Science & Tech
A group of 20-somethings built a GPS-independent drone in 24 hours—and caught the eye of US special operations forces
Here’s what that says about the new class of defense industry disruptors.
Science & Tech
Northrop shows off new digital radar tech in first flight
Breakthroughs in design for military-specific chips are ushering new capabilities.
Business
US still needs to improve monitoring of arms sent to Ukraine, GAO finds
The State Department and Defense Department aren’t communicating well about Ukraine aid. That could hurt Ukraine.
Threats
Russia is pulling some troops out of Ukraine to fight Ukrainians in Russia
But “there are also real questions about [Ukraine’s] ability to hold captured Kursk territory,” said one expert.
Policy
US, UK, Australia loosen mutual export controls
New rules may mark a “generational-level change” in allies’ industrial and technological collaboration.
Science & Tech
Two programs suggest the Pentagon is getting better at buying technology
The Maven and Collaborative Combat Aircraft efforts display real steps forward, a pair of reports say.
Science & Tech
Social-media firms are lowering defenses to foreign disinformation campaigns, researchers warn
Meta is about to become the latest to scuttle a key tool—just months before a U.S. election.
Science & Tech
Navy still bullish on lasers but widely-deployed directed-energy ship defense remains years away
Quest gains urgency as enemy drones and missiles get better, cheaper, and more widely used.
Threats
Replicator passes a milestone as some troops complete training with cheap new drones
DepSecDef says the systems will be a formal part of the 2026 budget.
Science & Tech
Pentagon planning huge experiment for its connect-everything concept
“We see significant progress,” in opening up DOD data, one observer said. But a bigger, multinational test is coming.
Policy
The US is helping the Philippines modernize its military
The move comes at a time of rising tensions in the South China Sea.
Threats
The US might lose a war with China, congressional commission says
Insufficient industry, readiness, innovation, and funding hamper military’s ability to prevail in conflict, key experts find.
Threats
US, Japan, South Korea sign pact amid ‘deteriorating’ regional security
Agreement signed by defense chiefs is to “deepen trilateral security cooperation”; US, Japan also conclude missile accord.
Policy
US Forces Japan to be upgraded to warfighting command
The shift will move operational control of Japan-based forces east from Hawaii and, officials say, deepen cooperation with the Japanese military.
Policy
Austin heads to Asia with $500M for the Philippines
DOD officials said the SecDef's multi-country swing will be the administration's most important visit for "U.S. defense ties in the Indo-Pacific."
Science & Tech