Science & Tech

The Pentagon’s Innovation Shop Wants More Influence in 2023

The agency wants to be part of program executives’ acquisition strategies and to spread more commercial-based tech across the department.

Policy

Germany Resists US, Allied Pressure to Allow Leopard 2 Tanks to Go to Ukraine

German, U.S. officials deny that Berlin would relent if the Pentagon donates Abrams tanks.

Policy

Pentagon Rescinds COVID-Vaccine Mandate

The move was required by the 2023 defense policy bill. Troops who were ejected for refusing the vaccine may petition for a change in their discharge status.

Threats

‘We Have Nothing’ to Indicate that UFOs Are Aliens, Defense Official Says

The Pentagon says it has no data to suggest unidentified anomalous phenomena come from outer space.

Business

Space-Imagery Firm Maxar to Go Private

With government contracts under its belt and a new constellation on the way, the company is to be acquired by a private-equity firm for $4B.

Policy

Why Congress Can’t Stop the CIA From Working With Forces That Commit Abuses

The Leahy Law prohibits the U.S. military from providing training and equipment to foreign security forces that commit human rights abuses, but it does not apply to U.S. intelligence agencies.

Defense Systems

Let’s Make It Easier to Share Top-Secret Data With Allies, Intel Leader Says

The Defense Intelligence Agency’s CIO wants to expand collaborative workspaces—and resist the urge to mark everything NOFORN.

Ideas

Inside Google’s Quest to Digitize Troops’ Tissue Samples

The tech giant has long sought access to a priceless trove of veterans’ skin samples, tumor biopsies and slices of organs. DOD staffers have pushed back, raising ethical and legal concerns, but Google might win anyway.

Threats

Russia Could Run Out Of Reliable Rockets, Artillery Shells Early Next Year, Pentagon Says

Dwindling stockpiles is likely forcing Russian troops to use older, “degraded” ammo, a senior U.S. military officer said.