirsh