Defense Systems

Navy sets course on new cyber strategy

The five-year plan maps out a vision for protecting fleet networks from internal and external threats.

Ideas

Tomorrow’s Small Wars Won’t Just Be Land Wars

The naval and coastal aspects of counterinsurgency get dangerously short shrift.

Defense Systems

ONR working on a new electro-optical defense for Navy ships

The CESARS program aims to protect ships against optically guided missiles, attack craft and drones.

Threats

What’s the Difference Between ‘Accompanying’ and ‘Escorting’ a Ship?

When Pentagon officials announced that they would increase protection for U.S.-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, they also introduced a bit of confusion.

Threats

Here’s Why Iran’s Seizure of a Cargo Ship Is So Odd, and Disturbing

While Revolutionary Guard boats often harass passing vessels, the capture of the MV Maersk Tigris appears to be something new.

Defense Systems

Navy extends UAV range with first in-flight refueling

The X-47B becomes the first drone to refuel in flight, while the Triton tests out a more powerful new search radar.

Defense Systems

Lab is making Star Trek's transparent armor a reality

It's not precisely transparent aluminum, but NRL's ceramic spinel has the same properties and is a potential game-changer for military and commercial uses.

Defense Systems

Navy awards $89M contract for submarine communications

Raytheon will deliver 25 of the high data rate systems for Navy and U.K. subs.

Defense Systems

Navy gets two more underwater mine-hunting drones

Bluefin Robotics delivers the fourth and fifth UUVs ordered under a $15 million contract.

Defense Systems

Day of the LOCUST: Navy demonstrates swarming UAVs

ONR, in another breakthrough for autonomous technology, shows how a team of small drones can work together to protect an asset or attack an enemy.

Science & Tech

The Navy is Preparing To Launch Swarm Bots Out of Cannons

The military’s swarm robots move from sea to air with a new program to shoot drones.

Science & Tech

The Navy Is Stepping Up Its Cyber Defenses

Part of a forthcoming cyber strategy focuses on the Navy's capacity to conduct cyberattacks from anywhere across the globe.

Business

The US Navy Doesn't Need an Expensive Aircraft Carrier Drone

UCLASS advocates say the plane has to be both survivable and armed to the teeth, but the Navy could use a simpler model.

Science & Tech

This Duck Drone Could Spy on Enemy Subs

But building a flying-and-swimming robot is harder than nature makes it look.

Defense Systems

Army moves ahead with laser-based aircraft missile defense

The lightweight, modular Common Infrared Countermeasure system can help protect helicopters and small aircraft from ground-launched missiles.

Defense Systems

Navy invites wargamers to help put its big data in play

The service will stage a massive multiplayer game to help solve the riddle of going from "need to know" to "need to share" without putting sensitive information at risk.

Defense Systems

SPAWAR enlists startups to commercialize Navy technologies

The San Diego-based center is working with Arizona State's Furnace program on the military’s latest tech transfer initiative.

Science & Tech

The Military’s Robotic Ghost Ship Passes Critical Test

An autonomous sub-hunting ship passed an important technological milestone and the oceans may never be the same.

Ideas

Congress Must Match the Money to the Navy's Strategy

How the nation’s strong naval ambition may be undermined by Congress’ weak resourcing.