Defense Systems

Job 1 for makers of anti-drone defenses: write good software

Pentagon buyers are looking for control systems that are reliable, easy to use, and simple to update.

Science & Tech

IARPA’s new pants will record your location

The intelligence research agency is crafting smart clothing technology equipped with audio, video and geolocation sensors.

Science & Tech

Pentagon preps for $48B tech-research contracts

Officials released more details on bidding for work that will support the preservation and distribution of defense research and analysis.

Defense Systems

Army hopes big-data techniques can help secure its clouds

“Multifactor authentication will not be enough,” said the Army’s senior cyber leader.

Science & Tech

Plasma breakthrough could enable better hypersonic weapons, spacecraft

Hot electronics are a big problem for next-generation missiles. The fourth state of matter could be the solution.

Ideas

To compete with China in STEM, Pentagon should invest in HBCUs

The DOD can't leave the potential of historically Black colleges and universities untapped.

Ideas

What DOD can learn about smarter innovation from a roll of toilet paper

Its focus on Silicon Valley has obscured lessons from the less-techy world of consumer products.

Defense Systems

Dealing with defense travel is a one-way ticket to frustration for lawmakers

Tempers flared as lawmakers demanded information on Pentagon’s scuttled $374 million deal for a new travel booking and reimbursement system.

Science & Tech

New DIU head seeks to scale up DOD, Silicon Valley tech partnerships

Pentagon must reassure the startup world by showing it can put new commercial technology into operation, says the new head of the Defense Innovation Unit.

Threats

China, Russia creating a ‘dangerous world’ with friendlier military relationship, Pacific commander says

Asked about a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, Aquilino said: “With what we have today, I'm confident that they would fail.”

Threats

Space Command wants ‘sustained’ satellite maneuverability by 2028

A top U.S. space official says his command is constrained by current satellites’ fuel capacity.

Science & Tech

Army Mulls New Tool to Track Soldier Readiness

A pilot of the tool allowed 18th Airborne Corps first sergeants to spend 80 percent less time in the office.

Policy

House, Senate China Hawks Concerned White House Will Let TikTok Stay in the US

Key Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate warned that tweaked language in a new Commerce Department rule could lay the groundwork for TikTok’s proposal to store U.S. users’ data in the country.