Author Archive
Patrick Tucker
Science & Technology Editor, Defense One

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
Soldiers Can Now Steer Robot Dogs With Brain Signals
A small sensor tucked neatly behind the ear allowed soldiers to mentally guide robotic quadrupeds.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
The Air Force Is Rebuilding Its Pacific Plans Around the B-21
A “daily flyer” bomber that’s also an intel-and-communications hub will make the entire service less vulnerable in a potential war with China, officials say.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Don’t Expect Navy Robots In South China Sea Anytime Soon, CNO Says
Navy pursues big AI ambitions with gradual approach.
- Patrick Tucker
Business
Pentagon Mobilized to Support Tech Startups After Bank Failure
The failure of Silicon Valley Bank presents the Defense Department with warnings—and opportunities.
- Patrick Tucker and Marcus Weisgerber
Science & Tech
Pentagon Requests Science & Tech Research Boost, But China Remains Ahead
Beijing funds much S&T research outside formal military channels.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Pentagon Looking to Make Sure SpaceX Doesn’t Abandon Them in War
Spooked by the company’s new limits in Ukraine, military leaders are mulling new types of contracts.
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
TikTok, COVID, and Chips: Senators and Intelligence Community Reinforce Diverse Threats Posed by China
During an annual hearing on the biggest threats to the United States, senators and top intelligence officials discussed China’s growing non-military influence.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Foreign Governments Are Still Targeting Americans on Social Media, NSA Says
U.S. government efforts to stem these infowar efforts are meeting resistance.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
The Reaper UAV Is Getting Its Own Drone Swarm
Air Force special operators are rigging the venerable uncrewed aircraft with an ISR swarm that may take just one person to control.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Come Test Your Gear Against Russian Forces, Ukrainians Urge US Defense Firms
That’s just one request by special operators at a SOF conference in Florida.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Come Test Your Gear Against Russian Forces, Ukrainians Urge US Defense Firms
That’s just one request by special operators at a SOF conference in Florida.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
DARPA To Launch High-Speed, No-Runway Aircraft Program
Will it be a helicopter? A seaplane? Or a whole new thing?
- Patrick Tucker
Policy
Ukraine Doesn't Appear to Be Diverting Arms, DOD Inspector Says as He Ups Scrutiny
As lawmakers worry about the possibility of stolen arms, incoming IG says 20 audits are underway or planned.
- Patrick Tucker
Policy
One Year On, Why Putin Has Already Lost the War
“I do not see how Putin could maintain support of the elite for two or three years.”
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Russia’s New START Speech Is More Scare Tactics Than New Arms Race, Says Former Ambassador
Putin left himself a loophole and doesn’t have the funds anyway.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Defense One Radio, Ep. 117: Spies in the balloon?
We review the latest ups and downs in the U.S.-China relationship, which has been shaken by allegations of spying via aerostat.
- Patrick Tucker and Ben Watson
Science & Tech
Biden Says Objects Shot Down Over Weekend Likely Not Chinese Spy Craft
White House wants to lead dialogue on “global norms” for unmanned flying objects.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
US Woos Other Nations for Military-AI Ethics Pact
State Department and Pentagon officials hope to illuminate a contrast between the United States and China on AI.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
White House Launches Effort to Examine Policy Choices for Shooting Down UFOs
NORTHCOM has changed radar settings to get “better fidelity on seeing slower objects,” general says.
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
US Shoots Down ‘Objects’ Off Alaska Coast, Over Canada, Lake Huron
White House was worried object on Friday posed “potential hazard to civilian air traffic.”
- Patrick Tucker