Ideas

We’re Long Overdue for Due Diligence in Defense

Defense Secretary Carter deserves applause for cutting the Navy’s LCS, and encouragement to think more broadly.

Defense Systems

Navy awards another deal for electronic warfare upgrades

General Dynamics will perform more work on improvements under the SEWIP program.

Defense Systems

NRL tests low-power, long-endurance sail drone

The Naval Research Lab, in partnership with Penn State, tested algorithms designed to increase the endurance of unmanned sailplanes that ride thermals the way some large birds do.

Defense Systems

Navy strategy puts a sharper focus on information warfare

In a newly released document, the Navy stresses the need to focus on information warfare in order to counter the tactics of potential adversaries.

Defense Systems

Navy wants small drones that can see in the dark

The service is looking for small tactical unmanned aerial vehicles capable of providing ISR in both day and night operations in adverse environmental conditions.

Defense Systems

Tern gets closer to extending ships' ISR reach at sea

The DARPA-ONR program to develop long-range, vertical-lift drones for smaller ships moves into Phase 3.

Defense Systems

Navy awards large deal to upgrade satellite communications

Raytheon gets a contract that could be worth up to $467 million for Navy Multiband Terminals, which will quadruple capacity while providing anti-jamming features.

Defense Systems

DOD steps up the search for electronic warfare tools

The military services are looking for innovative ways to improve EW capabilities and blend them with cyber operations.

Defense Systems

ONR taking virtual training to the next level

The BEMR Lab in San Diego is developing new "mixed reality" capabilities to improve training on a variety of platforms.

Threats

Russia Could Block Access to Baltic Sea, US General Says

Moscow’s recent wargames in its Kaliningrad exclave have included mock nuclear strikes, the top U.S. Army general in Europe said.

Defense Systems

In a Navy first, tablets integrate with mission systems aboard Growlers

EA-18G Growlers successfully demonstrated advanced, long-range targeting capabilities and integrated tablets with onboard systems.

Defense Systems

MUOS satellite network could go online by spring

Lockheed Martin said the Navy accepted the fourth satellite in the global network this week.

Defense Systems

Navy's Fire Scout drone helicopter passes its latest test

The MQ-8C recently demonstrated enhanced endurance and sensor capabilities, manufacturer Northrop Grumman said.

Defense Systems

The future of autonomy has a strong human component

Human-machine teaming is at the heart of the military service's plans, leaders told lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Defense Systems

Navy backs development of first 'data barge'

A startup is building the first floating data center at a naval facility in California.

Defense Systems

How cyber turns networks into weapons systems

Top commanders across the military have asserted that IT networks are not just services but warfighting platforms in the new cyber domain.

Defense Systems

ONR seeks greater R&D for undersea intelligence

The Office of Naval Research released a special notice calling for white papers and proposals for undersea unmanned vehicle development.

Defense Systems

ONR adds $11M to tablet-controlled autonomous helicopter program

Aurora Flight Sciences will continue tests on the AACUS program, in which unmanned rotorcraft deliver supplies to small units in dangerous environments.

Defense Systems

Pentagon prepares to test its sub-hunting drone vessel

The ACTUV, developed by DARPA, is set for tests in early 2016 and could see its role expanded to other missions.

Defense Systems

Does a centralized approach help or hurt DOD cybersecurity?

Panelists at the 2015 Open Architecture Summit described the current problems with the standards, policies and strategies handed down from on high.