Ideas
Want More Pentagon Innovation? Try This Experiment
A former Defense Secretary and Air Force Secretary propose more budgetary flexibility and a new approach to program management.
Policy
Special Operations Seeks 20% R&D Budget Bump
Collaborative autonomy and better contested communications top the wish list, while supply-chain risk becomes a top concern.
Policy
US Space Command Wants Red Phones With China, Russia
Global norms and mil-to-mil hotlines are urgently needed as the prospects for war in space rise.
Science & Tech
3 Years or Less: Space Force’s 'Simple Formula' for Quicker Launches
“Our competitors seem to have figured out speed. It’s time we do the same,” said the assistant Air Force secretary for space acquisitions and integration.
Defense Systems
Inside The Neverending Race To Update The Pentagon’s IT
The Joint Service Provider, charged with handling the defense secretary’s IT, is laser-focused on improving security and making sure infrastructure doesn’t obstruct the mission.
Defense Systems
When Training Simulation Is Better Than Reality
It all comes down to risks, access, and how tailored the virtual environment can be.
Defense Systems
Navy Wants Simulators That Measure Learning, Not Just Reps
The service’s LVC leader says more sophisticated data-capture methods are on the way.
Science & Tech
Failed Hypersonic Test Dims Air Force View of Lockheed Missile
The service had previously disclosed that an ARRW test happened in March, but markedly avoided saying whether it was a success.
Science & Tech
How Self-Flying F-16s Will Enable Future Fighter Drones
The Air Force’s Venom project aims to use test data to train an AI engine that can be widely used.
Ideas
China ‘Colonizes’ Space with Its First Rice Harvest
The cultivation of food in orbit is part of a larger push by the Chinese space program toward a lunar base.
Defense Systems
The Marines Are Launching a Software Factory
We talked with Lt. Col. Charlie Bahk about plans to start up at the Army’s facility in Austin, Texas.
Threats
Space Force to Spend $340 Million on New Training Infrastructure
The service’s budget proposal also includes $99 million in the next year for updated space launch ranges, and $1 billion more across the next five years.
Policy
Air Force Won’t Buy Hypersonic Missiles in 2024, Official Says
The service will spend the next year continuing to develop and test two candidate weapons, a budget leader said.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Requests Science & Tech Research Boost, But China Remains Ahead
Beijing funds much S&T research outside formal military channels.
Ideas
One Year In: What Are The Lessons from Ukraine For The Future Of War?
From drones to network attacks to the LikeWar of social media, the conflict marks a turning point from old to new.
Defense Systems
Send Me Software, Not Hardware, Navy Infowar Leader Says
“Boxes of computers” aren’t so helpful aboard space-limited ships, Rear Adm. Doug Small said.
Science & Tech
A ‘Modern National Security Strategy’: Q&A with Rep. Ro Khanna
The ranking member of a HASC tech subcommittee has thoughts on China, chips, and how the Pentagon should integrate its approach to both.
Ideas