Defense Systems

Study: DOD needs to field laser weapons ASAP

The Center for a New American Security also recommends that military labs abandon their piecemeal approach in favor of a merged development program.

Defense Systems

Navy's third high-bandwidth satellite ready for duty

MUOS-3 expands coverage to about three-quarters of the globe; the fourth and final satellite is expected to be launched later this year.

Defense Systems

Mabus says delays are hurting UCLASS development

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus voiced some frustration over the delays in the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program, which Congress wants to focus more on strike capabilities.

Defense Systems

Navy awards $479M deal for joint tactical radios

The MIDS JTRS terminals allow high-speed, jam-resistant sharing of voice, data and imagery among U.S. and coalition forces.

Defense Systems

General Dynamics upgrades computer system for Marines' fighter jet

The company has just delivered the third software release for the mission system computer in the AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft.

Defense Systems

Future of unmanned capabilities: MALE vs HALE

While the U.S. has had a lot of success with medium-altitude unmanned aircraft against non-state actors, more technologically formidable militaries such as China's could be a problem.

Defense Systems

Cutting-edge glasses give Marines a clear view of augmented reality

The glasses, developed by ONR, were used for the first time with the Augmented Immersive Team Trainer.

Threats

Navy Unveils Video of Manmade Islands in South China Sea

Defying Chinese orders to get lost, a Navy P-8 patrol plane flew over the reefs Beijing is turning into full-fledged footholds.

Science & Tech

The Navy Is Trying To Hack-Proof Its Drones

Aerial robots weren't expected to become part of the Internet of Things, but now the Navy needs to protect them from cyber threats.

Defense Systems

NAVAIR looks to bolster cyber defenses for weapons systems

The command’s Cyber Warfare Detachment is seeking proposals to fill gaps in cyber warfare capabilities and defenses across the board.

Ideas

Maersk Tigris: A Warning Bell for Our Contested Maritime Century

In the 21st century, competition between established and emerging powers will be increasingly felt and expressed at sea.

Defense Systems

Intell director: Drones 'essential' to Navy's future

Vice Adm. Ted Branch said the service is working hard to "move the ball" in the direction of unmanned systems.

Ideas

The 3 Areas Where the Navy Is Adjusting Its Operating Strategy

Facing threats to its existing operating concept, the Navy is adjusting the way it'll pursue surface warfare in the 21st century.

Business

Obama Nominates Nuclear Chief To Head Navy

Adm. John Richardson, a submariner, would become the first head of the Navy’s nuclear-propulsion shop to rise to chief of naval operations.

Business

Navy Opens Fire on Cold-War Personnel System

Armed with an innovative plan for promotions, Secretary Ray Mabus wants to sink industrial-age HR policies and rig his fleet for the 21st century.

Defense Systems

Technology takes center stage at DOD Lab Day

The Army and Navy preview the technologies to be displayed at the event, which seeks to increase awareness of research projects and tech-centric successes.

Defense Systems

UAS-at-sea program produces a couple of practical spinoffs

Offshoots from the DARPA/ONR Tern program could speed up launch and recovery, and boots ships' ISR and communications range.

Defense Systems

Problems ahead for Navy's carrier-based drone program

Disagreement over whether UCLASS's primary role should be surveillance or strike has caused significant delays in the program, according to a GAO report.