Defense Systems

Navy orders more radar jammers to protect Hornet fighters

An $88.3 million contract modification with Exelis will provide more electronic warfare systems to defend against radar-guided missiles.

Defense Systems

NRL project would collect solar power in space

The orbiting solar array could collect solar energy unencumbered by atmosphere, then transmit it to Earth via microwaves.

Defense Systems

Navy strikes deal for backpack anti-IED jammers

The military is continuing to invest in giving ground troops portable electronic warfare tools.

Defense Systems

Boeing's new autonomous UUV can run for months at a time

The 51-foot long unmanned Echo Voyager, which runs on a rechargeable power system, can operate without a surface support vessel.

Science & Tech

F-35 Chief: Think Very, Very Hard Before Making Another Joint Fighter

Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan has a bit of advice for Air Force and Navy leaders envisioning their next tactical aircraft.

Ideas

Russian Subs Are Reheating a Cold War Chokepoint

As the GIUK gap returns to importance, NATO must look to regenerate its anti-submarine forces.

Defense Systems

BAE to demonstrate next-gen EW detection for the Navy

ONR wants the company to show continued proof-of-concept development in electromagnetic spectrum emitter detection and situational awareness.

Defense Systems

Navy still has long way toward CANES installation

With installation aboard the USS Nimitz, the Navy has put another aircraft carrier on its new shipboard tactical network, and has plans for a total of 219 ships by 2023.

Defense Systems

Navy makes plans for cyber R&D

According to recent budget documents, the Navy is asking for $88 million in research and development fund to help shore up its networks.

Threats

Top Admiral Asks US Allies to Help Buzz China’s Fake Islands

The four-star admiral of U.S. Pacific Command told Congress he wants other countries to join the U.S. in flying, sailing near China’s new islands (and that new radar).

Ideas

China is Cruising for a Bruising

The U.S. Navy must get ready for big new Chinese ships that will try to ram Americans who approach their fake islands.

Defense Systems

Army, Navy display joint communications in Hawaii

Combining the Navy's global MUOS satellite systems with Manpack radios and the Army's Joint Battle Command-Platform could fill gaps in the Pacific.

Defense Systems

Navy's high-altitude Triton UAS takes a step forward

The MQ-4C Triton, intended to provide persistent maritime ISR, has successfully completed operational assessment, according to manufacturer Northrop Grumman.

Threats

US, Indian Navies Planning Joint Patrols in South China Sea

Officials say they're drafting ideas one year after leaders agreed to expand naval cooperation and ensure freedom of navigation in the SCS.

Defense Systems

Navy's plans include drones that can operate for months at a time

The Navy's new director of unmanned systems Rear Adm. Robert Girrier provided an overview of the N-99 directorate’s plan, including greatly extending the endurance of those systems.

Defense Systems

Navy aims for the next generation of integrated warfighting tech

ONR is looking to let sensors, weapons and other systems talk to each other clearly.

Defense Systems

DOD plans to invest $600M in unmanned underwater vehicles

Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter told sailors that the Defense Department big plans for UUV over the next five years.

Defense Systems

Navy putting $49.8M into upgrading its EW test center

AAI Corp. will perform test environment system upgrades to the division's Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division's Electronic Combat Simulation and Evaluation Laboratories.

Defense Systems

Navy, Air Force looking for new electronic warfare tech

Recent proposals point to continued interest in innovative offensive and defensive capabilities.

Defense Systems

SPAWAR's strategic plan focusing on cyber

The plan, among other things, calls for advanced cyber capabilities, a clear structure for cyber leadership and ready access to data.