Author Archive
Patrick Tucker
Science & Technology Editor

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
Beyond 3D: Tech companies partner on drone-powered ‘extended reality’ to reduce plane maintenance times
Maintenance times are going up, keeping planes in hangers longer. High-resolution images from inspector drones could help change that.
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
Shuttering of State office leaves US largely defenseless against foreign influence warfare, officials say
‘This is how we lose big wars,’ one former researcher said of the larger effort to eliminate or dismantle organizations that monitor and counter disinformation.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Pentagon program could kickstart a new era of nuclear power
AI is driving investor demand for new nuclear power concepts. The Defense Department is poised to give the best ideas a big boost.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Could this breakthrough in robot manufacturing reshape warfare?
New advance in artificial intelligence manufacturing could set the stage for robot factories on front lines.
- Patrick Tucker, Brookings
Business
Long-sought goal of better Pentagon buying may finally be within reach
A new executive order seeks to overhaul defense buying. A handful of innovators within the Defense Department are already showing the way.
- Patrick Tucker and Jennifer Hlad
Threats
Keep US troops in Europe, EUCOM commander says
Gen. Cavoli outlined security and military benefits to the United States from presence in Europe.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Sub-drone sonar trap concept unveiled at Navy conference
Anduril and Ultra Maritime team up on a new-ish concept.
- Patrick Tucker
Business
US weapons support for Ukraine doesn’t compete with Taiwan goals: report
FDD authors say America can continue to arm three partners at once—if it rebuilds its factories.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
What will quantum computing actually look like?
DARPA picks 15 companies to detail their approaches.
- Patrick Tucker
Policy
US-Europe divorce unlikely—absent a new crisis
The European Union wants more defense autonomy from the United States. But they still want a partnership with Washington.
- Patrick Tucker
Exclusive
Science & Tech
Trump to get Golden Dome options next week: defense source
The Pentagon may need to create a new organization to build the ambitious missile shield, sources said.
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
‘Sloppy,’ ‘incompetent’ intelligence chiefs hammered for Signal chat
At Senate hearing, Gabbard, Ratcliffe struggled to recall details of Yemen-strike chat shared with journalist.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Military hydrogen-cell drones poised for big takeoff
A new partnership presents a moment for scaling up new, longer-range hydrogen-cell drones for warfare.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Future of US digital security in jeopardy due to White House attacks on science organization, officials say
Current and former cybersecurity officials say Trump administration attacks on key research centers will benefit China.
- Patrick Tucker
Policy
Consultant tapped to lead industrial policy as Pentagon ponders acquisition reform
Mike Cadenazzi is a Navy intelligence officer-turned-EY managing partner.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Canada, other allies play a key role in some military AI experiments
The U.S. Air Force continues to plan joint experiments, tech development with Canadian and other partners.
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
US resumes sending aid, intel to Ukraine; seeks ‘yes’ from Russia on ceasefire
“The ball is now in [Russia’s] court,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
Experts fear cascade of nuclear proliferation as Trump shakes alliances
U.S. allies contemplate the once-unthinkable: building their own nuclear arsenals.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Pentagon aims to accelerate acquisition of new tech through software-contracting change
Buyers must default to rapid-acquisition processes long used by DIU, SecDef memo orders.
- Patrick Tucker