Author Archive

Patrick Tucker

Science & Technology Editor

Patrick Tucker
Patrick Tucker is science and technology editor for Defense One. He’s also the author of The Naked Future: What Happens in a World That Anticipates Your Every Move? (Current, 2014). Previously, Tucker was deputy editor for The Futurist for nine years. Tucker has written about emerging technology in Slate, The Sun, MIT Technology Review, Wilson Quarterly, The American Legion Magazine, BBC News Magazine, Utne Reader, and elsewhere.
Science & Tech

Ukraine is helping the US catch up with modern warfare—for now

Observers say broader cooperation could help both sides, if the Trump administration allows it.

Science & Tech

Counter-drone warfare at scale? Army demo shows it’s getting closer

In just a few days, Project Flytrap stood up a defensive network in northern Germany.

Exclusive Business

Draft list of attendees for Hegseth acquisition-reform speech shows wide industry interest

The guest list for the Pentagon’s new policy roll-out reveals the rapidly changing face of defense tech.

Policy

Experts see promise, risk in Pentagon’s draft acquisition reforms

A draft memo is circulating ahead of SecDef Hegseth’s Friday speech.

Threats

Ukraine isn’t just hurling attack drones; they’re waging real robot warfare

A new RUSI report describes the broad use of air and ground robotic systems—and what they mean for NATO.

Business

As space weapons proliferate, spy satellites are getting new duties

Space Force signs selects Vantor to watch for naughty satellites, space threats.

Threats

‘Shoot down Russian, drones, period!’ Europe’s noisy effort to unify against Russia

The NATO meeting this week highlighted tensions within the alliance—and a recognition that such tensions are exactly what Putin wants.

Exclusive Science & Tech

Startup aims to reinvent battlefield medicine for the drone era

High-intensity conflict will require better connected, more defendable field hospitals for longer term care.

Science & Tech

Inside Europe's crash effort to create a 'drone wall'

More sensors, more maneuverable, less expensive: How the Ukraine war is shaping the future of drone air defense.

Threats

NATO members say they’re confident, mostly coordinated on how to deal with Russian drone threats

Alliance nations are working to do more together to counter increasing Russian air threats—and downplaying the possibility of a U.S. force reduction in Europe.

Threats

Inside NATO’s response to Russia’s violation of Estonian airspace

Russia’s increasing violations of NATO met with new radars, missiles, “calm heads.”

Threats

NATO will ‘not hesitate’ to act if Russian threats continue, says Estonian defense minister

An alliance declaration about increased air defenses for Eastern Europe is expected on Tuesday.

Threats

Russian drone over Romania is an early test of NATO’s ‘Eastern Sentry’ operation

New campaign aims for a more integrated and comprehensive response to Moscow’s incursions, officials said.

Business

This Ukrainian startup has re-invented drone swarming

Collaborative drone swarms that bring together kamikaze drones and wheeled robot grenade launchers could be coming to a battlefield near you.