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
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.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Can quantum sensing improve magnetic navigation? Pentagon thinks one company is on the right track
The Defense Department is looking to speed up deployment of new GPS alternatives.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
DOGE veteran could bring much-needed change to Navy research, observers say
New ONR chief Riley did defense-reform work at McKinsey, former officials say.
- Patrick Tucker
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.
- Patrick Tucker
Policy
Experts see promise, risk in Pentagon’s draft acquisition reforms
A draft memo is circulating ahead of SecDef Hegseth’s Friday speech.
- Thomas Novelly, Lauren C. Williams and Patrick Tucker
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.
- Patrick Tucker
Business
As space weapons proliferate, spy satellites are getting new duties
Space Force signs selects Vantor to watch for naughty satellites, space threats.
- Patrick Tucker
Policy
Why Ukraine and Estonia are embracing government by AI
They see it as key to keeping their societies safe.
- Patrick Tucker
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.
- Patrick Tucker
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.
- Patrick Tucker
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.
- Patrick Tucker
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.
- Patrick Tucker
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.”
- Patrick Tucker
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.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
How the rapid pace of AI connects to China’s threats toward Taiwan
A hearing Wednesday explored why Taiwanese chips are more prized than ever.
- Patrick Tucker
Business
The Pentagon’s new startup focus is pushing established companies to try new strategies
Older firms are finding ways to partner with tomorrow’s defense stars.
- Patrick Tucker
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.
- Patrick Tucker
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.
- Patrick Tucker
Exclusive
Policy
ODNI expected to shrink counterintelligence, counterterror centers
The steps are the latest that several current and former officials say are leaving the U.S. more vulnerable.
- Patrick Tucker